art credit by wolfyfly
The Vampire Diaries is known for a certain trio and their love triangle. We have a shared love for the Salvatore brothers and their love for doppelgänger Elena Gilbert, but what none of us expected was the almost fierce and swift love for Klaus that encased us in its grasp when he arrived on the scene. How is it that one of the most feared characters on television since Count Orlok had us vying for his survival and redemption?
Then, as if we weren’t bewildered and fascinated enough by the arrival of Klaus, writers Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson introduced us to the family of “The Originals.” At first they were an illusion – bodies carted about in coffins by Klaus, and their personalities only hinted at. We were intrigued by the concept of a family of original vampires who started myth and legend alike. However it seemed as soon as a few graced our screens with their presence, they were gone. This left only one thing on everyone’s mind, and it wasn’t “Thank the universe those troublemakers are gone” – it was “When will they be back?”
Love for the Originals
Fans quickly demanded more. More facts, more Original stories, and more Klaus (Joseph Morgan), Elijah (Daniel Gillies), Mikael (Sebastian Roche), Kol (Nathaniel Buzolic), Rebekah (Claire Holt), Finn (Caspar Zafer) and Esther (Alice Evans). And this was what we were awarded.
Episode 3.08 ‘Ordinary People’, in particular, provided us with a glimpse into this fascinating family. A few pieces of the mystery around Klaus fell into place, and we experienced first-hand Rebekah’s caring side. This is why Mikael’s mission caused us the most grief – if he killed Klaus with his crazed vendetta, would we ever get to meet the other siblings? We were already so fond of Elijah, Klaus and Rebekah. We questioned the danger surrounding the white oak stake – was it the real deal, or were we panicking for no reason? Up until this point, our Originals seemed unbeatable. They were stronger, faster, and much more eloquent than the other vampires we were used to. But they were also deadlier, and fiercer, and more prone to causing heartache wherever they went. Something as petty as a tree didn’t strike us as that lethal. But when Mikael died it seemed the stress was warranted – our Originals could be killed, and we may never see more of their lives than the brief moments they had on the screen.
To TVD’s credit, this wasn’t the case (at least where more screen time was concerned). When Esther made her entrance in ‘Bringing Out The Dead’, it could only be described as thrilling. Her presence was another huge piece to the puzzle, but it also meant Season 3 wasn’t finished with our Original favorites just yet. And then, to our delight, this episode also introduced us to Kol and Finn. Perhaps we’d learn more about the Originals’ history now that they were together again.
We stick together as one. Always and forever.
But for a few episodes it seemed the Originals (bar a bit of Klaus and Rebekah here and there) weren’t coming back to our screens. Fans could only speculate what Kol, Finn, Esther and even Klaus were up to. Then Episode 3.18 ‘The Murder of One’ happened, and while joyous that our Originals had returned, that joy was trumped by a failed spell and Finn’s sudden death. What followed was a succession of episodes in which Kol cameoed with a baseball bat; Esther promptly died then possessed Rebekah and came back to create psychotic vamp killer Ric, then died at the hands of Ric (or so it appeared). Meanwhile Rebekah organised dances and rendezvoused with Elijah, Elijah struck a few deals here and there and Klaus was also stabbed and presumed dead.
It was a fantastic time for the Original-lovers (at least, when we found out Joseph Morgan (YES!) would be returning for Season 4) as we began to understand them a little more and witness the bonds of family that had stretched across so many millennia. But despite this, there was a world of mystery still encasing this very dysfunctional and erratic family. There was a lot still unknown, and a lot to be speculated on.
So what next?
Well friends, I’ve been toying with the idea of an “Originals Spin-Off”. It’s not an original concept (no pun intended) as I’ve seen ideas floating across the Twitter-sphere since Season 3 began. Nevertheless, I’m fascinated and want to explore this notion. If our Originals were to have their own show, what would the storyline be? Who would it focus on? How long would each episode go for? Would it be a 12-episode series like True Blood or Game of Thrones? Or would it extend for the same amount of time as TVD itself?
If I were to create this spin-off, then this is what it’d be about (I’ll admit, I had a fair bit of fun with this).
