Legacies Season 4 Episode 6, “You’re A Long Way From Home,” doesn’t instill great confidence that the series is free of its exhausting cycle, but every show has its growing pains. The last few episodes create such optimism in that regard, so it’s a bit of a letdown for “You’re A Long Way From Home” to fall into old trappings with familiar faces.
Even then, Legacies thrives in this darker season and its quieter moments because of the cast’s profound understanding of their characters. But, unfortunately, this show keeps circling back to villains who have overstayed their welcome. The frustration about Clarke’s return and Ted’s persistence slightly undercut Hope and Landon’s respective journeys.
Clarke and Ted are two villains who have had journeys with finite beginnings, middles, and ends, yet Legacies keeps bringing them back and attempts to make them influential to the plot. Except, that attempt falls apart at the seams in “You’re A Long Way From Home,” most obviously with Ted.
Ted and Landon’s journey in limbo could have been a solo journey with Ted. Nothing about Ted’s experiences significantly contributed to Landon’s understanding of the environment’s world. Landon’s previous knowledge on the topic informed him to suggest the spirits there have unfinished business.
The addition of Ted’s unfinished business is an unnecessary extension of his redemption arc. Nevertheless, it’s a way to prolong Landon’s confrontation with who or what’s keeping him in limbo. Plus, it serves as a way to buy time for Ric’s eventual arrival because his death isn’t permanent for some reason.
Understandably, some characters are necessary to use as plot devices. However, it’s frustrating for Ted to continue to have those opportunities when there are plenty of other memorable monsters who could coincidentally be in limbo, too.
If Legacies wants to stall, then can it bring back anyone else?
No, Ryan Clarke is not the correct answer to that question. It’s bold of Legacies to presume Hope’s humanity would try to break through because of her interactions with Clarke. Their connection is not that profound, and Clarke’s connection to humanity is too new and bizarre for that element to matter genuinely.
Not to mention, Trudy’s enthusiasm to learn about vampires is either natural (insinuating she is as big a fan as the rest of us), or she’s directly linked to Triad. Of course, both can be true, but if the latter is the reality, then “You’re A Long Way From Home” still isn’t the last time we’ll see Clarke.
Regardless, it’ll always be fun to watch Danielle Rose Russell show the range of her talents by leaning into Hope’s dark side. There aren’t enough great things to say about the dryness of her tone, her rash yet determined mannerisms, and when she chooses to use her tribrid abilities.
Hope has been around supernatural beings all her life, which her confidence in her actions (faked or otherwise) shows. However, there is one aspect of her immortality that she’s not considering. Right now, the chance that her tribrid life could end before it starts is her blind spot.
Hope’s focus on the new Triad threat makes Cleo’s knowledge about the Cherry Blossom tree stake even more intriguing. Not only would Hope not expect such a weapon, but Cleo’s decision to use it could also jeopardize the Super Squad’s trust in her.
It’s a safe bet that Kaleb would side with Cleo if it came down to that impossible choice (which it won’t, let’s be honest). Nonetheless, that won’t mean everyone else, MG and Josie specifically, would see the reason for taking such drastic measures.
Presumably, Lizzie would eventually be on the side of saving Hope’s life, but we have to wait for Legacies to answer that question. Jenny Boyd continues to deliver such beautiful, devastating, and nuanced performances week after week. “You’re A Long Way From Home” is no exception.
Undeniably, Boyd would keep that momentum up through Lizzie’s journey with the Therapy Box. That box helps keep certain plot aspects moving even when the camera doesn’t follow that specific journey. However, Legacies must follow Lizzie’s journey to receiving help.
Lizzie had battled her demons from the beginning of Legacies (even before the show premiered (if you want to be technical). Her mental health is as essential as any life-saving spell, so hopefully, the next episode will find some time to show us what is happening inside of the Therapy Box.
One of the episode’s most impactful reveals happened within the Therapy Box. If that’s any sign of Legacies‘ dedication to using that space meaningfully, then our hope in seeing the rest of Lizzie’s journey isn’t misplaced.
While we wait to see if that becomes a reality, it’s relevant to mention the effect of the grounded and vulnerable moment when Lizzie tells Josie that Lizzie needs help. That scene, along with the Finch and Josie one at the end of the episode, cuts through every supernatural element on Legacies.
Boyd and Kaylee Bryant are so excellent that it’s not even a question of whether we should find those moments relatable or not. Lizzie and Josie’s emotions and motives are so innately human, despite them both being Gemini Coven witches.
Funnily enough, the Super Squad’s fight training sequence is another shining example of the characters’ youth. They’re just trying to figure out what it means to be teenage supernatural beings, except no one is teaching them how to harness their abilities the way they would like.
Of course, they take matters into their own hands. It’s very reminiscent of Dumbledore’s Army in Harry Potter. The Super Squad’s attempts to find a feasible way to oppose Hope are as fascinating as it will eventually be to see Hope realize her blind spot. Ideally, this will come before Cleo stakes Hope in the back.
No matter this episode’s more frustrating elements, the overarching theme that these young supernatural beings are just trying to figure out how to succeed and survive makes it truly enjoyable and sometimes heartbreaking.
With Malivore of its way, Legacies has more time and space to follow the stories through by letting the characters guide the plot instead of the other way around.
Other Spelltacular Moments:
- The cold open channeling Breaking Dawn Part 2 is EVERYTHING.
- Where did all of those students come from?
- When did the Salvatore School start having regular classes again?
- So Tribrids still need to be invited inside.
- Even Hope’s blood is playing tricks on the Super Squad.
- Kaylee Bryant acting like Lizzie, whose acting like Josie, is so good.
- Josie called Freya!
- Why did Clarke realize Hope flipped her humanity switch faster than Rebekah did?
- I love how protective Jed is of the Super Squad!
- When can we learn more about Jed?
- “The world’s not gonna fall apart if Josie Saltzman breaks down a little bit.”
What did you think of “You’re A Long Way From Home?” Let us know in the comments below!
Legacies airs Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW.
