Storybrooke became a full-on battlefield this week, as good and evil finally clashed on the March 10 episode of Once Upon A Time. And in the end, one major character’s life was lost, dramatically tipping the scales in the ongoing war for power.

OK, let’s not beat around the bush: Cora (Barbara Hershey) was the episode’s much-hyped casualty, as Snow (Ginnifer Goodwin) used the magic candle to exchange the evil sorceress’ life for Mr. Gold (Robert Carlyle), who was dying from Hook’s (Colin O’Donoghue) poison.

The kicker, of course, is that the spell wouldn’t have worked were it not for Regina (Lana Parrilla) interfering. She wanted to know if her mother could ever really love her, so she re-inserted Cora’s heart into her body, which is what triggered the spell. Cora and Regina enjoyed a nice — albeit extremely brief — mother-daughter moment, before being separated once again. For good.

Needless to say, Regina has more reason than ever for wanting Snow dead.

Cora & Rumples’ Bad Romance

But Cora’s death wasn’t the only surprising development for the Mother of All Evil this week. Through flashbacks, we learned that young Cora — played to eerie perfection by Rose McGowan — made a deal with Rumpelstiltskin, enabling her to spin straw into gold. But business quickly turned to pleasure as Cora and Rumples fell in love!

Spinning straw into gold earned Cora the prince’s hand in marriage, and she almost left it all behind to be with the bad-skinned imp — but then she didn’t. Instead, she ripped out her own heart so she’d be able to choose ambition over love without feeling like such a bitch.

Question: Cora’s (broken) deal with Rumples was that she’d have her first born with him, but that doesn’t mean Regina is his daughter, does it? I don’t think so, but I wouldn’t put it past this show to surprise viewers by forming another familial connection between the characters.

In present-day Storybrooke, as Mr. Gold lay dying, he shared a surprisingly touching moment with the all-grown-up version of the witch he once loved. Cora told him he was the only man she’d ever loved, and then she kissed him, which was kind of gross. As I said before, the tables quickly turned, sending Cora to her grave instead of Gold.

HollywoodLifers, what did you think of this week’s episode? Were you hoping someone else would be the victim? And how do you think this turn of events will affect Storybrooke’s future? Drop a comment with your theories!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Once Upon A Time on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Once Upon A Time’: A Major Death & More Scoop From Sunday’s Episode
2. ‘Once Upon A Time’ Spoilers: Snow’s Revenge, Peter Pan’s Arrival & More
3. ‘Once Upon A Time’ Recap: Snow Suffers Another Tragic Loss

Once Upon A Time may not be on every week (damn you, award shows!) but when it is, it’s on fire! The epic second season continues with another all-new episode March 10, and it literally has every ingredient for a perfect hour — including a game-changing death! HollywoodLife.com got an early look at Sunday’s episode, and we’ve got five spoiler-y gems to tide you over until all is finally revealed.

Five Spoilers From ‘Once Upon A Time’ Season 2, Episode 16:

1. Who’s dying? You’ve heard a lot about this Sunday’s game-changing death — from promos, interviews, etc. — but let me add my two cents on the matter: You will NOT be disappointed by the magnitude of this. It’s not like watching Daniel die (twice), or watching Snow’s portly housemaid get thrown out a window. No, sir. This death will absolutely change the direction of the series, as well as add fuel to an already dangerous feud.

2. Snow Black: The past few episodes have hinted at a darker direction for Snow White (Ginnifer Goodwin), and after Sunday’s episode, you’ll know for certain whether or not she’s going to give into her forbidden urges. She’s faced with a familiar life-or-death decision, and this time, her choice will surprise you.

3. Bad romance: A surprise romantic pairing is revealed this Sunday — one you probably didn’t even think was possible. All I can say is that the truth tends to come out in extremely dire situations.

4. Cora’s history: Flashbacks are hit-or-miss on Once Upon A Time, but this Sunday’s look back at Cora’s past is definitely a hit. Not only is Rose McGowan literally the perfect choice to play younger Cora, but you’ll learn something very unsettling about her past that could very well affect her future. Actually, make that everyone‘s future.

5. Do you believe in Emma? The savior of Storybrooke (Jennifer Morrison) gets another chance to flex her magical muscles, as a vicious battle ensues between good and evil. That’s all I can say.

HollywoodLifers, who do YOU think will bite the dust this Sunday? And which surprise pairing will emerge? Drop me a comment with your predictions, and check back Sunday after the show for our full recap!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Once Upon A Time on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Once Upon A Time’ Spoilers: Snow’s Revenge, Peter Pan’s Arrival & More
2. ‘Once Upon A Time’ Recap: Snow Suffers Another Tragic Loss
3. ‘Once Upon A Time’ Recap: Mr. Gold Finally Finds His Son

The witch is back! Rose McGowan is set to play young Cora (Barbara Hershey) on an upcoming episode of Once Upon A Time — the show that literally doesn’t know the meaning of ‘too many flashbacks’ — according to HollywoodLife.com‘s sister site Deadline. Rose’s episode, airing in 2013, will explain how Cora became the Mother of All Evil she is today.

