Watch Now: The First Eight Minutes of Once Upon a Time's Midseason Return!

The episode centers on Rumplestiltskin and his relationship with his 14-year-old son in the fairytale world

By Tierney Bricker Jan 07, 2012 8:06 PMTags
Once Upon A Time, Jennifer MorrisonCraig Sodjin/ABC

Huzzah! Once Upon a Time finally returns from its winter hiatus this Sunday and ABC, ever the TV fairtytale godmother, has decided to gift us with the first eight minutes of the episode early. 

Wait, it gets better: the episode finally gives us some insight into the enigma that is Mr. Gold/Rumplestiltskin (Robert Carlyle), including giving us an intro to his 14-year-old son in the fairytale world. Yes, Rumple had a son, y'all! Things that make you go hmmm....

What else do the first eight minutes of the episode tell us? 

It's time to meet "The Dark One!"

The episode starts off in fairytale land, where Rumple, a mere farmer who, no face and body glitter, worries over his son's possible drafting into the ogre wars. (Ugh, ogre wars. Hate those.) We also are introduced to a character simply and ominously called 'The Dark One," who is extremely powerful. (We're curious to know why Rumple and Mr. Gold need the assistance of a cane to walk. We're dorks like that.)

And no, Sheriff Graham (Jamie Dornan) does not pop out and, in his adorable Irish accent, say, "You've all been Punk'd! I'm still alive." The episode takes place a few weeks after his passing, as Mr. Gold gives his condolences to Emma (Jennifer Morrison).

To answer your final question: We're taking the loss of our fictional TV boyfriend day-by-day. Yes, we continue to wear black as we're still mourning the loss of his hotness from the show. Let us grieve, people!

Once Upon a Time returns Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC.