The Originals. Er... Review: The Vampire Diaries - "The Originals"

Season 4, Episode 20

Air Date: Thursday, April 25, 2013, 8/7c on The CW

RATING: ★★★★★

“Nicklaus, the girl is carrying your child.” – Elijah

Well, talk about pulling out all the stops. The powers that be must know how horrid the recent episodes of The Vampire Diaries (TVD) have been and are scrambling to get viewers’ attention with yet another gimmick. This trick up their sleeves comes to us in the guise of a far-fetched occurrence that screams impossibility, but is, in fact, a miracle. (And The CW announces that this is now a spin-off?) That’s right, an immaculate accidental conception. While this isn’t a vampire/human baby á la Twilight, it is one of those things that make you say, “Ugh.” But I’m guessing the hybrid/werewolf baby will be the epitome of blah, blah, blah…

Observations and thoughts:

Isn’t it wonderful to see these two brothers working together?

Elijah (Daniel Gillies) definitely grabs my attention with his heroics. He comes out of nowhere to save a stranger and get information for his brother. “I’m Elijah. You’ve heard of me?” The delivery of Gillies’ lines is smooth and confident—much like Elijah himself. Gotta admit, I’m glad to see he’s back for more than one episode. I don’t know if Gillies can carry the show but I’m sure he’s making more people tune in. I mean, the man’s walking around in a suit (looking impeccable, by the way) and kicking ass without creating a wrinkle in his pants. Gillies is a much needed breath of fresh air. I love the way he portrays Elijah and the depth he gives his character. Elijah used to make me quake in my boots; now, he makes me shiver with delight. He doesn’t waste a moment and doesn’t have to raise his voice to get his point across. I’m looking forward to seeing how much of an impact the older brother makes on the lives of his younger siblings.

Rebekah’s (Claire Holt) losing her footing. I’m not sure what role she’s supposed to play now. Is she the younger sister who can get her doting brothers to bend to her every whim, or is she the last remaining shred of good sense in the Maikelson family? Her quest for humanity hasn’t been swept under the rug yet, but I don’t foresee her achieving the American dream any time soon.

“I want what he has. I want to be king.” Klaus (Joseph Morgan) is on a mission for redemption. Or, really, he just wants to be thrust upon a throne of his own making. He doesn’t like being an unknown in the city his family created. He doesn’t fare well as the guy people should be afraid of, yet aren’t. In fact, I think Elijah’s name carries more weight, and probably always has. Klaus will go to any depths to get what he wants and doesn’t mind stepping into a lesser role to do so. As an aside, Morgan shows a great range of emotions in “The Originals.” I actually feel for his character and can sense his frustration. I’m never surprised by his acting abilities, but Morgan does bring something out of Klaus you never knew was there.

Back to the baby business: why is a spell needed to figure out Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) is pregnant? I’m not sure I get how or why the witches of New Orleans had a feeling there was a werewolf baby in the world. This story line bothers me tremendously. I’m not sure where it’s going or why I’m supposed to care. No one likes Hayley. Impregnating her won’t give her any brownie points in my book.

Marcel is the new guy in town. I’d watch my back.

The phone call Klaus makes to Caroline (Candice Accola) gives me hope. I don’t want to hope too much, though, because I know as soon as Caroline finds out there’s a baby and Hayley is the momma, she’s going to flip her shit. If Klaus thought he was in the doghouse before, wait until he feels Caroline’s wrath. He ain’t gonna know what hit him.

Marcel (Charles Michael Davis) is a nice addition to the cast. I hope he gets to stick around for a while because you know how it is on TVD: the interesting characters disappear as quickly as they arrive. He’s charismatic, sexy, and a true leader. I’d say he’s more than enough competition for Klaus. It’s quite the change of pace to see someone on Klaus’ level who can give him a run for his money. I think Marcel will keep Klaus from becoming stagnant. Every villain needs someone to keep them on their toes.

Memorable lines:

Klaus: “How dare you command me, threaten me with what you wrongfully perceive to be my weaknesses!”

Klaus: “I’m gonna kill every last one of them.”

Elijah: “And then what? Then you’ll return to Mystic Falls to resume your life as the hated one… as the evil hybrid? Is it so important to you that people quake with fear at the sound of your name?”

Elijah: “Family is power, Nicklaus.”

It seems Phoebe holds the key to Klaus’ future. Or does she.

Maybe it’s just me, but “The Originals” comes across as a spin-off pilot that lacks a little something. I didn’t need the ‘cameos’ at the beginning or end, and sure didn’t miss seeing anyone from Mystic Falls. (Notice I haven’t mentioned any of the usual cast. Hint, hint…) At least this time the scenes in New Orleans were actually shot there and not on some studio lot. It makes a big difference when you can tell the locale is not a poorly disguised replica. So, about this spin-off series… I’ll bite. Especially if it means more Elijah. But what does this say about the fate of the Originals with regard to their roles on TVD? And do you think The Originals will be a success? I’m on the fence about it. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Tune in to The Vampire Diaries Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW.

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Follow The Vampire Diaries cast on Twitter: @ninadobrev, @iansomerhalder, @josephmorgan, @katgraham, @paulwesley, @michaeltrevino, @candaceaccola, @claireholt.

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Writer, mother, realist, cloud lover, daydreamer, dessert enthusiast, sweet tea addict, perfectionist, and lover of life and Christ, but not in that order. http://www.fanfiction.net/~vikingloverelle