The midseason finale of Once Upon a Time is upon us, and there’s really only one thing you need to know: ZELENA. IS. BACK. A look at what our favorite Wicked Witch of the West is up to.
Believe it or not, it’s midseason already, which means that this week’s episode of Once Upon a Time is the last episode for, well — when to expect a return has yet to be announced. But, amid the bad news, I come bearing good news: ZELENA IS BACK!
Although not permanently (we so wish it was), Zelena is back for multiple episodes, not just one! Rebecca Mader, who plays Zelena, first appeared on Once Upon a Time in season three before being upped to series regular in season five. Her character was eventually revealed to be Regina’s maternal half-sister. Mader was among the six regulars who departed the series at the close of season six. Unfortunately, due to creative decisions, Mader was demoted from regular to recurring ahead of season seven.
As seen in the promo, Zelena seemingly travels to whatever realm Regina is currently in, to assist her and our heroes in fighting against Mother Gothel and Drizella and whoever other witches involved. Ella had a sword to the neck of a hooded human figure — I wonder who it is?
Apart from my excitement at having seen Zelena in the promo, I got even more excited when I saw Penny Cooper a grown Robin in the background! And I thought I saw a bow in her possession? Is she an archer like her father? Robin has magic, too, right? I’m excited to get to know her!
Below is the full synopsis for the 10th episode of season seven, “The Eighth Witch,” via ABC:
"When Drizella threatens the realm with a dark curse, Henry and Ella take extreme actions to protect Lucy and the others; and Regina is forced into making an unimaginable choice. In Hyperion Heights, Roni recruits Henry to travel to San Francisco to search for her sister, but when he learns Lucy has fallen unconscious, Henry rushes to be by her side. Meanwhile, Gothel earns the trust of Anastasia and the consequences of their budding relationship could prove to be fatal."
And here’s how you can watch the episode live, on TV or via live stream:
"Date: Friday, Dec. 15Start time: 8:00 p.m. ETChannel: ABCEpisode: “The Eighth Witch”Live stream: Stream 1 | Stream 2"
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“The Eighth Witch” was written by Jane Espenson and Jerome Schwartz, and directed by Ralph Hemecker.