Full disclosure: When I was in elementary school, I read every fairytale I could (which, to be honest, was probably a bad thing because the “real” stories are not exactly appropriate for a second-grader). And I still get excited about Disney movies, over 10 years later.
So when ABC introduced its high-concept fairytale show “Once Upon a Time” — created by the writers of “Lost” — I may have started counting down the days until it premiered.
“Once Upon a Time” focuses on a group of fairytale characters — Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin), Prince Charming (Joshua Dallas) and other citizens of the Enchanted Forest — who have been cursed by the Evil Queen (Lana Parrilla). The queen’s curse has sent all of the fairytale characters to the real world where they inhabit the town of Storybrooke, Maine, unaware of their past. Henry (Jared Gilmore), the adopted son of Storybrooke’s mayor (the real world alter-ego of the Evil Queen), seeks to restore the memories of the fairytale characters. Believing Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison), his birth mother, can break the curse, Henry seeks to bring her back to Storybroke.
Although the episodes of the show transition between the fairytale and real worlds, the plot is easy to follow and is fast-paced. The majority of the characters in the real world are counterparts to their fairytale selves — Snow White is a teacher, Rumpelstilskin (Robert Carlyle) owns the town and Jiminy Cricket (Raphael Sbarge) is a psychiatrist.
The possibilities of the plot are worth theorizing about obsessively — much like “Lost.” However, unlike the former ABC hit, “Once Upon a Time” does not seem to have its foundation built in heavy mythology. Although both shows share similarities — including well-drawn characters — “Once Upon a Time” has its own tone and premise.
Although the fantastical elements and action may originally attract viewers to the show, the characters and their story lines are the true focus of the show. After one episode, Snow White and Prince Charming’s love story, Emma’s relationship with her newly-discovered son and the rivalry between Snow White and the Evil Queen are more intriguing than the glitter of the fairytale drama.
“Once Upon a Time” has the most promise of any of the new shows that have premiered this season and has started on solid footing, drawing 12.930 million viewers for its debut. It airs Sunday nights on ABC at 7 p.m.