“Once Upon a Time” composer Mark Isham may be in a bit of trouble. Isham recently posted on Instagram a photograph of music notes for episode 12, and they appear to reveal the return of a major character.

It’s no secret that the ABC fairy-tale drama is welcoming back previously killed characters as part of its Underworld storyline. Cruella De Vil (Victoria Smurfit), Cora (Barbara Hershey), Prince Henry (Tony Perez) and others all will interact with the Storybrooke heroes when they make their way to hell to rescue Hook (Colin O’Donoghue). However, the return of one character was never addressed, that of Neal (Michael Raymond-James).

Isham has since removed the Instagram post, but a “Once Upon a Time” spoiler account on Twitter was able to save the image. The photo shows “music spotting notes” for Season 5, episode 12, titled “Souls of the Departed.” The words “Neal’s Warning” can be read beneath the title.

Viewers will remember that Neal, aka Baelfire, was Emma’s (Jennifer Morrison) first love and the father of Henry (Jared Gilmore). He died in Season 3 because of Zelena’s (Rebecca Mader) attempt to gain control of Neal’s father, Rumplestiltskin (Robert Carlyle). Rumple merged with Neal to try to save him, but unfortunately that was not enough. Emma was forced to say goodbye to Neal after using magic to separate the father and son.

So, does Isham’s photo hint that Raymond-James could be reprising his role as Neal? It would certainly make things interesting.

The rules of the Underworld are still not laid out for “Once Upon a Time” fans, so it’s possible Neal could be hanging with the other departed fairy-tale characters. If Neal were to be there, it would put Emma in a difficult spot. Right now, her game plan is give Hook half her heart to bring him back to the side of the living. But would she be able to handle rescuing Hook and not the father of her child? Of course, there is always Rumple. Now that he has the power of all the Dark Ones, there is no telling what he’s capable of. He may be able to work his own spell to resurrect Neal.

“Once Upon a Time” Season 5 returns to ABC Sunday, March 6, at 8 p.m. EST. Would you like to see Neal come back to the show? Tweet @AmandaTVScoop.

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