Captain Killian “Hook” Jones, the swashbuckling pirate with a heart of gold, meets his end in episode 21 of season 5, titled “Last Rites.” This pivotal moment, heartbreaking for fans, underscores the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and true love that permeate the series.
The Death of a Pirate: A Detailed Examination
Hook’s demise in “Last Rites” is not simply a plot device; it is the culmination of his character arc, his struggle with darkness, and his ultimate devotion to Emma Swan, the Savior. The episode expertly weaves together flashbacks showcasing Hook’s past with his desperate present circumstances in the Underworld. Having become the Dark One once more, Hook, through a complex series of events, has absorbed all the darkness from the residents of Storybrooke. To protect Emma and everyone he loves from this overwhelming darkness, he makes the ultimate sacrifice.
He engineers a plan to force Emma to kill him, knowing that this is the only way to extinguish the darkness permanently. The emotional weight of this decision is palpable throughout the episode. We witness Hook’s internal turmoil as he grapples with the knowledge that his actions will devastate Emma. The heartbreaking scene where Emma is forced to kill Hook is a powerful testament to the strength of their love and the burden of responsibility she carries as the Savior.
The Underworld and Hook’s Journey
The setting of the Underworld is crucial to understanding Hook’s sacrifice. The Underworld is a reflection of unresolved issues and unfinished business. Hook’s presence there is initially tied to his desire to reunite with Emma, but it quickly becomes apparent that he also needs to confront his past mistakes, particularly his rivalry with his brother, Liam. This journey of self-reflection and reconciliation further solidifies his resolve to make amends for his past transgressions, ultimately culminating in his selfless act.
The Significance of True Love’s Kiss
The absence of a True Love’s Kiss reviving Hook further emphasizes the gravity of the situation. While True Love’s Kiss has brought characters back from the brink of death countless times in “Once Upon a Time,” the nature of Hook’s sacrifice is different. He isn’t simply cursed or injured; he is a vessel for a malevolent force. His death is not just a physical event, but a spiritual one, requiring a permanent solution that True Love’s Kiss cannot address.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hook’s Death
Here are some common questions fans have about Hook’s death and its impact on the series:
1. Was Hook’s Death Permanent?
No, Hook’s death in “Last Rites” was not permanent. Although he perished in the Underworld, he was eventually resurrected in season 6.
2. How Was Hook Resurrected?
Emma, driven by her love for Hook, journeyed to the Land of Untold Stories and then to the Underworld once again. She faced numerous obstacles and ultimately received help from both her parents, Snow White and Prince Charming, as well as Hades, who was surprisingly instrumental in Hook’s return. Emma and Killian shared true love which helped him return.
3. What were the consequences of Emma killing Hook?
Emma was initially devastated by killing Hook, feeling immense guilt and grief. However, she recognized that it was the only way to save Storybrooke from the darkness. This event forced her to confront her own vulnerability and reinforced her role as the Savior.
4. Did Colin O’Donoghue, the actor who played Hook, want to leave the show?
Reports indicated that Colin O’Donoghue did not initially plan to leave the show, and his character’s death was a creative decision made by the showrunners to advance the plot and explore themes of sacrifice and redemption. Later on, Colin and others’ contracts were ending, so there was a soft reboot.
5. How did the other characters react to Hook’s death?
The other characters were heartbroken by Hook’s death, especially Emma, Snow White, Prince Charming, and Regina. They all deeply cared for Hook and recognized his growth from a villainous pirate to a beloved member of their family.
6. Was Hook really the Dark One before?
Yes, Hook became the Dark One in the Underworld in an attempt to save Emma’s life. Rumpelstiltskin, who had been stripped of his Dark One powers, transferred them to Hook, believing it was the only way to defeat Hades.
7. Why couldn’t True Love’s Kiss save Hook?
True Love’s Kiss is effective against curses and spells, but it couldn’t counteract the immense darkness residing within Hook. His death was a consequence of his choice to absorb all the darkness, requiring a more profound solution than a simple kiss.
8. Did Hook’s death affect Emma’s powers?
Hook’s death deeply affected Emma emotionally, but it did not diminish or alter her Savior powers. If anything, the event strengthened her resolve and commitment to using her powers for good.
9. What happened to Hook after his resurrection?
After his resurrection, Hook continued to be a pivotal character in the series, remaining Emma’s beloved partner. He faced new challenges and adventures, further demonstrating his courage, loyalty, and capacity for love. He married Emma in Season 6.
10. Was Hook’s sacrifice necessary for the story?
Many argue that Hook’s sacrifice was crucial for several reasons. It deepened the themes of redemption and selflessness, showcased the strength of Emma and Hook’s love, and provided a compelling narrative arc that resonated with viewers. It allowed Hook to definitively prove that he was no longer the villain he once was.
11. How did fans react to Hook’s death and resurrection?
Fan reactions were highly emotional. Many viewers were devastated by Hook’s death and relieved by his eventual resurrection. Some felt that the storyline was unnecessarily dramatic, while others appreciated the depth and complexity it added to the characters and the overall narrative.
12. What are the key themes explored through Hook’s death?
Hook’s death explores themes of sacrifice, redemption, true love, confronting one’s past, and the power of choice. His journey from a vengeful pirate to a selfless hero is a central narrative arc in “Once Upon a Time,” and his death and subsequent resurrection embody these themes in a powerful way.