Legacies Season 2 Episode 15, “Life Was So Much Easier When I Only Cared About Myself,” takes a deep dive into what the Salvatore School looks like when Dark Josie walks the halls. This episode spotlights one of Legacies strengths — the ability to balance smart humor with gut-wrenching moments.
The hour also lets Kaylee Bryant and Jenny Boyd show off their multitude of talents as the Saltzman twins. They make me laugh one minute and break down into a puddle of tears in the next. They’re truly spelltacular.
Dark Josie is the equivalent of a vampire flipping their humanity switch. Just like the TVD squad did everything in their power to bring their fans back from the brink, the Super Squad does the same for Josie Saltzman. It’s an enduring heartwarming quality of the TVD Universe, much like the ongoing ‘Ric looks like Indiana Jones’ gag, that keeps bringing fans back.
In the process of getting to know Dark Josie, the Legacies characters reflect on the Josie they know and love that is suppressed under the dark magic. It’s quite revealing that Dark Josie describes Josie in such belittling terms, like weak and codependent.
Dark Josie underestimates the strength of Josie, and Legacies shows a little peek at that when Hope gets through to Josie during their fight. Sure, some parts of Dark Josie have always existed within Josie, but to deny that Josie could never rise above the dark magic is naive.
Hopefully Legacies is leading to a satisfactory conclusion where Josie comes out on top. Obviously, her friends and family are going to do everything they can to bring her back, but it would be even more powerful to see how much Josie can do on her own.
Just like Hope says, Josie’s feelings don’t make her weak. It would be such a powerful moment of reclamation if Josie can use what the dark magic is trying to convince her is wrong about her to become an even better and stronger woman and witch.
The slow burn between Lizzie and MG is one of the most fun dynamics to watch over the course of the series. Every moment up to their big kiss in this episode feels organic and completely in character.
One of the most refreshing and honest aspects of their relationship is that MG and Lizzie really see each other. It’s nice to be known by someone, and Lizzie and MG truly know each other.
This makes the moment when he calls Lizzie out on her extensive geek knowledge all the more touching. MG knows Lizzie is a fan of comics and things but doesn’t shame her, not publicly or privately. It’s a secret that lives with him.
Lizzie sees MG’s heart as well. She knows that he wants to be good and do good. Lizzie is always there to reassure MG that he’s more than enough. They’ve been through their tough times. But what friendship (or more) doesn’t?
They’re sort of perfect for each other. Whether it be as good friends, romantic partners, or something between, I’m convinced MG and Lizzie will always be in each other’s lives.
It feels weird to talk about these characters in terms of #ENDGAME because they are technically teenagers, so I’ll root for whatever MG and Lizzie want to be for as long as they want to be it.
Another strong bond on Legacies is the one that Landon and Rafael share. It is certainly put to the test by the end of the episode when Rafael presumably kills Landon with the only object that can permanently kill a Phoenix — a golden arrow.
I can go on and on about how nervous I am for the three lives that are now in jeopardy (Lizzie, Rafael, and Landon). For now, I want to applaud Legacies for playing the long game with Rafael’s role in the prophecy.
I began to think that Rafael couldn’t possibly be the werewolf from the prophecy, because, let’s be honest, he hasn’t been as present as I wish he would be this season. It’s clear Rafael, Hope, and Landon have a connection, but it’s a shame we don’t get to see Rafael interact with other characters that often.
That being said, the split in Rafael’s mind, regarding his memories before being killed by the Necromancer, ties directly back to the split in Rafael’s mind from the beginning of the season.
As upsetting as it is, the Necromancer uses Rafael’s vulnerable mind as a tool for his own gain. It is a smart and sneaky storyline unfolding in the background of Season 2. Just like with Josie, I hope Rafael survives and regains his free will before ending the Necromancer for good.
I want all of the Salvatore Students to come together and fight their demons. They’re stronger than they know. What can I say? I’m the Super Squad’s biggest fan.
Other Spelltacular Moments:
- Did anyone else notice the comparison of Lizzie in white and Dark Josie in black?
- More Ric ‘Indiana Jones’ Saltzman please. Seriously, I can’t get enough, and I don’t think we got enough in this episode.
- No, I didn’t yelp at the Caroline mention, you did!
- Hope Mikaelson’s superhero landing!
Legacies is new Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW.
