The CW's The Originals have racked up a lot of fans over the last thirteen years who use Reddit as a place to share their thoughts and questions about the shows and their characters. One popular topic of conversation is the episodes, with many fans submitting their favorites over a variety of posts.
These posts can help new fans look forward to what's to come and can help long-time fans come up with plans for their next rewatches. The Originals has quite a few favorite-worthy episodes, but the eight that were talked about the most have been collected and presented for fans' use below.
Season 1, Episode 22 — From A Cradle To A Grave
The season 1 finale of The Originals focused on the birth of Klaus Mikaelson's daughter and what must be done to keep her safe from the witches who want her dead. The episode features the lengths, both violent and heartbreaking, that her family will go to keep her safe, as well as the trust that goes into the siblings' promise of "Always and Forever."
Redditor FanaticDreamer brought up a few of their favorite moments, saying, "There was really great acting. Klaus' expressions and reactions were powerful. The last few minutes made me tear up. And the scene with Rebekah and Klaus in the field was so touching." For a show with so much violence, the emotional narrative was what drew them in the most. Likewise, Tink2013 loves the characters in season 1. They say that later episodes of the show go downhill because of replacing too many strong characters.
Season 3, Episode 9 — Savior
This episode of The Originals was a doozy, pairing sentimental Christmas moments with a poisoned Freya, Rebecca losing her mind, and the death of a beloved fan-favorite character. The episode has a little bit of everything and provides both a reprieve from all of the tension of early season 3 and the beginning of the end for the Mikaelson family.
Redditors loved the sentimentality of the episode and how much time the Mikaelson family got to have together, while also breaking down from the character death. mrmerrbs explains that it was a great episode because "I loved seeing them all together as a (dysfunctional lol) family unit. Plus after that I feel like it just went crazy (in a good way) the prophecy, Jackson, Cami." In addition, abhyuday04 says, "It was such a beautiful episode It was such a beautiful moment between Klaus and Camille and ... Whyyyyyy" The combination of heartfelt moments with painful ones kept viewers on the edges of their seats with a box of tissues nearby.
Season 2, Episode 11 — Brotherhood of the Damned
While suffering from a werewolf bite, Marcel has flashbacks of leading an all-Black regiment during World War 1. In order to keep his men alive, Marcel turned them and gave a ionate speech about family, one he mirrors to try to keep the starving vampires calm and under control. While there are several other plots going on, Marcel's arc resonated most with Reddit commenters.
Redditor such a good episode for him, it really highlights his ability as a leader." A major conflict in The Originals is about whether Klaus or Marcel deserves to be King of New Orleans, and this episode definitely shows that he is better at working with and ing the people under him. Redditor OneOnOne6211 also loves this episode and Marcel's speech, saying, "This entire episode was fantastic for the character. Gave him so much more depth. Really a highlight for the character and this amazing scene was the cherry on top."
Season 1, Episode 15 — Le Grand Guignol
Through a series of flashbacks, audiences learn why the Mikaelson family left New Orleans and how the Originals' parents are more monstrous than their children. Meanwhile, other of the family try to create a safer world for the baby, fighting against the witches for the sake of the child and her werewolf pack. When all is said and done, the family puts all of their efforts into keeping each other safe, rather than punishing each other for their secrets.
Redditor naccan26 says "THIS WAS THE BEST EPISODE IN THE SERIES imo." EuwInsanity agrees, saying, "100% this. For me this is the pin point of the show. A family that is troubled but always has each others backs in times of need." Through all the chaos The Originals brings, fans consistently love episodes where the family works together.
Season 4, Episode 2 — No Quarter
After the Mikaelson family was taken down at the end of season 3, the family is finally starting to come back together. In order to complete the family reunion, they just need to rescue Klaus, who has been under torture for the last five years. Klaus goes through trials of his own, wondering if his daughter would be better off without him. After a lot of schemes and fighting, Klaus gets the chance to see Hope for the first time since his torture began as the family is finally reunited.
Redditor marnieexx explains that they love this episode "because we see the entire Mikaelson family working together, and they meet young Hope for the first time." Riaz_ldn adds that this episode and the next "is the epitome of 'Always and Forever' everyone fought together to bring back Klaus. And they had alot of cute moments with the entire family." For a show with so much darkness and an episode with so many betrayals, what fans really love are the family moments, where everyone is motivated by love.
Season 1, Episode 8 — The River In Reverse
This episode is all about conflict, and the people you will stop fighting for. Everyone seems to be at war with each other. Klaus gave Elijah a werewolf bite, which is slowly torturing him, and Rebekah has teamed up with Marcel to take Klaus down and protect the baby. Klaus and Marcel go to war, with Klaus greatly outnumbered, but Klaus is stronger. Marcel submits to Klaus rather than see anyone else get hurt.
Redditor The_BrightKing claims that this episode has "the best fight scene in the entire TVDU," which makes it a personal favorite for them. Two other Redditors also claimed this episode as their favorite, with AJAEM74 specifying that the fight scene and its accompanying soundtrack are epic and ECW14 appreciating both the fight and the more vulnerable moments Klaus shares with his siblings. As it turns out, a good fight will bring fans in and keep them hooked years later.
Season 3, Episode 20 —Where Nothing Stays Buried
After a conflict with Lucien, a deadly enemy of the Mikaelson clan, they must race to stop him from hurting their family. At the same time, Marcel and Kol fight to save Davina from their ancestors. Only one task can be safely completed, and pursuing one innately risks the other, leaving the family divided into factions. When a decision is made, it fractures the family, breaking them apart in ways that can never be put back together.
This episode was listed as many people's favorite, and with so much going on, it isn't hard to see why. Fans consistently love the most conflict filled and family focused episodes, and this functions as both. Redditor marnieexx explains that it's their favorite because "Danielle Campbell's acting was so amazing and the scenes with her gave me chills."
Season 3, Episode 22 — The Bloody Crown
After defeating foes all season, the greatest threat of all comes from one of the Mikaelsons' closest allies. Launching strategic attacks against each member of the family, the betrayer puts Klaus on trial and seems on the verge of eliminating the family once and for all. But the Mikaelsons have a plan, one that requires a great sacrifice to be made.
Redditor Riaz_ldn says that episodes 20 through 22 of season 3 are their favorite, a sentiment that many others agreed with, stating the episodes "imo [in my opinion] are by far the best ep of any TVDU show. it was so well done." Other Redditors specified that the height of these episodes was the finale because it was where every major plotline wove together into what could have been a series finale.