I wouldn't mind so much about Regina's motivation if it weren't a single act that happened (in terms of the story's own chronology) something like 50 years ago. That's no longer an acceptable catalyst.

It's not handled super great, but it's way, way more believable than Regina's. Rumple is constantly shown not only being conflicted and cowardly, but he's also been shown to almost always have a vindicated reason for the things he does. He's also never trusted by anyone. Nobody likes him, nobody trusts him, it isn't…

I am definitely at least interested to see what this does for her, up until this point I have just been really frustrated that the show seems to equate "Not actively hating your child" with "Now I'm a redemptive character."

Like "she's not a saint" is a hilarious way to describe someone who literally committed genocide.

I would be totally fine with that, if the series actually spent any amount of time noticing that she was never indicted for anything that she actually has done. The show completely forgot about her killing the sheriff, never called her out on putting people through decades of torture, etc.

She's not complicated at all, she's just selfish. Her only tragic moment was when her fiance was murdered, which she then blamed on a ten year old girl. She then murdered thousands of people. And no one cares.

I cannot believe that this show seriously wants the viewers to sympathize with Regina in any fashion. Here is a quick list of things that she has done:

I see POWER.

Sarah is the worst. Whether or not Amber is making a mistake, she has only been petty, misleading, and passive aggressive the whole time.

I can't believe anyone can take the Red Queen and her stupid duck mouth lips, or Jafar and his Prince hair, seriously.