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"The Stable Boy"
Once Upon a Time episode
Episode no.Season 1
Episode 18
Directed byDean White
Written by
Original air dateApril 1, 2012 (2012-04-01)
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
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"The Return"
Once Upon a Time season 1
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"The Stable Boy" is the 18th episode of the American fairy tale/drama television series Once Upon a Time, which aired in the United States on ABC on April 1, 2012.

The series takes place in the fictional seaside town of Storybrooke, Maine, in which the residents are actually characters from various fairy tales that were transported to the "real world" town by a powerful curse.

In this episode, Emma looks for evidence to prove that Regina framed Mary Margaret. In flashbacks, Regina must make a decision for her future: either marry Snow's father or be with her true love.

It was co-written by Adam Horowitz and Edward Kitsis, while Dean White served as director.

Title card

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A young Regina Mills rides a horse through the Enchanted Forest.

Plot

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In Storybrooke

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A week before Kathryn Nolan's (Anastasia Griffith) disappearance and suspected murder, Mr. Gold (Robert Carlyle) and Regina Mills (Lana Parrilla) plot to frame Mary Margaret (Ginnifer Goodwin) for the crime. While Regina plays with the ring Daniel gave her while staring out the window, Mr. Gold asks her for a favor in getting District Attorney Albert Spencer to drop the battery charges against him, and in return he offers her an idea on how to inflict pain upon Mary Margaret. It also turns out that Mr. Gold and Regina know what happens to people when they try to leave town. When Regina asks how she can trust him, Mr. Gold truthfully responds that he always honors his agreements.

A week later, Elsewhere, Emma Swan (Jennifer Morrison) comes out of the diner as David Nolan (Josh Dallas) catches up with her where he tries to apologize for saying that Mary Margaret was guilty, but Emma informs him that she needs a miracle. Back in the sheriff's office, Mary Margaret is woken by Regina, who offers her a chance to confess, but Mary Margaret stands by her innocence. Regina tells her that confession or not, she is leaving Storybrooke. Later that morning, Emma, Mr. Gold, and Mary Margaret talk about the upcoming case, where Mr. Gold suggest using their most valuable asset, Mary Margaret herself. Sidney Glass (Giancarlo Esposito) then arrives to say that he can’t find anything on Regina. Mary Margaret says she will talk to the district attorney, knowing she has nothing to hide. Unfortunately Regina shows up with Albert Spencer (Alan Dale), the DA and King George's Storybrooke counterpart. He then badgers Mary Margaret during questioning, eventually goading Mary Margaret into admitting she wanted Kathryn gone. Not pleased with Spencer's hostility, Mr. Gold ends the questioning early.

Hours later, Emma studies the book as August Booth (Eion Bailey) approaches her. Emma explains that she is struggling to prove Mary Margaret's innocence, to which he suggests re-looking over what she has already done, causing Emma to re-evaluate the crime scenes. Emma finds a shard of shovel in the ground where the box containing Kathryn's heart was found. Henry Mills (Jared S. Gilmore) radios Emma via a walkie-talkie, explaining that Regina is in the shower and the key is under the mat. Emma and August search the garage and discover a broken shovel, revealing that Regina buried the box. Emma later returns with a search warrant to find that the shovel had been replaced. Emma then accuses August of telling Regina before walking away.

Back in the Sheriff's office, Mary Margaret cries in her cell when Regina comes in to gloat causing Mary Margaret to apologize for anything she did wrong, however Regina tells her she deserves this. Emma later talks to Mr. Gold, who tells her that there is still time for him to work a little magic. In frustration, Emma smashes the vase with the tulips that Sidney brought in, discovering a bug inside and realizes that Sidney was working with Regina. As August comes out of the diner, Emma approaches and apologizes for doubting him and shows him the bug when Ruby (Meghan Ory) screams out: Kathryn is lying in a nearby alley, dazed, yet very much alive.

In the Characters' Past

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In the Enchanted Forest, a young Regina rides her horse as her father (Tony Perez) watches. However, her mother, Cora (Barbara Hershey), approaches and scolds her. Daniel (Noah Bean), the stable boy offers Regina a saddle, but Regina says she’s done riding for the day and begins to stomp away only for Cora to drag her back with magic. An angry Regina tells her to stop using her magic to control her. With that, Regina promises to be good. Later that evening, Regina meets up with Daniel and kisses him.