“The Originals”
Episode Count: 12 episodes per season
Length of Episodes: 60 minutes
TV Network: The CW
“The Originals” is an all-new supernatural drama, brought to you by The CW. The show is a spin-off from hit TV series The Vampire Diaries, another supernatural drama surrounding the town of Mystic Falls and its inhabitants. In The Vampire Diaries, 17-year-old Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) is torn between her love for two brothers – Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan (Paul Wesley) Salvatore. But they are no ordinary boys – they are vampires. As the narrative develops, more supernatural beings enter the scene and wreak havoc in the town and in Elena’s life. In Season 2, we are introduced to Original vampire Klaus (Joseph Morgan) who is eager to break the curse that has bound him for over 1,000 years. If he succeeds, his werewolf gene will be activated, making him the Original vampire-werewolf hybrid.
“The Originals” spin-off will center around Klaus and his family. The Vampire Diaries introduces us to Original Mother Esther (Alice Evans), and Father Mikael (Sebastian Roche) who have seven children – Klaus (Joseph Morgan), Elijah (Daniel Gillies), Finn (Caspar Zafer), Rebekah (Claire Holt), Kol (Nathaniel Buzolic), Henrik (Devon Allowitz) and a 7th child, whose name we assume is Aaron. It will also showcase the mystery werewolf who fathered Klaus. Where The Vampire Diaries does not address the finer points of how the Originals came into being, nor a detailed history of what has happened in their unbearably long lives, “The Originals” will take us back to how it all began.
The heart of “The Originals”
Experience the beauty, the laughter, the tears and the sorrow. Catch a glimpse of a forbidden love between Kol and his beloved witch; Rebekah’s romance with a vampire hunter which was doomed from the beginning; Klaus’ love with a human that could never last; and a love torn away from another two parties with unchangeable consequences to both. See how both love and loss altered the lives of our Original favorites, and how witches, vampires, werewolves, hunters, humans and ghosts collide in this epic story which leads us on the road to present day Mystic Falls. You will be mesmerised, you will be shocked, you will be addicted.
This is the story they didn’t tell you – the story that will curdle your blood, get under your skin, latch onto your mind and never let you free. This is the story you’ve been wondering about your whole lives, even if you only realised it today.
“The Originals” are not all they seem. Prepare to glimpse them in ways you never thought possible. Betrayal, lust, lies, deceit, murder, panic, terror – but above all, love – follows them around wherever they go. Bound by family, bidden by blood. This is the Originals as you have never seen them before.
Meet “The Originals”
Niklaus
Joseph Morgan plays ‘Niklaus Mikaelson’, the cleverly maniacal hybrid whose serial killer antics has everyone, including all vamps and werewolves in the supernatural realm, completely terrified of him. He is both ruthless and calculating; softened only by a deep longing for family and acceptance. But who is the man behind the hybrid?
Joseph Morgan as Klaus: The DNA of a Vampire
Klaus’ admiration for art, music and animals had to come from somewhere. “The Originals” takes us back to when Klaus was born, and carries us through significant moments in his life until he meets the infamous ‘Rippah’ in the 1920′s. With moving insight into this would-be killer, “The Originals” tells an unforgettable tale of loyalty, love, heartache, acceptance and rejection. This is where we discover Klaus’ true identity, and what tipped the odds against him before any curse was involved.
What Creeps Into The Darkest Of Hearts According to Joseph Morgan
Elijah
‘Elijah Mikaleson’ is played by Daniel Gillies. This Original vampire is resplendent and honest to his faithful confidantes, but can be unforgiving and merciless to those who betray his trust. He can also be gentle, calm and more compassionate than his other vampire relatives. But when it comes to family, Elijah’s trust is somewhat misplaced and false promises often waiver his judgement.
Julie-inspired: Top 10 Best Elijah Moments
Most are unaware that Elijah was not always the charming man he is today. “The Originals” gives us a snippet of Elijah’s childhood, and we witness a side of him not many are privy to: where battles were fought and not all of them won. Elijah’s story will leave you gasping, crying, and then begging for more. Discover how deep his loyalty truly lies, and the extraordinary lengths he goes to to protect those he loves.
