#handonforever

Let’s kick this off with some Anti-Alaric, and in a way. Julie Plec: Once again for the cheap sheets, there is no ‘I built’, Alaric did not build this school by himself! I wish he would quit saying that! Only once on this entire show has he said ‘we built’, and it was when he was trying to get Dorian to come back. The school would be nothing without Caroline. No way would a parent leave their child with just a human and no supernatural to back them up or partner with, to show them their way in the world. Okay, now that I got that out the way.

Okay let’s see. Alaric had a nice couple seconds of happy time before Josie cut him off- Yay. And then gave a very short inspirational speech before Hope cut him off-Double Yay. And with this next part, I’m genuinely not trying to rain on his parade, he fixed his mistake, but honestly, exactly how can he and Mac ever have a good relationship when, granted shes not compelled to do anything unsavory, but she’s still compelled none the less. What happens when the time comes and Rick needs her to do something that while is in the best interest of himself and his school, but isn’t in the best interest of Mac or her kids school? What then? And just the fact that she is compelled and her free will taken from her, even if it’s for the greater good in his opinion. Just no. There are already holes in the relationship, and Alaric’s ‘I’m sorry’s’ every time he uses the compulsion isn’t going to keep them plugged up forever. Now, maybe they have a shot.

Okay, when the time came for Handon to have sex. I always figured it would just be a mutual thing with Landon double checking that she was sure or like this: Hope saying that she was ready and letting him know. But I’m not surprised that that plan didn’t pan out, at least, not their way. No ones plans actually pan out with this, but they were cute.

And am I buggin’ or is the fact that everyone looks to Hope to determine if Landon can fight or go anywhere, kinda, oh, what’s the word. Wrong. In a way. Again, free will, and no, he isn’t compelled like Mac, I know, but, he’s still listening and following Hope, when, no offense to her. Landon doesn’t have to. That aside, I love the fact that they were a badass couple this episode. Side by side. Until they weren’t. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but thank goodness for the messed up episodes this season. If we were left with that last year and had to wait an entire year to find out what was next? We would have lost our minds! I know I would have! They were so cute and cuddly, then Landon pulls a muddy exit with Hope thinking she lost him for the 3rd time this episode. That girls psyche will probably always be a mess.

So Landon I’m going to assume is in Malivore maybe? Like Hope was at the beginning of season 2? I know Malivore is in the Prison world, but he can still consume monsters. Second idea! Maybe instead of a Phoenix, he’s now like Clark. He has to be sculpted and then turn back into Landon? Yea, that one was way out there, but I genuinely have no idea where our guy went.

I love Landon! “Hey Dad.” He just introduces the big things in a funny way. He did it with Clark and some of the monsters. This show is honestly light hearted, because of his humor.

Love that Lizzie was the one to notice MG’s absence, besides his brother, who already knew where he was. Lizzie is showing she cares about MG. Remember my Mizzie Shipper Anouncement? It happened! She missed her window! MG went for Alyssa, which on them being the castaways in relationships, I kind of get them. I was honestly so proud of Lizzie for bowing out of this. She said she was happy he was okay, even though he was okay with Alyssa Chang. So hopefully Lizzie wanting to spend time with him is on a friendship level. Like an ‘I’ll take what I can get sorta thing’, even if all he’s offering is friendship. Hopefully she isn’t trying to get in a fight with Alyssa over him. The question still remains though: Was that simply a kiss, or... the beginning of another story? Next week, Lizzie tries to spend time with MG, maybe he’s too busy spending time with Alyssa, or maybe he doesn’t think she’s serious, or maybe he’s gonna make her work for him, which she should. Or! They just stay friends. There is nothing wrong with that. We have a whole other season (s4) to go for Mizzie Relationship. So just keep that in mind. Maybe this season is their friendship. MG has been pining. Now it’s Lizzie’s turn. Let’s not get hopes up until next weeks episode. Lizzie is being a good friend this episode. Showing that she can be there for MG like he’s been there for her. That’s a good thing and showcases how much she’s growing this year. Let’s not get carried away. Let’s just sit on that fact. We’ll label this episode Mizzie Friendship.