The next day, Daniel tells Regina to tell her parents about their love. Regina explains to Daniel that she is afraid of her mother’s magic, although Daniel counters that the magic of true love is more powerful. Meanwhile, a young Snow White (Bailee Madison) loses control of her horse nearby, prompting Regina to save her. Later on, Cora changes Regina into a ball gown using magic and explains that King Leopold (Richard Schiff) is coming to thank her for rescuing Snow White. King Leopold comes in and asks Regina for her hand in marriage as she is the first person to have taken an interest in Snow. Later that night, Regina asks Daniel for his hand in marriage, explaining her situation in the process, as well as suggesting that the only way out is to run.

Suddenly, Snow White walks into the stable to witness the pair kissing before running away. Regina manages to catch up to Snow after she trips and falls. When Snow asks why she was kissing Daniel, Regina explains that she loves Daniel and not her father and explains that true love is the most powerful type of magic. Snow smiles after the explanation but Regina makes her promise to keep this secret, to which Snow agrees.

The next day, Snow White is looking at the flowers and reaches up to grab one when Cora comes in and tells her to be gentle. As the two talk, Cora tells Snow White not to fear her, then asks the little girl why Regina has pulled away from her. Snow tells her to not make Regina get married if she wants her to be happy, and that she doesn't love her father. Not wanting Regina to lose her mother like she had, Snow tells Cora about Daniel.

That night, Regina runs into the stable where Daniel is ready to go to make their getaway. They embrace just before Cora arrives and locks the stable. Cora says she will not stop her and Regina hugs her with thanks, then takes Daniel aside and rips his heart out and crushes it, killing him. Regina falls to his side and asks her mother why she has done this, to which Cora tells her that it was because it was her happy ending. After Regina yells and screams of how she loved Daniel, Cora explains that love is weakness.

As Regina is being fitted for her wedding dress, Snow White walks in and tells her that she is the fairest of them all. Snow tells Regina about how she told her mother about Daniel. As Regina listens in horror, she turns and Snow notices how upset she is and she apologizes. Snow White asks Regina if she was mad, but Regina pretends to be happy and tells her no stating that she's happy, and lies that Daniel has left her so that they're both going to be a family. But after Snow White leaves, Regina's behavior starts to change. Cora walks into the room, while Regina guesses that Cora was the cause of Snow's wild horse. Regina then tells Cora that she should have let Snow White die on her horse, unaware the latter was tricked into revealing her relationship.

Production

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"The Stable Boy" was co-written by co-creators/executive producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, while V veteran, Dean White, returned to direct this installment. The episode was included in Reawakened: A Once Upon a Time Tale – a novelization of the first season – which was published by Hyperion Books in 2013.[1][2]

Reception

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Ratings

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The episode's ratings and viewership was down slightly, but continued to remain steady, scoring an 18-49 rating of 2.8/8 and was watched by 8.36 million viewers, as well as winning its timeslot for the third week in a row despite competing against The Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS.[3]

In Canada, the episode finished in fourteenth place for the week with an estimated 1.409 million viewers,[4] an increase from the 1.337 million of the previous episode.[5]

Cast

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Starring

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Guest Starring

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Uncredited

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  • Jerry as Rocinante

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Stable Boy

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from Grokipedia
"The Stable Boy" is the eighteenth episode of the first season of the American fantasy drama television series , which premiered on ABC on April 1, 2012. Written by the show's co-creators and , and directed by Dean White, the episode delves into the backstory of the (Regina Mills), explaining the deep-seated grudge she holds against through flashbacks to Regina's youth. In these flashbacks, a young Regina, portrayed as compassionate and rebellious against her manipulative mother Cora, falls in love with a stable boy named Daniel, only for their romance to be tragically destroyed when Cora intervenes to secure Regina's marriage to King Leopold, Snow White's father. In the present-day narrative set in Storybrooke, intensifies her efforts to find evidence proving Mary Margaret Blanchard's ('s alter ego) innocence in the apparent murder of Kathryn Nolan, while Regina schemes to frame Mary Margaret amid rising tensions. The episode highlights key character developments, including the introduction of Cora's ruthless influence and the pivotal moment where young unwittingly contributes to Daniel's demise, solidifying Regina's path toward villainy. Featuring principal cast members such as as Regina, as /Mary Margaret, as , and as David Nolan/, "The Stable Boy" received positive reception for its emotional depth and revelations, earning an 8.5/10 rating on from over 2,400 users.

