The Vampire Diaries: Season 0, Episode 20 - The Original Vampires: The Beginning (2012)

The episode begins with a dark and atmospheric introduction, showcasing the ancient world where the Original Vampires first emerged. The scene is set in the 10th century, in a small village in the New World, where the Mikaelson family is introduced. The family consists of siblings Finn, Elijah, Niklaus (Klaus), Rebekah, and their mother, Esther. The tension is palpable as they navigate their lives in a world filled with danger and the threat of werewolves.

Esther, the matriarch, is shown to be deeply concerned about the safety of her children. She is determined to protect them from the dangers of the world, particularly from the werewolves that threaten their existence. In a pivotal moment, she decides to use magic to create a spell that will turn her children into vampires, granting them strength and immortality. This decision is driven by her love for her children but also by a desire to shield them from the harsh realities of their world.

As the spell is cast, the transformation begins. The siblings experience intense pain as they undergo the change, and their emotions range from fear to exhilaration. Klaus, who is revealed to be a hybrid of vampire and werewolf, struggles with his identity during this transformation. The bond between the siblings is tested as they grapple with their new powers and the implications of their immortality.

Following their transformation, the Mikaelson siblings revel in their newfound abilities. They explore their powers, showcasing their strength and speed. However, the joy is short-lived as they soon realize that their existence as vampires comes with a heavy price. They are hunted by the werewolves, and the tension escalates as they face their first confrontation with a pack of werewolves. The fight is brutal, with the siblings working together to fend off their attackers, showcasing their loyalty and unity.

In the aftermath of the battle, the siblings return to their home, where Esther confronts them about the consequences of their actions. She expresses her regret for turning them into vampires, fearing that they have lost their humanity. This moment creates a rift between Esther and Klaus, who feels a deep sense of betrayal. Klaus's anger and resentment begin to simmer, setting the stage for future conflicts within the family.

As the story unfolds, the dynamics between the siblings become increasingly complex. Rebekah, who longs for love and acceptance, feels overshadowed by Klaus's ambition and power. Elijah, the moral compass of the group, tries to maintain peace and protect his family, while Finn struggles with his feelings of being an outsider. The emotional turmoil within the family is palpable, and the seeds of future betrayals and alliances are sown.

The episode also delves into the backstory of the Original Vampires' creation, revealing the motivations behind Esther's actions. It becomes clear that her desire to protect her children is intertwined with her fear of the consequences of their vampiric existence. The tension between the desire for power and the need for family loyalty is a recurring theme, driving the narrative forward.

As the episode reaches its climax, the siblings face a significant threat from a powerful enemy who seeks to eliminate them. The confrontation is intense, with each sibling showcasing their unique abilities in a desperate fight for survival. The stakes are high, and the emotional weight of their family bonds is tested as they fight for their lives.

In the final moments of the episode, the aftermath of the battle leaves the Mikaelson family fractured. Klaus's ambition and desire for power begin to overshadow his love for his siblings, leading to a pivotal decision that will have lasting consequences. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to see how the complex relationships within the Mikaelson family will evolve and what challenges they will face in the future.

In the ending of "The Original Vampires: The Beginning," the episode concludes with a focus on the origins of the Original vampires, particularly the Mikaelson family. The narrative reveals the deep-seated conflicts and motivations that drive the characters, particularly Klaus, who is determined to protect his family and secure their legacy. The episode ends with a sense of foreboding, as the implications of their actions set the stage for future conflicts.

As the episode unfolds, it begins with a flashback to the early days of the Mikaelson family, showcasing their lives before they became vampires. The scene is set in a lush, green landscape, where the family is seen living in harmony, but tensions simmer beneath the surface. The audience is introduced to the dynamics of the family, particularly the bond between Klaus and his siblings, Rebekah, Finn, and Elijah.

The narrative shifts to the moment when the family is confronted by a powerful witch, who reveals the dark magic that will transform them into vampires. This pivotal moment is filled with tension, as the siblings grapple with the implications of their new existence. Klaus, driven by a desire for power and control, is particularly affected by the witch's prophecy, which hints at his future struggles and the burden of being the first vampire.

As the transformation occurs, the visuals are striking; the siblings experience a mix of horror and exhilaration as they embrace their new identities. The emotional weight of this moment is palpable, as they realize the cost of their immortality. The bond between them is tested, especially as Klaus's ambition begins to overshadow the familial love that once united them.

