“We’re Gonna Need a Spotlight” was a refreshing change of pace for Legacies, as most of the episodes during its first season have split focus on stopping the monster of the week and character development and interactions. This time around viewers get to see the characters just be somewhat normal teenagers and adults. From rehearsing acts for the talent show to playing hooky, it was nice to see the characters just enjoy themselves for a change. Granted, some of the fun was courtesy of the characters being “infected” by a creature that lowers their inhibitions, but I’ll take what I can get. Of course, there was still the issue of preventing said creature from trying to take the urn and bring it to Malivore, but that wasn’t a major focal point for the episode. While I’m very much in like with Legacies, one of my issues is that the monster of the week and our characters trying to stop said monster from stealing the knife, and now the urn, tends to overshadow the series’ characters. And since so little time has been spent with these characters, at least compared to The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, it can be harder to actually care what happens to them, sans Hope and Alaric. Last episode did a great job of fleshing out Lizzie, so I really hope this trend continues moving forward.
Per the synopsis, tensions arise when the students face a parasite that lowers their inhibitions. While it’s extremely fun watching some of the characters act, well, out of character, I’d have to say my favorite is Hope. She’s just so unlike herself, in the very best way, and it reminds me of what she was like on The Originals, you know before she was possessed by the Hollow and lost her parents. I really do hope that she takes something from this experience, and it maybe changes the way she sees the world. As fun as brooding and wounded Hope has been, I wouldn’t mind seeing her happy on occasion, and after everything she’s been through, she deserves to be happy. As for the rest of the students, they make some decisions while infected during this episode that range from awkward and hurtful to ‘that definitely wasn’t the smartest thing to do.’ What is more interesting to me isn’t necessarily what they did this episode, although that was entertaining to watch, but it’ll be the fallout from their actions. Like Newton’s third law states, “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” As to what the actions are, I can’t say, and I’m still in the dark about most reactions, but I’m really excited to find out.
Additionally, Alaric decides to play hooky with Emma after the school’s annual talent show gets uncancelled. Yes, you read that right. While it is a very un-Alaric thing to do, it does provide for some great scenes. There may or may not be a karaoke number somewhere in the middle of the duo’s Ferris Bueller’s Day Off of sorts. What struck me about this subplot was this was really the first time in a very long time that Alaric just let go and had some fun. He has spent the entire first season so far carrying the weight of the wonder on his shoulders. Not only does he have a magical school to run, by himself, thanks to Caroline’s efforts abroad to stop the twins from merging when they turn 22, but he faces monster attacks weekly and has his hands full with Lizzie, Josie, and Hope. Not to mention, his dead fiancée came back from the dead earlier this season. It’s a wonder he’s not drunk all the time. Like Hope, Alaric deserves to be happy, and I hope he does take away something from that day. Also, it was nice to see more of Emma, especially outside the school. We don’t know much about her as a character, so there were some lines throughout the episode that let viewers get to know her a little better.
Some stray thoughts:
- The cast of Legacies is ridiculously talented. There are several musical performances this episode, and I’m not sure which one I liked best. Part of what was great was that they were all so different. Plus, the incorporation of the musical numbers felt natural due to the school’s annual talent show and other circumstances.
- Can the writers just make Kaleb and Penelope series regulars already? I’m just so invested in them, maybe even more so than MG, and I’d love to see them around on a permanent basis. And while we’re at it, why not just add Dorian into the mix. Here is a character that gets far too little screen time but always has the best lines. Also, I really just like how a character from The Vampire Diaries is a recurring character on Legacies, as it makes it more realistic that the Salvatore School is really set in Mystic Falls. Yes, we’ve had few sightings and some Easter eggs here and there, but Dorian really helps sell the narrative.
- Caroline gets another shout out and every time her character is mentioned, I’m just reminded of how much I want to see her again. Even if it’s just a quite cameo where she video chats with her daughters or Alaric, I’m dying to see Candice King reprise her role.
Remember to tune in tonight for a new episode of Legacies, airing at 9 p.m. on The CW.
So hit the comments below to let me know your thoughts. What are some of the things these characters could, and actually do, while infected? What would classify as awkward, hurtful, and ‘that definitely wasn’t the smartest thing to do’ actions. Who deserves happiness more: Hope or Alaric?