And the cute very sisterly conversation between Josie and Lizzie was great, even if it was small in the bigger picture of the conversation. Those two have been more serious than not, so just them talking about something like Lizzie finally caring/liking MG was so great to me. On the twins front, I honestly think Josie shouldn’t have gotten her magic back. Not like that. She was going on and on about codependency and not trusting herself, and I love Lizzie, but, Josie, who was not ready, got her magic back because Lizzie needed help. Yes, with saving MG, but still. Josie wasn’t ready. It was a sweet thing she did, and Lizzie actually asked this time and was considerate of Josie, but, it’s still the same habits, just sugar coated. Josie could have coached Lizzie with spells to use and how to use them, she didn’t have to use her own magic to do it herself. And Lizzie opened a prison world but herself before, she could do it again. Plus she had Alyssa’s help. Josie putting her magic back makes sense. She only brought it out to help Lizzie and MG. And I called it! Josie is transferring to Mystic Falls High! Her bio-mother is probably so happy right now and Alaric for that matter. Josie wants to be a normal human in a normal human environment. Mystic High doesn’t like the Stallions, so we’ll see how they treat transfers. The girls were nice enough to Hope when they went to go investigate Dana. And Maya was nice to Hope. Ethan was nice to Josie, so maybe her experience wouldn’t be so bad. It would be cool to see Josie facing off the Stallions in the annual charity football game.

I do like the little tidbit where all the monsters they’ve killed in the past, are in fact zombie monsters, because they did officially die, and were not just consumed. Nice catch JP. Though I think she would have been forgiven if all the monsters just came back like their normal alive selves too. I loved the idea that Malivore got to become a real person, jumping into Landon... not quit. I wanted him to jump into a different person and be around. That was my season 1 prediction for season 2.

Alyssa, Alyssa, Alyssa. I know Julie said that everyone is capable of redemption, but the question is: How many chances until you consider that person a lost cause? And I know it sound hypocritical because I love the Mikaelsons and they were adults redeemed and in this case, Alyssa is basically just a teenager acting out after a traumatic event and we gave the Mikaelsons 3 seasons plus their own show till they all found their redemption and I’m annoyed with Alyssa after only a handful of episodes, but come on! So I’m just going to be quiet on the Alyssa front. She’s here. Whatever. Seems like all is forgiven. She’s maybe in a new relationship with MG. I’m holding all comments, questions, and concerns until next episode.

I love Kaleb and Jed’s friendship and who else had Lord of the Rings deja vu! Remember Grimli and Legolas keeping count of how many orks they’ve killed! Classic! If they didn’t write Rafael off, and gave him and Kaleb more scenes together. The bromance would have been Raf and Kaleb, but I digress, Kaleb and Jed are great too. Kalebs rap of course was fire! And Jed on the beats!

A few tidbits: Will Kaleb have a problem with Alyssa and MG being together? This would be the second time MG ignored his feelings when it came to a girl. Granted Kym was his sister, but still. I don’t think Sherriff Mac should have that knowledge, but since he’s already put her in the middle of the supernatural countless times, there’s nothing to do about it now. Not saying compel her! But he should have left her alone in the first place. Are MG and Alyssa an official couple or just hanging out together? Next week Hope will be in a simulation camp slasher to get through being without Landon, I guess? Or just therapy in general for her life. I don’t understand how that’s therapeutic, but I guess we’ll see. Now with Josie at Mystic High, hopefully, and if it plays out that way, I’m kind of excited for Hizzie. I love their relationship and I would love to see more scenes with them and having a more solid foundation of sisterhood and the twins letting Hope into their little sister circle. We wouldn’t have Josie in it much, so it would focus more on Hope and Lizzie, kinda like with Lizzie was the only one to know Hope existed after the Malivore pit madness. So a lot of hopes for next week! Also, Josie was doing a day in the life of a Timber Wolf and Alaric wouldn’t let them do one of the Salvatore school? I get it, supernatural and all, but they opened their doors to do the Mystic Falls Pageant, and he can’t let them do that again for a reciprocated article? For someone trying to blend in enough to not be suspicious... That looks suspicious.

