Once upon a time there was a television show that explored an original plot and pushed its limits. This is not that show.

So we have Alice (little known actor, Sophie Lowe) in a mental institution. Now, let’s just ignore that it’s an American 1930s institution holding a British nineteenth century character; time and space breaking in ABC’s original “Once Upon a Time” is no news. We quickly learn that Alice grew up trying to prove Wonderland’s existence to her father, but fell in love with some genie guy who dies after proposing to her. Alice’s response is to commit herself into an insane asylum. Questionable logic there, but what else can you expect from a girl who drinks mystery bottles labeled “Drink Me”?

Then, a modern Knave of Hearts (a small time character from Alice in Wonderland) comes to tell her that, surprise, Mr. Genie is actually alive somewhere. Now Alice and her brave Knave have to search for her long lost love. Sound familiar, anyone? It’s the basis of “Once Upon a Time” copy and pasted into Wonderland (to be fair, the series title provides some forewarning).

That’s not the only connection to the original series as the Knave was in Storybrooke’s cafe before devoting his time to finding Alice’s love. Of course, Wonderland itself has made an appearance in the main show along with the Mad Hatter who is referenced but unfortunately never shown in this spinoff. Emma’s car even almost hits the Knave in the beginning, which could have saved us from the following season of angst and unrequited love.

Then why even think about watching this show? The white rabbit is a serious incentive, mainly for his dapper outfit as his voice and lines are borderline annoying. The Cheshire cat makes up reason two. That character will always be the best of any Alice spinoff and his evil side just makes it all the sweeter. Lastly, anything involving Jafar. Why the writers decided to mix in Aladdin, I’ll never know, but it sure makes the villain entertaining. Seriously, just thinking about that hair makes me giggle, not to mention his attempt at menacing expressions.

But all of this could be accomplished with quick stroll down Google images and YouTube, so save your DVR storage for better purposes.