Radio Times: Review by:; Gill Crawford

In Storybrooke, two children set Henry up for a theft in a shop: it turns out they’re homeless twins abandoned by their father. Now who could their fairy-tale equivalents be? That’s right, it’s Hansel and Gretel, who are lost in the forest before being discovered by the Evil Queen (whose slinky leather trousers and top hat I’m sure don’t belong in the traditional fairy-tale wardrobe).

Back in the real world, the case has special meaning for new sheriff Emma, who never knew her own parents. An affecting episode as Emma tries to resolve some of her own issues of loss. Fans will be pleased to know that a second series has now been commissioned.

About this programme

9/22. Emma encounters a young brother and sister who have been fending for themselves since their mother died, vowing to help find their father to avoid them being split up and taken into foster care. As their story unfolds, the Evil Queen schemes to get hold of a poisoned apple to do away with Snow White. She employs Hansel and Gretel to steal one from the Blind Witch, but the old hag's iced gingerbread house proves irresistible to the youngsters and they end up as her captives. Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parrilla star.