Rebekah
Brought to life by gorgeous actress Claire Holt, ‘Rebekah’ is the one sister in a family of brothers. She comes across as spiteful and vindictive, but this hides a curious and kind nature. She longs to be accepted and to live the life of a ‘normal’ teenager; but fortune has not smiled upon her while in Mystic Falls.
This feisty blonde sets hearts racing across the world with her sexy snark and flippant attitude. But we see a world of hurt brewing in those tempting eyes. Curious as to how far back the betrayal goes? “The Originals” unwraps the layers of Rebekah’s life, showcasing both her greatest triumphs and most devastating failures. You cannot begin to imagine what life has offered her.
Kol
Nathaniel Buzolic plays ‘Kol Mikaelson’, the beautiful bad boy with smart-ass humor and a bewitching smile. His actions are often unreasonable and unpredictable, and it’s always a little tricky to know what he’s thinking. He takes an aggressive approach to life, and treats fellow siblings with contempt, though he is still loyal to them to a certain extent.
The Vampire Diaries: Kol And Sibling Rivalry
But Kol’s transition to this cocky and cheeky vampire was nothing like what you would expect. From terrifying near-misses to catastrophic rampages, “The Originals” shows us the world through Kol’s eyes. From loving a witch to commanding the respect of thousands, Kol’s journey has taken him to many intriguing – and dark – places.
Finn
‘Finn Mikaelson’ is the quietly composed brother. Caspar Zafer exposes us to the somewhat reluctant – however determined – vampire that Finn is. Finn and Esther join forces in her war to bring the vampire race to extinction, with regret laying heavily on both of their hearts for the destruction each of the siblings has left in their wake.
His time may have been cut short in The Vampire Diaries, but there is so much more to Finn’s life than anyone knows. Before his relationship with Sage, Finn was chaotic and violent, a black shadow compared to the man he is now. That all began with one fateful choice in his childhood. “The Originals” takes us to this choice, and opens our eyes to the self-destructive decision that led to him wanting his own death.
Esther
‘Esther’, played by Alice Evans, is the Original witch, the wife of Mikael and the mother of the Original family. Her grief from losing 2 of her children spurned the creation of vampires. Despite allowing a way for her children to be killed, she made them virtually invincible and unleashed a force on the world which no spell could rectify.
Esther’s journey takes us somewhere we’ve never been before – into the afterlife. Her link with nature and the spiritual realm has dwindled over the years, but before Klaus ripped out her heart she was powerful beyond all measure. Find out who she gained her power from, the torment of her suspended imprisonment, and the woman behind the fierce mother.
Mikael
Sebastian Roche introduces us to ‘Mikael’, a driven and passionate Original father who breeds both fear, respect and hatred from each of his family members. Having Esther taken from him – and believed dead – he scours the earth to enact his revenge on Klaus. From this, he became a vampire hunter and a force not to be reckoned with.
Mikael is both cruel and kind. Hardened by his family’s struggles, he finds little pleasure in activities which he used to delight in. Have you ever wondered what he was like before tragedy struck? What love he possessed in his heart that took him away from all he had known to marry the woman he adored? “The Originals” captures Mikael in a new light; it gives us his pain but also his wonder and excitement. Despite his death, Mikael’s story is not yet completed.
Henrik
‘Henrik Mikaelson’ is the youngest of the Original family, and the one to die first after the family moved to Mystic Falls. Played by Devon Allowitz, Henrik is reserved and timid, a shy child who rarely caused a fuss. His death was both shocking and monumental, as it spurned Esther into creating the vampire curse to preserve and protect her family.
“The Originals” does not allow Henrik to die so quickly. As he enters the ghostly realm, his family is shaken with frequent ghostly apparitions – some of them not Henrik. Remembering their son and brother becomes both a comfort and a torment for the Originals, as they allow Henrik to live on in their hearts and minds.
Aaron
Mikael and Esther’s first-born, ‘Aaron Mikaelson’ (or as we are led to believe by the writings on the cave wall), was Mikael’s pride and joy. He was vibrant and energetic, and lit up a room when he smiled. Their lives were radically altered the day the plague took him, and his death is the source of Mikael’s misery.
