Regina Mills, also known as the Evil Queen, is one of the most complex characters in Once Upon a Time. Her journey from a vengeful villain to a beloved leader is filled with pain, redemption, and transformation. By the end of the series, Regina gets a bittersweet resolution, crowned the Good Queen of a united realm. But it raises the question: did Regina truly deserve a happier ending, especially considering her evil self achieved redemption too?
Regina’s story is one of contrasts—darkness and light, vengeance and forgiveness, hatred and love. To answer this question, we need to explore both sides of her journey and what it means for someone to deserve happiness.
When we first meet Regina, her evil is undeniable. She curses an entire realm, separates families, and wreaks havoc out of sheer spite. Her hatred for Snow White, rooted in an old betrayal, fuels her darkest deeds. But as her backstory unfolds, it’s clear her villainy stems from heartbreak, manipulation, and a lifetime of abuse—especially at the hands of her mother, Cora.
Regina’s pain doesn’t excuse her actions, but it does provide context. Her villainous persona, the Evil Queen, becomes a manifestation of her inner torment. What makes Once Upon a Time compelling is its willingness to show that even the most irredeemable-seeming characters can change.
Regina’s path to redemption is long and arduous. She loses her son Henry’s trust, grapples with her past sins, and faces her worst fears head-on. Most importantly, Regina begins to seek happiness not through vengeance but by doing good.
One of her most significant moments of growth comes when she separates herself from the Evil Queen, literally pulling her dark side out of her. This act symbolizes her willingness to confront and accept the darkest parts of herself. Remarkably, even her evil self finds redemption, ultimately choosing to spread good rather than destruction.
If the Evil Queen, a character born of Regina’s darkest impulses, can find peace and a new purpose, it begs the question: shouldn’t Regina herself be afforded the same?
By the series finale, Regina achieves much: she reconciles with her son, earns the respect of her peers, and becomes the Good Queen of a united kingdom. It’s a powerful conclusion, but it’s also tinged with loneliness. Unlike other characters who find love or a clear sense of personal happiness, Regina’s ending is more about duty and legacy.
While her growth is undeniable, some fans argue that Regina deserved a more personal happy ending—perhaps finding love again or being surrounded by a family of her own choosing. After all, if her evil self could find peace, shouldn’t her reformed self enjoy more than just a title and responsibility?
One of the most profound themes in Once Upon a Time is that happiness isn’t about deserving—it’s about earning. Regina earns her redemption through countless sacrifices and acts of selflessness. She proves time and again that she’s capable of love, empathy, and hope.
Still, the idea of “deserving” happiness often ties back to whether we, as viewers, feel satisfied with a character’s arc. For many fans, Regina’s ending felt incomplete—not because she didn’t earn her redemption, but because her personal happiness seemed secondary to her role as a ruler.
What might a happier ending for Regina look like? Perhaps it’s a moment where she’s surrounded by family—Emma, Snow, Henry, and even her adopted sister Zelena. Or maybe it’s a new love story, showing that even after all her pain, Regina can open her heart again.
Regina’s story reminds us that redemption is a journey, not a destination. While her ending honors her transformation, it leaves room for interpretation—and perhaps even hope—that her happiest days are yet to come.
Regina’s story is one of the most powerful in Once Upon a Time. Her journey from the Evil Queen to the Good Queen shows that change is always possible, no matter how dark your past may be. But whether her ending is truly happy depends on how you view her journey.
Did Regina deserve a happier ending? Perhaps. But maybe her greatest happiness lies in knowing she overcame her darkness and became a beacon of hope for others. And perhaps, like her journey, her ending is just the beginning of a new chapter.
What do you think? Did Regina’s ending feel satisfying, or do you believe she deserved more? Let’s discuss in the comments below!
