Ep 8. Think Lovely Thoughts

In the eighth episode of Once Upon a Time's third season, titled "Think Lovely Thoughts," viewers are taken into the past to learn more about one of the show's most iconic villains: Peter Pan. The episode begins with a flashback to Neverland many years before the events of the show, where we see a young Rumplestiltskin is desperate to find a way to escape the cruel father who has abandoned him on the island. It is here that he meets the boy who will become the infamous Pan, who promises to help Rumplestiltskin leave and find a new life.

The early parts of the episode follow the young Rumplestiltskin and his ill-fated journey to find a way off Neverland. At every turn, he is thwarted by the island's dark magic and the creatures that inhabit it. Eventually, he finds himself stuck in a cave with only Pan for company. As they wait for rescue, Pan begins to regale Rumplestiltskin with stories of his own incredible power, convincing him that he too can be all-powerful if he simply learns to think lovely thoughts.

Meanwhile, in the present-day story, Emma and her team are still on the hunt for Henry in Neverland. They are forced to confront Pan and his Lost Boys, who have been taunting them at every turn. But it quickly becomes clear that the team is outmatched by the powerful magic of Pan and his minions. With Emma and the others trapped in a dangerous situation, they are forced to rely on the help of an unexpected ally: Hook, who has his own reasons for wanting to take down Pan.

As the two timelines converge, viewers see the full picture of how Rumplestiltskin and Pan's relationship developed and how their paths eventually diverged. It is clear that the influence of Pan's powers and his idea of "thinking lovely thoughts" has permanently scarred Rumplestiltskin. And with Emma and her team still fighting for their lives in the present, it is also clear that Pan's hold over Neverland is stronger than ever.

"Think Lovely Thoughts" is a thrilling episode that delves deep into the history of one of the show's most complex characters. It offers both insight into Rumplestiltskin's past and a glimpse of the power dynamics at play in Neverland. The episode benefits from strong performances from the core cast, including Robert Carlyle as a younger Rumplestiltskin, and Robbie Kay as the mischievous and malevolent Pan. The interplay between the two timelines is handled skillfully, building suspense and delivering some surprising twists. Overall, "Think Lovely Thoughts" is a standout installment in the third season of Once Upon a Time that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.