ওয়ান্স আপন্‌ অ্যা টাইম Article: "Disturbing Deaths"

posted by DR76

"DISTURBING DEATHS"

Ever since I watched (3.01) "The হৃদয় of the Truest Believer", the Season Three premiere for ABC's "ONCE UPON A TIME", I have been experiencing troubling thoughts about the series' writing. And those troubling thoughts centered around the deaths of two recurring characters.

Anyone who had watched both the Season Three premiere and the Season Two finale, (2.22) "And Straight On 'Til Morning" would know to what I am referring. The latter episode saw two recurring characters, Greg Mendell and Tamara, attempt to destroy Storybrooke in an effort to rid the world of any magic. Before Regina Mills aka the Evil কুইন and Emma রাজহাঁস could foil their plans, they kidnapped the pair's son, Henry Mills, and took him to Neverland using a magic bean. Apparently, the leader of their anti-magic organization called "the প্রথমপাতা Office", had ordered them to take Henry to Neverland, claiming that his presence was আরো important than destroying magic.

Upon their arrival in Neverland, Greg and Tamara discovered that "the প্রথমপাতা Office" had never existed. They had been tricked দ্বারা Peter Pan and the হারিয়ে গেছে Boys to bring Henry to Neverland, because Peter wanted the boy he believed possessed the হৃদয় of the truest believer. Realizing that the হারিয়ে গেছে Boys wanted Henry, Tamara ordered him to run. Meanwhile, an entity called "The Shadow" ripped Greg's shadow from his body. One of the হারিয়ে গেছে Boys shot Tamara with an arrow, badly wounding her. While all of this occurred, the Charmings, Regina, Rumpelstiltskin aka Mr. স্বর্ণ and Captain Killian Hook arrived in Neverland via the latter's ship, the Jolly Roger. Rumpelstiltskin left his companions behind and appeared on the island. He eventually found the wounded Tamara, ripped her হৃদয় and crushed it, killing her in the process. All of this happened before the end of the episode's first half.

My reaction to Tamara and Greg's fates really took me দ্বারা surprise. I realized that the pair were merely recurring characters. But I never thought that the series' creators, Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, would get rid of them so soon. I, along with other regular viewers of "ONCE UPON A TIME", knew that Sonequa Martin-Green, the actress who had portrayed Tamara, was scheduled to resume her role on AMC's "THE WALKING DEAD", which had been upgraded from recurring to regular, during this new টেলিভিশন season. But I had no idea that Horowitz would get rid of her character so soon. Too soon, in my opinion. If Horowitz and Kitsis realized they would not be able to employ Martin-Green for আরো than one episode, they could have recast the Tamara character with a new actress. Would it have really killed them?

Why do I have such a problem with Tamara and Greg's fates? It happened . . . too soon. And too fast. The writers of "And Straight On 'Til Morning" gave Greg and Tamara's kidnapping of Henry and journey to Neverland such a big buildup. To have them killed off - অথবা in Greg's case - shadow ripped from his body in such a quick fashion left a তিক্ত taste in my mouth. Unlike many fans, I never disliked the pair. But I have to admit that Horowitz and Kitsis really mishandled their characters. Their handling of Tamara proved to be even worse than their handling of Greg. Do the two creators plan to reveal how Peter Pan and the হারিয়ে গেছে Boys created an anti-magic organization in the first place? I hope so. After all, Greg was first contacted দ্বারা "the প্রথমপাতা Office" thirty years ago, after losing his father to Regina and Graham in Storybrooke. And what about Tamara? What led her to embrace this anti-magic agenda? When was she first contacted দ্বারা "the প্রথমপাতা Office"? Since Rumpelstiltskin had murdered her halfway through the episode, I now realize that viewers will never know the truth.

