The Originals

The Originals is a riveting supernatural drama series spun off from the popular show "The Vampire Diaries." Aired on The CW from 2013 to 2018, the show tugs at viewer's fascination for the supernatural, centering its narrative on the legendary vampire-werewolf hybrid Klaus Mikaelson played by Joseph Morgan, and his clan - the world's original vampires.

The story trails Klaus as he returns to the supernatural boiling point that is New Orleans — a city that he helped build centuries ago, now under the rule of his prodigal protegé Marcel Gerard (Charles Michael Davis). Klaus's return, following a mysterious tip about a plot brewing against him, brings him face to face with the resentful and cursed Elijah, portrayed by Daniel Gillies, his noble-minded elder brother lost in his own vengeance. Their explosive reunion is further punctuated by their younger sister Rebekah, played by Claire Holt, who immaculately portrays her character's singularity and poise, tinged with an underlying brutality from centuries of survival.

Philip John, Lance Anderson, and Michael A. Allowitz among other directors, expertly navigates the viewer through the turbulent waters of power dynamics - both human and supernatural - territorial discourse, and the blood-splattered politics of New Orleans' vampire society. Their masterful storytelling, twined with the meticulous cinematography, breathes life into an ethereal cityscape that stands as a character on its own.

Apart from weaving a complex web of family dysfunction, loyalty, and betrayal, The Originals also explores Klaus's complex relationship with Hayley Marshall-Kenner, played by Phoebe Tonkin. A werewolf character with strong ties to Klaus due to an unexpected turn of events. Through their journey, the show gracefully blends themes of love, sacrifice, and the boundless lengths one would go for family.

Other pivotal characters include the highly intelligent and psychologically layered Camille 'Cami' O'Connell, a psychologist with a sharp instinct for the supernatural, brought to screen by Leah Pipes. There's also the powerful teenage witch Davina Claire, portrayed by Danielle Campbell, whose display of steely determination and vulnerability is genuinely endearing, and finally, there’s the stoic and mysterious Vincent Griffith, played by Yusuf Gatewood whose character deepens the underpinnings of power, morality, and redemption in the show.

In the later seasons, Riley Voelkel, Daniella Pineda, Summer Fontana, Danielle Rose Russel, and Steven Krueger join the cast, adding further intrigue and dimensions to the narrative. The youthful innocence of Danielle Rose Russell, who perfectly captures the superbly nuanced character Hope Mikaelson, and the charmingly pugnacious Steven Krueger as Josh Rosza, add a fresh dynamic to the story while also highlighting different aspects of the supernatural world the show so beautifully unfolds.

What sets The Originals apart is the balance it strikes between dramatic tension and build-up and its fast-paced, full-throttle foray into action. It pulls no punches when confronting the central characters with their deepest horrors and the consequences of their past actions. Their endeavors to keep their family safe and in power forms the crux of the show. The intermingling of different mythologies associated with witches, vampires, and werewolves takes place seamlessly, against the kaleidoscopic backdrop of New Orleans, with the audience left eagerly awaiting what happens next.

What's more, the performances by the ensemble cast are uniformly strong and gripping, with Morgan’s portrayal of Klaus standing out - his simmering rage, whimsical charm, and underlying melancholy constitute a magnetic screen presence. Simultaneously, Daniel Gillies's superb portrayal of the morally upright Elijah torn between love for his family and his own values gives us one of the most exactingly crafted characters in vampire TV dramas.

The Originals presents the festering underbellies of immortal life, interspersed with intense family drama, salvageable love, and unforgettable characters. Through so, it reminds viewers that even the most supernatural beings can't escape the universal experiences of love, heartbreak, and the ceaseless hunger for power. It is a truly unique, mesmerizing experience, which keeps the audiences engaged and wanting for more.