So...for this to be the season 2 finale, originally. It was awesome. Not too shabby, not too shabby. She left us on a mystery and with a lot of closed answers and some unanswered. Not bad!

You did it Julie! The first A of the season. Higher than the B of episode 2, and loads better than the C grade of episode 1. I love this episode!!

And not just because I’m a sucker for a good musical, but so much more!! I’m not even going to start with the ships like I usually do. You know who I love this episode?

The monster! Except he isn’t really monstrous. Taking a quote from another favorite TV show of mine Teen Wolf, Lydia says silt perfectly. “Not all monsters do monstrous things.” This monster, you know what, I’m not even going to call him that. This sprite. No! Puck! His name is Puck! He had me worried at first, because he said he broke people apart. I though we had another Kazham thing happening again, the monster that makes discord, and I was upset, wondering why they would repeat a monster? Just with a different person? But then at the end, he gave Hope good advice! Assured her! Then he said he brings people back together. Now, I don’t like that he broke Josies arm, but hey, he is categorized as a monster, despite what I think of him, but he needed to get Hope on the stage. It was hilarious him giving MG the runaround and confusing one of my favs, but loved that MG took initiative this episode, even though letting the monster run loose was actually in everyone’s best interest. As of this episode. Puck, the Sprite, is my favorite non monstrous, monster!

Speaking of MG. Okay I’m wary of Alyssa, she explained she just couldn’t let MG get hurt. I got that, she’s made it blantanly obvious she has feelings for him. So I thought, hey, she’s not fully team monster, she has hope. But then!! She let me down! MG busting in there was not planned, so I don’t think she hatched it, and on some level I understand that she couldn’t leave with MG. The Necromancer is still in charge of if she lives or doesn’t . So MG was convenient. Do I like it? No. But like I said last review, she has Katherine Pierces preservation instincts. So I’m still wary. She seems uncomfortable in the background with all this killing and Necro wanting to sacrifice so many, and I know MG doesn’t die, because he is in the description for episode 5, so I’m assuming a rescue or an escape are in store for next week. Alyssa we shall see. I go back and forth with her honestly. Make her pay and learn her lesson or right her off. *thinking face*

The musical! Everyone sung!! I love it!! I was wary when Lizzie started, she has a deep and smoky sound, compared to Josies light one that I’ve heard in the seasons, but it grew on me! I was winching and squinting, but by the third verse, I was nodding. Not bad, not bad at all. I wish Caroline had another song. That song seemed catered to human Caroline. Having a Vampire Caroline song , where it showed how much she’s changed and how awesome she is, would have been nice. But! I still do like the song and I think Lizzie nailed the facial expressions and singing it. Love the way the girls see Caroline. It makes sense, especially in Lizzies case. No one is perfect, but I love that even with Caroline not here, they still view her as this amazing figure to aspire to.

Also!!! No Caroline, but we got her voice!! I’ll take it!!! You don’t have to tell me twice!! Loved the note to Lizzie!! Sweet and to the point with honesty and love. Classic Caroline. Hopefully this drives into Lizzie and helps her on her self improvement journey and that she shouldn’t give up. We got Caroline’s voice guys, we can get a guest star or a FaceTime at the least. Hang in there!

The music!! Loved Hello Brother, as I’m sure most of people did. Welcome to Mystic Falls I thought would be corny, but then Josies part came in and I loved it. Also loved Hopes part!! And was pleasantly surprised with her voice! Loved the Always and Forever song, and her singing to Landon and the Handon at the end!! So they are still going strong! That’s great!!