The episode progresses to highlight the conflicts that arise within the family. Klaus's desire for dominance leads to betrayals and heartbreak, particularly with Rebekah, who longs for a normal life and struggles with her brother's ruthless nature. Elijah, the moral compass of the family, attempts to mediate the growing rift, but finds himself increasingly at odds with Klaus's methods.

In the climax of the episode, the family faces external threats from other supernatural beings who seek to challenge their power. The stakes are raised as alliances are formed and broken, showcasing the fragility of their relationships. The emotional turmoil is evident as each character grapples with their identity and the consequences of their choices.

As the episode draws to a close, the Mikaelson family stands at a crossroads. Klaus, now fully embracing his role as the Original vampire, is both a protector and a tyrant. Rebekah's longing for freedom clashes with Klaus's vision for their future, while Elijah remains torn between loyalty to his brother and the desire to protect his sister. Finn, feeling increasingly alienated, contemplates his place within the family.

The final scenes are filled with a sense of foreboding, as the camera pans over the family, highlighting their fractured bonds. The episode ends on a haunting note, with Klaus's declaration of his intent to secure their legacy, leaving viewers with a sense of impending conflict and the weight of their choices hanging heavily in the air. Each character's fate is intertwined with the choices they have made, setting the stage for the tumultuous events that will follow in the series.

In "The Original Vampires: The Beginning," there is no post-credit scene. The episode focuses on the backstory of the Original Vampires, delving into the history of the Mikaelson family and their transformation into the first vampires. It explores their relationships, the creation of the vampire curse, and the dynamics that shaped their lives and conflicts. The episode concludes without any additional scenes or teasers after the credits, wrapping up the narrative on the Original Vampires' origins.

The Original Vampires are the first vampires ever created, and their existence is pivotal to the lore of The Vampire Diaries. They are the progenitors of all vampire bloodlines, and their unique abilities and weaknesses set the foundation for the vampire mythology in the series. The episode delves into their origins, showcasing how they were created by the witch Esther, who sought to protect her family from the dangers of the world.

Klaus's relationship with his siblings, particularly with Elijah and Rebekah, is complex and fraught with tension. Klaus's desire for power and control often puts him at odds with Elijah's sense of honor and Rebekah's longing for love and acceptance. This episode explores their familial bonds, revealing deep-seated resentments and the lengths they will go to protect one another, despite their conflicts.

Esther, the matriarch of the Mikaelson family, plays a crucial role in the creation of the Original Vampires. Driven by a desire to protect her family from mortality and the dangers of the world, she uses powerful magic to transform her children into vampires. However, her actions are also rooted in a deep sense of guilt and regret, as she ultimately seeks to undo the very thing she created, leading to a tragic cycle of conflict within the family.

The Original Vampires possess unique powers that set them apart from other vampires, including enhanced strength, speed, and the ability to create new vampires through their blood. However, they also have specific weaknesses, such as being vulnerable to the white oak stake, which can kill them permanently. This episode highlights these distinctions, emphasizing the Original Vampires' superiority and the fear they instill in others.

The episode intricately weaves the theme of family loyalty throughout the narrative, showcasing the Mikaelson siblings' fierce protectiveness over one another. Despite their individual ambitions and conflicts, moments of vulnerability reveal their deep-seated love and loyalty. The emotional stakes are high as they navigate betrayal, sacrifice, and the desire for acceptance, ultimately illustrating the complexities of their familial bonds.

"The Vampire Diaries: The Original Vampires: The Beginning" is not considered family-friendly due to its mature themes and content. Here are some potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects that might occur for children or sensitive viewers:

1. Violence and Bloodshed: The episode features scenes of violence, including vampire attacks and blood-drinking, which may be graphic and unsettling.

2. Death and Loss: Themes of death are prevalent, with characters experiencing significant loss, which can be emotionally heavy.

3. Supernatural Elements: The portrayal of vampires and other supernatural beings may be frightening for younger audiences.

4. Dark Themes: The exploration of betrayal, revenge, and moral ambiguity can be intense and may not be suitable for all viewers.

5. Emotional Turmoil: Characters experience deep emotional struggles, including grief and anger, which may be distressing for sensitive viewers.

These elements contribute to the overall tone of the series, making it more appropriate for a mature audience.