[s2e16] The Miller's Daughter -

The episode was a hit, drawing approximately 7.37 million viewers during its initial broadcast as tracked by TV by the Numbers . Where to Watch Streaming: You can watch the full series on Disney+.

Individual episodes and seasons are available on Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. [S2E16] The Miller's Daughter

Critics from The A.V. Club and IGN praised Rose McGowan's performance as young Cora and the emotional weight of the Rumple/Cora backstory. The episode was a hit, drawing approximately 7

In the present day, Cora and Regina are on the hunt for the Dark One’s dagger to control Mr. Gold, who is dying from a poisoned wound inflicted by Hook in New York. Critics from The A

The flashback reveals a young, impoverished Cora working as a miller's daughter. After being humiliated by Princess Eva (Snow White's mother), Cora lies to King Xavier, claiming she can spin straw into gold.

At the last moment, Cora realizes that love is a weakness that will keep her from power. She rips out her own heart to remain cold and calculating, choosing to marry Prince Henry and become royalty rather than flee with Rumplestiltskin.