If I have to be honest, Tamara's death bothered me a lot আরো than Greg's. Greg merely had his shadow ripped from his body. Audiences do not really know whether he is still alive অথবা not. Horowitz and Kitsis made it very clear that Tamara was killed. Now, this might have to do with the fact that Martin-Green was scheduled to appear on "THE WALKING DEAD" set. But as I had stated earlier, they could have simply hired another actress to replace her. And there are other aspects of Tamara's death that bother me. She was killed off before any attempt could be made to reveal her background. Audiences know how she became acquainted with both August W. Booth aka Pinocchio and Neal Cassidy aka Baelfire. Otherwise, we know nothing about her past. The writers did not even bothered to give her a surname. And judging from the মতামত I have read on the series' messageboards and forums, along with টেলিভিশন critics from the WALL রাস্তা JOURNAL blog, the HUFFINGTON POST blog and DEN OF GEEK; no one really cared that Tamara's background and her surname were never revealed. Instead, they crowed with স্বতস্ফূর্ত that the pair was quickly killed off. They especially crowed over the manner of Tamara's death - either deliberately dismissing her remorse with sarcasm অথবা ignoring it altogether. Their attitudes did not merely bothered me, it angered me beyond belief.

I am coming to believe that Tamara's death merely confirmed what many critics have been complaining about "ONCE UPON A TIME" - their shabby handling of characters portrayed দ্বারা non-white characters. Tamara was a prime example. Between her and Greg, the latter was প্রদত্ত a background story, a surname and a questionable "death". Nor did the অনুরাগী and critics regard him with the same vitriolic hatred leveled at Tamara. Horowitz and Kitsis could have developed Tamara's character in Season Three দ্বারা recasting a new actress for the role. They did not bother.

But Tamara was not the only example of the series' poor handling of non-white characters. I still cannot help but shake my head in disbelief over that fight scene between Snow White and মুলান in Season Two's (2.08) "Into the Deep" in which the less experienced princess quickly defeated the আরো experienced and non-white warrior. Mulan, who was portrayed as a young woman from a well-to-do Chinese family in the 1998 animated film, was portrayed as illiterate in another Season Two episode, (2.11) "The Outsider". Her illiteracy prevented her from being able to read Chinese characters. Yet, the very white Belle, was able to reach Chinese characters after পাঠ করা a book. I just . . . I just could not believe this. Poor Lancelot, who was portrayed দ্বারা African-American actor Sinqua Walls, was killed off in the Season Two episode, (2.03) "Lady of the Lake", his only appearance on the show. In fact, his character was already dead and being impersonated দ্বারা Cora Mills aka কুইন of Hearts. And Cinderella's Fairy Godmother, who was portrayed দ্বারা an African-American actress, was killed দ্বারা Rumpelstiltskin during the first three-to-five মিনিট of the Season One episode, (1.04) "The Price of Gold". Only Sidney Glass aka the Genie-in-the-Lamp and Regina, who are portrayed দ্বারা Giancarlo Espocito and Lana Parrilla respectively, avoided such poor handling. Well . . . somewhat. Espocito could not reprise his role in Season Two, due to his obligations as a regular cast member of NBC's "REVOLUTION". However, he could have been replaced দ্বারা another actor. It would take another essay to write about the handling of the Regina Mills character, especially in the last five to six episodes of Season Two. But I found it annoying that she was the only major character described as "the Villain" দ্বারা ABC's promotion for Season Three, when there was a bigger villain worthy of the শিরোনাম - Mr. স্বর্ণ aka Rumpelstiltskin.

I am amazed. I had started this প্রবন্ধ with the intent to complain about the series' handling of both Greg and Tamara in "The হৃদয় of the Truest Believer". I am still upset over their fates and the piss poor reactions দ্বারা the অনুরাগী and critics. But I now realize that what pissed me even আরো was that the show's handling of Tamara merely confirmed my worst instincts about "ONCE UPON A TIME" and the creators Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis - their inability to write অথবা maintain decent characterizations for those roles portrayed দ্বারা minority actors and actresses. But I should not be surprised. Despite the Hollywood community's pretense at being liberals, in the end it is just as narrow-minded and conservative as the worst bigot অথবা pop culture geek.

