The Worst Episodes of Once Upon a Time
Every episode of Once Upon a Time ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of Once Upon a Time!
There is a town in Maine where every story book character you've ever known is trapped between two worlds, victims of a powerful curse. Only one knows the truth and only one can break the spell. Emma Swan is a 28-year-old bail bonds collector who has been supporting herself since she was abandoned as a baby. Things change for her when her son Henry, whom she abandoned years ago, finds her and asks for her help explaining that she is from a different world where she is Snow White's missing daughter.
Lowest Rated Episodes Summary
The worst episode of "Once Upon a Time" is "Hyperion Heights", rated 6.5/10 from 1570 user votes. It was directed by Ralph Hemecker and written by Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz. "Hyperion Heights" aired on 10/6/2017 and is rated 0.2 point(s) lower than the second lowest rated, "The Garden of Forking Paths".
6.5/10 1,570 votes#1 - Hyperion Heights
Season 7 Episode 1 - Aired 10/6/2017
Henry leaves Storybrooke in search of his own story. Years later in another realm, he encounters a troubled Cinderella, changing the trajectory of his quest forever. When Cinderella's evil step-mother, Lady Tremaine, poses a threat, Henry discovers that following his heart will require him to make more difficult choices than he ever could have imagined. Years later, a young Lucy finds a disillusioned Henry at his home in Seattle, determined to make him remember his true self in order to defeat the curse afflicting the fairytale characters of "Hyperion Heights."
Director: Ralph Hemecker
Writer: Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz
6.7/10 1,162 votes#2 - The Garden of Forking Paths
Season 7 Episode 3 - Aired 10/20/2017
Cinderella joins forces with a new friend; Jacinda tries to protect Lucy's community garden; Lucy tries to convince Henry that Victoria is after more than just a plot of land; Victoria makes a discovery that could alter everyone's fate.
Director: Ron Underwood
Writer: David H. Goodman, Brigitte Hales
6.9/10 1,551 votes#3 - Ruby Slippers
Season 5 Episode 18 - Aired 4/17/2016
In flashbacks, Ruby and Mulan find themselves in Oz, where they meet Dorothy. After the three witness Zelena’s return to Oz, they look for a way to defeat her once and for all. However, Dorothy mysteriously disappears, and Ruby’s search for her new friend lands her in the Underworld. Reunited with the heroes, Ruby teams up with Emma, Regina and Snow to continue looking for Dorothy. Meanwhile, Snow and David struggle with not being able to be with their son, Neal, and devise a plan so that one of them can escape the Underworld.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
6.9/10 611 votes#4 - A Taste of the Heights
Season 7 Episode 12 - Aired 3/9/2018
On the day of Tiana’s coronation, a confrontation with Dr. Facilier compels her to take a trip through the Bayou, where a surprising encounter changes her life and the hunt for an alligator takes a dark turn. In Hyperion Heights, Sabine reconnects with an old friend whose plans could jeopardize her culinary dreams. Meanwhile, Rogers and Weaver investigate a Blind Witch, leading them to a shocking discovery about The Coven.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.0/10 1,085 votes#5 - Greenbacks
Season 7 Episode 5 - Aired 11/3/2017
Tana seeks help from a traveling soothsayer, the iconic Dr. Facilier, in an attempt to save her kingdom. But when it’s revealed that he has an ulterior motive she’s forced to take matters into her own hands. In Hyperion Heights, Sabine and Jacinda take on a risky business venture, but the strength of their friendship is tested when Victoria interferes with their plans. Meanwhile, Ivy recruits Henry to investigate Victoria, and Roni makes a discovery that could change her relationship with Henry forever. Rogers uncovers a crucial clue in his search for Eloise Gardener.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.2/10 1,016 votes#6 - Pretty in Blue
Season 7 Episode 8 - Aired 11/17/2017
In an attempt to prevent a distressed Alice from running away, Henry and Ella follow her into Wonderland. Once there, Henry realizes that Ella has a surprising connection to this strange world. In Hyperion Heights, Jacinda reconnects with an old friend in a last ditch effort to regain custody of Lucy, but her decision to enlist outside help could put a strain on her burgeoning relationship with Henry.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.2/10 644 votes#7 - Secret Garden
Season 7 Episode 11 - Aired 3/2/2018
Eager to harness her burgeoning magical skills, Robin engages in a risky relationship with Mother Gothel. Meanwhile in Hyperion Heights, Roni and Kelly strike a deal with Eloise, desperate to save Lucy from her mysterious illness. But nothing comes without a price. As things finally come to a head between Victoria and Ivy, someone may have to pay with their life.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.2/10 612 votes#8 - Knightfall
Season 7 Episode 13 - Aired 3/16/2018
Rogers strikes a deal with Eloise despite Tilly’s fair warning, while Ivy struggles to find herself after Victoria’s death. Meanwhile, in a faraway realm, Hook confronts Captain Ahab over a legendary magical talisman which can free Alice, only to learn that his quest may have unintended consequences.
