Legacies 4×10, “The Story of My Life,” utilizes most of the show’s strengths in an episode that dares to turn over a new leaf as it introduces gods and Heretic Lizzie. It’s a fun episode that leans into The Vampire Diaries lore rather than away from it. Even a few deep-cut references to The Originals make the viewing experience even better.
The Originals is no stranger to the Chambre de Chasse, which makes Hope’s line (and Danielle Rose Russell‘s delivery), “I’m from New Orleans. You can skip the lecture,” even sweeter. The set-up with all the doors feels reminiscent of when Hayley and Hope had to save Elijah behind the Red Door — if you know, you know.
Though it may be frustrating for some that Legacies doesn’t follow Hope into any of the doors, it’s good that the show isn’t giving her an easy trip back to her humanity. If she were to see Klaus, Landon, or anyone else on the other side of those doors, it would have caused Hope to confront her humanity — there is no question about that.
Lizzie busting through is the loophole Hope needs to push off the inevitable. The constant delays will make the day when she does flip her switch back on even more brutal, and Russell will surely knock that scene out of the park.
As for the other Saltzman twin, of course, it is an adjustment to watch an episode of Legacies without Kaylee Bryant amongst the Super Squad members as Josie Saltzman. But, thankfully, it seems as though the show knows it would be odd not to mention that she left, especially from someone so close to her, like MG.
Similarly, it’s exciting that “The Story of My Life” finally gives Ben Levin some more material to work with as Jed, and it looks like that’ll only continue as the season progresses.
Because, for example, “The Story of My Life” is only the beginning for Ben and Jed. Their scene by the fire at the end of the episode could not be more romantically coded, and they both toss around some loaded glances. So if I can’t have MG and Ethan (or MG, Lizzie, and Ethan) yet, I will ship this lovable werewolf and sweet god — only on Legacies.
Maybe Legacies will get to a point sometime soon when all of these couples are canon. Wouldn’t that be nice?
Until then, Zane Phillips is a wonderful addition to the show. Gods are a bizarre concept to bring into any show, and it’s ironic to watch unique supernatural creatures grapple with that concept. Hope is a one-of-a-kind Tribrid, and she struggles to wrap her head around the beings. It’s funny! As for Ben’s story, well, that’s anything but comical.
Ben’s past is laced in tragedy (as are many of the gods’ stories), but it’s intriguing to know all of it didn’t harden him. It’s almost expected for it to make him rash or give in to the power that courses through his blood. But instead, he remains incredibly attentive and caring. He has a lot of heart despite the pressure that weighs on his shoulders.
That characterization sounds very familiar as plenty of the characters on Legacies grapple with similar stressors — hence, Jed’s invitation for Ben to stay at the Salvatore School. Of course, it’s still unclear how that place is up and running despite everything that’s happened, but it’s nice to see the purpose of its creation reinforced through Ben’s introduction. It’s equally great to see Legacies stop the monster problem before it starts.
This show has some pitfalls it has a knack for falling into, and monsters are one. After Malivore’s demise, it seemed like Legacies would finally deter from adding monsters to every episode as a source of conflict and let it stem directly from the characters. However, Ben’s arrival on Legacies 4×09, “I Can’t Be the One to Stop You,” makes it seem like the monsters are back in full force.
“The Story of My Life” is a welcome fake-out as the monster problem doesn’t last the entire episode. Plus, its existence ties to something much larger that is not Malivore. The Vampire Diaries details the creation of vampires through the introduction of the Mikaelson family, and it seems like Legacies will finally answer the question of the creation of witches.
Ben’s curse for bringing fire, i.e., magic to humans, is the monsters, but the effects of that magic have to be witches’ genesis. If that is the case, that makes Ben an influential character on the show as he isn’t just another being to stay at the Salvatore School; he’s pivotal to the development of supernatural beings.
As for developing a particular Heretic, Jenny Boyd could not be having more fun as Lizzie Saltzman learns about her vampire powers. Everything is perfect characterization, from Lizzie geeking out about her fangs to being grossed out when she drinks blood for the first time. Boyd and Danielle Rose Russell‘s work together keeps getting better and better!
Sadly, Lizzie’s trip to see Caroline for advice is a lie because I would love to see that. Regardless, it’s thrilling to watch Lizzie walk into this new era because it’s been so long since a vampire transformation has happened in the TVD Universe.
Furthermore, there is so much potential for Hizzie’s dynamic to develop as Lizzie becomes the eternal thorn in Hope’s side during a cross-country road trip. Putting those two in close quarters for extended periods is enough to test Hope’s humanity switch — one way or the other.
Plus, the sire bond creates rich opportunities to delve into how such a thing affects a Heretic. The Vampire Diaries explores it with Elena Gilbert (a vampire) and Tyler Lockwood (a werewolf), but Lizzie is the first of her kind to deal with it.
Legacies’ most significant pullback remains Landon, Ric, and Ted’s time in limbo as it feels like it’s moving at a glacier speed with no real endgame in sight. Hopefully, that limbo storyline will fold into everything soon enough, or it’ll feel far too disconnected, especially if the show keeps amping up the mythology with the supernatural lore.
Ideally, this is only the beginning of a brand new, magical chapter because “The Story of My Life” gives Legacies so much to work with moving forward.
Other Spelltacular Moments:
- Ben said the title!
- Vardemus wasn’t entirely fundamental to this episode, but it was fun to have him back!
- It’s good to know Whitmore College is still a thing.
- Landon talking about Rafael will always make me tear up.
- MG thinking about Ethan’s wellbeing even when he’s mad at him? I love it!
- Of course Lizzie would make cute stakes to hide in her hair.
- Hope hunting down her enemies is her leaning into a Mikaelson pastime.
- Cleo’s affinity for magical creatures makes me love her even more.
What did you think of Legacies 4×10, “The Story of My Life?” Let us know in the comments below!
Legacies airs Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW.