101musastella I agree. If they ever wanted them to die, why couldn't it be like, episode 10 or something?

minervadawn I am disappointed that we never got a backstory for Tamara but honestly it was pretty clear from the start that Greg and Tamara were just means to an end. The were plot coupons and they expired upon arrival in Neverland. I would have been very surprised if they had made it to the second episode. I disagree with you on several of points. 1) I think Mulan is a very well crafted character on OUAT standard. I think they purposely gave her a low class background to distinguish her from all the princesses. I don't know why people are always complaining that they do not remain faithful to the movie. The entire concept of this show is that it stands both the myth and the movie on it's head. You also seem to forget that Snow is also an experienced fighter, she took care of herself for years with a bounty on her head and led an uprising. I am very excited to learn that we will be seeing more of Mulan and hopefully get more backstory this season. 2) Gina is the most three-dimensional character on the show and also one of the most loved. Never is she even referred to as Latino or is it ever suggested that her evil deeds have anything to do with that fact. 3) Replacing actors, particularly recurring ones, is never a good idea no matter how similar they look they are not the same person. So unless they write something in to the story about how they have to surgically remodel their face (a cliché move if there ever was one) then it just doesn't make sense and it disrespects the intelligence of your audience. It is better to write them off the show either dramatically, as with Tamara, or more subtly, as with Red and Sidney.

DR76 [" I think Mulan is a very well crafted character on OUAT standard. I think they purposely gave her a low class background to distinguish her from all the princesses."] Why? Why Mulan? She wasn't described as low born in the animated film. I see no reason why she had to be described as low born and/or illiterate in OUAT, of all the Disney leading ladies. The Disney animated Belle isn't even described as upper class in the 1991 film. Yet, Horowitz and Kitsis portray her as noble born in OUAT. Gee . . . I wonder why. ["Gina is the most three-dimensional character on the show and also one of the most loved. Never is she even referred to as Latino or is it ever suggested that her evil deeds have anything to do with that fact."] Her name is "Regina", not "Gina". And two, all of the male members of her family - father and grandfather - are portrayed by Latino actors. Gee . . . I wonder why. I have no problem with this. But I have encountered a great deal of flack from many fans who have expressed ire over Lana Parrilla pointing out her Latino heritage. And please explain why the ABC promo for Season 3 described only Regina as "the Villain" and not Rumpelstiltskin. ["ou also seem to forget that Snow is also an experienced fighter, she took care of herself for years with a bounty on her head and led an uprising."] You also seemed to forget that Mulan is an experienced warrior, who spent those 28 years with Philip battling supernatural bad guys and was the only one capable of fighting off Cora's magic, due to her prowess with a sword. Yet . . . Snow White was able to beat her [i]so easily[/i]. Spare me. [" Replacing actors, particularly recurring ones, is never a good idea no matter how similar they look they are not the same person. So unless they write something in to the story about how they have to surgically remodel their face (a cliché move if there ever was one) then it just doesn't make sense and it disrespects the intelligence of your audience. It is better to write them off the show either dramatically, as with Tamara, or more subtly, as with Red and Sidney."] Is this your explanation for bad writing, especially bad characterization? Because it doesn't work with me. Everyone had known that Sonequa Martin-Green was scheduled to become a regular cast member for "THE WALKING DEAD" since last spring. Yet, Horowitz and Kitsis did such a piss poor job of writing an effective departure for Tamara, despite this knowledge. How can anyone on this earth defend bad writing? This article pretty much expressed my disgust with the episode - http://tarisilmarwen.tumblr.com/post/62769815391/why-tamaras-death-is-actually-deeply

TDDD ^ That was one of the most condescending and derisive replies to a comment I've seen on this site. It was completely uncalled for for you to be so rude. You wrote an article and posted it on the internet, she replied and disagreed. The writing on this show is terrible at times, not just for people who are a different colour. I agree with Minervadawn that when the show fucks up they're not doing it to be racist or anything like that - they just fucked up.

