Plot: What’s it about?
Most everyone who reads this has cable and probably has upwards of 1000 channels to choose from at any given point in the day. The advent of so many channels has let to a ton of new, cable-oriented programming. While the “Big Three” networks have their assortment of shows, smaller networks like the CW and the like have their own. Then you’ve got networks like HBO who can’t seem to miss when they put a new show out. If you’re into the occult, and who isn’t these days, there’s no shortage of programming. Fans of Supernatural or The Vampire Diaries might also want to check out this new, little-known show called The Originals which focuses on a supernatural family in New Orleans. Unfortunately I missed the first season, so I had to play catch up with this second season. Let’s see what the family is up to in its sophomore season…
As Original vampire-werewolf hybrid Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan) returned to the vibrant, supernaturally charged city of New Orleans in season one, he was stunned to learn — along with his siblings Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and Rebekah (Maisie Richardson-Sellers) — that Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin), a werewolf, was pregnant with his child, and his vampire protégé, Marcel (Charles Michael Davis), whom the Original siblings had thought long dead, was ruling the French Quarter. Soon, a bloody war escalated between vampires and witches — the stakes raised by powerful teenage witch Davina (Danielle Campbell) and by Klaus’s bond with Cami, a student with a painful past — and a ruthless pack of wolves seized the opportunity to stage a violent coup. Now, in season two, a new status quo must be adjusted to, as the newly empowered werewolves control the city. Klaus struggles with weaknesses as Elijah desperately tries to save Hayley — now a hybrid — from a vicious spiral of self-destruction. Meanwhile, with the re-emergence of several Mikaelsons, “family is power” takes on new meaning.
Video: How’s it look?
Having never seen the show in any other format other than disc, I can say that The Originals is shown in a 1.77:1 AVC HD transfer that’s undoubtedly better that the HD broadcast. The palette used is very dark, obviously complimenting the tone of the supernatural beings. Flesh tones are a bit washed out in some scenes, though the overall clarity of the image is very good. One good thing about television shows being shot in widescreen is that they do look exactly like a feature film, and in my book that’s good. Fans will certainly love this Blu-ray release as the image is near flawless.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The soundtrack has benefited from a DTS HD Master Audio mix that will surely sound better than that of a broadcast episode. The rule used to be that anything on television would never sound nearly as good as a feature film and this is still somewhat true, but I have to say that a few scenes in The Originals did impress me. Granted, the meat of the series is dialogue-driven and we do get some help from the surrounds here and there. I really can’t say this left a lasting impression on me in terms of audio, but like the video, it’s a higher scale version as opposed to watching it over the air.
Supplements: What are the extras?
- The Originals: Always and Forever – We hear from cast and creators on how season two explored new depths of what it means to be a family
- The Awakening Web Series – Explore this companion series on Kol Mikaelson (Nathaniel Buzolic) and his quest to form an alliance with the witches of New Orleans in 1914. Also, go behind the scenes with the cast and creators of the digital series.
- The Originals: 2014 Comic-Con Panel – As we’ve seen in other Comic-Con panels, this is more of the same. The cast takes some Q & A from fans and the new season is promoted.
- Come Visit Georgia PSA – As we’ve seen in other shows (The Walking Dead and Supernatural to name a few), the show was filmed in Georgia who is either cashing in on these shows by letting them film there or they’re hard up for cash. At any rate, when in doubt…visit Georgia.
- Deleted Scenes – A handful of deleted scenes are included from various episodes throughout the season.
- Gag Reel
The Bottom Line
I personally didn’t care for the show, but that’s not to say it’s bad. With all of my movie-watching for this site, it’s really hard for me to get invested in other television shows. Warner has done a bang up job on this set and fans will not be disappointed with above average audio and video specs as well as a smattering of supplements that will sweeten the deal when it comes to a purchase.
