Once Upon a Time: The Troubling Story of Rumplestiltskin and Belle's Toxic Relationship

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Promise of Rumplestiltskin's Redemption Arc
3. The Toxic Relationship Between Rumplestiltskin and Belle
4. The Problem with the Beauty and the Beast Dynamic
5. Rumplestiltskin's Self-Sabotage and Lack of Self-Worth
6. The Downfall of Rumplestiltskin's Redemption
7. The Cyclical Pattern of Rumplestiltskin's Behavior
8. The Unhealthy Codependency between Rumplestiltskin and Belle
9. The Disappointing Reframing of a Toxic Relationship
10. Conclusion

👑 Once Upon a Time: The Epic Fail of Rumplestiltskin's Redemption Arc and the Toxicity of His Relationship with Belle

Once Upon a Time, the show that promised happy endings and hope, managed to redeem many of its primary villains and win over the hearts of its fans. However, there was one redemption arc that fell flat and left a bitter taste in the mouths of viewers - the arc of Rumplestiltskin, also known as Rumple. In this article, we will delve deep into why Rumplestiltskin's messy redemption arc ultimately affected the entire narrative of Once Upon a Time, with a particular focus on his relationship with Belle. Prepare yourself for a tale of toxicity, manipulation, and missed opportunities.

Introduction

The world of Once Upon a Time introduced us to a unique twist on the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. While the original story had its flaws, the show took it a step further by romanticizing a relationship between Belle and Rumplestiltskin, a relationship built on the idea that one can change another person. This concept, from the outset, raises concerns and sends a conflicting message to its viewers, especially young girls. Should we really be encouraging the idea of fixing someone who needs improvement, rather than embracing individuals who are already well-rounded and content with themselves?

The Promise of Rumplestiltskin's Redemption Arc

At the beginning of Once Upon a Time, Rumplestiltskin's redemption arc showed great promise. In the first two and a half seasons, we witnessed glimpses of his potential for change and growth. There were moments when he displayed compassion, remorse, and even a desire to be a better person. In these moments, his relationship with Belle seemed to blossom, starting off sweetly and capturing the hearts of many viewers. But alas, this trajectory took a nosedive, and what followed was a series of disappointments and missed opportunities.

The Toxic Relationship Between Rumplestiltskin and Belle

The once-charming relationship between Rumplestiltskin and Belle quickly turned toxic. From the outset, Belle fell in love with a romanticized version of Rumple, a version that he himself did not entirely desire. Her belief that she could change him and make him a better man became the foundation of their relationship. It's a strange message to send to young girls - that they should choose someone with the intention of fixing them, rather than finding someone who is already complete and whole. It becomes a literal project rather than a partnership based on mutual respect and love.

The Problem with the Beauty and the Beast Dynamic

To truly understand the toxic nature of Rumplestiltskin and Belle's relationship, we must delve into the problematic dynamic of Beauty and the Beast as a whole. The original story, as well as the Disney movie adaptation, implies that one can change a person through love and acceptance. However, this premise is flawed from the start. Belle's initial act of sacrifice - trading places with her father as a captive - sets the tone for an unhealthy foundation of a relationship. How can a relationship begin on such a premise of captivity and coercion? This distorted idea of love is perpetuated further in Once Upon a Time, highlighting the need for a critical reevaluation of this trope.

Rumplestiltskin's Self-Sabotage and Lack of Self-Worth

One of the driving forces behind the downfall of Rumplestiltskin's redemption is his deeply rooted self-sabotage and lack of self-worth. Throughout the show, we witness his constant struggles with his status, powers, and dark past. These insecurities lead him to believe that no one could genuinely love him, and that he must continually strive to become someone worthy of Belle's affections. This mindset, coupled with a constant need for power and control, spells disaster for any relationship. It's a cycle that ultimately undermines any chance of true redemption and growth.

The Downfall of Rumplestiltskin's Redemption

It is evident that Once Upon a Time's writers always intended to redeem Rumplestiltskin. However, the execution of this redemption falls flat, failing to fully realize the true potential of his character. Contrary to Regina, who was a motivated and pure rage-driven character, Rumplestiltskin's neutral force left much room for ambiguity and a more complex character arc. This missed opportunity left viewers questioning the path that was chosen for him, as well as the overall narrative direction of the show.

The Cyclical Pattern of Rumplestiltskin's Behavior

One aspect that solidifies the toxicity of Rumplestiltskin's character and his relationship with Belle is the cyclical pattern of his behavior. Time and time again, he betrays Belle's trust, seeks power at any cost, and manipulates those around him. The underlying belief that he can have it all - power and Belle - only leads to further resentment and disappointment. This pattern reflects real-life relationships plagued by insecurities, disillusionment, and a lack of true self-growth.

The Unhealthy Codependency between Rumplestiltskin and Belle

Throughout the series, Belle's character becomes increasingly dependent on her relationship with Rumplestiltskin. Her entire existence revolves around him, leaving little room for personal development or meaningful connections with other characters. This codependency creates an unhealthy dynamic, isolating Belle and reinforcing the notion that she is a victim of an abusive relationship. Moreover, the lack of solid relationships outside of Rumplestiltskin further highlights the codependency, making their relationship feel suffocating and one-sided.

The Disappointing Reframing of a Toxic Relationship

Perhaps one of the most disappointing aspects of Once Upon a Time is its reframing of Rumplestiltskin and Belle's toxic relationship as something cute, romantic, and star-crossed. By the end of the series, it becomes apparent that this couple was far from healthy or admirable. The show missed an opportunity to address the toxicity and issue a cautionary tale, instead romanticizing their struggles and flaws. The lack of awareness regarding the true nature of their relationship does a disservice to both the characters and the viewers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the redemption arc of Rumplestiltskin in Once Upon a Time was an epic fail that affected not only his character but also the overall narrative of the show. The toxic relationship between Rumplestiltskin and Belle reflected a distorted and harmful dynamic perpetuated by the flawed premise of Beauty and the Beast. Rumplestiltskin's self-sabotage, lack of self-worth, and cyclical pattern of behavior further emphasized the toxic nature of their relationship. The show's failure to address and rectify these issues reframed a clearly unhealthy relationship as something to be romanticized. It is a disappointing outcome that left viewers questioning the intentions and values of Once Upon a Time.

Highlights

• The redemption arc of Rumplestiltskin in Once Upon a Time fell flat, affecting both his character and the overall narrative of the show.
• Rumplestiltskin and Belle's relationship went from sweet to toxic, with Belle attempting to change him and not accepting him for who he truly is.
• The Beauty and the Beast dynamic portrayed in Once Upon a Time raises concerns about the message being sent to young viewers.
• Rumplestiltskin's self-sabotage and lack of self-worth contribute to the downfall of his redemption arc.
• The cyclical pattern of Rumplestiltskin's behavior and the unhealthy codependency between him and Belle further solidify the toxicity of their relationship.
• Once Upon a Time failed to address the true nature of Rumplestiltskin and Belle's relationship, reframing it as something romantic and star-crossed.