Legacies 4×04, “See You On The Other Side,” is a transformative episode that leaves every character undeniably changed. In many ways, this episode feels like the kind of high-octave season finale we all know Legacies (and the larger TVD Universe) can pull off. That is because “See You On The Other Side” is the intended Season 3 finale.
Most overwhelmingly, this episode is the perfect incentive to tune in next week for the show’s intended Season 4 premiere because it leaves plenty to be desired. It sets several new stories and relationships in motion while tying up some very exhausted loose ends.
Unfortunately, the episode struggles to balance its tone at a few points, and a particular storyline feels rushed. Still, none of that is distracting enough to draw attention from the literal magic happening elsewhere in “See You On The Other Side.”
Legacies finally introduces the first and only of her kind — Hope Mikaelson, the tribrid. After that, the world, or at least Mystic Falls, shifts on its axis, as it should. It’s stunning to watch, and Danielle Rose Russell nails every beat.
There are subtle shifts in her performance throughout the episode that keep you entirely engaged in Hope’s transformation.
Her eyes are golden, the sky is bright red, and things will never be the same. Everything about it breathes new life into this shared universe. Supernatural mythology in the context of this universe’s lore is forever changed. It evolves with every move Hope makes, including flipping her humanity switch by the end of “See You On The Other Side.”
Her power is unfathomable and remains essentially untapped as she is mere hours into her life as a tribrid. It’s about damn time that Malivore runs away from her with fear in his eyes. Furthermore, it’s about damn time that Malivore turns into a useless puddle of mud.
His demise is three seasons in the making. Legacies wraps it up fantastically because there is a lot of lore at play, which the show usually sidelines until the final act. Some usages of said lore are more believable and practical than others.
Namely, the addition of Dark Josie comes across as more Deux ex Machina in regards to bringing Cleo back and resolving any tension between Josie and Finch than anything else. Nevertheless, it is a blast to watch Kaylee Bryant tap into such a vastly different side of Josie.
On the one hand, it’s refreshing that Legacies knows growth isn’t linear, and Josie’s acceptance of every part of herself is a long journey without a quick fix. On the other hand, the gesture of true love’s kiss with Finch is sweet, but the payoff for such a moment isn’t earned after Josie drew such a defining line merely an episode ago.
In the show’s timeline, that had to be a few hours ago, meaning Finch had such a drastic change of heart from her valid concerns about her relationship with Josie and the Merge because of a little black magic. Sure, she believed Josie’s life was in danger, and love makes people do things rashly.
That is precisely why that tension between Josie and Finch is so intriguing. It could have served Legacies well to follow it through for a while longer. Finch is new to the supernatural world, so her apprehension towards anything is valid. The same is true of Finch’s concerns that connect back to her childhood and losing her grandfather.
Exploring Finch’s perspective more intricately could lead to a better understanding of Finch on a fundamental level. That introspection could make the payoff of that true love’s kiss moment land much better.
Nevertheless, a villain with Malivore’s longevity will have lasting effects on the Super Squad, so it’s a fine detail to let Ethan and Kaleb keep their newfound abilities. Similarly, it would be baffling if Legacies didn’t give Cleo an active role in Malivore’s death after everything he put her through over the years.
But, then, things take a reasonably tragic turn with Hope’s part.
Her final moments with Landon are unsurprisingly devastating. Their fatal confrontation would never be easy. It takes direct inspiration from Buffy the Vampire Slayer 2×22, “Becoming: Part 2.” Even casual viewers of the beloved show know about the heartbreaking scene where Buffy kills Angel to save the world.
Aria Shahghasemi and Danielle Rose Russell do not disappoint in a scene where Hope makes the same brave decision by killing Landon. There is such raw emotion present between the characters that the fight to avoid getting to this moment stings even more.
Sadly and much like Bangel, fate has never been on Handon’s side, but time keeps giving them more chances to find a way to prove everyone wrong.
It’s quick, and you may miss it, but after Hope stabs him, Landon’s eyes glow like they did when he was a Phoenix. This detail is eerily similar to Tyler Lockwood’s eyes glowing in the TVD Season 1 finale. Landon’s scene with Ted at the end of “See You On The Other Side” is all the proof we need to know this is not the end of Landon Kirby.
If this isn’t the end for him, there is still a chance for Handon to rekindle things without the threat of Malivore chasing them to one of their deaths. However, Legacies appears to be taking Hope down a more intriguing path where her romantic relationships are in her rearview mirror for the time being.
It’s darker than the show has been willing to go since Season 2. “See You On The Other Side” all but confirms Landon and Ted will return to the land of the living at some point. That continued story for the Necromancer is borderline nonsensical after giving him such a defined beginning, middle, and end.
Regardless, Landon’s death isn’t permanent. Rafael is in limbo. Legacies is due a truly permanent character death, and it looks like it could be Alaric Saltzman. If Hope Mikaelson is anything like her father, she proves her points by making them count.
Klaus did the same thing by killing Carol Lockwood in TVD 4×09, “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”
As painful as it is to imagine a world where the twins have to live with that loss and Hope will eventually have to live with that guilt, Ric’s death would stir up excellent drama between previously stable dynamics. It would position Hope as a “villain.” It would open the door for new leadership at the Salvatore School.
Most importantly, it would mean the beginning of a new chapter.
Other Spelltacular Moments:
- Hope said the title!
- Ethan and Kaleb knocking on doors to spread the good word of Malivore shouldn’t be as funny as it is.
- What if I ship MG/Ethan/Lizzie? What then?
- Weird continuity thing, but The Originals established that Hayley is already at peace.
- Hope’s clothes magically coming back on her body after phasing from her werewolf form is so cool.
- The fireworks are cheesy but adorable.
- “Your grandmother turned me into a vampire once.” That quote took me BACK.
What did you think of “See You On The Other Side?” Let us know in the comments below!
Legacies airs Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW.
