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The episode’s climax occurs when Regina and Mr. Gold realize they need a way to defeat Peter Pan that doesn't involve brute force. Regina summons Ariel—now living in a world without her voice—and restores it in exchange for a favor: traveling to Storybrooke to retrieve a powerful artifact.

"Ariel," the sixth episode of Once Upon a Time ’s third season, serves as a pivotal bridge between the series' established lore and the high-stakes "Neverland" arc. By introducing one of Disney’s most iconic characters, the episode masterfully blends a classic fairy tale with the show's signature themes of regret, manipulation, and the quest for redemption. The Past: A Tale of Two Souls Once_upon_a_time_3x06

"Ariel" is more than a fan-service introduction of a beloved princess. It is an exploration of the price of secrets and the complexity of hope. By juxtaposing Ariel’s optimistic pursuit of love with the grim, secret-heavy reality of the Echo Caves, the episode reinforces the show’s central thesis: that while magic comes with a price, the truth is the only thing that can truly set these characters free. The episode’s climax occurs when Regina and Mr

admits her hope that Neal was dead so she could stop feeling the pain of his loss—a raw, vulnerable moment that defines her struggle with "The Savior" mantle. The Intersection of Lore "Ariel," the sixth episode of Once Upon a

confront the reality of their fractured future due to David’s Dreamshade poisoning.

In the present-day Neverland timeline, the episode shifts its focus to the "search and rescue" mission for Henry. The core tension lies in the uneasy alliance between the "heroes" (Emma, Snow, and Charming) and the "villains" (Regina and Gold).

This move is a brilliant structural choice. It links the Neverland plot back to the show’s home base (Storybrooke) and gives Ariel a proactive role in the overarching season narrative rather than keeping her as a one-off "guest of the week." Conclusion