Director: Steve Miner
Writer: Jerome Schwartz, Miguel Raya
7.2/10 586 votes#9 - Breadcrumbs
Season 7 Episode 16 - Aired 4/6/2018
Henry grapples with an important decision when a job prospect in New York threatens to take him away from Jacinda and Lucy, but a revelation in the case of The Candy Killer could make it even harder to leave Hyperion Heights. Meanwhile, Margot confides in Tilly, and in a flashback, Hook helps Henry find a way to prove himself to Ella.
Director: Ron Underwood
Writer: Jane Espenson, Jerome Schwartz
7.3/10 1,004 votes#10 - Dark Waters
Season 6 Episode 6 - Aired 10/30/2016
Emma tries to convince Aladdin to work with Jasmine to help Agrabah, while Regina teams up with Snow and David to free Archie from Zelena. Meanwhile, in the past, Hook finds himself kidnapped by the mysterious Captain Nemo and held captive aboard his submarine, the Nautilus.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.3/10 1,274 votes#11 - A Pirate's Life
Season 7 Episode 2 - Aired 10/13/2017
Henry’s Storybrooke family help him search for Cinderella, and Hook encounters an unexpected foe who threatens the group’s success. Meanwhile, in Hyperion Heights, Jacinda searches for a way to see Lucy with some unwelcome assistance from Henry.
Director: Tara Nicole Weyr
Writer: Jane Espenson, Jerome Schwartz
7.4/10 854 votes#12 - Ill-Boding Patterns
Season 6 Episode 13 - Aired 3/19/2017
When Gideon resumes his mission to kill Emma and become the Savior, Gold steps in to ensure that the use of dark magic does not poison his son. Meanwhile, Robin proves willing to ally himself with anyone offering the possibility of escape from Regina and Storybrooke. Hook gathers the courage to come clean to Emma, but not before she discovers he's been keeping a secret.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.4/10 852 votes#13 - A Wondrous Place
Season 6 Episode 15 - Aired 4/2/2017
When Hook finds himself trapped in another realm along with the Nautilus and her crew, he races to return to Emma before Gideon can execute the rest of his plan. In Storybrooke, Regina and Snow take Emma out to get her mind off Hook's disappearance. And in a flashback to Agrabah, Jasmine befriends Ariel, and together they set out to locate Prince Eric as the threat from Jafar intensifies.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.4/10 592 votes#14 - Sisterhood
Season 7 Episode 15 - Aired 3/30/2018
When the Candy Killer attacks, Ivy will have to risk what remains of her family, while Jacinda and Henry grow closer and Roni questions her relationship with Samdi. Meanwhile, Drizella faces an unthinkable challenge in her attempt to join the Witch's Coven.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.5/10 1,694 votes#15 - In the Name of the Brother
Season 2 Episode 12 - Aired 1/20/2013
A stranger may be a threat to the true identity of the townspeople; Cora tries to reunite with Regina.
