Tatia, the Original Petrova doppelganger, appears in The Originals Season 2, Episode 5, “Red Door”. Her presence, though brief, sheds crucial light on the Mikaelsons’ past and the origins of their complex relationships and rivalries.
Delving into Tatia’s Role in The Originals
Tatia’s appearance in “Red Door” isn’t a physical one in the present timeline. Instead, she manifests within a flashback sequence, triggered by Rebekah’s memories resurfacing after being trapped within a mental asylum. This flashback is crucial because it provides a glimpse into the lives of the Mikaelsons before they became vampires, highlighting their romantic entanglements and the catalytic role Tatia played in Esther’s decision to create the Original vampires. This episode acts as a critical bridge, connecting events from The Vampire Diaries and enriching the lore of The Originals.
Unraveling the Significance of “Red Door”
The flashback in “Red Door” is significant because it reveals the extent of Elijah and Klaus’s affections for Tatia. This shared interest and subsequent heartbreak became a foundation for their centuries-long rivalry. It also shows Esther, their mother, collecting Tatia’s blood, the very ingredient she used in the ritual to transform her children into the first vampires. This revelation adds another layer of complexity to Esther’s already questionable motivations and sheds light on the immense power and danger inherent in Tatia’s bloodline. Seeing Tatia also allows viewers to understand why her appearance is so deeply ingrained in the subconscious of both Klaus and Elijah, shaping their decisions and actions throughout the series. The episode deftly weaves together personal drama with larger mythological elements, making it a standout episode in the season.
Exploring Tatia’s Influence on the Mikaelsons
Tatia’s impact on the Mikaelson family far exceeds her screen time. Her presence, even in a single episode, clarifies the following:
- The root of the Klaus-Elijah rivalry: The shared affection for Tatia is a significant factor fueling their centuries of conflict.
- Esther’s motivation for the Original vampire spell: Tatia’s blood was essential to the spell, highlighting her pivotal role.
- The doppelganger curse: The Petrova doppelgangers, including Tatia, are intrinsically linked to the Original family’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tatia in The Originals
Q1: Is “Red Door” Tatia’s only appearance in The Originals?
Yes, “Red Door” is the only episode where Tatia appears in The Originals. While she is mentioned in other episodes, this is her sole on-screen portrayal.
Q2: Why is Tatia important to the Mikaelson brothers?
Tatia is important because both Klaus and Elijah were in love with her before they became vampires. This unrequited love and competition for her affection contributed to the ongoing tension and rivalry between them.
Q3: What is Tatia’s connection to Katherine Pierce and Elena Gilbert?
Tatia is the original Petrova doppelganger, the ancestor of Katherine Pierce (Katerina Petrova) and Elena Gilbert. The doppelgangers are mystically created in response to the immortality spell placed on Silas and Amara, ensuring balance.
Q4: How does Tatia die?
Tatia died as a result of Esther using her blood in the ritual to turn her children into vampires. Essentially, Esther used Tatia as a sacrifice.
Q5: Why was Tatia’s blood so powerful?
As a Petrova doppelganger, Tatia’s blood possessed unique mystical properties that made it suitable for powerful spells, including the vampire creation ritual. The Petrova bloodline carries inherent magical significance.
Q6: Did Tatia know about Esther’s plans for her blood?
No, Tatia was unaware of Esther’s intention to use her blood to create the first vampires. She was essentially a pawn in Esther’s plan.
Q7: How does Tatia’s appearance in “Red Door” impact Rebekah’s storyline?
The flashback is triggered by Rebekah’s memories, suggesting that Tatia’s presence significantly impacted Rebekah’s life and relationships with her brothers. It highlights the complicated dynamics within the Mikaelson family.
Q8: Does Tatia have any other living descendants besides Katherine and Elena?
In the primary Vampire Diaries and Originals canon, Katherine and Elena are the most prominent known descendants of Tatia. While there might be unexplored branches of the Petrova family tree, they are not explicitly featured in the series.
Q9: Is there any chance of Tatia returning in future spin-offs or continuations?
Given the limited scope of her appearance and her death, it’s unlikely that Tatia would return in a significant role. However, the lore of the Vampire Diaries universe allows for possibilities such as flashbacks or appearances in the afterlife, though nothing is currently planned.
Q10: What makes “Red Door” a crucial episode for understanding the Mikaelson family?
“Red Door” provides crucial backstory and context for the Mikaelson family’s complex relationships. It reveals the origins of their rivalries and the events that shaped their lives as vampires.
Q11: How does Tatia’s story compare to Amara and Silas’s story?
Tatia’s story is intertwined with the doppelganger curse stemming from Amara and Silas’s immortality. The Petrova doppelgangers are a consequence of that original spell, acting as nature’s attempt to restore balance. Tatia’s role is more passive, used as a tool for Esther’s magic, while Amara and Silas are active participants in their own tragic love story.
Q12: Where can I rewatch “The Originals” Season 2, Episode 5, “Red Door”?
“The Originals” is typically available on streaming platforms such as Netflix (depending on your region) and can be purchased through digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. Check your local listings for availability.