Marcel Gerard, the charismatic, complex, and often cunning rival to Klaus Mikaelson, doesn’t appear until the backdoor pilot episode of The Originals, which served as an episode of The Vampire Diaries. While not technically a Vampire Diaries episode, it effectively introduces him to the wider fanbase.
Marcel’s Introduction: A Closer Look at The Originals Backdoor Pilot
Marcel’s proper introduction to viewers happens in The Vampire Diaries Season 4, Episode 20, titled “The Originals.” This episode served as a backdoor pilot for the spin-off series, The Originals, effectively launching his character and laying the groundwork for his dominant presence in New Orleans. Klaus returns to the French Quarter after receiving a mysterious tip, leading him to reconnect with Marcel, a former protégé. This reunion is fraught with tension, power plays, and hints of a complicated shared history.
While not strictly a Vampire Diaries regular, this episode is crucial for understanding Marcel’s origins and motivations, solidifying his importance within the broader narrative of the Vampire Diaries universe. This episode is the essential touchpoint to witness Marcel’s introduction.
Understanding the Importance of The Originals Backdoor Pilot
The decision to introduce Marcel through a backdoor pilot was strategic. It allowed viewers to sample the atmosphere and storyline of The Originals before committing to a new series. This approach proved successful, as the popularity of the episode helped garner support for the spin-off and cement Marcel as a captivating antagonist/protagonist. Watching “The Originals” in The Vampire Diaries provides valuable context for understanding Marcel’s character arc in the subsequent series.
Key Moments Featuring Marcel in the Episode
- Klaus’s Arrival: The initial encounter between Klaus and Marcel establishes the power dynamic and unresolved issues between them.
- Marcel’s Reign: Viewers witness Marcel ruling New Orleans with an iron fist, showcasing his leadership and ambition.
- The Supernatural Community: The episode introduces the intricate web of vampires, werewolves, and witches that Marcel controls, highlighting his political savvy.
- Hayley’s Connection: Marcel’s interaction with Hayley hints at the broader narrative arc involving the unborn Mikaelson child.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marcel Gerard
Q1: Was Marcel always a vampire when Klaus knew him?
No, Marcel was initially a human slave boy whom Klaus rescued and took under his wing in the early 1800s in New Orleans. Klaus essentially raised him and treated him like a son, teaching him how to survive and thrive. Marcel was later turned into a vampire, but not by Klaus.
Q2: Who turned Marcel into a vampire?
Rebekah Mikaelson, Klaus’s sister, turned Marcel into a vampire using Elijah’s blood and then killing him. She did it because she and Marcel were in love and she wanted them to be together forever, but Klaus ultimately interfered with their relationship. The use of Elijah’s blood is a crucial plot point, as it wasn’t regular vampire blood.
Q3: Why does Marcel call Klaus “Father”?
Marcel refers to Klaus as “Father” out of a mix of respect, affection, and perhaps a subtle power play. Klaus played a significant paternal role in Marcel’s life, raising him and teaching him everything he knew. However, the use of the term also underscores the complex and often strained relationship between them.
Q4: What powers does Marcel have?
Initially, Marcel possesses the standard vampire abilities of enhanced strength, speed, agility, senses, and immortality. However, he later becomes an Upgraded Original Vampire after taking serum made from the venom of Lucien Castle, giving him significantly increased power and making him virtually indestructible. This makes him even more powerful than the original vampires.
Q5: What is Marcel’s relationship with Rebekah?
Marcel and Rebekah share a passionate but tumultuous romantic history. They were deeply in love for centuries, but their relationship was constantly thwarted by Klaus’s possessiveness and control. This unrequited love is a major driving force in their individual storylines throughout both The Originals and The Vampire Diaries.
Q6: What are Marcel’s goals and motivations?
Marcel is driven by a desire for power, control, and respect. He wants to protect those he cares about and build a community where he belongs. He constantly seeks to prove his worth, both to himself and to those around him, often leading him to make questionable choices.
Q7: Does Marcel appear in other episodes of The Vampire Diaries besides the backdoor pilot?
Marcel does not appear in any other episodes of The Vampire Diaries other than the backdoor pilot, “The Originals” (Season 4, Episode 20). His story is primarily explored in The Originals.
Q8: How did Marcel become the ruler of New Orleans?
After the Mikaelsons fled New Orleans in the early 20th century, Marcel strategically consolidated power, building a strong network of vampires and controlling the city’s supernatural elements. He established rules and enforced them ruthlessly, earning him the loyalty (and fear) of the vampire community.
Q9: What is the “Guillotine” and what role does it play in Marcel’s rule?
The “Guillotine” is Marcel’s method of punishing vampires who break his rules. It’s a system where vampires are exposed to sunlight until they die, serving as a deterrent for other vampires and reinforcing his authority. It demonstrates Marcel’s willingness to use force to maintain order.
Q10: How does Marcel’s past influence his actions in The Originals?
Marcel’s experience as a slave and his upbringing by Klaus deeply impact his decisions and motivations. He is constantly striving to overcome his past and prove himself worthy of the power he holds. He fears being controlled or manipulated, which often leads him to make preemptive strikes.
Q11: Is Marcel considered a villain or an anti-hero?
Marcel is a complex character who defies easy categorization. While he is often an antagonist to the Mikaelsons, he also possesses admirable qualities like loyalty and protectiveness. He can be ruthless and manipulative, but also capable of great compassion and self-sacrifice. He’s arguably an anti-hero.
Q12: What happens to Marcel at the end of The Originals?
At the end of The Originals, Marcel finally finds peace and happiness with Rebekah Mikaelson. They leave New Orleans together to start a new life, suggesting a brighter future for both characters after centuries of conflict and heartache. They represent a victory of love over the complicated drama of New Orleans.