[s2e4] The Crocodile -

Rumple's wife, whose choices and eventual fate define the long-standing feud between the Dark One and the Captain.

In the Enchanted Forest, Rumplestiltskin discovers that his wife, , has been kidnapped by pirates. When he finds their ship, he meets the charming Captain Hook (Killian Jones) . Lacking the courage to fight, Rumplestiltskin lets them go. Years later, after becoming the powerful Dark One, he encounters Hook again and exacts a brutal revenge, leading to Milah's death and Hook losing his hand.

This episode marks the introduction of Hook as a major antagonist and Rumplestiltskin's arch-rival.

The episode reveals why Hook calls Rumple "The Crocodile"—it is because of the scaly, reptilian skin Rumple possesses as the Dark One. Critical Reception

His fear and cowardice are explored, showing how his pursuit of power was a reaction to his past weaknesses.

Critics praised the episode for its dark, emotional storytelling and the introduction of Hook. Reviews on platforms like TV Fanatic and Entertainment Weekly highlighted the strong performances of Robert Carlyle and Colin O'Donoghue, noting that the "Crocodile" twist added a fresh layer to the classic fairy tale lore.