Episode Overview

Background and Context

"The Stable Boy" is the eighteenth episode of the first season of the American fantasy drama television series . It originally premiered on ABC on April 1, 2012. The episode plays a pivotal role in the series by delving into the backstory of Regina Mills, the mayor of Storybrooke and the in the , focusing on her early life, her forbidden romance with stable boy Daniel, and the events that catalyze her descent into villainy. This narrative arc illuminates the origins of her deep-seated hatred for , stemming from a pivotal betrayal that shatters Regina's chance at true love and propels her toward a path of revenge and darkness under the influence of her manipulative mother, Cora. In the present-day Storybrooke timeline, the episode advances the central curse-breaking storyline by having intensify her efforts to uncover evidence proving Mary Margaret Blanchard's innocence in the disappearance of Kathryn Nolan, a plot thread introduced in prior episodes like "" and exacerbated by Regina's schemes. This investigation heightens tensions in the town's unraveling curse dynamics, linking the contemporary mystery to the flashback revelations about Regina's fractured relationships. Series co-creators and crafted this episode to deepen audience understanding of Regina's motivations, emphasizing that her villainy arises from personal tragedy rather than innate evil, with the intent of evoking sympathy through her lost love and the emotional toll of her choices.

Synopsis

In the , a young Regina Mills enjoys riding horses without a , much to the disapproval of her ambitious mother, Cora, who insists on propriety. During one ride, Regina encounters a frightened young whose horse has bolted; she heroically rescues the girl by calming the animal, earning Snow's gratitude and admiration. This act of kindness sets the stage for future entanglements, as Cora later manipulates events to position Regina for a advantageous marriage. In present-day Storybrooke, Emma Swan intensifies her investigation to exonerate Mary Margaret Blanchard, who is accused of murdering Kathryn Nolan. Emma discovers a shard of a shovel near the Troll Bridge, which she traces to a broken tool in Mayor Regina Mills' garage, suggesting Regina planted the murder weapon to frame Mary Margaret. However, by the time Emma returns with a search warrant, the evidence has been replaced, heightening her suspicions of Regina's interference. Further probing reveals a hidden key and a bugged vase in Sidney Glass's office, confirming Regina's use of surveillance to monitor and sabotage Mary Margaret. Returning to the flashbacks, Regina shares a secret romance with the stable boy Daniel, whom she meets after apologizing for snapping at him under her mother's pressure. The couple dreams of eloping to escape Cora's control, exchanging a ring as a token of their commitment, but Regina confides in about the plan and extracts a promise of secrecy from the young girl. Unbeknownst to Regina, Cora bonds with and cunningly manipulates her into revealing the , using the information to shatter Regina's happiness on the eve of their escape. The flashbacks culminate in tragedy when Cora confronts Daniel, rips out his heart with magic, and crushes it before Regina's eyes, declaring love a that must be eradicated for true power. Devastated, Regina blames for the accidental exposure, marking the beginning of her deep-seated hatred and her transformation into the , fueled by over Daniel's death. In Storybrooke, the plot twists when hears a noise and discovers alive and disoriented , having escaped to New York but returned after crashing her car; this revelation proves Mary Margaret's innocence and unravels Regina's scheme. Paralleling the past, Regina's current threats against Mary Margaret echo her unresolved , as she vows to ensure her enemy's suffering in the ongoing custody battle for Henry.

Production

Development

"The Stable Boy" was co-written by the series creators and , who crafted the episode to delve into the emotional origins of the , Regina, providing backstory on her transformation and resentment toward . This narrative choice integrated into the season's overarching exploration of hidden family dynamics and curses, revealing key motivations that tied into the broader mythology of the . The episode marked the direction of Dean White, a television veteran who helmed multiple installments of the series. The episode's backstory was further expanded in the 2013 tie-in novel Reawakened: A Once Upon a Time Tale by Odette Beane, a Hyperion Books publication that novelizes the first season and elaborates on character histories from the .

