Apples and Arrows

The theory I had was that Rumple KNEW that Regina was going to meet Robin that night, and sabotaged it. Preventing it from ever happening. Here's why:

In the episode "Quite a Common Fairy" Regina and Rumple are together talking. As he leaves he says: "See you tomorrow, don't be late. Oh and bring that simmering rage... it's all you have."

Later, in the encounter with Tinkerbell, Tink asks Regina why didn't she go in to see Robin. Regina gave her reason: "That anger was all I had, what would I be without it?"

This would be just an unfortunate string of events... if it wasn't for the fact Rumple stole the gift of foresight from the seer all those years ago. (a fact hinted on when he makes a comment about the roasted swan) He knew that Regina would have gotten a happy ending. So he planted a seed of doubt to keep her from it.

Why would he do that? Simple, because he wanted the curse to be cast. For his gain. It's always been about what he wants. In doing that, Rumple through a wrench into the Storyteller's plan. Causing the page to be null and void. Causing, through Regina, everyone's woe.

That being said a part of me thinks the storyteller just catalogs the stories of the people. That the people, are indeed, responsible for their own fate. The fact the "original" page exists is possible proof of that.

Just wondering, did anyone happen to connect the pieces of why that old picture from the storybook was so important? The one showing Robin and Regina meeting at the tavern that night? Just asking, because I have a pretty good idea of why [I have a theory I mean] and was just wondering if anyone else caught it also?

Let me just say that the last scene with Robin and Regina hit me hard. However what it wasn't so much sorrow as it was hope and pride.

You have Regina losing another person she loves, to her, forever. Just like she lost Daniel. She had no chance to bring back Daniel, but she had a small window with Robin. She could have done SO many bad or evil things.

But she didn't.

She had him there, but she slowly let him go. So many people are seeing this as a bad thing, that the writers were being too cruel. That she's letting go of her happiness. I see it as her letting go of something FAR more important.

She's letting go of the last bits of evil that lurked in her heart. She looked in the eyes of what she wanted most and she didn't scheme, didn't hurt and didn't do a bad thing. Even with Rumple whispering in her ear, she let Robin go.

She didn't let go of her happiness. She let go of being a villain.

And we all know; villains don't get happy endings.

But... sometimes, heroes do.