Once Upon A Time: 10 Episodes To Watch If You Miss Captain Swan

ABC’s epic fantasy drama Once Upon A Time whisked audiences away to Storybrooke, a place where the modern world and fairytales collide. Cursed by The Evil Queen with false memories, the magical residents live in an ageless bubble with no awareness of their true identities. Everything changes with the arrival of Emma Swan, the long lost daughter of Snow White and Prince Charming.

The concept of True Love is a prevailing theme of the series, and Emma found that with none other than Captain Hook. Dashing and roguishly handsome, it was clear from their first episode together that their relationship was going to be something special. Though the show ended in 2018, fans feeling nostalgic can relive some of their sweetest, hottest, and most romantic moments through some of their best episodes on DisneyPlus.

10 “Tallahassee” (2.06)

It’s no mistake that the episode immediately after Emma and Hook meet, also reveals so many of her deep-seeded insecurities when it comes to love. Tasked with stealing a magical compass from a giant, Emma is generally unimpressed with Hook’s flirtation and attempts to get to know her along their journey.

Standoffish and untrusting when it comes to the hook-handed stranger, even Emma’s façade is shaken when the handsome pirate bandages the cut on her hand and ties it off with his teeth, all the while maintain an absolutely sinful amount of eye contact.

9 “In The Name Of The Brother” (2.12)

Hook wakes up in the Storybrooke hospital after being hit by a car, and Dr. Whale tends to his wounds. Meanwhile, Emma has some questions. This is such an excellent episode for Hook and Emma interactions.

Hook is not being outright cruel or villainous, but it is still early enough in the series that he isn’t quite the lovestruck puppy dog yet. He is all cocky swagger and overconfident sexual innuendos, including an eye-roll-inducing one about “attachments” of his that Emma might prefer to his hook.

8 “Good Form” (3.05)

Poisoned with Dreamshade, David’s time is running out and Hook goes on a risky trek through the jungle to help save his life. A Hook centric episode that focuses on his past in the Royal Navy and his tragic relationship with his older brother, viewers see the humanity in the damaged pirate more than ever.

It also highlights the budding closeness between Hook and Emma, culminating in their first kiss. Though Emma has tried to deny the attraction, the tension becomes too much. Thankful and relieved, Emma initiates a passionate kiss that would become the first of many.

7 “Dark Hollow” (3.07)

Emma, Neal, and Hook team up to go on a mission to find the Dark Hollow and Pan’s shadow, but tensions rise between the two men that are both vying for Emma’s affections.

Emma and Hook danced around their sizzling chemistry for weeks, but since their steamy kiss, Hook is no longer interested in that dance – especially not with her ex-boyfriend in the picture. “When I win your heart Emma, and I will win it. It won’t be because of any trickery. It will be because you want me.” Romantic and earnest, Hook makes his true feelings clear once and for all.

6 “There’s No Place Like Home” (3.22)

Pulled back in time by Zelena’s curse, Hook and Emma go on an adventure of a lifetime to find their way back home, but not before meeting a familiar face along the way. Much to Hook’s chagrin, needing a distraction, Emma playfully seduces a younger version of the broody pirate captain himself.

Time travel, fairytale costumes, and two Captain Hooks. The second part of the season three finale has a little bit of everything for Captain Swan lovers.

5 “The Apprentice” (4.04)

They have climbed beanstalks, stolen from giants, trekked through Neverland, and shared a passionate kiss, but it isn’t until season four that Killian and Emma finally go on their first, real date. It’s adorable to see some of the stress fade away as the the two lovebirds get dressed up for a romantic dinner, even if it doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Struggling with insecurities and wanting to be whole for Emma, Killian makes a deal with Mr. Gold to get his hand back with disastrous consequences. After all, magic comes with a price.

4 “Operation Mongoose Pt. 2” (4.22)

Much like the season 3 finale, “Operation Mongoose Pt. 2” is a rollercoaster of emotions. Stuck in an alternate universe where their characters have been rewritten, Emma meets a shy, blushing Killian Jones who gets bullied by a cruel captain, and Snow White is a ruthless queen.

Desperate to fix their stories and get back home, the characters must work together to survive. Once home in Storybrooke, Emma finally admits her love for Hook, but their moment is bittersweet, as she takes the dagger and becomes The Dark One.

3 “Firebird” (5.20)

Trapped in the Underworld by Hades, Hook and Emma must go on a journey into its depths to perform a test of True Love that will supposedly earn Hook his freedom.

Another episode that delves  into Emma’s rocky past while emphasizing the strength of her bond with Hook in the present, “Firebird” may have a seemingly tragic ending, but it is a beautiful episode that shows not only that they are team, but that their love for each other is selfless and true.

2 “Awake” (6.17)

Hook struggles to find his way back to Emma, meanwhile, Regina is unsure of how to break the treacherous sleeping curse that has taken a hold of Charming and Snow.

Though Hook and Emma spend most of the episode apart from each other, it is all worth it for the moment that they are finally reunited, and Hook gets down on one knee to ask that long-awaited question. “So, Emma Swan…Will you marry me?” Her answer is of course, a tearful “yes”.

1 “The Song In Your Heart” (6.20)

A well-meaning wish makes an entire kingdom burst into song, and Storybrooke has a wedding to plan! “The Song In Your Heart” is special in so many ways. It is the final episode for many of the main cast members, including series regulars Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Josh Dallas.

This musical spectacular is also the episode that Hook and Emma finally get married. Their True Love has been tested time and time again, but in season six, they finally get to begin their own Happily Ever After.

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