Rumpelstiltskin has had a very winding road of character arcs. He has: Taken unlimited (but limiting to him) power and immortality from the Dark One dagger from Zoso, been given limited visions of the future from a seer, “died” and been revived at least once, gave up and found his son again, found love with Belle, but always struggles with choosing power over things that would bring his true, “happy ending”.

Rumbelles and Rumpel fans have struggled to like Rumpel/Mr. Gold because of his wrong choices. My wife yells at the TV (like many of you, I think) when Rumpel lies, manipulates and makes wrong choices these days.

With the release of “The Author” Rumpelstiltskin may have his chance to be redeemed, but can Rumpelstiltskin in Once Upon a Time be Redeemed?

Many say no, but I say maybe.

The answer to me, lies (pardon the pun) with the Author.

I believe at some point the Author will have a “Come to Reality” conversation with Rumpelstiltskin, and instead of writing new “happy endings” for Rumpel, the Author will tell him the pieces of his happy endings were there all along – he just needed to make the right choices.

As powerful and as manipulative as Rumpel is, it can’t overcome Rumpel’s bad choices.

At the end of the day, it may not be the Author controlling the story of our characters, the destiny or “happy endings” of our OUAT characters will be contingent upon their choices. Did they treat people well? Did they choose the important thing for all time or the thing that will bring short term, instant happiness?

Perhaps the Author will get his happy ending by highlighting the opportunities all around the OUAT characters to get theirs by good choices?

What do you think? Can Rumpelstiltskin be Redeemed?

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