"Always and forever."
The Originals - Episode Highlights
Episode Highlights
Always and Forever
The series premiere effectively re-establishes the world from Elijah's perspective. It sets up the central conflict: the Mikaelsons' return to New Orleans, the discovery of Hayley's pregnancy, and the introduction of Marcel Gerard as the city's formidable king.
This episode lays the entire foundation for the series. It establishes the core themes of family, legacy, and power, and introduces the key players and their initial motivations, kicking off the central struggle for control of the French Quarter.
From a Cradle to a Grave
In a devastating season finale, Hayley gives birth to Hope but is killed by the witches who then take the baby to be sacrificed. The Mikaelsons, along with a newly-turned hybrid Hayley, fight to save the child. Klaus makes the heartbreaking decision to send Hope away with Rebekah to keep her safe.
This episode solidifies Klaus's transformation towards redemption. His choice to protect his daughter over seeking power is a monumental shift in his character. It also establishes Hope's importance as the series' emotional core and introduces the threat of the Mikaelsons' resurrected parents.
The Bloody Crown
After being bitten by an upgraded Marcel, Klaus is put on 'trial' for his centuries of atrocities. In a stunning act of sacrifice, Klaus endures Marcel's judgment to act as a tether, keeping his poisoned siblings alive in a magical slumber while Hayley searches for cures.
This episode completely upends the show's status quo, effectively defeating the Mikaelsons and putting Marcel in total control. Klaus's sacrifice is a testament to his character growth, and the five-year time jump that follows sets a new stage for Season 4.
The Feast of All Sinners
To save Hope from the all-powerful spirit known as The Hollow, the Mikaelson siblings divide the entity and absorb it into themselves. The ritual's consequence is that they must separate from each other, forever, to keep The Hollow from reforming. Elijah has his memories of his family erased to ensure he won't seek them out.
This finale shatters the family's "Always and Forever" vow in the most tragic way possible. It demonstrates their ultimate growth, as they sacrifice their cherished togetherness for the sake of Hope. It provides a poignant, seemingly definitive ending for their story before the final season.
When the Saints Go Marching In
In the series finale, Klaus absorbs The Hollow from Hope, planning to sacrifice himself to destroy the entity for good. After a series of emotional goodbyes, Elijah reveals he intends to die with his brother, stating his life's purpose of redeeming Klaus is complete. The two brothers stake each other, ending their lives together.
This episode provides the definitive conclusion to the Mikaelson brothers' thousand-year journey. It completes Klaus's redemption arc and brings a tragic, poetic finality to their vow of "Always and Forever." The finale prioritizes emotional closure and the themes of sacrifice and family over a simple victory.