The Originals is a captivating world of supernatural beings that has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide.
The story, which started as a book series by Lisa Jane Smith and was later adapted into a hit TV show, has become a cultural phenomenon.
In this article, we will dive deep into the world of The Originals, exploring the book summary, TV series, true story, best episodes and seasons, and much more.
So, buckle up and get ready for a thrilling ride into the world of vampires, witches, and werewolves.
Book Summary: The Originals by Lisa Jane Smith
The Originals book series, written by Lisa Jane Smith, is an extension of her highly popular Vampire Diaries series. The story revolves around the Mikaelson family, known as the Original vampires, who have a complicated and dark history.
The series follows the lives of Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah as they navigate through the treacherous world of New Orleans, a city filled with supernatural beings and their own dangerous past.
In the first book, The Originals: The Rise, the Mikaelsons arrive in New Orleans, seeking to escape a prophecy that predicts the destruction of their family. They find themselves caught in a power struggle between the city’s supernatural communities, with each sibling having their own agenda.
The second book, The Originals: The Loss, sees the siblings struggling to maintain their family bond while facing a new enemy that threatens the very foundation of their existence.
The third and final book, The Originals: The Resurrection, follows the Mikaelsons as they face the ultimate battle for their family’s survival and the future of the supernatural world.
TV Series Summary: The Originals
The Originals TV series, created by Julie Plec and a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, premiered in 2013 and ran for five seasons.
The plot revolves around the Mikaelson siblings – Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah – as they return to New Orleans, a city they helped build centuries ago.
They discover that their old friend Marcel Gerard has taken control of the supernatural community and is ruling with an iron fist. The siblings must navigate through the city’s treacherous supernatural politics while dealing with their own complicated family dynamics.
Throughout the series, the Mikaelsons face various enemies and challenges, including witches, werewolves, and even their own family members. At the heart of the story is the bond between the siblings and their unwavering commitment to family, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The True Story Behind The Originals
While The Originals is a work of fiction, the story is inspired by the rich history and folklore of New Orleans.
The city has long been associated with tales of vampires, witches, and other supernatural beings, making it the perfect backdrop for the series. Additionally, many of the show’s characters and plotlines are drawn from real-life historical figures and events, such as the infamous Axeman of New Orleans and the city’s unique cultural heritage.
However, it is important to note that The Originals is not a true story, but rather a creative interpretation of the city’s history and mythology. The Mikaelsons and other supernatural beings are fictional characters, although they serve as a fascinating exploration of the darker side of humanity and our enduring fascination with the supernatural.
Best Episodes and Seasons of The Originals
The Originals has a number of standout episodes and seasons that showcase the series’ excellent storytelling and character development.
Some of the best episodes include:
- “Always and Forever” (Season 1, Episode 1): The series premiere introduces viewers to the world of The Originals and sets the stage for the sibling’s return to New Orleans.
- “The Battle of New Orleans” (Season 1, Episode 21): The penultimate episode of the first season sees the Mikaelsons at war with their enemies, culminating in a thrilling battle for control of the city.
- “The Brothers That Care Forgot” (Season 2, Episode 8): This episode delves into the complicated relationship between Klaus and his half-brother Kol, providing insight into their family’s twisted history.
As for the best season, many fans consider Season 2 to be the peak of the series, as it delves deeper into the Mikaelsons’ past and introduces new characters and conflicts.
Timeline and Locations: When and Where The Originals Takes Place
The Originals takes place in a fictional version of New Orleans, a city with a rich history and unique culture that serves as the perfect backdrop for the story.
The series spans several centuries, with flashbacks revealing the Mikaelsons’ past lives and experiences in the city. The modern-day events of the show primarily take place in the early 21st century, with the siblings returning to New Orleans after a century-long absence.
Over the course of the series, the characters visit numerous locations throughout New Orleans, including the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the Bayou. These settings provide a vibrant and atmospheric backdrop for the supernatural drama that unfolds throughout the show.
Who’s Who: Main and Guest Stars of The Originals
The Originals boasts a talented ensemble cast, featuring both main and guest stars who bring the show’s diverse range of characters to life.
Some of the key players include:
- Joseph Morgan as Klaus Mikaelson: The hybrid vampire-werewolf and primary protagonist of the series.
- Daniel Gillies as Elijah Mikaelson: Klaus’s noble and fiercely loyal brother.
- Claire Holt as Rebekah Mikaelson: The sister of Klaus and Elijah, who longs for a normal life and love.
- Charles Michael Davis as Marcel Gerard: The charismatic and powerful vampire who rules New Orleans.
- Phoebe Tonkin as Hayley Marshall: A werewolf who becomes entangled in the Mikaelsons’ family drama.
In addition to the main cast, The Originals features a number of guest stars who play pivotal roles in the series, including Leah Pipes as Camille O’Connell, a human psychologist who becomes romantically involved with Klaus, and Yusuf Gatewood as Vincent Griffith, a powerful witch who allies with the Mikaelsons.
Memorable Quotes from The Originals
The Originals is known for its sharp writing and memorable dialogue, with characters often delivering lines that are both poignant and witty.