Landon steps up! Loved him finally telling everyone to back off his script. I was awaiting for it. I knew Raf was bothering him, especially since he didn’t mention it at all through the beginning of the episode. This is his brother, of course it bothers him.

Jasie!!! A few reviews back, I spoke my peace on Jade and Josie together. You can go back and read it, but I’m fine with them. If they’re fine, I’m fine. They are obviously fine. So kudos to Josie. It’s not a relationship, if it will ever be, but she stuck her neck out there for something she wanted. A kiss with a crush. Bravo Josie!

A few nitpicks: Josies hair and makeup reminded me a lot of Dark!Josie. And her dancing in Hello Brother, gave off a Katherine-esque quality to it. Dark makeup and sultry gaze. Elena was doe eyed and depicted innocence, especially in the beginning, so maybe lighter makeup and hair?

Wish there were more parts about Klaroline and their history. Hope want the only one who saw the good in Klaus. But I guess I get it. Too much Klaroline and the world goes nuts. Such is life.

I’m assuming the change Josie is going to undertake is separating herself from the school, probably transferring to Mystic Falls High now that she doesn’t have her magic. New change, but still close enough that she can return? Plus, description for next episode is that she runs into the boy whose arm she broke. Where else would she see him at, besides around town?

Overall though! I love! This episode was great! Sorry, gotta keep my goodbye short. Popping over to my Spotify app to save this episodes playlist and listen to it on repeat!

So where to begin!

Firstly, this episode was ridiculously awesome! Just enough corny and surprise to honestly keep me laughing. I had to keep reminding myself that this didnt take place on actually Christmas, they are in October. I kept wondering in my head like, uhm, Kaleb could be with his family? Uhm, a lot of kids are home for the holidays...and then the light bulb goes off. Duh! They're in October! Silly me!

Hope was a superstar and got a great present (Landon). And I know this episode was delving into all the people Hope has lost, and it focused on her romantic relationship instead of her platonic ones, but I do hope that she realizes all that she has too, and let herself gain. In season 1, Lizzie would have laughed in her face if Hope told her she needed to take a road trip, and look now. Lizzie realizes how important 'Frodo' is to Hope, and went along.

I saw Rik being headmaster again coming from a mile away. I dont agree with it. I still think the kids and school need a supernatural headmaster, one that does allow them more liberties with their magic and gifts, and makes them feel proud of them, however I hope Alarics time away gave him better perspective and hopefully he will right his mistakes and be better and have a better expectation and view for the school than he did in season 1.

So Necro is the hooded figure! I did not see that coming! And the portal is closed?! I keep forgetting that he was the only one to escape, and was not killed by the Super Squad ( besides Lizzie with the Jinni, but Lizzie wished her free, and Lizzie's own freedom depended on the Jinni being free so theres that). So the Necronomancer is the one raising caos around them. I hope it was just a little revenge against Malivore and he isnt trying to do anything sinister to our squad. But you know how this show goes.

Clark is quickly turning into my love em and hate em guy. You hate him, but then he has these conversations with Hope, and you just cant hate him anymore, but then you remember all the reasons you hate him in the first place and you fix yourself. I thought he couldn't die? He's a mud man? I saw blood. I hope Necro didnt truly kill him. I wouldn't mind seeing him again. How would Landon feel knowing his brothers dead? I'm gonna miss my Clark and Landon convos.

Finally a good parent! Well so far, so good. Rafael found his father. Nice job Landon, this family reunion was better than the last one he tried to set up! Sad that his mother wasnt around, hopefully we see her this season. I love that his father knew it was Raf right away! And their hug! Awww! Please please please do right by our wolf!

The Krampus, Santa showdown! Oh M G! I honestly dont know what to say. At first when Rik shot it, and then Santa appeared, I thought maybe Krampus was just his front guy. You know, the one he puts in front of himself to protect him when really its Santa screwing with everyone. (I know I'm a grinch!) But luckily I was wrong. Krampus is Krampus, and Santa is Santa. That was a great showdown and I love their casting for Santa. Rosy cheeks and all.

