The Originals Review: What, will, I, have, left (Season 5 Episode 6)

On The Originals Season 5 Episode 6, “What, will, I, have, left,” the fate of one beloved character is sealed. The final season of The Originals continues to feel like a prologue for its spin-off, Legacies, focusing too much attention on Hope instead of giving the series the send-off it deserves.

Six episodes into The Originals Season 5, and the show has been weighed down by a storyline about a group of vampires who are big fans of the eugenics movement, led by a fanatic named Greta.

They set their sights on who else? Hope. She’s the golden ticket to putting an end to hybrids who Greta views as a dirtying of her species which “diminishes the pure and superior nature of vampires.” Yes, this is the supernatural equivalent of Hitler’s genocidal efforts to achieve racial purification.

If you really want to stretch it, viewers could see parallels between this storyline, and the rampant anti-immigration stance and emboldened bigotry occurring in the United States under Trump’s leadership. But do viewers want the show dive into such deep political and social commentary?

Greta, Antoinette and Roman’s familial connections is both a convenient and sloppy way to reconnect Elijah and Klaus.

During the big showdown when Klaus fights Elijah — who is firmly a member of Team Greta — there’s no sign of the Hollow which is a pretty big oversight, given their previous interactions had Biblical-like ramifications.

And after barely appearing in The Originals Season 5, Hayley goes from all-powerful hybrid, to run-of-the-mill vamp, to a heap of ashes on the front porch, taking Greta out with her.

Hayley may have saved her daughter from Greta’s clutches, but she deserves better than a blink or you’ll miss it reunion with her once great love Elijah before going up in flames. It is the final season, so all bets are off on who will live or die, but Hayley gets the shaft.

With Hayley gone, Hope will play an even larger role in the remainder of the season, since her mother’s death is certain should her into a downward spiral although Hayley’s last words to her daughter predict Hope will be the one to bring the witches, werewolves and vampires together. This contradicts the prophecy that Hope is a demon spawn who will destroy New Orleans and everyone with it.

What do the events in the farmhouse mean for the rest of the characters going forward? Just about anything and everything, which does not bode well for a strong, satisfying ending, With the season almost half over, The Originals continues to unravel instead of tying up loose ends.

We know Hope’s and Roman’s futures are secure since they’re starring in the spin-off, so Klaus isn’t going to kill Roman. Although the romance between the vampire and Hope appears to be on hold.

The Originals needs to shift the attention back to its key characters. Hayley’s death could be the catalyst to do that. If Hayley has to die, at least don’t let it be in vain. What remains of Greta’s family and followers are poised to seek vengeance, which means single-dad Klaus will have to protect his daughter while rallying his troops in Nola.

The family has to unite at some point because The Originals is on the precipice of turning into a teen drama, and a large part of the show’s allure is that it is The Vampire Diaries‘ elder sibling. We want the rich, Shakespearean-like dialogue and drama, we want them to be at their worst when they’re trying to do their best. We want always and forever back.

Let’s hope Marcel considers undoing Elijah’s compulsion. He has the capability to do so, and watching Elijah barely blink as Hayley dies is an affront to Haylijah fans everywhere.

It’s understandable that the show’s creators want to give Legacies a real shot at success, but it only tookThe Vampire Diaries one episode to establish the premise for The Originals spin-off. The Originals deserves a better send-off: An epic battle with the Hollow, Freya, and Vincent utilizing their powers for more than locator spells, a neutered Marcel getting his groove back. Yes, to all of the above.

If fans don’t get this and more, what, will, we, have, left?

Other thoughts about the episode:

• Is Declan as clueless as Vincent thinks he is, and what will happen when Hayley’s boyfriend learns of her death?
• This episode further paves the way for an eventual Klaus-Caroline coupling.
• Hayley’s demise will inevitably bring Klaus and Hope closer.

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

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

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