When we last saw Cora on the Dec. 2 winter finale of Once Upon A Time, she was sailing into present-day Storybrooke with Captain Hook (Colin O’Donoghue) in tow. We also learned — much to the surprise of absolutely no one — that Cora was the mysterious Queen of Hearts.

Not only is this brilliant casting — Rose is the spitting image of a young Babs — but hot damn, I’ve missed seeing Rose on my TV screen. After co-starring on Charmed for four seasons as the bastard sister of Piper (Holly Marie Combs) and Phoebe Halliwell (Alyssa Milano), Rose took a brief break from TV. She eventually joined Nip/Tuck for five episodes in 2009, and made a special appearance on Law & Order: SVU in 2011.

Most of her post-Charmed career has played out on the big screen in movies like 2007′s Grindhouse — which you need to see if you haven’t, because it’s amazing — and 2011′s Conan the Barbarian.

Are you excited to see Rose back on TV, and playing another witch no less? Drop a comment with your thoughts on her new role!

Deadline

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Once Upon A Time on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘Once Upon A Time’ Recap: Did Emma & Snow Return To Storybrooke?
2. ‘Once Upon A Time’ Recap: Snow & Charming Reunite — And It’s Hot
3. ‘Once Upon A Time’: Are Sparks Flying Between Charming & Ruby?

Rose McGowan, 39, was supporting ‘Kisses for the Troops’ on Veteran’s Day in New York on Nov. 12, by donating the first kiss to be sent to our troops with Maybelline’s Pearly Pink lipstick! At the event, hosted by Cosmopolitan and Maybelline, Rose shared her EXCLUSIVE beauty secrets with HollywoodLife.com!

The cause was founded by Cosmopolitan and Maybelline New York in efforts to support our troops overseas, and it does so by donating $1 to the United Service Organization for every girl who kisses a postcard. The postcards were then delivered to the servicemen overseas as well as to the many troops in New York City helping with the Hurricane Sandy relief effort. What a great cause!

At the event, which was held at Times Square, Rose opened up to HollywoodLife.com about her beauty secrets, and her favorite new lipstick.

“I love this Maybelline lipstick, Pearly Pink. It’s very 50’s looking. I kind of love that feel and that period right now,” said the actress. And Rose said that your lips are not the only place that lipstick can be used: “Lipstick is what I would take to a desert island. You can use it on your eyes, your cheeks, and on your nails for shine.”

If you too love a pink lipstick, try Maybelline’s ColorSensational Pearl Lipcolor in Pearly Pink!

What do YOU think of Maybelline’s Pearly Pink lipstick, HollywoodLifers?

More Beauty News:

1. Kim Kardashian Goes Makeup Free – Hot Or Not? Sound Off
2. Kristen Stewart’s ‘Breaking Dawn 2′ Glam Waves: Tips From Her Stylist
3. Victoria Justice’s ‘GL’ Cover: See Her Dazzling Holiday Look

Rose McGowan, you’ve turned heads and raised eyebrows your whole career.  Make sure your big day is no different!  Go out on the town and make a splash — your birthday should be a truly “charmed” event!

Happy birthday, Rose McGowan! With the stars at a critical point of transformation in your chart, you’re probably relieved that you can clear your title as a good witch on ‘Charmed’ and start anew. Planetary transits this coming year suggest this path might have something to do with your fecund mind and humanitarian aims, so don’t throw away your magic wand just yet — it’s about to start casting some magically positive spells in your real life!

Click here for more details at Astrology.com.

To get Rose McGowan‘s intense orange-red lipstick, you need a product that is packed with pigment. Hourglass Cosmetics Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick does not disappoint.

The shade Raven will get you Rose’s vibrant hue of choice, but remember to wear a neutral outfit, like the gorgeous cream colored dress, if you’re going to try such a hot lipstick shade. You don’t want to go overboard with your entire look!

–Eden Univer

Rose McGowan is known for her role in the WB’s Charmed, but she’s had an amazing twenty year career already! Get all the details at Astrology.com!
Happy birthday, Rose McGowan! With the stars at a critical point of transformation in your chart, you’re probably relieved that you can clear your title as a good witch on ‘Charmed’ and start anew. Planetary transits this coming year suggest this path might have something to do with your fecund mind and humanitarian aims, so don’t throw away your magic wand just yet — it’s about to start casting some magically positive spells in your real life!

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Megan Fox is going to be Robert Rodriguez’s next muse! The will star in his remake of the 1985 film Red Sonja, according to the London Sun. Red Sonja was a scantily-clad, sword-wielding character in the comic book series Conan The Barbarian — which is also being made into a separate, unrelated movie.

Rodriguez has been planning to remake the 1985 original, starring Brigitte Nielsen and Arnold Schwarzenegger, for awhile — and he even wanted to cast his ex-fianceé, Rose McGowan, in the part. But Rob and Rose are over, and she actually took a role in the new Conan The Barbarian remake, so Megan is the next sultry, raven-haired beauty in line!

The director says that financial struggles on the production side is causing delays.  “If I kept the project myself, we could’ve just made it,” Robert confesses. “But it belonged to another company that had financing problems.”

Hopefully the problems are behind them, because we’d really love to see Megan try her hand at an action role. After all, it worked for Angelina Jolie in Tomb Raider! —Corynne Steindler

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