The Originals Review: Heart Shaped Box (Season 3 Episode 13)

What do you do when the main character of a story forgets the closest to him will guide him through his troubles? Well, putting them in mortal peril seems to do the trick!

The Originals, “Heart Shaped Box” steers Klaus back to family and what’s really at stake. It also gives us an opportunity to look at how lose has affected those around him.

Let’s talk about it!

Klaus treats Freya as if she were a peon of his. He orders her around with no regard to what she does for the family or how it could put her in danger. Klaus does not deserve her love, devotion, or allegiance because he hasn’t earned it. She’s easily replaceable and Freya feels it in every second she spends with him. It’s not a healthy relationship and not the family she deserves.

Aurora inadvertently tests the bonds and lengths that Klaus is willing to go for someone alienated by him. It’s a test to see where she belongs in this dynamic. In the small moments he accepts her, rescues her, it’s an acknowledgement that she’s here to stay because she’s more than just a witch. She’s one of them.

Hayley is seemingly working through Jackson’s death on her own in quiet moments spent at his memorial. Klaus finding her is an invasion of this mourning process. His apology to her is lackluster and meaningless. He uses her pain to push her into doing his bidding. Everyone is expendable and a way for him to get what he wants. How is he to make meaningful connections in his life if he continues to treat his family like this? He refuses to make connections because he is afraid of being vulnerable, of committing himself to someone.

Giving in and opening oneself doesn’t make one weak. It makes you stronger, a force to be reckoned with. Klaus will continue to lose the ones in his life unless he gives a piece of himself in return (and not some temporary piece like he did with Cami that flickered out as soon as he couldn’t control her.) That’s the only way he’ll be safe and content in his life in New Orleans.

Hayley’s advice to Cami is exactly what she needs to her. She has been defining herself by the monster that she’s always seen vampires, werewolves, and witches as. Hayley reminds her that there are parts of her that will never go away. She’s more than her thirst for blood.

Cami is a pro-active, brave, and adaptable post-grad who needs to be around people that will ground her. It’s the only way that she can move forward and do what must be done now. The fight around her will not stop. It will only continue to grow and she has to do more than use fancy trinkets. She’ll find purpose when she finds control. And no matter how much she tries to fight it’ll be found with the Mikaelsons and Co.

Music Featured in the Episode:

• Devil’s Playground by The Rigs. Plays during episodes promo.
• My Hotsy-Totsy Baby (feat. Corey Gemme) by The City of Los Angeles All Stars & Richard Geere.
• I Will Love You by Gin Wigmore. Plays when Hayley and Kol kiss & Jackson’s heart is stolen.

What did you think of this episode of The Originals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Originals airs Fridays at 9/8c on The CW.

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