Ep 4. The Price of Gold

Emma Swan is still trying to adjust to her new life in Storybrooke, but she's thrown for a loop when a pregnant woman named Ashley shows up looking for her help. Ashley is afraid that she will lose her baby because she can't afford to take care of it, and Emma tries to help her find a solution. In the course of their conversation, Emma discovers that Ashley's boyfriend is actually a longtime resident of Storybrooke: Mr. Gold.

Meanwhile, the show flashes back to the Enchanted Forest, where we see the story of Cinderella unfold. Cinderella is also struggling with an unwanted pregnancy, and she makes a deal with Rumplestiltskin (the real identity of Mr. Gold) in order to get what she wants. In exchange for his help, she must promise him a simple favor in the future.

Back in Storybrooke, Emma realizes that Mr. Gold is using Ashley's predicament to exact his favor from her. Emma and Ashley are able to come up with a plan to keep Mr. Gold at bay, but the situation is far from resolved. In the end, Emma is forced to confront Mr. Gold and his motives head-on, and the result is a startling revelation that sets the stage for future episodes.

Overall, "The Price of Gold" is a compelling episode that explores themes of desperation, manipulation, and sacrifice. The show does an excellent job of juxtaposing the stories of Ashley and Cinderella, drawing clear connections between the two and underscoring the nature of their respective bargains with Mr. Gold. The tension between Emma and Mr. Gold is also well-done, especially as it builds towards the episode's unforgettable finale. Ultimately, the episode succeeds in advancing the larger narrative of Once Upon a Time while telling a satisfying story in its own right.