The Originals begins as a backdoor pilot within The Vampire Diaries, specifically in Season 4, Episode 20, titled “The Originals.” This episode serves as the launching pad for the Mikaelson family’s return to New Orleans and the beginning of their own spin-off series.
The Pilot Episode: A Deep Dive
The episode “The Originals” isn’t just a fleeting appearance; it’s a substantial introduction to the compelling narrative that would define the spin-off. Klaus Mikaelson, the Original Hybrid, returns to New Orleans after receiving a mysterious tip that a plot is brewing against him. He is drawn back to a city he once helped build, now ruled by his former protégé, Marcel Gerard.
Key Plot Points of “The Originals” (TVD S4E20)
The episode focuses on:
- Klaus’s Investigation: He uncovers a conspiracy involving witches and Marcel, revealing a power struggle within the supernatural community of New Orleans.
- The Revelation: A shocking revelation is made – Hayley Marshall, who had a one-night stand with Klaus, is pregnant with his child. This unexpected pregnancy drastically alters the dynamics and motivations of the characters.
- Marcel’s Power: The episode showcases Marcel’s control over the city and the resources he commands, emphasizing his power and influence.
- The Seeds of Conflict: The episode meticulously plants the seeds of conflict between Klaus and Marcel, foreshadowing the central storyline of The Originals.
- Elijah’s Arrival: As Klaus wrestles with the news of Hayley’s pregnancy, Elijah arrives in New Orleans, vowing to stand by his brother and help him navigate this new challenge.
The Transition: From Mystic Falls to New Orleans
While “The Originals” functions as a standalone episode, it is undeniably a crucial part of The Vampire Diaries narrative. It provides context for Klaus’s actions in Mystic Falls and sets the stage for the Mikaelsons to forge their own destinies in a new setting. The successful reception of this episode ultimately led to the greenlighting of The Originals as its own series. This was a calculated move by the showrunners, leveraging the existing fanbase of The Vampire Diaries to introduce a new, potentially successful spin-off.
Leaving Mystic Falls Behind
The episode also marks a shift in focus away from the core group in Mystic Falls. While some characters like Rebekah Mikaelson occasionally crossed over between the two shows, the primary narrative for the Mikaelson family moved definitively to New Orleans, allowing The Vampire Diaries to explore new storylines and character arcs without the constant presence of the Originals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “The Originals” and Its Origins
Here are some common questions regarding The Originals and its connection to The Vampire Diaries, answered to provide clarity and context:
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Is it necessary to watch The Vampire Diaries before watching The Originals?
While The Originals eventually develops its own distinct storyline, understanding the Mikaelson family’s history and dynamics, as presented in The Vampire Diaries, significantly enhances the viewing experience. Seeing their initial introduction and character development in TVD adds depth to their actions and motivations in The Originals. However, you can still enjoy and understand The Originals on its own.
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What seasons of The Vampire Diaries should I watch before The Originals?
Seasons 2 through 4 of The Vampire Diaries are particularly relevant, as they feature the introduction and development of the Mikaelson family. Specifically, the episodes leading up to and including Season 4, Episode 20 (“The Originals”) are essential viewing.
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Are there any other crossover episodes between The Vampire Diaries and The Originals?
Yes, there are several crossover episodes, particularly in the early seasons of The Originals. Characters from The Vampire Diaries, such as Tyler Lockwood and Caroline Forbes, make appearances in The Originals, further connecting the two universes. These crossovers typically serve to advance plotlines or provide emotional closure for certain characters.
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Does Elena Gilbert appear in The Originals?
No, Elena Gilbert (played by Nina Dobrev) does not make a direct appearance in The Originals. Her story remains primarily within The Vampire Diaries.
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What makes “The Originals” episode in The Vampire Diaries so important?
It’s the pilot! It acts as an introduction to the new characters and storylines, laying the groundwork for the spin-off series. It offers viewers a taste of the distinct tone, themes, and setting of The Originals.
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Where does The Originals Season 1 pick up after the Vampire Diaries episode?
The first season of The Originals immediately continues the storyline introduced in The Vampire Diaries episode, focusing on the escalating conflict between Klaus, Marcel, and the New Orleans witches, as well as the implications of Hayley’s pregnancy.
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Are the witches in The Originals the same as the ones in The Vampire Diaries?
While both shows feature witches, the New Orleans witches in The Originals have their own distinct history, traditions, and power structures, separate from the witches encountered in Mystic Falls.
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Who is Marcel in relation to Klaus?
Marcel Gerard is Klaus’s former protégé and adopted son. Klaus rescued Marcel as a child and raised him, teaching him how to survive and thrive as a vampire. Their relationship is complex and filled with both affection and betrayal.
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What is the central conflict in The Originals?
The central conflict revolves around power struggles within the supernatural community of New Orleans, particularly between the Originals, Marcel, the witches, and werewolves. Family dynamics, loyalty, and the desire for control are recurring themes.
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Is Hayley Marshall a werewolf in The Originals?
Yes, Hayley Marshall is a werewolf. Her lineage and connection to the Crescent Wolf Clan play a significant role in the storyline of The Originals.
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Why did Klaus return to New Orleans?
Klaus returns to New Orleans because he receives information suggesting a plot is brewing against him. The whispers of rebellion against Marcel’s rule pique his interest, drawing him back to the city he helped build.
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Is there a sequel to The Originals?
Yes, there is a sequel to The Originals titled Legacies. Legacies focuses on Hope Mikaelson, Klaus and Hayley’s daughter, as she navigates life at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, a school for supernatural beings. Legacies incorporates characters and storylines from both The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, continuing the legacy of the supernatural world established in the original series.
By understanding the origins of The Originals within The Vampire Diaries, fans can fully appreciate the rich history and complex relationships that define this captivating spin-off. The journey from Mystic Falls to New Orleans marks a significant chapter in the lives of the Mikaelsons and the broader supernatural world, solidifying their place in television history.