"Once Upon a Time" Snow Falls (TV Episode 2011) ⭐ 8.0 | Adventure, Fantasy, Romance (original) (raw)

When 'Once Upon a Time' first started it was highly addictive and made the most of a truly great and creative premise. Really loved the idea of turning familiar fairy tales on their heads and putting own interpretations on them and the show early on clearly had clearly had a ball. Watched it without fail every time it came on and it was often a highlight of the week. Which was why it was sad when it ran out of ideas and lost its magic in the later seasons.

"Snow Falls" follows on after the very promising, if imperfect (understandably) start set by the previous two episodes and it is showing that the show is getting better with each episode at this point. Of the three, it's the best one. Detailing Snow White and Prince Charming's first encounter, the writing has the odd cheesy moment still. Which in a way is understandable, as 'Once Upon a Time' at this point was still settling and finding its feet as is the case with most shows in their early stages.

As to be expected, "Snow Falls" is a very handsomely mounted episode, with settings and costumes that are both colourful and atmospheric, not too dark or garish and never cookie-cutter. It is photographed beautifully and there were some make-up that suited the characters perfectly and pretty good effects work. The music is haunting, ethereal and cleverly used with a memorable main theme.

Much of the writing is humorous and engaging and the story establishes the concept and intertwines and mirrors the real and fantasy worlds very well. Snow White and Prince Charming's chemistry is very charming. The characters still maintain interest.

The acting here, which was actually mostly fine in the previous two episodes but slightly patchy at times, has improved. Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas are appealing in the title roles and Lana Parilla continues to be a high point.

Overall, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox