Ep 1. A Tale of Two Sisters

Once Upon a Time season 4 episode 1, "A Tale of Two Sisters," is an all-new adventure for the beloved fairytale characters we've come to know and love. In this episode, we're introduced to two new characters: Elsa from Frozen and her sister Anna.

The episode kicks off with a flashback to the Enchanted Forest and the day Elsa's parents set out on their journey to find a cure for her magical powers. It's a touching scene that sets the tone for the rest of the episode. We then flash forward to the present day where Elsa makes a dramatic entrance into Storybrooke. Her arrival triggers a chain of events that will shake up the town and its inhabitants in more ways than one.

Meanwhile, we catch up with some familiar faces. Emma and Hook are seemingly happy and in love, but their relationship is put to the test when Hook's past comes back to haunt him. Regina, now the new mayor of Storybrooke, is struggling to balance her responsibilities with her desire to find love. And, of course, there's the ever-present threat of Rumplestiltskin, who is up to his old tricks once again.

As all of these storylines unfold, the main focus of the episode remains on Elsa and Anna. We learn more about their backstory and the events that led them to Storybrooke. We also get to see some iconic Frozen moments reimagined in the Once Upon a Time universe.

One thing that sets this episode apart from previous ones is the focus on family dynamics. Elsa and Anna's relationship is front and center, but we also see how the other characters relate to their own families. Emma is grappling with her role as a mother, while Regina is still coming to terms with losing her own mother. These themes provide a strong emotional backbone for the episode and give the characters more depth.

Visually, "A Tale of Two Sisters" is stunning. The Frozen elements are seamlessly integrated into the Once Upon a Time world, and the costumes and sets are as magical as ever. There's also a climactic battle scene that features some impressive special effects.

Overall, "A Tale of Two Sisters" is a strong start to the fourth season of Once Upon a Time. It introduces some exciting new characters while also pushing the returning characters in new directions. It's a testament to the show's ability to keep things fresh and interesting, even as it enters its fourth year on the air. So, this is a must-watch for anyone who's a fan of the show and is looking for more adventure, romance, and everything in between.