Hyperion Heights
Introduction
“Hyperion Heights,” the first episode of the seventh season and the 134th overall of the American fantasy-drama series “Once Upon a Time,” premiered on October 6, 2017, on ABC. Directed by Ralph Hemecker and penned by series co-creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, this episode marks a significant turning point in the show’s narrative structure. The seventh season embarks on a soft reboot, introducing a new setting and a refreshed cast of characters while maintaining ties to the original storylines that captivated audiences in previous seasons.
The central premise of this season revolves around an older Henry Mills, who leaves Storybrooke—a town steeped in magic and fairy tales—to discover his own narrative outside of the familiar tales he has known. This quest leads Henry into a new realm—the New Enchanted Forest—and ultimately to a fictionalized Seattle neighborhood named Hyperion Heights. In this setting, viewers are reintroduced to familiar characters in altered roles, including a new version of Cinderella, alongside a fresh curse that transports the inhabitants into their new lives.
Plot Overview
Opening Sequence
The episode opens against the scenic backdrop of Seattle, showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Space Needle. The title sequence is accompanied by new animations and transitions along with a modified rendition of the beloved theme song, signifying the shift to this new narrative direction.
Storybrooke and Henry’s Departure
At the beginning of the episode, we find Henry Mills, who feels that all stories have been resolved for those around him. Eager to forge his own path, he decides to leave Storybrooke in search of new adventures depicted in storybooks he discovered within Sorcerer’s mansion. Despite Regina’s concerns about his youth and safety, Henry is determined to explore new realms using a magic bean gifted by Tiny as a graduation present. His departure sets off a chain of events that would unfold throughout the season.
The New Enchanted Forest
Years later, Henry finds himself in the New Enchanted Forest where he encounters Cinderella—this realm’s version—just before she heads to the royal ball. An initial misunderstanding leads to comical chaos when she steals Henry’s motorcycle after knocking him out. Meanwhile, Lady Tremaine, Cinderella’s stepmother, plots evil machinations against her daughter, demonstrating that fear is more powerful than magic by eliminating Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother.
During an intense moment at the ball, Cinderella grapples with her desire for revenge against the prince—blaming him for her family’s downfall—but ultimately has a change of heart. Tragically, Tremaine seizes this opportunity to murder the prince herself and frames Cinderella for the crime. As chaos unfolds, Henry awakens from his stupor and aids Cinderella in her escape from impending capture. Inspired by her plight and holding onto a glass slipper she left behind, he decides to stay in this realm to help her.
Life in Seattle
Transitioning from fantasy back to reality, we meet an adult Henry living as a cab driver in Seattle. Struggling with writer’s block following his unsuccessful book “Once Upon a Time,” he faces skepticism when confronted by Lucy—his daughter—who insists he must help their family. Initially dismissive of her claims due to his traumatic past involving loss from fire, Henry turns away Lucy’s pleas.
Meanwhile, Jacinda—Lucy’s mother—struggles with her own challenges as she navigates an oppressive work environment under her stepmother Victoria. Jacinda’s decision to quit her job reflects her desire for independence but also leads to complications regarding custody over Lucy.
The Curse Unfolds
As tensions rise between Jacinda and Victoria about custody issues concerning Lucy, it becomes evident that Hyperion Heights mirrors many elements of Storybrooke’s past curses and struggles. Meanwhile, Henry discovers that his laptop has been stolen by Lucy, leading him into an encounter with Roni—a bar owner who is actually Regina stripped of her memories due to the curse. This adds another layer of complexity as characters navigate their new identities devoid of recollection from their past lives.
In this urban landscape filled with hidden agendas and mysterious connections reminiscent of their former selves, characters like Officer Rogers (Killian Jones) and Detective Weaver (Rumpelstiltskin) emerge under new identities while retaining echoes of their past narratives.
Development and Production Insights
The development of “Hyperion Heights” was marked by creative shifts that sought to redefine “Once Upon a Time” while still paying homage to its roots. In January 2017, ABC executives hinted at a potential narrative reset during discussions about future seasons. Showrunners Kitsis and Horowitz confirmed intentions for character arcs from previous seasons to come full circle while introducing new storylines designed to engage both existing fans and newcomers alike.
This strategic reset did not aim to present season 7 as an outright reboot but rather as an evolution of sorts—melding elements from earlier seasons with fresh perspectives on beloved characters. The renewal for season seven was officially announced on May 11, 2017, leading up to promotional activities that teased changes awaiting viewers.
Casting Changes and Character Adaptations
As part of reimagining its cast for season seven, “Once Upon a Time” retained core actors including Lana Parrilla (Regina), Colin O’Donoghue (Killian), and Robert Carlyle (Rumpelstiltskin). The introduction of Andrew J. West as adult Henry Mills and Alison Fernandez as Lucy marked significant additions to the storyline while bringing fresh dynamics into play. Notably, Dania Ramirez was announced as Cinderella in this new iteration—a role previously portrayed by Jessy Schram—alongside Gabrielle Anwar’s portrayal of Lady Tremaine.
Recurring characters include Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog,” played by Mekia Cox; Alice portrayed by Rose Reynolds; and several others who contribute richly woven narratives within Hyperion Heights’ fabric.
Reception Overview
Ratings Performance
“Hyperion Heights” achieved viewership figures reaching approximately 3.26 million during its premiere night while garnering a 0.7/3 rating among adults aged 18–49 according to Nielsen Media Research statistics. These numbers reflect both anticipation for the series’ return and curiosity about its evolving premise.
Critical Response
The critical reception was mixed yet largely positive; some critics appreciated the show’s willingness to explore new territory while others expressed difficulty adapting to these changes. Paul Dailly from TV Fanatic commended the revival spirit of “Once Upon a Time,” rating it 4.2 out of 5 stars due to its refreshing approach. Entertainment Weekly awarded it an A− rating praising its engaging storytelling despite acknowledging challenges inherent in shifting narratives.
Conversely, critics such as Gwen Ihnat from The A.V. Club offered less favorable reviews indicating that selling viewers on these new settings proved challenging—culminating in a C rating reflecting their hesitance towards embracing change within an established framework.
Conclusion
“Hyperion Heights” serves not only as an introduction to season seven but also as an ambitious attempt at reinvention for “Once Upon a Time.” By weaving together familiar elements with novel narratives set against urban backdrops—the creators invite audiences into an imaginative world where old stories intertwine with fresh beginnings. As fans follow Henry Mills on his quest for identity amid renewed challenges and altered
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