[s5e16] Our Decay -

Rebecca Mader’s performance as Zelena received praise for balancing "unabashed evil" with her deep-seated abandonment issues.

Snow and David find a way to communicate with their son, Neal, back in Storybrooke using a "haunted" phone booth. Critical Reception

Hades continues to pursue Zelena, revealing that his heart was stopped by his brother, Zeus, and can only be restarted by "True Love's Kiss." He expresses his desire to rule the Underworld with Zelena by his side, claiming they are kindred spirits due to their shared history of abandonment and resentment. [S5E16] Our Decay

Zelena attempts to steal the Scarecrow’s brain to fuel a time-travel spell. She is confronted by Dorothy Gale, who has returned to Oz to protect her friends. During her quest, Zelena encounters Hades, who reveals he wants to help her.

"Our Decay" is the 16th episode of the fifth season of the ABC fantasy drama Once Upon a Time, originally airing on April 3, 2016. The episode is pivotal for its introduction of the romantic dynamic between Zelena (the Wicked Witch) and Hades, the ruler of the Underworld. Plot Summary Rebecca Mader’s performance as Zelena received praise for

Hades reveals his vulnerability, explaining that he either needs True Love's Kiss to restart his heart or must use time travel to switch places with Zeus.

The episode alternates between the Underworld in the present day and a flashback to Oz. Zelena attempts to steal the Scarecrow’s brain to

This episode establishes the "WickedHades" ship. Reviewers from Daps Magic noted that their interaction, including a ride on Dorothy's bicycle, had "all the makings of a date" and added depth to both villains.