Why a show about fairy tales was actually a deliberate experiment in modern optimism
In short: Created by writers from Lost, this fantasy drama reimagined classic icons to explore human resilience. By grounding magical figures in the struggles of a seaside town, the series aimed to prove that even in dark times, people can choose to believe in their own potential for a better life.
Conceived in 2004 by Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, the series was initially rejected by networks wary of its fantastical premise. The creators, who had previously worked on Felicity and Lost, were driven by a desire to craft a narrative centered on hope. While their previous work focused on redemption and fatherhood, this project prioritized optimism, motherhood, and the internal voids that define a person's journey. They sought to transform traditional fairy-tale archetypes into relatable figures, intentionally avoiding the damsel-in-distress trope to highlight strong female leads.
The narrative structure relied on a dual-timeline approach, contrasting the characters' past lives in a magical realm with their existence in the fictional town of Storybrooke, Maine. Residents of this town were trapped by a curse cast by the Evil Queen, which stripped them of their memories and kept them in an unchanging state for 28 years. The arrival of a bail bond agent, revealed to be the daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming, served as the catalyst for breaking this spell. This structure allowed the writers to explore how past trauma and lost identities shaped the present-day struggles of their cast.
Throughout seven seasons, the show expanded its scope beyond the original curse, incorporating figures from Wonderland, Neverland, Camelot, and the Underworld. The writers emphasized that character development had to take precedence over mythology, ensuring that the audience remained invested in the emotional stakes rather than just the mechanics of magic. By the final season, the setting shifted to Seattle, where a new generation faced a fresh curse, ultimately culminating in a narrative that consistently championed the idea that individuals could persevere through life's trials to find light.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Once Upon a Time (TV series)
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