It sounds like the second half of Once Upon a Time's fifth season may reference Neal (Michael Raymond-James) in some way.

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Once Upon a Time co-creator Edward Kitsis spoke with TVLine, answering a question about Neal being mentioned now that our heroes are going through the Underworld.

"I would think that it would be very disappointing for Emma [Jennifer Morrison] to go down there and not have somebody talk about Neal," Kitsis teased.

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Neal was last seen in the season 3 finale, with Emma holding him in her arms as he died. They made peace with each other, as he wished her and Henry (Jared Gilmore) happiness even if he wasn't there with her.

The Underworld will be significant for many of our heroes, especially Emma. Kitsis' fellow co-creator Adam Horowitz revealed as much in a different interview with TVLine:

"That impetus is the tip of the iceberg," Horowitz noted, of the Underworld. "That's just our entry way to another world and a wealth of stories that impact all our characters."

As for Emma in particular, Horowitz said that she "comes to terms with the fact that her role as Savior is just beginning," as she enters the Underworld.

Emma is also on the hunt to find Hook (Colin O'Donoghue) so between that and Neal, it's looking to be an emotional rollercoaster for Emma.

Once Upon a Time returns for the second half of season 5 on Sunday, March 6 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Watch a preview for the upcoming 100th episode of Once Upon a Time below:

Tags: Once Upon A Time television ABC