The final episode of The Originals, titled “When the Saints Go Marching In,” aired on August 1, 2018, marking the end of a beloved spin-off from The Vampire Diaries. The episode delivered a poignant and tragic conclusion, forcing the Mikaelson family to make the ultimate sacrifice to protect Hope and end the pervasive evil plaguing them.
A Deathly Conclusion: Hope’s Burden
The series finale revolved around the devastating consequences of inheriting the Hollow’s power. Hope Mikaelson, now a teenager, struggled to control the immense and dangerous energy coursing through her veins. This power, if left unchecked, threatened to consume her and destroy everything around her, plunging the world into chaos. The Mikaelson siblings, always bound by their vow of “Always and Forever,” faced an impossible choice: how to save Hope without sacrificing themselves.
The episode meticulously built tension as the family explored various solutions, each more desperate and fraught with peril than the last. They consulted with witches, sought mystical artifacts, and even considered transferring the Hollow to other vessels. However, all paths ultimately led to the heartbreaking realization that the only way to truly contain the Hollow was to divide it among the four original vampires – Klaus, Elijah, Rebekah, and Kol.
The Sacrifice: Klaus and Elijah’s Final Act
The decision to divide the Hollow brought forth a new dilemma: proximity. As long as the Hollow resided in the same location, its power would eventually coalesce and overwhelm its hosts. The only solution was for each sibling to separate and never see each other again. This was a cruel twist for a family who had always clung to the ideal of unity.
However, Klaus Mikaelson, driven by his unwavering love for his daughter, refused to allow his siblings to suffer the same fate as him. He knew that his dark past and the darkness within him made him the ideal vessel for the Hollow. Elijah, ever the loyal brother, refused to let Klaus face this burden alone. In a heartbreaking act of solidarity and love, they decided to end their lives together, permanently destroying the Hollow and saving Hope.
The final scene depicted Klaus and Elijah meeting their deaths in a shared embrace, overlooking the city of New Orleans. Their sacrifice was not just an act of familial love, but a final redemption for the centuries of violence and destruction they had caused. Their deaths allowed Hope to live a normal life, free from the curse of the Hollow.
The Legacy: Hope’s Future and the Mikaelson Bond
While the deaths of Klaus and Elijah left a gaping hole in the Mikaelson family, the series finale emphasized the enduring strength of their bond and the hope for a brighter future. Rebekah, finally free from the constraints of her vampire existence, accepted Marcel’s marriage proposal, choosing a life of human happiness. Kol, remaining with Davina, continued to explore his love and build a life together.
The finale emphasized the importance of family, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. Though tragedy struck, the Mikaelsons ultimately succeeded in protecting their loved ones and leaving a legacy of resilience and hope. The ending wasn’t purely happy, but it was a fitting conclusion for a show that explored the complexities of family, power, and redemption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Originals Finale
FAQ 1: Why did Klaus and Elijah have to die?
The only way to permanently destroy the Hollow was to contain it within a vampire with a long and powerful life, then kill that vampire. Klaus volunteered, knowing his darker nature made him suitable. Elijah, unable to let his brother face death alone, chose to die with him, ensuring the Hollow was destroyed and offering Klaus redemption.
FAQ 2: What happened to Hope after the finale?
Hope Mikaelson continued her education at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, as explored in the spin-off series Legacies. The finale of The Originals laid the foundation for her journey to understand and control her unique powers.
FAQ 3: Did Rebekah and Marcel end up together?
Yes, the series finale saw Marcel propose to Rebekah after she received the cure to vampirism. They were finally able to live a normal, human life together, fulfilling Rebekah’s long-held desire for a family and a future.
FAQ 4: How did Klaus and Elijah’s deaths affect their siblings?
The deaths of Klaus and Elijah profoundly affected Rebekah and Kol. While devastated by the loss, they found solace in their respective relationships and moved forward, cherishing the memory of their brothers and honoring their sacrifice.
FAQ 5: Was there any hope for Klaus and Caroline in the finale?
While Klaus and Caroline shared a brief moment, it was clear their paths were ultimately divergent. Caroline’s appearance served more as a farewell and a reassurance that Klaus had found some measure of peace before his death. A romantic relationship wasn’t the focus; closure was.
FAQ 6: What was the significance of the episode’s title, “When the Saints Go Marching In”?
The title alludes to the funeral march that is often associated with New Orleans culture. It foreshadows the deaths of Klaus and Elijah and the somber, reflective tone of the episode. It’s a musical representation of the passing of legends.
FAQ 7: Could the Hollow have been destroyed in another way?
Within the established lore of The Originals, no other viable method for permanently destroying the Hollow was presented. All other attempts to contain or transfer it proved temporary and ultimately dangerous. The sacrifice was presented as the only truly effective solution.
FAQ 8: Why didn’t they just put the Hollow into someone who was already dying?
The Hollow was a sentient and incredibly powerful force. It required a strong and relatively healthy host to contain it effectively. Placing it in someone already weak or dying would likely have resulted in the Hollow overwhelming them and breaking free.
FAQ 9: What happened to Freya in the finale?
Freya remained in New Orleans with her wife, Keelin, and their adopted son, Nik. She took on the role of protector and continued to honor the memory of her brothers. Her storyline offered a sense of stability and hope amidst the tragedy.
FAQ 10: Did The Originals have a satisfying ending?
Whether the ending was “satisfying” is subjective. While tragic, it provided closure to the Mikaelson family’s story and offered a sense of hope for the future. The sacrifice of Klaus and Elijah, while heartbreaking, was ultimately a redemptive act.
FAQ 11: How does The Originals finale connect to Legacies?
The finale of The Originals directly sets up the premise of Legacies by establishing Hope Mikaelson’s attendance at the Salvatore School. It also provides the emotional context for her character arc and her ongoing struggles with her identity and powers.
FAQ 12: What is the enduring legacy of The Originals?
The Originals’ legacy lies in its complex characters, its exploration of family dynamics, and its captivating blend of supernatural drama and emotional depth. It cemented its place in television history as a compelling and unforgettable spin-off that resonated with audiences long after its conclusion. The show demonstrated that even those perceived as monsters are capable of immense love, sacrifice, and redemption.