Director: Milan Cheylov
Writer: Jane Espenson
7.5/10 1,143 votes#16 - The Brothers Jones
Season 5 Episode 15 - Aired 3/27/2016
In Underbrooke, Hook questions whether he is worthy of forgiveness after meeting his brother Liam. In the past, Liam makes a deal of his own to save himself and his brother... at the cost of a ship's worth of men. Meanwhile, Henry meets the Apprentice and learns of his true power.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.5/10 1,073 votes#17 - Her Handsome Hero
Season 5 Episode 17 - Aired 4/10/2016
Belle turns to Rumplestiltskin with hope of finding a way to protect their child from Hades. However, they disagree over whether to use dark magic, as Belle forbids Rumplestiltskin from using his powers for evil. Meanwhile, Hades secretly meets with Gaston in the Underworld and encourages him to seek revenge on Rumplestiltskin. As the heroes try to find a way to defeat Hades, Emma has a terrifying nightmare that she realizes is beginning to come true. And in flashbacks, Belle and Gaston meet for the first time, but their blossoming romance comes to a halt on the eve of the Ogre wars.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.5/10 1,075 votes#18 - A Bitter Draught
Season 6 Episode 2 - Aired 10/2/2016
When a mysterious man from the Land of Untold Stories, who has a past with the Evil Queen, arrives in Storybrooke, David and Snow work together with Regina to neutralize the threat. Belle seeks Hook's help finding a safe place to hide away from her husband, Mr. Gold. The Evil Queen continues to try to win Zelena over to her side, while Emma resumes her therapy sessions with Archie and shares her terrifying vision of the future.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.5/10 1,002 votes#19 - Street Rats
Season 6 Episode 5 - Aired 10/23/2016
Princess Jasmine recruits Aladdin to help her recover a secret weapon capable of breaking Jafar's hold on the Sultan and saving the city from ruin. In Storybrooke, the Evil Queen tricks Hook and the Charmings and forces Emma to reveal her secret in an effort to divide the family.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.5/10 1,051 votes#20 - Eloise Gardener
Season 7 Episode 7 - Aired 11/17/2017
In pursuit of revenge, Hook seeks a dark and powerful magic, but an encounter with Rapunzel could alter his fate forever. Meanwhile, in Hyperion Heights, Ivy’s plot to take down Victoria intensifies and has unexpected consequences for Jacinda and Lucy. Rogers enlists Henry and Tilly’s help in his ongoing quest to find the missing Eloise Gardner, but what he discovers isn’t what meets the eye.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.5/10 645 votes#21 - The Girl in the Tower
Season 7 Episode 14 - Aired 3/23/2018
Rogers works to prove Tilly’s innocence in the case of the Blind Baker’s death, while Ivy attempts to make amends with Anastasia, and Samdi makes a revealing confession to Roni. Meanwhile, in a faraway realm, Alice forms an unbreakable bond.
Director: Antonio Negret
Writer: N/A
7.5/10 605 votes#22 - Flower Child
Season 7 Episode 19 - Aired 4/27/2018
Tilly and Rogers find themselves in danger after an encounter with Eloise, forcing Tilly to make a life-altering decision when Rogers’ life is threatened. Meanwhile, Henry and Jacinda’s relationship takes a step forward, but despite Lucy’s efforts, their union doesn’t provide the answers she’s seeking. In a flashback, young Gothel seeks revenge after her home is destroyed
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.6/10 1,353 votes#23 - The Bear King
Season 5 Episode 9 - Aired 11/15/2015
Zelena and Arthur journey to DunBroch on a mission to retrieve an enchanted relic that will provide the advantage they need to vanquish Emma and our heroes. Their path will cross with Merida’s, who is on a journey of her own to pay a debt that her father, King Fergus, owed to the Witch when he died. Merida enlists the help of two friends, Mulan and Ruby, but, in order to satisfy the Witch and save DunBroch, she first must discover the identity of the knight who killed her father. In flashbacks, Merida learns about bravery and honor as she trains for combat and rides alongside Fergus into the infamous battle that claims his life.
Director: Geofrey Hildrew
Writer: Andrew Chambliss
7.6/10 1,180 votes#24 - The Savior
Season 6 Episode 1 - Aired 9/25/2016
As our heroes set out to stop Hyde, Emma develops a mysterious side effect, and Storybrooke becomes a haven for refugees from the Land of Untold Stories. Meanwhile, Regina and Zelena embrace their newfound sisterhood by becoming roommates, while Rumple tries to free Belle from the sleeping Curse with the help of a stranger. In flashback, Jafar confronts an afflicted Aladdin in Agrabah, and a secret about the Savior is revealed.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.6/10 935 votes#25 - Changelings
Season 6 Episode 9 - Aired 11/27/2016
Gold tells the Evil Queen she must kill Zelena, and the Queen makes a decision that will change her relationship with her sister forever. When Belle discovers Gold's plans for their son, she convinces Hook and Emma to help her steal squid ink that can immobilize him. Meanwhile, Jasmine finds a genie-less lamp that she hopes to use to save Agrabah.
Director: Mairzee Almas
Writer: N/A