Filming and Design

Principal filming for "The Stable Boy" took place in , , with Steveston Village serving as the primary stand-in for Storybrooke scenes, including exteriors around the cannery cafe that doubled as local establishments. flashbacks were captured in rural outskirts of to evoke the pastoral and forested settings of the fairy tale realm. These locations were selected for their versatility in accommodating both modern small-town aesthetics and historical landscapes, aligning with the series' dual-timeline structure. Filming occurred from late February to early March 2012 over a 7-day period. Visual design emphasized the episode's thematic contrasts through costume work led by designer Eduardo Castro, who crafted period-appropriate attire for young Regina, blending innocent, flowing dresses in soft fabrics to highlight her initial vulnerability against the encroaching darkness foreshadowed by richer, more ornate ensembles. Horse sequences, central to the flashback narrative, relied on practical effects, with trained animal performers executing chases and stable interactions under controlled conditions to maintain authenticity without heavy digital augmentation. Castro's designs drew from 19th-century influences, using detailed sketches to ensure visual cohesion across the episode's emotional arc. Set design featured a custom-built stable interior for key scenes involving Daniel, constructed on soundstages at Bridge Studios in to allow for intimate, enclosed action while integrating subtle period details like wooden beams and hay-strewn floors. Magical elements, particularly the heart-removal spell, combined practical prosthetics—such as silicone hearts for hand-held effects—with enhancements supervised by artist Andrew Orloff of Zoic Studios, ensuring a seamless blend of tangible and illusory elements. Orloff's team focused on lighting and compositing to heighten the spell's dramatic impact without overpowering the live-action performances. Production faced challenges in coordinating animal actors, particularly used in dynamic flashback sequences, requiring multiple takes to synchronize movements with stunt riders while adhering to guidelines from the American Humane Association. Ensuring seamless transitions between the contemporary Storybrooke and timelines demanded precise scheduling of location shoots and green-screen work, with the episode completed over a rigorous 7-day period typical of the series' fast-paced television format. These logistical hurdles were mitigated through planning and on-set rehearsals, contributing to the episode's polished final presentation.

Broadcast and Reception

Viewership

"The Stable Boy" premiered in the United States on ABC on April 1, 2012, achieving a 2.8 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic and drawing 8.36 million total viewers, which allowed it to lead its timeslot ahead of competitors including CBS's . Following its initial broadcast, streaming availability on from 2013 until 2020 helped sustain the episode's popularity among fans; its enduring appeal has been evident in subsequent fan revivals and discussions. As of 2025, the series is available on Disney+.

Critical Reviews

Critics generally praised "The Stable Boy" for its emotional depth and character development, particularly in fleshing out Regina's backstory. rated the episode 7/10, commending Lana Parrilla's portrayal of Regina for effectively conveying the character's pain, anger, and vulnerability. highlighted the heart-wrenching scene of Daniel's death, where Cora crushes his heart, as a series high point that satisfyingly explained the origins of Regina's hatred for . Some reviews noted criticisms regarding the pacing of the present-day subplot in Storybrooke. The A.V. Club assigned it a B−, arguing that the episode's central reveal—after 18 episodes of buildup—felt like a letdown, with the contemporary framing device escalating tensions around Mary Margaret's framing in a somewhat predictable manner. The episode's thematic focus on and maternal manipulation received significant attention, with reviewers emphasizing Cora's domineering influence as for Regina's transformation from a lighthearted young woman to the . This exploration of familial abuse and its long-term consequences influenced later episodes in Regina's redemption arc, marking "The Stable Boy" as a pivotal installment. While the episode itself garnered no direct Emmy nominations, it contributed to the series' recognition in visual effects, as season 1 earned a 2012 Visual Effects Society Award nomination for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Broadcast Program, spotlighting the magical sequences that enhanced the fairy-tale elements.

