For two seasons, The Originals’s theme has been heavily focused on family, and this is extra apparent in “Ashes to Ashes” as the Mikaelson siblings–despite a heavy lack of trust and an excess of anger–team up to defeat a common enemy.
After several long weeks of stilted storylines, The Originals is finally wrapping up loose ends (Eva Sinclair, Esther) in prepartion for Dahlia’s extra long-awaited arrival. As a result, “Exquisite Corpse” contains more momentum and action than the last few episodes the show’s offered, and that’s a good thing–The Originals operates best when it’s surging forward, rather than stumbling aimlessly along.
“Save My Soul” could’ve easily been a lackluster episode, thanks to large chunks of exposition, flashbacks, and slow forward momentum, but, luckily, The Originals keeps the episode interesting by honing in on the various characters’ relationships while simultaneously teasing the arrival of future Big Bad Dahlia.
While by no means bad, “They All Asked For You” feels exactly like an episode in statis; nothing of real significance happens, aside from some character bonding and set-up for future episodes (particularly with Rebekah and Freya).