Ep 3. Snow Falls

Snow Falls depicts the backstory of Snow White and Prince Charming's first encounter. The episode commences in the Enchanted Forest during the arrival of Snow's true love, Prince James. It focuses on Prince James, who believes Snow to be the bandit who saved him from King George's men. While Prince James is taken aback by Snow's beauty, Snow finds him childish and naive. The story is told through a flash-forward time format with Mary Margaret Blanchard reading the story of Snow White and Prince Charming to John Doe in the hospital.

The episode opens with Prince James being chased by two of King George's men. As he attempts to run away from them, Snow White interferes to help the prince, thinking he is just an average shepherd who has been chased by the guards. The prince arrives at Snow's hideout where they talk, and Snow figures out who he is. She denies being the reason for his rescue, leading to a heated exchange between the two. While Prince James is eager to return to his kingdom, Snow wants him to stay hidden until it's safe for him to return.

The second scene illustrates the parallels of the story of Snow and James to Mary Margaret's life. It shows the attraction between Mary Margaret and David Nolan (Prince James), who's married to Kathryn Nolan (Princess Abigail). Mary Margaret feels guilty for falling for him, and her mind echoes with the lines of the fairy tale she's reading to John Doe.

After her exchange with James, Snow flees her hideout to go out for a heist. However, James tracks her down to a tavern where he reveals his identity to her, leading to a tense encounter. As they bicker, the evil queen's carriage arrives, and the two find themselves trapped. To escape, James and Snow pretend to be a couple, leading to their first real, genuine bond being formed. They share a kiss and escape into the woods, running away from the queen's carriage.

In the next scene, at the hospital, Mr. Gold stops by to see John Doe. He makes a deal with Mary Margaret, promising to give her James's phone number in exchange for anonymity in a newspaper article revealing his shop is to be demolished. When Mary Margaret writes the article, she calls the shop and overhears a conversation between Regina and Mr. Gold. The conversation leads her to believe that Regina's revenge against her is personal.

Meanwhile, in the Enchanted Forest, Snow and James go on with their journey, and James falls ill. Snow takes care of him, and while initially reluctant to share her life story with him, Snow opens up about her cruel stepmother's actions and how she hates how everyone sees her as perfect and good.

In the next scene, Regina reads Mary Margaret's article and realizes that Mr. Gold is a threat to her. She decides to go after him, only to find out that he has long anticipated her move and insured his shop.

In the present day, while Mary Margaret reads the story at the hospital, John Doe (Prince Charming) gradually awakens from his coma, indicating his recognition of the fairy tale story. As the fairy tale comes to an end, James and Snow reach the place where they said their goodbyes. James gives Snow a ring and promises to send for her once he returns to his kingdom, but they are interrupted by a group of King George's guards. James is captured, and as they leave, Snow promises to rescue him.

The episode ends with Mary Margaret returning James's phone number to Mr. Gold, feeling guilty for betraying her reporter ethics. She goes to the hospital and meets John Doe, who seems to have awoken from his coma.

In conclusion, Snow Falls is an episode packed with surprises, and it unveils the backstory of Snow White and Prince Charming. The show brilliantly parallels the fairy tale with the personal lives of its characters, leading to an intricate narrative. It is an emotional, yet climactic episode that lays the foundation for the rest of the series.