" I Couldn't Have Done This Without You " is the ninth episode of the second season of the supernatural drama series . Originally airing on January 16, 2020, on The CW, the episode serves as a significant turning point for the season's overarching narrative, specifically focusing on the resurrection and re-entry of a major antagonist. Plot Overview and Key Developments

The episode's primary focus is the return of the , who has been living a mundane, powerless life as a human named "Ted" in Texas after being cast out of Malivore.

By the end of the episode, the Necromancer successfully creates a new portal to Malivore and summons a monster to retrieve the mora miserium, setting the stage for the second half of the season. Critical Reception

Through a series of flashbacks, the episode explains how the Necromancer regained his power. Forced to work at an ice cream shop, he eventually recruits a minion named Chad and realizes his potential to reclaim his status after seeing the Malivore pit is empty.

To repair their strained relationship, Hope Mikaelson offers to help Josie Saltzman research the mora miserium , a magical hourglass storing Josie’s dark magic that is at risk of breaking.

Reviewers largely praised the episode for its "villain-centric" approach. Critics from TV Fanatic highlighted the "satisfying" reveal of the Necromancer’s backstory, noting that his transition from a powerless human to a formidable threat provided a compelling narrative reset. Others appreciated the character growth between Hope and Josie, noting their strengthening bond despite the dark magical stakes involved. Director: Jeff Hunt Writer: Thomas Brandon Original Air Date: January 16, 2020

Alaric Saltzman enlists Landon Kirby’s help to determine if the ancient vampire Sebastian is a genuine threat to the students or a worthy addition to the Salvatore School.