In anticipation of tonight’s Belle-centric episode of ONCE UPON A TIME, a pivotal one that promises to set into motion a chain of events that will dramatically change Storybrooke as fans known it as the hit ABC series heads towards the culmination of its second season, theTVaddict.com recently was afforded the opportunity to chat with Belle’s affable small screen alter-ego Emilie de Ravin. Find out what she had to say for yourself, after the jump.
Emilie de Ravin: I had no bloody clue! I mean I’ve acted on many jobs where I thought characters had a really good connection — be it a romantic or friendships — but nothing has been anything like this. This is like “Brangelina!” I love working with Bobby [Robert] Carlyle and that first episode, which is still one of my favorites, was just perfect in terms of writing and our chemistry which just clicked.. It allowed audiences to really invest in the characters and develop strong feelings about Rumple and Belle.
Not more fun, just different. It’s a challenge, which is what I look for in roles and they’re sure giving it to me on this. This is a show that I could not foresee ever getting bored with. Like LOST, the things that come out of the writer’s room are pretty amazing. Lacey [Belle’s latest incarnation courtesy of Regina’s spell] looks completely different, is armed with a completely different attitude, she’s playing cool, doing shots. [Editor’s Note: In response to whether or not the show had to call in a stunt double for the pool scenes, Ravin had this to say, “Oh God no that would be horrible, can you imagine a stunt “pool” guy!? I’m by no means a professional but I’m pretty good.”]
I think there’s going to be a mixture of emotions for everyone about every character. But specifically in terms of my character, I kind of don’t want to give that away because there is a lot that happens with “Rumpbelle,” [Laughs] I’ve even jumped on calling them that, which I’m not sure is either sad or cool!
I don’t think one tops another, they’re just completely different in really cool ways. They address very, very, different happenings but I’m pretty sure people will have a lot of emotions throughout the finale, tearful, happy, but in a good way.
Not yet. Adam and Eddy are really good at addressing things at the right time for the right reasons, so if I had to guess I’m sure Belle’s time in the Asylum will be revealed and talked about, but there is no plans to do so on this second season. 
ONCE UPON A TIME airs Sundays at 8PM on ABC (8PM on CTV Two in Canada) Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv. More info about the show can be found at ABC.com