Okay Now Lizzie, your mom held out from Klaus longer than that little girl!! Seriously! *Caroline Forbes voice* But guys, please tell me you were getting Klaroline vibes too. The bickering. Yes, way more sexual amped up in the beginning than our seasoned predecessors, but still. Accented Old Aged Vamp with the Blonde Blue eyes witch (possible vampire/heretic later). Lizzie needs to call her mama and ask for some advise with this one! Okay, okay, in all seriousness though. I do love that Lizzie clarified with him that she fancies sex with him, not himself as a person. And keep in mind that he never said he fancied her. Yes he did vocally, but remember Lizzie asked has that lie worked before, and he said who cares its working now. (Paraphrasing of course) but still he said that was lie. So he also just likes Lizzie for sex too...for now...I think this is where Plec is going with this. I do however believe him when he said he wanted to stay at the school and he has no other place to go and the world has grown cold, that was sincere, and judging by Lizzies smile, she wont be holding a grudge anymore. I do hope she does however keep him on his toes again. Her mental health wasnt a joke to her, and he let her think she was crazy, I dont want her to forget that so easily either. I honestly thought that when Seb put his hand around her neck, and said he's dangerous, that Lizzies hand was about to siphon him and she would say "me too." And then whammy him. Yeeeaaa nope we got car sex lol (with Landon in the trunk) But I do think Lizzie is forgetting that he is dangerous and they still need to know him and his personality before they start testing him. I'm glad that he's staying at the school though. Maybe filling out an application to join the Super Squad. Things are about to be a bit more interesting. I do wish Lizzie and/or Josie would have some magic on deck, maybe a bracelet or necklace, so even when they're away they can still siphon it so they're not completely defenseless. I am so on board the heretic train!

Now Mizzie people, don't bite my head off. I am still 100 percent MG here, but you guys remember I did say they need exceptional work. I do hope that this Sizzie doesnt hurt MG too much and Sebastian isnt a ass and teases MG with it. I also hope that Lizzie, since she has somewhat forgiven Seb, she needs to for sure forgive MG. Which I think she did, because she did call him her friend, Kaleb too. So as long as I still get my Mizzie scenes to go with a dash of Sizzie, I think im content. Not good. Content.

Okay...our love triangle. Cancelled. But in the most sweetest, saddest, romantic way. Landon and Josie: He took her hands, admitted that this was hard and he told her everything he liked about her and how he doesnt regret anything. I feel sad for Josie, but I have to give props to Landon for how he handled that. He looked her in the eye, he told her he was choosing Hope. Hopefully those two can go back to being friends eventually. Landon and Hope: equally sweet speech. But wasnt as emotionally as Josies for multiple reasons and I think most people and the writers were just pushing us along to get our inevitable Handon.

Josies heartbroken. Handon is back. But the relationship that we need to keep our eyes on is Josie and Hope. Yes, Landon and Josie is strained too, but still. Josie and Hope have history, they were friends, they supported each other and hopefully that can and will continue. I'm sure it'll be hard for Josie to see them together again. I'm sure Hope would like to be discrete because she knows shes hurting Josie. So even though a decision was made, it's still hurting people. They made peace with Landon leaving and choosing no one. They did not make peace with his choosing one of them. Now Lizzie will be in the middle and hopefully can counsel both sides again. Maybe Josie will spend more time with MG and we can finally see besties in action, or maybe she'll become closer to Kaleb and we get a little three musketeer thing. Speaking of which, am I the only one loving the Landon and Lizzie moments. Their little friendship thing is growing on me and I think that'd be cool to explore.

I loved this. The showdown, the family, the friendships, the romance. Kalebs new car ( jealous) I love all of it. I am so upset that we have to wait till the new year for a new episode, but since JP has been doing good this season, I'm trusting her to make the wait worth our while.

"And then, well, he'd kiss you."

Probably. Probably.

"Well, I'm sure some had pure intentions."

Maybe. Maybe.