See how the birth of their first child both strengthened and shattered Mikael and Esther’s relationship together. “The Originals” takes us from Esther and Mikael’s first few years together, before guiding us to their arrival in Mystic Falls. Aaron’s death was a tragedy, but it allowed for the formation of a new family – and a chance at a new life for Esther and Mikael.
Klaus’ biological father
Klaus’ biological father was the biggest game changer in the lives of the Mikaelson’s. But who is he? His presence is felt, but what part did he have to play in the lives of our Original family, other than to father Klaus? He was not only Esther’s lover, but a werewolf. A demon of the underworld, and the spearhead to another realm of darker magic and terrifying secrets.
“The Originals” follows the path of mystery dad to the violent and deceiving sphere of the werewolves. This is sure to bewilder and entice those who enter, as werewolves are cunning in their exploits. The Mikaelsons chance upon this world in the worst kind of way, and spark the battle between vampire and werewolf that continues to rage even today.
“The Originals”: More than family
This supernatural drama has all the elements of a tale about one phenomenal family, but it is about the creation of legends and the birth of mythical creatures too. When the Mikaelsons were made into vampires, there was a whole squadron of supernatural beings in their midst. The werewolves, witches and ghosts play an important part in their story, as well as unforgotten loved ones and influential and bewitching friends. Witness the birth, life and death of the Mikaelsons, and immerse yourself in the world where they are “The Originals”.
But is that all?
Is that all, you might be wondering? Well, there’s actually more, but I want to know if you TVD-lovers are interested in an Originals Spin-Off, or if you’re happy with the way TVD has dealt with them. If you ARE curious as to what I might have brewing in the story-telling compartment of my head, then let me know. Because if you do, then I promise you a new post each week about TVAfterDark’s version of the Spin-Off. If not, then I’ll simply leave you with this post and the poll below. Happy reading!
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I do love the Originals, but I think the backstory is good enough. It lends so much more TVD, never knowing what might pop up from their past, or the Salvatore’s for that matter.
We know exactly how the Originals came into being [Sexy Becs tells Elena], and the only real gaps are in the 1000 years since. :-) Yep, I know it’s a long time… but I think it would be overkill to have a series just for them.
I just love the way TVD has incorporated them into the mythology of Mystic Falls – and think it’s enough.
Also, I don’t believe you’d be able to run these two series side by side or even in the ‘off season’. It would conflict too much. It would be good to do this AFTER TVD has finished [hopefully, not another few years at least].
I suggest you look into Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and the successful spinoff, Angel. They took the shows most beloved character and gave him a grand exit from the original show in order to introduce his very own spin-off. The show was created by the same people, featured a member or two of the original cast which had been written off the original, and ran along side BTVS. Occasionally, the writers would do cross-overs between the two shows (which were always extremely entertaining) but most often they were run as two completely different series’. They shared some of the same fanbase, but the spinoff even developed it’s own as well.
I’m not saying they should do that with TVD by any means. Especially the most beloved character part, because that road leads right down Salvatore boulevard, and I don’t really think I could handle losing either of the brothers in Mystic Falls. But if they were to do a spinoff, I think the originals would be the most interesting. I would also want it to run directly alongside TVD, because the most fun part of BTVS and Angel playing together was the crossovers. Besides, if they didn’t take away a Salvatore, and they didn’t use the originals, who would the series be based on? Do you really want to watch an entire hour-long show about Matt or Jeremy?
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I’D WANT IT IF YOU WERE WRITING IT. YOU POSTED A BEAUTIFUL OUTLINE ON HOW GOOD THE STORY COULD BE IN THE RIGHT HANDS
If anything I imagine a spinoff would be on an existing character, (characters?) just as the books have done. In fact, I believe EXACTLY as the books have done, and Somerhalder and Wesley will star ALONGSIDE themselves in a separate show based on their own previous storylines without Elena’s character. What’s better than one commercially successful juggernaut show based on “Stefan” and “Damon”, than TWO commercially successful juggernaut shows?
Would love a spin off…..the only reason why I watch VDs is to see them ♥