Why Once Upon a Time Is the Season's Best New Show

And we were all worried about running out of Hulu material over holiday break. Thanks for the tip, paradiselight! –Sparkitors

Ladies and gentlesparks, your attention, please! I'm about to tell you of a television craze that's sweeping the nation! (Or start the craze by writing this article. Either way.) Some of you may have seen the trailer for Once Upon A Time—a show so full of intrigue, beauty, and charm that I can't believe I only just started watching it—but it's highly possible you haven't seen it yet. I am hereby making it my duty to keep you from the crime of overlooking such stellar entertainment. If at any time you feel an irresistible compulsion to watch every episode immediately, stop reading and run to Hulu! I won't be hurt.

Here's a quick plot summary to catch you up:
Emma Swan gave up a son for adoption 10 years ago, and the last thing she expects to find is young Henry knocking on her door on her 28th birthday. He's carrying an illustrated book of fairytales and convinces Emma to return him to his home in Storybrooke, ME, where he lives with his adoptive mother, the town's mayor. Henry's discovered that all the town's inhabitants are cursed fairytale characters, and he and Emma must help them to remember their true identities.

What, you need more reasons to watch? Here you go:

1. All the fairytale characters you grew up loving are real! What's not to like?

2. All the evil villains you grew up with are real, too, but how do you expect good to triumph if it has nothing to triumph over?

3. The princes in this show actually have personalities and backstories! They're not just pretty boys with magical lips.

4. But let's be honest, they are shmexy.

5. Disney buffs will have a ball (heheh) spotting all the subtle references.

6. The real-world versions of the characters are tweaked in intriguing ways—Jiminy Cricket becomes a therapist; the Evil Queen becomes a sinister mayor.

7. Rumplestiltskin makes the most epic villain ever. I've never had this much fun watching a bad guy.

8. The scenes in the fairytale world are beautiful, the settings are fascinating, and the narrative grabs you from the start.

9. At least seven episodes are out already. You can jump right in without further ado!

What are your favorite new shows this season?

Related post: The Big Bang Theory is the Best Show on Earth. Period.

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