Well… I see what they were trying to do. I’ll give them that. But for those of us that watched the spin-off episode (read: test episode) of The Originals in the last season of The Vampire Diaries, let’s just say that tonight’s “premiere event” feels quite a bit like deja vu.

Let’s bitch it out..

For the first 40 minutes or so, ‘Always And Forever’ is basically exactly what we saw back in April when we devoted fans of the original family tuned in to see how life would treat them in New Orleans. One plus? Tonight’s episode is mainly told through Elijah’s (Daniel Gillies) eyes and we get to follow him through the episode instead of Klaus (Joseph Morgan) like the first time. Don’t get me wrong, we all know how much I love Klaus and I thoroughly enjoy watching him flex some muscle putting ego-centric Marcel (Charles Michael Davis) in his place. But Elijah is my one true vampire love. I adore watching him on screen more than any of the other characters.

So I should’ve known something was up when there was so much Elijah this episode.

Yes, I’ll admit it: I gasped out loud when Elijah is daggered… again. But my gasp quickly turns to a groan (and an eye roll) because we have been through this story line SO many times before. It’s Klaus’ “go to” move so we all, Elijah included, should have expected it. I mean, did I really think Klaus would go soft so easily just because Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin), the werewolf he had a one night stand with, is pregnant?! I should’ve known better…because I have seen it so many times before.

Back on The Vampire Diaries, each week I thought that Klaus was finally going to turn into a good guy and be with Caroline (Candice Accola). And every week he would stay true to form and do something evil that she could never get over. And if Klaus wouldn’t turn good for Caroline, why in the world would he change for this annoying werewolf? And so here we are: Elijah daggered and Klaus still a giant d-bag.

Other Observations:

• I like the set-up of Elijah trying to convince Rebekah (Claire Holt) to join them in New Orleans. We knew she would be a tough sell, so it makes sense that Elijah would be working her the whole way through the episode. Now all she’s just got to do is:
  1. Travel the world
  2. Have random threesomes with boy next door Matt Donovan (Zach Roerig) on The Vampire Diaries, and
  3. Arrive in the Big Easy to save her evil brother from himself
• I really think the casting of Charles Michael Davis as Marcel is right on point. Watching him in the scene with Klaus where he claims the city as his own and names himself king? I don’t know that the producers could have found anyone who could have done that scene better. I think Davis is exceptional and I look forward to seeing more of him on a weekly basis. The fact that I think that he may be able to make up for my disappointment in Elijah’s daggering and the fact that I have to watch annoying Hayley should tell you how excited I am
• I forgot how much I hate the period piece scenes with everyone’s long haired wigs and old school clothing. I really didn’t miss those at all.
• Ok. I’m just going to say it. I know I’m not the only one who thinks about it, and I’ve tried to rationalize it to myself time and time again over the years… but WHY doesn’t Elijah speak with an accent?! The Originals come from England, so Elijah should have the same accent as Klaus and Rebekah…but he doesn’t. He does speak in a really measured cadence though, so I like to tell myself that it was just him adapting to the new world when they came over to America three hundred years ago. Does that work for anyone else?

So what did you think of the premiere episode of The Originals (again)? Did it draw you in enough to keep watching? What did you think of the end with Davina (Danielle Campbell), the bored witch? Is she related to Sophie (Daniella Pineda)? Sound off below!

The Originals will now be moving to its regular time slot on Tuesday nights at 8pm EST on The CW. Be sure to sign up on the right hand side to receive updates via email or on Facebook whenever we post new reviews