Post — Aaron Ngo

Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.

Hope Mikaelson went full-on Buffy in this week’s episode. Oddly enough, Alexis Denisof was introduced in this episode as the new headmaster of the Salvatore School, bringing Harry Potter vibes. I love this series for not caring or being self-aware of the similarities to this overdone genre. Danielle Rose Russell conveys heartbreak so beautifully… reuniting with Landon Kirby this episode was almost too much for her to bear.

Watching Alaric and Hope, to go back on the Buffy similarities, was super reminiscent of the beginnings of Giles and Buffy during first season. Although, this obviously isn’t their first meeting, the elements are still there as Alaric has no memory of Hope but feels the connection and muscle memory. Hope’s confession is another great example of Russell’s natural ability to cry on command. Legacies’ storyline is beginning to take shape as these monsters are coming back for something. Perhaps, they’re supposed to kill Hope before she becomes a full-on tribrid. That might be part of the reason for their weekly returns, but I’m expecting more surprises along the way: What is Malivore’s grand plan?

Alexis Denisof is too familiar with playing this type of character. His limited interaction with Josie at the end of the episode has me thinking they’ll dive into dark magic for the upcoming story arc on the Salvatore School learning offensive magic. Saying he’s a dark professor of the mystic arts might not be an exaggeration. A Harry Potter type character to put it quite frankly.

Bianca Santos as Maya is interesting to have around. Hope’s going to need new friends this season, and having this girl save the day—clothes, makeup, lip gloss—was quite a high school thing. I’m excited to see how this friendship will develop later on.

Josie and Landon are going through angst romance issues, awkwardness, uncertainty, and codependency. The writers are trying to sell us on their romance, and I do see the positive side of them being together, but I will always ship Hope & Landon. Josie and Landon are ultimately an obstacle to that love story in my opinion, and if I’m wrong… well, I can’t be wrong. Right?

MG’s love for Lizzie is on hold. However, MG and Kaleb’s vampire bromance is pretty nice, which is what I’d rather watch for the rest of the season. I’m glad they’re keeping MG and Kaleb’s close friendship from the first season and developing as a teenage version of the Salvatore brothers.

Lizzie and Sebastian will be… something. Lizzie’s whole character arc is refreshing after last year’s self-torment and toxic behavior. MG deserves better, so I hope he finally gets over Lizzie and finds a new love interest like Kaleb’s sister? Maybe?

Overall, monster of the week (Cyclops) was great! Alaric and Hope teamed up at the high school! Hope talking to Landon about their problems again… my heart broke. Everything was set-up so beautifully for all parties involved. The cliffhanger wants me to suspect the new headmaster, but Alexis Denisof needs to stay on the show past season two. Please…

back to blog