The last episode of The Originals, titled “When the Saints Go Marching In,” aired on August 1, 2018, concluding the series’ five-season run with a heartbreaking but ultimately fitting ending that emphasized family and sacrifice. This finale saw the culmination of the Mikaelson siblings’ centuries-long struggle for redemption and the protection of their beloved city, New Orleans, but not without significant loss.
The Weight of Sacrifice: A Deep Dive into the Finale
“When the Saints Go Marching In” wasn’t just a finale; it was a carefully constructed farewell that addressed lingering plot threads, honored the show’s core themes, and delivered emotional closure for its key characters. The episode revolved around the escalating threat of the Hollow’s dark magic, now residing within Hope Mikaelson. Realizing the immense danger Hope posed to herself and everyone around her, the Mikaelsons, bound by their promise of “Always and Forever,” made the ultimate sacrifice.
Klaus Mikaelson, burdened by his past and desperate to protect his daughter, orchestrated a plan to absorb the remaining pieces of the Hollow into himself. Knowing that the Hollow’s magic would corrupt and ultimately destroy him, Klaus intended to end his own life, taking the dark magic with him. However, Elijah, ever loyal to his brother, refused to let Klaus face this burden alone. He took the remaining piece of the Hollow, declaring that he could no longer live without Klaus, essentially mirroring his brother’s desire to protect Hope and live for her.
The episode culminated in a poignant scene where Klaus and Elijah, together as always, impaled themselves with a white oak stake, finally finding peace in oblivion. Their deaths marked a significant turning point for Hope, who, now free from the Hollow’s influence, was left to navigate her future as a young witch at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted.
The finale explored the complex dynamics within the Mikaelson family, highlighting the enduring power of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. It also acknowledged the cost of their immortality and the lasting impact of their actions on the lives of those around them. “When the Saints Go Marching In” served as a fitting conclusion to The Originals, offering a bittersweet yet hopeful resolution to the Mikaelson saga. The show wrapped up in a satisfying way because we see that even though a lot of people end up suffering or even dying, the overall conclusion is that this is what needed to happen to keep Hope safe and allow her to live a more normal life.
Unpacking the Legacy: Frequently Asked Questions About The Originals’ Ending
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing key aspects of The Originals finale and its lasting impact:
FAQs
1. Why did Klaus and Elijah have to die in the finale?
Klaus and Elijah’s deaths were ultimately necessary to eliminate the threat of the Hollow and ensure Hope’s safety. Klaus’s sacrifice was driven by his unwavering love for his daughter and his desire to atone for his past sins. Elijah’s decision to join Klaus was rooted in his lifelong loyalty and his inability to live a meaningful life without his brother. Their deaths, although tragic, represented the ultimate expression of their devotion to their family. While viewers hated to see these two characters die, it was truly a sacrifice that was rooted in their love for Hope.
2. What happened to Hope Mikaelson after the finale?
Following the deaths of her father and uncle, Hope enrolled at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, a boarding school for supernatural children. This is where Legacies, the spinoff series of The Originals and The Vampire Diaries, picks up her story, focusing on her experiences as a tribrid (werewolf, witch, and vampire) and her journey to understand and control her powers.
3. How did the finale connect to The Vampire Diaries universe?
The finale of The Originals directly sets the stage for Legacies, further expanding the Vampire Diaries universe. The Salvatore School, co-founded by Alaric Saltzman and Caroline Forbes (from The Vampire Diaries), becomes a central location in Legacies, providing a safe haven for supernatural beings like Hope. In addition to this, we see characters like Klaus and Elijah who were important throughout The Vampire Diaries universe ultimately getting a fitting conclusion to their story arcs.
4. Was there any hope for Klaus and Caroline to be together?
While Klaus and Caroline shared a complex and undeniable connection throughout The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, their romance was never fully realized. In the finale, Caroline appears and shares a heartfelt goodbye with Klaus, acknowledging their bond. However, Klaus’s impending death prevented any long-term relationship between them. While Caroline was a fan favorite, and viewers were hoping for a Klaus and Caroline romance, it just did not happen.
5. Did any other main characters die in the finale?
While Klaus and Elijah were the most significant losses, other characters, such as Hayley Marshall, had already died earlier in the season. The finale primarily focused on resolving the threat of the Hollow and the Mikaelsons’ sacrifices, with no additional major character deaths occurring.
6. What was the significance of the “Always and Forever” vow?
The “Always and Forever” vow was the cornerstone of the Mikaelson family’s bond, representing their unwavering loyalty and commitment to protecting each other. The finale reinforced this vow, demonstrating the lengths to which the Mikaelsons were willing to go to uphold their promise, even if it meant sacrificing their own lives.
7. How did the finale address the Mikaelsons’ redemption arcs?
Throughout The Originals, the Mikaelson siblings grappled with their violent pasts and sought redemption for their actions. The finale highlighted their growth, showcasing their willingness to sacrifice themselves for the greater good and for the sake of future generations. Their final actions demonstrated that they had, in their own way, achieved a measure of redemption.
8. What was the overall message of the finale?
The finale of The Originals conveyed a powerful message about the importance of family, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love. It emphasized that even those with troubled pasts are capable of redemption and that the bonds of family can provide strength and support in the face of adversity.
9. Were there any scenes filmed for an alternate ending?
There is no publicly available information confirming that any alternate endings were filmed for The Originals. The show’s creators and writers meticulously planned the finale to deliver a specific emotional impact and resolution to the series’ overarching narrative.
10. What are the main differences between the plot of The Originals and The Vampire Diaries?
Although both are set in the same universe, The Originals focuses on a family of vampires and their quest to protect their town of New Orleans, whereas The Vampire Diaries is about a teenage girl who falls in love with two vampire brothers. While the characters of The Originals were first introduced in The Vampire Diaries, the series of The Originals focuses on the Mikaelson siblings and their family dynamics.
11. Will there ever be another spinoff of The Originals?
While there are no official plans for another spinoff of The Originals beyond Legacies, the enduring popularity of the franchise and the richness of the Vampire Diaries universe leave the door open for potential future installments. Fans continue to express interest in exploring other characters and storylines within this world.
12. What is the general consensus of viewers about the finale?
The finale of The Originals received mixed reactions from viewers. Many praised the emotional depth, the powerful performances, and the fitting conclusion to the Mikaelsons’ story arcs. However, some fans were saddened by the deaths of Klaus and Elijah, arguing that their sacrifices were too bleak and that they deserved a happier ending. Despite the mixed opinions, the finale remains a memorable and impactful conclusion to a beloved series.