Once Upon a Time Season 3, Episode 6 ("Ariel") takes the core characters a couple of leaps from where they were a week ago. In under an hour, someone lost was found and huge secrets were out in the open. New characters were introduced, too.

Spoiler alert: This feature contains spoilers from Once Upon a Time Season 3, Episode 6: "Ariel." It is one of the best episodes ever in the series, according to some Oncers.

Here are the highlights from OUAT S03x06, the episode that marks the entry of Ariel, The Little Mermaid from Under the Sea, into the fantasy drama realms.

- Ariel is a very good friend of Snow White. She, too, has been a victim of the Evil Queen's schemes. And now Regina summons her into Neverland.

- The Evil Queen trains Emma Swan in using her magic. But she teaches in the only way she knows how - picking up on anger toward Peter Pan as motivation. Emma believes there's another way because she doesn't want to be a "monster."

- Regina saves Rumple's as* by getting him back on track. She says a week with the Charmings didn't get her anywhere near Henry. So she tells Rumple something that Emma Swan always says: "There must be another way."

- It must be noted that "our son" is frequently being pronounced by Emma Swan and the evil queen. Getting there from "my son" is quite telling of how far the characters have evolved.

- Captain Hook proves to himself he is an honourable man. He breaks the news of Baelfire's status to Prince Charming and Snow White. He obviously hopes they could delay telling Emma Swan, but that's understandable.

- Emma Swan and company find and rescue Baelfire. They each have to reveal a big secret to build a bridge to Baelfire's giant birdcage. Ultimately, Emma Swan's not so shocking secret breaks Henry's father free.

- Snow White is all for letting secrets out in the open because she's learned some big lessons when the Evil Queen used Ariel to transform her into a mermaid. In this episode, she reveals she wants another baby. Prince Charming has no choice but to tell her he'd die if he leaves Neverland.

- Regina enlists Ariel's help by convincing her she'd find Eric in Storybrooke. It's the same offer Snow White and company made to Tinker Bell, except the green fairy wants a home, not a prince.

Two teams are gaining against Peter Pan in Once Upon a Time Season 3, Episode 6: "Ariel." On one side, there's the trio of Ariel, Regina and Rumplestiltskin. That's Henry's grams' friend, adoptive mom, and biological gramps. On the other side are Henry's bio mom and dad (Emma and Neal), gramps and gramps Prince Charming and Snow White, grandma's ex-lover Captain Hook, and Tinker Bell - except Tink is MIA at the moment.

The Jolly Roger mates have split but the common mission remais: Save Henry. It would have been very interesting for Oncers to hear Regina's big fat secret, but there's a reason only the "good guys" are likely to beat Peter Pan: His games are only for the pure in heart.

VIDEO: Once Upon a Time Season 3, 'Ariel' Sneak Peek in YouTube clip

Source: YouTube/AllAtOncer

Once Upon a Time Season 3 is delighting many fans for its improved pace, richer story connections and new characters. Soon, viewers will meet Baelfire's grandfather in an anticipated flashback. Also coming up is Regina's soulmate arc with - most likely- Robin Hood.

More 'Once Upon a Time Season 3' and TV Guide Features:

Once Upon a Time Season 3 Spoilers: Ariel, Ursula and Peter Pan; Henry vs the Lost Boys; Captain Hook Decides after the Swan Kiss [VIDEO]
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