This episode serves as a lead-in to the two-part Season 4 finale and is significant for several key plot developments:
: The episode focuses heavily on the reunion between Maleficent and her daughter, Lily. Lily struggles with her "darkness" and her desire for revenge against the Charmings. Once_upon_a_time_4x21
: Regina faces a major crossroads regarding her "Happy Ending" and her relationship with Robin Hood and Zelena. This episode serves as a lead-in to the
: Isaac (The Author) works with Rumplestiltskin to write a new story that would flip the roles of heroes and villains, setting the stage for the alternate reality seen in the finale. Once_upon_a_time_4x21