Henry goes to his mother, Emma, who abandoned him in his childhood, and tells her about the town of Storybrooke, where fairy tale characters live and have been robbed of their memories by a magical curse.
The Evil Queenn, Regina Mills, stops at nothing in order to keep Emma out of Storybrooke and Henry's life.
At Henry's request, Emma convinces Mary Margaret to read to a comatose man in the hospital.
Emma attempts to aid a young pregnant woman run away from the clutches of Mr. Gold.
While flashbacks appear, the story goes back to the past to take a look at Jiminy Cricket.
David finds himself conflicted between his blossoming feelings for Mary Margaret and his marriage to Kathryn.
Graham begins to recall details of his life before Storybrooke, while flashbacks reveal the Evil Queen's attempt to get rid of Snow White.
Gold and Regina engage in dirty politics and go in opposite directions, when Emma runs against Sidney for the position of Sheriff.
Emma attempts to rescue two children from foster care by locating their biological father.
Mary Margaret contends with her feelings for David, while the arrival of a mysterious person in Storybrooke causes Emma and Regina to be suspicious.
Sidney seeks Emma's help to unearth evidence that could reveal Regina's corruption.
After his house is burgled, Emma has doubts that Gold is seeking vigilante justice.
David finally accepts to come clean to Kathryn about his affair with Mary Margaret, as flashbacks reveal Charming aiding Princess Abigail on a risky mission.
Flashbacks reveal when Grumpy became infatuated with a fairy.
David is questioned about Kathryn's sudden disappearance, and Ruby is hired as Emma's assistant.
Following her arrest for the suspected murder of Kathryn, Mary Margaret turns to Gold to be her lawyer.
While looking for Mary Margaret, Emma becomes trapped in a strange man's house.
Emma resumes her search for evidence of Mary Margaret's innocence, as flashbacks show why the Evil Queen hates Snow White.
Regina's plot for Mary Margaret is foiled after Kathryn surprisingly returns.
August's true identity is uncovered as his condition gets worse.
Regina joins forces with Jefferson to eliminate Emma, as flashbacks reveal Snow's attempts to be with Charming after the Evil Queen abducted him.
Emma and Regina have to team up to rescue Henry, while flashbacks reveal Charming's attempt to rescue Snow following his escape from the Evil Queen.