Some fan-favorite quotes include:
- “Family is power, Niklaus. Love, loyalty – that’s power.” – Elijah Mikaelson
- “I was never naive enough to think that I actually mattered to you.” – Marcel Gerard
- “I don’t need anyone to save me. I can save myself, thank you very much.” – Hayley Marshall
These quotes showcase the themes of family, loyalty, and self-reliance that run throughout the series, and are just a small sampling of the memorable moments that make The Originals such a beloved show.
The Soundtrack by Michael Suby: A Powerful Companion to the Series
The Originals features a haunting and atmospheric score by composer Michael Suby, who also provided the music for The Vampire Diaries. Suby’s work on The Originals perfectly captures the show’s dark and moody tone, blending elements of classical music, jazz, and modern pop to create a soundtrack that is both evocative and memorable.
Key tracks include the main theme, “The Originals,” as well as character themes for Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah. These compositions perfectly underscore the series’ emotional moments and add depth to the story and characters.
Spin-off Curiosities and Video Games Inspired by The Originals
The success of The Originals has inspired a number of spin-offs and related media, including the TV series Legacies, which follows the next generation of supernatural beings at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted.
The show features characters from both The Originals and The Vampire Diaries and continues the storylines andmythology of the previous shows.
In addition to Legacies, The Originals has also inspired a number of video games, including The Originals: Awakening, a mobile game that allows players to explore the world of New Orleans and interact with characters from the show.
The game features an original storyline and allows players to customize their own supernatural character, adding a new level of immersion to the franchise.
Tips for Cosplay: Dressing Like Your Favorite Characters
The Originals has a rich and distinctive visual style, with each character sporting their own unique fashion sense that reflects their personality and backstory.
If you’re a fan of the show and want to create your own cosplay outfit, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Pay attention to color schemes: Each character has their own distinctive color palette that reflects their personality and role in the story. For example, Klaus often wears dark colors like black and red, while Elijah favors more muted tones like gray and navy blue.
- Accessorize wisely: Many of the characters in The Originals have signature accessories that help define their look, such as Klaus’s leather jacket or Rebekah’s statement jewelry. Adding these pieces to your cosplay outfit can help bring the character to life.
- Think about hair and makeup: The hairstyles and makeup of the characters in The Originals are often just as important as their clothing. Research tutorials and inspiration online to help replicate the look of your favorite character.
Lisa Jane Smith: Biography and Book Collection
Lisa Jane Smith is the author of The Originals book series, as well as the critically acclaimed Vampire Diaries series.
Born in Florida in 1965, Smith began writing at a young age and went on to study creative writing at the University of California, Berkeley. Her first book, The Night of the Solstice, was published in 1987 and went on to become a bestseller.
In addition to The Originals and The Vampire Diaries, Smith has written a number of other young adult novels and series, including The Secret Circle and The Forbidden Game. Her work is known for its engaging characters, fast-paced plots, and supernatural elements.
Julie Plec: Filmography and Creative Genius
Julie Plec is the creator and showrunner of The Originals, as well as its predecessor, The Vampire Diaries.
Born in New York in 1972, Plec began her career as a writer and producer, working on shows like Dawson’s Creek and Kyle XY before transitioning to the supernatural genre.
In addition to her work on The Originals and The Vampire Diaries, Plec has also worked on other popular TV shows, including The Tomorrow People and Containment. Her creative vision and talent for storytelling have made her one of the most successful showrunners in the industry.
Similar Films and TV Shows to The Originals
If you’re a fan of The Originals and are looking for similar films and TV shows to watch, there are a few options to consider:
- True Blood: This HBO series explores the world of vampires and other supernatural beings living in the small town of Bon Temps, Louisiana.
- Buffy the Vampire Slayer: This classic ’90s series follows the adventures of Buffy Summers, a teenage girl who discovers she is the chosen one, destined to fight vampires and other demons.
- Supernatural: This long-running series follows the adventures of two brothers who hunt supernatural creatures across the United States.
- The Magicians: This SyFy series follows a group of students at a secret school of magic, as they navigate the complexities of both the magical and mundane worlds.
Other Books by Lisa Jane Smith and Comparable Reads to The Vampire Diaries
If you enjoyed The Originals and are looking for other books by Lisa Jane Smith to read, there are a few options to consider:
- The Vampire Diaries series: This series, which inspired the TV show of the same name, follows the story of Elena Gilbert, a teenage girl who falls in love with two vampire brothers.
- The Secret Circle series: This trilogy follows a group of teenagers who discover they are witches, and must band together to stop a dark force from taking over their town.
- Night World series: This series follows a group of supernatural beings who must navigate the complexities of their own world and the human world, while also dealing with the threat of an ancient evil.
Parent’s Guide to The Originals: What to Expect
The Originals is a show that is geared towards mature audiences, due to its themes of violence, sex, and mature language.
While the show may be appealing to teenagers, parents should be aware of its content and use their discretion when deciding whether or not to allow their children to watch it.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of The Originals
The Originals may have come to an end, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of its devoted fans.
Whether you’re a fan of the book series or the TV show, there is no denying the impact that The Originals has had on the supernatural genre.
Its rich mythology, complex characters, and powerful storytelling continue to captivate audiences around the world, and will continue to do so for years to come.
