Fans are still reeling over the departure of the Arendelle sisters from Storybrooke in the midseason finale of "Once Upon A Time" season 4, but things will start to get exciting once again when Ursula, Cruella, and Maleficent give the town a visit. 

Viewers are wondering why the queens of darkness are hanging out together. Since this is "Once Upon A Time" where fairy tale characters bump into each other on a regular basis, there is really nothing surprising here.  It is, nonetheless, exciting to see the three together and to discover what kind of havoc they will wreak and how their presence would disrupt the lives of the townsfolk.

When asked how "101 Dalmatians'" Cruella de Vil happens to land in Storybrook, series co-creator Adam Horowitz explained, "The traditional Cruella from the classic animated movie has been a jumping off point for our own rendition. If viewers watch what we have in store, you'll see that while honoring some of the history behind the character, we're putting a twist on Cruella's background that involves the Enchanted Forest and a dollop of magic." 

And since Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff are already out of Storybrooke, it means that in addition to the three villainous women, this season could accommodate more characters. One of the expected characters to visit the Enchanted Forest when "Once Upon A Time" returns next year is Ariel, played by JoAnna Garcia Swisher. The series co-creator teased that she will indeed reappear in the show in the coming episodes. 

"You will see her within the first half of 4B. There may be some other returns that we're not ready to confirm yet, from our past years," Horowitz said. 

Ariel first appeared in the sixth episode of season 3, and stayed for four episodes. 

Meanwhile, E! Online assured fans that Robin Hood and the Evil Queen's story is not yet over, despite the fact that Robin had to leave Storybrooke to be with his wife, Maid Marian. But the couple should do everything that they can to avoid Rumplestiltskin, because he will do everything that he can to have Belle back, even if it means using Robin to lure Regina to return Belle. 

Also, Horowitz clarified that "Fantasia's" Yen Sid will not appear in "Once Upon A Time," contrary to fan theories claiming that the character is the one writing the stories. 

According to Horowitz, "There are some assumptions that characters are making, and that stuff will be cleared up very quickly in 4B. But yes, everyone is assuming that that's the Sorcerer's mansion. And some are wondering if he is or isn't the Author..." 

The question about who the Sorcerer and the Author are may be answered as soon as "Once Upon A Time" returns on March 1 next year.