Is Anyone Else Disappointed That Henry Didn't End Up With Cinderella at the End of Once Upon a Time?

The Redemption of Villains in Once Upon a Time

As the series drew to a close, one question consistently rumbled through the minds of fans: Why didn't Henry end up with Cinderella? The reasons for this are deeply rooted in the show's themes and the complex character arcs of its main antagonists.

Drizella, the stepdaughter from the Little Brother arc, was, indeed, a bit redeemed in one particular instance. She managed to save Anna from Facilier, earning temporary praise. However, this minor redemption wasn't enough to completely erase her villainous past. In contrast, consider Regina and Rumple, arguably the two biggest villains in the series. Both acquired their happy endings, dramatically changing their statuses. Their stories suggest a nuanced view of villain redemption.

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The Central Theme of Villain Redemption

The show gave us a clear statement: villains do not receive a happy ending. The transformation of Regina from a complex dark soliloquist to the Good Queen and Rumple from a heartless usurper to a redeemed father and grandfather exemplifies this theme. However, it's crucial to understand that this is not a strict rule. Just because a character’s arc doesn't follow this pattern doesn’t mean they remain unredeemed.

One of my contenders for the list of dark villains include the Black Fairy and the Blue Fairy, both of whom met similar fates. Each character's journey was marked by significant losses, suggesting that while redemption may be possible, happy endings are not always part of the package.

Villain vs. Antihero

This leads us to an important distinction: villains and antiheroes are not necessarily the same. Neal, Robin Hood, and Marion all faced tragic endings without major redemptions. Their stories, like those of villains who don't receive happy endings, don't make them villains. The absence of a happy ending doesn't automatically label someone a villain. Rather, it can indicate a tragic or morally complicated arc.

The Case of Henry Mills

Returning to our initial question, why would Henry, a character evolved from the foundling of Rose Red, not have ended up with Cinderella? Given the extensive character development of Cinderella, her moral growth, and her compatibility with Henry's journey, it seems a natural progression in the narrative to see Henry and Cinderella together. The negative portrayal of Drizella in the series provides a strong contrast, highlighting why the show might steer clear of a potential pairing.

Moreover, Cinderella's character represents hope, resilience, and transformation, values that align well with Henry's own story. The show often juxtaposed moments of darkness with hope, making Cinderella a fitting partner for Henry in his continuing transformation.

Conclusion

Henry Mills deserved a connection with Cinderella, a character who embodies the elements of growth, hope, and transformation that his journey mirrors. While Drizella's minor redemption attempts were not enough to sway her from villainy, Henry’s journey demanded a hero as a counterpart. Whether through the show’s narrative or through any future reimaginings, the pairing of Henry and Cinderella is a narrative we cannot help but hope for.

Keywords: Once Upon a Time, Henry Mills, Cinderella, Drizella, Villain Redeeming