Soupdog1 I wouldn't really call Greg and Tamara's deaths disturbing, I think sudden is more appropriate. I do agree that it was a little to soon - they could have waited till halfway through the episode - but like minervadawn said, their plot coupons had expired. And regarding Mulan being illiterate, that is really not the case. Belle is famous for her love of literature and Mulan is famous for her fighting abilities. So why is it so important that Mulan can read that paticular language? Its not like belle suddenly turned into an amazing warrior for that episode, so why should Mulan be fluent in every language? The whole message of that episode is that you can use every ones strengths to your advantage. They could only break Philips curse when they worked together. And Mulan not being fluent in that language does not make her illiterate, I can think of two reasons why she may not know that language. 1. The language was ancient or she used the modern version 2. In the original story women were not treated as equals. If Mulan was not able to fight than it is possible that she was denied an education. This doesn't necessarily mean she was low born. Also, Lancelot and the fairy godmother didn't get small roles because they were African-American, the roles were just small roles, which happened to be played by African-Americans. Its not like the writers originally wrote those episodes around those characters, and when they were cast by African-American they decided to shorten the roles. Lastly, guys, this is called fanpop! It supposed to be for fans. I agree with TDDD, the shows writing IS terrible at times, but that isn't a reason to pick out every minor thing (like Mulan not being able to read a certain language) and snowballing it into the show being racist. Sorry for long post and/or grammar/spelling errors. This is just my opinion - so don't take it to heart

minervadawn Question: Why Mulan? Because Mulan isn't a princess in her movie when it begins and isn't one when it end. One of the only disney princess movies where this is the case. Also as Soupdog1 said Mulan is the warrior in a group full of princesses. She is unique. "Her family - father and grandfather - are portrayed by Latino actors. Gee . . . I wonder why." How about because Lana is very proud of her Latino heritage or what about [i]because it makes sense[/i]. We can all tell she has latin roots. Cora isn't latino so her father must be. What I fail to see is how this fact is at all related to the fact that she is evil. My impression was that she became evil though tragedy and manipulation but I suppose it was all because her father's complexion. Thanks for setting me straight. Question: Please explain why the ABC promo for Season 3 described only Regina as "the Villain" and not Rumpelstiltskin. I don't know what promo you are referring to. The ones I saw referred to her as a "Queen". Oh yes how could Snow possibly beat Mulan when Mulan was the only one that could beat Cora... Oh wait Cora isn't white is she? Well, there goes your self-righteous theory. I'm not excusing bad writing or bad characterization. Greg and Tamara were terribly contrived characters from the moment they were introduced. The writers created them will one purpose to move the story to the place they wanted it to be for the season 3 premiere. Because of this they never bothered to give them a personality or backstory that anyone cared about. Honestly I'm glad they are gone because the work it would have required to flesh out their characters into something that would be enjoyable to watch would of taken up far to much of the time. Time I would rather have focused on the main characters. So here's a question for you. What is your idea of an effective departure for Tamara? Since you are so disgusted with how the writers did it, do better. And replacing her with another actress is not a valid answer unless you can give me a decent explanation as to why her face, voice and pose suddenly change.

DR76 LLet me get this straight. Because Mulan wasn't a princess in her own movie, it was okay to transform her into a low-born and illiterate woman, whose only talent was to be a warrior? Wait a minute. As I recall, Belle was nothing more than the bookish daughter of an inventor. That's it. Yet, it was okay to transform her into the daughter of a nobleman in OUAT . . . who had learned how to read, write and speak a Chinese language on her own? Why not allow Tamara and Greg to have some adventures in Neverland . . . with Henry . . . before being bumped off? How about that? At least the writers could have allowed them to remain long enough for us to find out how Peter Pan organized an anti-magic "Home Office" in the non-magic world that tricked both Tamara and Greg. Or at least allowed us to find out how Tamara became involved in this fake anti-magic campaign. We've already learned how Greg became involved. I may dislike Snow and Charming. But I certainly would not have easily accepted their departure from the series (fat chance, I know) with BAD WRITING.