Legacies Review: I Can’t Be The One To Stop You (Season 4 Episode 9)

One decision changes everything on Legacies Season 4 Episode 9, “I Can’t Be The One To Stop You.”

Season 4 of Legacies has consistently blown the prior seasons out of the water as the show moves from its previous ‘monster of the week’ format into a more storyline-based composition.

The midseason finale of Legacies is calculated and precise in how it wants to continue, bringing about a whole new set of problems for Lizzie and her future as a witch.

Lizzie and Hope’s interaction on “I Can’t Be The One To Stop You” is fun, sophisticated, well-thought-out, and an emotional rollercoaster. For a split second, there’s a possibility of Hope returning thanks to Lizzie’s passionate, heartfelt delivery as she realizes she doesn’t have it in her to kill Hope.

Lizzie’s inner realization that she can never hurt Hope because she loves her too much is a moment that has moved me like no other moment on the show. Lizzie and Hope will forever have that bond that requires a little bit of fighting between the two, but it’s all out of love deep down.

Alas, Hope’s maniacal ways shine through as she pretends to have switched her humanity back on, fooling Lizzie and destroying the oak stake in the process. Her next move, killing Lizzie, changes the game for Legacies forever.

It’s no secret that Lizzie will do just about whatever it takes to avenge her father, which is why Lizzie becoming a vampire isn’t a significant shock. Lizzie may be reckless occasionally, but she is calculated in her approach towards Hope. She knows that going up against the Tribrid alone is dangerous, which is why she had to have the backup plan she does.

Even with Hope’s humanity turned off, you can see the surprise in her eyes when Lizzie gets back up. Never in a million years would Hope have guessed Lizzie would risk the connection with her magic, which is why it’s the perfect plan.

Lizzie’s newfound vampirism brings about a brand new question: what about the Merge? If Lizzie follows through and transitions, then her connection with magic will be severed forever, ultimately ending the Merge’s horror at the same time, in theory.

But, most times, nothing is as simple as that, so there’s no telling what could happen when she transitions fully. 

One thing’s for sure; the Hizzie vibes are off the charts on “I Can’t Be The One To Stop You.” If Lizzie successfully transitions, this is the perfect opportunity to pair the two together again. I want them on a road trip with one another as Hope works to destroy the Triad, and Lizzie works to turn Hope’s humanity and save Alaric.

Another duo that has prominent progression is Cleo and Kaleb. The connection between the two has not been spoken about enough, and it’s electrifying to see Cleo reciprocate those feelings so unapologetically. The two of them have been chasing one another on different levels for quite some time, making the moment so bitter-sweet.

There has been a slow burn to Kaleb and Cleo’s relationship throughout the last season, and to see it come to fruition is marvelous. Forget Landon and Hope; Cleo and Kaleb are the new power couple in town.

Josie and Finch’s breakup is the only moment that feels significantly off throughout “I Can’t Be The One To Stop You.” Josie’s need to be on her own can be upsetting, but it’s also something that many viewers can more than likely relate with.

During a rough time in her life, Josie decides to step back and focus on herself, even moving to a different environment to do so. However, when she meets Finch, the focus switches from herself to being with Finch. She unconsciously replaced her goals for individual happiness with doing what she could to make Finch happy and wanting to be with her.

Instead of working on her issues, Josie subdues them and puts them to the side. But, that doesn’t work out in the long run for her. So, her departure is not a huge surprise. The issue that arises is how Finch comes to decide to stay at the school.

Jed is a werewolf who has had the time to train and control his abilities. He’s quite literally the Alpha of the pack. So, why is he treated like a human who’s going to be in recovery for weeks on end?

Ethan may be part monster thanks to Malivore, but all he does is break Jed’s arm with a weight. There’s nothing significantly supernatural about his injury whatsoever, which means that it should heal fairly quickly.

Finch choosing to stay to be the interim Alpha makes absolutely no sense. It would make more sense if Josie were the one to ask Finch to stay back, rather than the other way around.

Other Thoughts:

• Landon, Alaric, and Ted need to be shipped off to peace already.
• While Ethan helping Lizzie attempt to kill Hope is a significant deal, MG seems to forget all the problematic things he’s done during his time at the Salvatore School. Ethan deserves a second chance. It’s not like he’s the one who told Lizzie to go after Hope.
• If Kaleb could learn to control the dragon part of him, he’d be almost unstoppable.
• Lizzie and Josie’s goodbyes to one another are heartbreaking.
• How cool would it be if Lizzie were able to keep her Gemini magic while still being a vampire?

Favorite Quotes:

• “I think I’m allowed to worry about my boyfriend.” – Cleo.
• “You know, Maya once told me, ‘boundaries can feel like betrayals,’ but you are not betraying us. You’re doing what you need to do for yourself.” – Finch.
• “I’m so happy that you’ve found a home. And maybe when I come back, we can see where you and I are.” – Josie.
• “No matter what you feel next, just know, wherever I am, I’m okay. And you’re gonna be okay, too. And remind yourself that you are loved. No matter what.” – Lizzie.

What did you think of this episode of Legacies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Legacies airs Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

20 Best Characters from Limited TV Series in 2021