Cast and Characters

Principal Cast

Lana Parrilla stars as the adult Regina Mills, also known as the Evil Queen, and the young adult Regina in the Enchanted Forest flashbacks. Her performance in the episode centers on Regina's romantic vulnerability and tragic loss, revealing the origins of her deep-seated grudge against Snow White and showcasing a softer, more sympathetic side before her descent into antagonism. Ginnifer Goodwin plays Snow White in her youth during the flashbacks and Mary Margaret Blanchard in the present-day Storybrooke storyline, emphasizing the character's innocent yet pivotal role in unwittingly contributing to Regina's heartbreak. Goodwin's portrayal underscores Mary Margaret's moral integrity amid her wrongful accusation for murder, bridging the dual timelines through subtle emotional continuity. Josh Dallas appears as Prince Charming in the flashbacks and David Nolan in Storybrooke, providing support to the central investigation while adding layers to the present-day interpersonal dynamics. Robert Carlyle portrays Mr. Gold, the pawnbroker and , contributing to the episode's intrigue through his manipulative dealings with Regina that echo the flashback events. Jennifer Morrison embodies Emma Swan, the determined outsider who propels the episode's investigative plotline by uncovering evidence to exonerate Mary Margaret and confronting Regina's schemes. Her role drives the tension between skepticism and emerging belief in the town's curse. Barbara Hershey recurs as Cora, the Queen of Hearts, serving as the manipulative in the flashbacks whose ruthless actions catalyze Regina's transformation. Hershey's performance delivers a chilling depiction of maternal control and ambition, setting the stage for the Evil Queen's enduring malice.

Guest Appearances

In the episode "The Stable Boy," several guest actors brought pivotal supporting roles to life, particularly in the flashback sequences exploring Regina's youth in the . Noah Bean debuted as Daniel Colter, the kind-hearted stable boy engaged to a young Regina Mills, providing a tragic romantic counterpoint to her emerging darkness and marking his sole appearance in the series as this character. Bailee Madison appeared as a young Snow White, offering a vulnerable glimpse into the princess's childhood innocence and her inadvertent role in Regina's heartbreak; Madison was selected partly for her striking physical resemblance to adult Snow White actress , enhancing the familial continuity. Tony Perez portrayed Henry Mills, Regina's father, who supports her relationship with Daniel in the flashbacks, highlighting familial dynamics. reprised her recurring role as Ruby Lucas (Red Riding Hood) in present-day Storybrooke scenes, assisting in investigating Regina's past and adding layers to the ongoing mystery. Among uncredited performers, Jerry the horse played Rocinante, Regina's loyal steed featured prominently in the opening flashback sequence as young Regina tends to the animal in the stables. Casting for the episode emphasized emotional authenticity in the flashback arcs, with producers seeking actors who could convey subtle tragedy; for instance, Bean's selection as Daniel drew from his prior work in dramatic roles like on Nikita, allowing him to embody the character's gentle demeanor opposite Lana Parrilla's intense portrayal of young Regina. Additionally, Madison noted challenges during filming, such as gluing her loose tooth to maintain continuity in close-up shots as young Snow.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2104521/
  2. https://ew.com/recap/once-upon-a-time-season-1-episode-18/
  3. https://www.avclub.com/once-upon-a-time-the-stable-boy-1798172202
  4. https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/04/02/once-upon-a-time-the-stable-boy-review
  5. http://www.thefutoncritic.com/interviews/2012/03/02/interview-once-upon-a-time-co-creators-edward-kitsis-and-adam-horowitz-92001/20120302_onceuponatime/
  6. https://sciencefiction.com/2012/04/02/once-upon-a-time-stable-boy-recap/
  7. https://www.amazon.com/Reawakened-Once-Upon-Time-Tale/dp/1401312721
  8. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2104521/locations/
  9. https://moviemaps.org/movies/h7
  10. https://oncepodcast.com/forums/topic/filming-schedule-thread/
  11. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2104521/fullcredits/
  12. https://www.eduardocastrodesigns.com/once-upon-a-time/
  13. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/223491200231299495/
  14. https://vancouversun.com/entertainment/movies/meet-andrew-orloff-visual-effects-wizard-behind-the-magic-of-once-upon-a-time
  15. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1364187/
  16. https://www.quora.com/What-challenges-do-film-crews-face-when-working-with-horses-on-movie-sets
  17. https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-44740525-94c5-4495-8c61-c904fcf6e756
  18. https://www.douxreviews.com/2012/04/once-upon-time-stable-boy.html
  19. https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/09/26/the-top-10-once-upon-a-time-episodes
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843230/awards/
  21. https://scifivision.com/all-reviews/television-reviews/726-once-upon-a-time-118-review-qthe-stable-boyq
  22. https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/ustv/a364615/once-upon-a-time-adds-nikita-star-noah-bean/
  23. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Trivia/OnceUponATimeS1E18TheStableBoy
  24. https://onceuponatime.fandom.com/wiki/Rocinante
  25. https://x.com/BaileeMadison/status/192449386813472768
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