For a penultimate episode claiming to contain THE battle of New Orleans, “The Battle of New Orleans” feels a bit anticlimactic, especially following last week’s excellent day of peace/wake party. Though not necessarily bad, the episode simply doesn’t deliver an epic battle worthy of the build-up it’s been given.
With a baby on the way, “A Closer Walk with Thee” fittingly examines fatherhood and the sometimes traumatizing effects fathers can have on their sons. Daddy issues have plagued Klaus since his stint on The Vampire Diaries, and, though his father may be dead, Mikael still haunts Klaus (thanks, in part, to the subtle crossover with The Vampire Diaries within the episode–the Other Side is crumbling, meaning the line between life and death is blurring once again). Klaus’s deep-rooted struggle to escape his father has always been one of the more fascinating aspects of his character, and The Originals does a nice job tying Klaus’s relationship with Mikael to his relationships with Marcel and his soon-to-be born child.
After introducing the seeds of war last week, The Originals wastes no time turning downright ugly. The brutality in “An Unblinking Death” reaches cringeworthy levels several times, and the tragedy never relents throughout the episode. At times, it’s almost hard to watch–for perhaps the first time, The Originals delivers an episode of pure horror and largely succeeds.
“The Big Uneasy” is a great example of just how entertaining supernatural-fueled power struggles can be, especially when set in a place as lovely and lively as New Orleans. Of course, it helps that those vying for power in the French Quarter are all intelligent, persuasive people–it’s incredibly hard not to root for everyone fighting for the hypothetical throne.
Sad as it may be, “The Originals” is showing no sign of stumbling following the loss of series regular Claire Holt (Rebekah Mikaelson). If anything, the story’s tighter than it’s been in weeks, and everyone is given a purpose in the episode. Though light on the action, “Moon Over Bourbon Street” is a promising beginning to the season’s final chapter.
Since the show’s first episode, the original family has been using the phrase “always and forever” to represent their undying devotion to one another, despite plenty of betrayals and abuse (mostly at the hands of Klaus). And the phrase, though admirable, has always felt a bit off in relation to the remaining original vampire siblings.
Between “Le Grand Guignol” and last week’s episode, The Originals is dialing back on the large-scale drama and focusing instead on the show’s namesake–a storytelling move that’s proving to be an excellent decision.
Despite the hiatus, The Originals wastes no time throwing the audience headlong back into action–“Long Way Back From Home”‘s cold open is one of the best the show’s done yet.
With The Vampire Diaries/The Originals vets Michael Narducci and Chris Grismer, along with Head Honcho Julie Plec, helming “Crescent City,” it’s no surprise at all that the episode is so well-done and excellent. So much happens, it’s hard to pinpoint everything that makes it great.
After last week’s stellar episode, “Dance Back from the Grave” feels like a pretty big letdown. Sure, there are some lovely flashbacks set during the roaring twenties, and some new characters in the form of undead witches, but nothing of importance really seems to happen.
Whenever a show is willing to kill off a major, and arguably beloved, character (especially halfway through the first season), it’s generally a surefire sign the show is in it for the long run. The no-one-is-safe mentality almost always provides high stakes where there might otherwise be none and lends seriousness to shows that may be lacking–though, to be fair, The Originals suffers from no shortage of angst and heartache
With half of a season down (and a full season pick-up), The Originals returns in “The Casket Girls” with overwhelming–and well-earned–confidence. This show clearly knows what it’s doing now and is settling into a tight, swiftly-moving groove.
Though it’s hard to love a frequently sadistic and angry protagonist who insists on having his way always, The Originals seems determined to make us love Klaus. With the first chunk of the show’s freshman season over, it’s become shockingly clear to see how The Originals has been pushing the audience to root for a monster.
One of the best scenes in the episode results from Marcel and Rebekah finally taking a stand against Klaus. The beautifully-choreographed scene serves two important purposes–Klaus is finally given the chance to show just why he should be feared among the supernatural community, and Marcel surrenders his “kingdom.”
The Originals, Season 1, Episode 7, “Bloodletting” Written by Michael Russo and Michael Narducci Directed by Jeffrey G. Hunt Airs Tuesdays at 8pm EST on The CW On this week’s The Originals, Tyler pays New Orleans a bloody visit, Hayley stumbles upon her family, Elijah disappoints Klaus, Rebekah and Marcel discuss the future, and Davina helps …
The Originals, Season 1, Episode 6, “Fruit of the Poisoned Tree” Written by Charlie Charbonneau and Diane Ademu-John Directed by Michael A. Allowitz Airs Tuesdays at 8 pm ET on The CW On this week’s The Originals, Elijah returns home in time to intervene with the NOLA witches’ attempts to kill Hayley’s “devil baby,” Marcel becomes …
The Originals, Season 1, Episode 5, “Sinners and Saints” Written by Julie Plec and Marguerite MacIntyre Directed by Chris Grismer Airs Tuesdays at 8 pm ET on The CW On this week’s The Originals, Marcel distracts Klaus and Rebekah, Hayley seeks her mysterious werewolf benefactors, Davina confesses her story to a newly-awakened Elijah, and Sophie misleads …
The Originals, Season 1, Episode 4, “Girl in New Orleans” Written by Michelle Paradise and Michael Narducci Directed by Jesse Warn Airs Tuesdays at 8pm ET on The CW On this week’s The Originals, Davina ventures outside of her secluded attic, Klaus spies on Marcel with Camille’s reluctant help, Rebekah searches for Elijah, and Hayley proves …
On this week’s The Originals, Klaus and Rebekah plot against Marcel, Sophie teams with the enemy, Hayley learns more about her unborn baby, and Camille remains a sad, lonely bartender.
On this week’s The Originals, Rebekah arrives in New Orleans, Marcel gives Klaus a vamps-only tour, Klaus attempts to undermine his former protege, Hayley seeks help with her pregnancy, and Elijah remains missing.
On this week’s The Originals premiere, Klaus wreaks havoc in New Orleans while Elijah cleans up his mess, Sophie blackmails everybody, Marcel rants about power, Rebekah takes a really long bath, and Hayley contemplates motherhood.
The Vampire Diaries, Season 4, Episode 19: “Pictures of You” Written by Neil Reynolds and Caroline Dries Directed by J. Miller Tobin The Vampire Diaries, Season 4, Episode 20: “The Originals” Written by Julie Plec Directed by Chris Grismer Airs Thursdays at 8pm (ET) on the CW This week, on The Vampire Diaries: It’s Prom …
It’s been a rumor that every Vampire Diaries fan, lover of supernatural romance dramas and television junkie wishes to be true. Is the television hit series The Vampire Diaries bound to have a spin off titled The Originals? This just maybe so if the backdoor pilot episode which will be tested on the April 25th …