Once Upon A Time - Desperate Souls - Recap

It's time to learn a little more about everyone's best friend, Rumply. In Fairy Tale world, Rumply is a lonely father of a 13 year old boy about to be forced into war. Known as the town coward, Rumply sets off to find a way to save his son from a most certain death.

A beggar tells him a tale of "The Dark One" and how the person who steals his dagger will gain his power. Rumpelstiltskin races to find the power to save his son and ends up stabbing and killing The Dark One. He's actually thrilled because "all magic comes at a price" and now, it's Rumply's turn to hold that burden. The power seems to have changed him. He goes back to his camp and slays the entire hunting party that has come for his son. His son is now frightened of his father. What I got from this is that he is now the new Dark One and he really needs a toothbrush.

Regina wants to appoint her own candidate for sheriff and fires Emma as deputy when she opposes her. Henry wants to cool things with Emma when he realizes that Regina could hurt more people. Emma decides to run against Sidney for sheriff. Mr. Gold offers to help Emma win the race but she's hesitant to owe him another favor. Emma and Regina argue over the race and are then involved in a stairwell explosion that has Emma saving Regina's life. Conveniently in front of cameras.

The town is backing Emma for Sheriff after seeing what a hero she is. She learns that Mr. Gold was behind the explosion as a way to make her heroic to the town and help her win. Because she's apparently all noble, during the town debate, Emma tells everyone what Mr. Gold did and confesses that she's no hero. Luckily for Mr. Gold, that is exactly what he wanted to happen. He knew Emma would tell the truth and clinch the race. Emma wins and is now the town Sheriff. Emma now unwittingly owes Mr. Gold another favor.