Down the Rabbit Hole (Once Upon a Time in Wonderland)

Down the Rabbit Hole is the pilot episode of the American fantasy-drama series Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. It serves as a spin-off to the popular series Once Upon a Time and was broadcast for the first time on October 10, 2013. The episode lays the groundwork for the series, introducing viewers to a reimagined version of Lewis Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its characters, blending them with the established universe of Once Upon a Time.

Plot

The episode begins with Alice recounting her adventures in Wonderland to a panel of doctors in a Victorian-era asylum, who believe she is insane. Alice's tales of Wonderland include falling down a rabbit hole, encountering talking animals, and battling the fearsome Jabberwocky. Despite her vivid recounting, her stories are met with skepticism. The plot thickens when the Knave of Hearts and the White Rabbit, both characters from Wonderland, come to rescue Alice, convincing her to return to Wonderland to save her true love, Cyrus, a genie with whom she had fallen deeply in love but believed to be dead.

Cast and Characters

• Alice - The protagonist, portrayed as a strong and determined young woman who returns to Wonderland to rescue her love.
• Cyrus - Alice's love interest, a genie with whom Alice shares a deep bond.
• Knave of Hearts - A former ally and friend of Alice, who aids in her quest.
• White Rabbit - A magical creature who persuades Alice to return to Wonderland.
• Red Queen - One of the primary antagonists of the series, who has her own mysterious agenda.
• Jafar - Another antagonist, whose path crosses with Alice's in her quest to find Cyrus.

Reception

Down the Rabbit Hole received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the show for its imaginative visuals and the fresh take on the classic tale, others criticized it for its pacing and some of the CGI effects. However, the episode was notable for setting the tone of the series, introducing a darker and more complex version of Wonderland than the original children's story.

Themes and Analysis

The episode explores themes of love, adventure, and the struggle between good and evil. It also delves into the concept of belief and the power of storytelling, as Alice's tales of Wonderland are initially dismissed as mere fantasies. The series itself can be seen as a commentary on the nature of stories and their impact on reality, a recurring theme in the Once Upon a Time universe.

Production

The episode was written by Once Upon a Time creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz, who sought to expand the universe of the original series by exploring the untold stories of classic characters. The visual effects and the imaginative landscapes of Wonderland were central to bringing the story to life, though they received mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike.

See Also

• Once Upon a Time
• Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
• Lewis Carroll