15 Must-See Episodes of ‘The Originals’

The Mikaelsons say their final goodbye on The Originals Season 5 Episode 13, “When the Saints Go Marching In.”  Luckily, that doesn’t mean the end of always and forever thanks to TV streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon.

The popular spin-off of The Vampire Diaries chronicles the lives of the original vampires who have spent 1,000 years cutting a path of death and destruction across every continent. They return to New Orleans, the one place they consider home, where they find themselves fighting enemies not just from their past, but present-day adversaries, including each other.

Whether you’re a huge fan of The Originals or looking to catch up on some binge-worthy fare, these 15 episodes of The Originals — in chronological order — are must-see TV.

1. Always and Forever (Season 1 Episode 1)

Upon his return to New Orleans, the city his family helped build, Klaus discovers the Big Easy is ruled with an iron fist by Klaus’s one-time protégé and surrogate son, Marcel.

He also learns he’s going to be a father (the result of a one-night stand with werewolf Hayley Marshall). Hayley’s pregnancy with a “miracle baby” provides the witches with an opportunity to regain their power.

“Always and Forever” establishes the social hierarchy that exists within the expansive supernatural community in New Orleans. It also sets up a season-long power struggle between Klaus and Marcel and marks the beginning of Klaus’s road to redemption.

2. The Casket Girls (Season 1 Episode 10)

Several of the female characters attempt to exert control over their own lives. Viewers are reminded of how formidable Rebekah can be. Tired of taking a backseat to her brothers and Marcel, Rebekah sets the wheels in motion to overthrow the patriarchal regime.

Up to this point, the female characters are victims of the male posturing and power grabs, but this episode is all about female empowerment whether it’s Davina taking down two vamps and a hybrid without breaking a sweat, or Cami going toe to toe with Klaus.

3. Crescent City (Season 1 Episode 13)

Resurrected witches gather to seek revenge on the Mikaelsons. One poses a particular threat to Rebekah and Marcel who are harboring a secret that, if exposed, promises to bring the wrath of Klaus down upon them.

This is Jackson’s first appearance in human form, and he begins to educate Hayley on the ways of the werewolves.  and just how important a role she’s destined to play within the Crescent pack.

After years of subjugation, the witches begin to prove to be a formidable threat to anyone who crosses them, even one of their own.

4. The Map of Moments (Season 2 Episode 9)

Sentimental episodes are few and far between on The Originals, but “Map of Moments” offers a rare glimpse of Klaus, Rebekah, and Elijah honoring their vow of always and forever in less dysfunctional capacity. Klaus and Hayley reunite with Hope for the first time since her birth.

With Esther alive and well and determined to save her children from themselves, Klaus, Elijah, Rebekah, and Kol join together to defeat a common foe. Being Mikaelsons, they can’t help but throw in a few double-crosses in the process.

Amidst the holiday cheer and endless scheming, there’s still time for a little romance. Haylijah fans get a well deserved and long-awaited reward when this ship finally sets sail.

5. I Love You, Goodbye (Season 2 Episode 14)

The first Originals‘ wedding proves Klaus has some mad party-planning skills. Hayley and Jackson’s nuptials unite two wolf bloodlines, creating a pack of super-wolves. What may have started out as a union of convenience turns into something more, resulting in heartbreak for Elijah and a headache for Klaus.

One Mikaelson falls, and Freya, whose motivations remain a huge question mark, portends the arrival of the all-powerful Aunt Dahlia who is owed a debt she plans to collect.

6. They All Asked for You (Season 2 Episode 15)

Freya’s endgame is still unclear, but one item on her to-do list is to wake up dear old dad. The only side viewers see of Mikael who, up to this point, is an abusive SOB. Mikael has a weak spot for at least one of his children, Freya.

We catch a glimpse of the father he might have been under different circumstances. These two appear to have the most normal relationship of all the Mikaelsons, even though they haven’t seen one another in 1,000 years. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder.

7. City Beneath the Season (Season 2 Episode 20)

Even the worst villains on The Originals have a soft spot. They don’t start out bad — someone or something makes them that way. On The Originals Season 2 Episode 20, “Beneath the Sea,” Dahlia takes Klaus on a walk down memory lane, revealing a woman who may or may not be as bad as the reputation that precedes her.

This episode also confirms the immense power Hope will have as she grows older and lends some legitimacy to the prophecy that Hope could one day destroy, well, everything.

8. Fire with Fire (Season 2 Episode 21)

There’s nothing Klaus likes better than getting revenge and besting his enemies.

On this episode of The Originals, not only does Klaus punish his nearest and dearest for their betrayals — both real and imagined — but he also sets the wheels in motion to save his daughter. It’s Klaus at his best and his worst.

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