GraceAnne

Just got a chance to watch the episode and for a primarily “filler episode” I thought it was well done. As mentioned in a previous episode thread, Jackson and Hayley sharing screen time works for me. I can save time FF through one scene rather than two. Hayley and the Wolves separately bore me but put together it gets painful. Maybe it’s the constant reference to her being a/their “Queen” I find so off putting? Oh well… Marcel showing himself as a charismatic leader was well played, since it seemed to be an issue (jealousy) for Klaus in season 1. The idea the vampires followed Marcel out of general admiration and seemed to actually like him, where as with Klaus people fell in line out of fear. Nice continuity to see how his personality developed. Although within these scenes I could’ve done without the required Klaus's tantrum per episode. As much as I love JM it has become glaringly clear to me how much more I enjoy him in his smaller moment, regardless if they are dramatic or humorous…. Just not so screechy. I loved Finn, Klaus, Elijah, and Kol in equal parts during their scenes. The actual Originals family dynamic is where this show really hits it mark, IMO. Also, I like the insider group of Marcel, Josh, and Gia. I’ve decide they’re invited to the fantasy show I have in my head. The cast includes all the actual Originals, as well as a road tripping Katherine and Caroline. I know.... I was happy they didn’t have Klaus lose it over the Tatia secret too. During the buildup I thought it was somewhat odd, while I know in the Flashbacks and conversation in TVD world both brothers were into Tatia… it also seemed Klaus had moved passed it while Elijah clearly continued to have a soft spot for the Petrovia Doppelganger lineage So much "Word" to this whole thing. Agreed...Davina and Klaus were great… especially the shoulder bump and Klaus’s reaction.

http://collider.com/the-vampire-diaries-the-originals-julie-plec-interview/ JP talking about being a showrunner on two shows.... and of course she uses the word organic.. sigh. FYI- not really spoilery

Mixed feelings about the episode… I mean it was good but maybe I’m starting to be a little over this show. Visually it was beautiful, so kudos to Paul… I did enjoy all the funny stuff- opening scene with Stefan, Opinions vary line, Damon comment about Jeremy being there with a crossbow. Loved the Caroline and Stefan interaction, but I just don’t see a romance between the two. They have such a great friendship and have formed a support system for the other. I just hope the powers that be don’t completely ruin it. Marguerite Macintyre was soo good this episode. Poor Sheriff Forbes and poor Caroline. Although, would an extra day of observation real been too much to ask? Liv/Tyler/Luke = Borrring I spend most of Elena’s scenes zoning out thinking how can we trade her for Katherine who’s in hell. Kai was totally awesome.. maybe that’s what this show needs… more crazy assholes. AND he was the only one who even mentioned Bonnie this episode!

I've given up trying to understand Julie Plec and to a lesser degree her writers. I like Nate as Kol and I liked Klaus/Caroline.... (On these types of shows I'm all about charisma and chemistry. What can I say I'm shallow and easy in regards to my CW shows.) But everytime she gets questioned about either it's like she's sooo burdened and annoyed. While I know some fans are aggressive and overtop, I'm not... I'm just a 30 year old reading an ET weekly article finding your comment abrasive considering I'm a fan and watch your shows weekly. Anyway, I've been under the impression some of her stubbornness has really lead her shows to miss out on some storylines that could have been great. But don't worry Elena ( on TVD) will be captured for the millionth time this week and THAT I should be so excited about. Go figure.

Well, I have to say I'm alittle disappointed this show has made me actually enjoy Amaro. Damn them! At least Olivia is still an overbearing sanctimonious ass, that helps ease my pain a little. As everyone has already stated Danny Pino was great this episode. I felt the end scene between him and his father was some of the most realistic and emotional gripping scenes this show has done in a long time. Armand Assante seemed a little over the top in most of the episode, but he was so awesome in the end scene I forgot all about my early misgivings. I really liked how they decided to end the episode with him being honest to Amaro. I too am not sure why everyone seems perpetually annoyed at Carasi. He’s proven to be a good and objective detective, which I might mention is in short supply in that squad. He also has been supportive to his coworkers AND seems to be a lot more fun than this group of Debbie downers! Please do not let the powers that be ruin him with his own “ Very Special After School” episode. One gripe… I’m getting tired of the writers trying to convince me how desirable Olivia is. I mean, I watch this show and at best she’s tiresome and judgmental. Almost forgot… I will forgive this season for all its deep dives into the precinct personal lives if I can get one scene of Carisi bringing Barba and Finn bowling with him.

http://www.people.com/article/vampire-diaries-paul-wesley-steroline-stelena-season-6 It must be Paul Wesley's week for media, lol. He's response to the Stelena question cracked me up.

In regards to Carolines actions or lack there of....I would have rather they made some mention of Caroline doing something to help Bonnie. Even just a slight tweak to the mention about her being away with Liz, for example " She's with Liz blah blah blah, but you know Caroline she brought tons of grimoires to read to try and help." She's usually such a persistent little energizer bunny that her lack of action seemed OOC to me. Poor Bonnie.... I was all for Kat getting to have good material and a solo storeline to sink her teeth into, but.... Episode 15, seriously?!?

Awesome line! And you actually saw in the scene how manipulative Klaus is. He saw the moment Hayley started feeling guilty and went into "Fix it" mode.

Here's the thing- I agree, I'm not completely against the whole "vamp blood don't cure cancer you fools!"... But I'm going to need a little more of an explanation instead of everyone just acting like it's a crazy theory. Also, why is Damon all "we don't want to mess with mystical weird magically stuff". Dude.... that's all you morons do on this show! Does the name Silas ring a bell, hmmm? Sometimes I swear we're the only ones who actual watch this show. Anyway, I'm not sure what the issue of giving her the blood to see if it works is. A) she apparently is already terminal. b) If she dies with the blood in her and turns, she can just refuse blood and die. This whole storyline doesn't really jibe with what we have seen on this show. ....... However, if this leads to my carebear heading to New Orleans to get away, I will do a 180 and be on here writing how awesome this storyline is! (kidding- well, sorta).

I like this... Maybe Jackson could marry Cami instead! Uniting all that is boring on this show. Me too! I think it was the combat boots I found the most disconcerting. Although that's a true compliment to the actress.... she looks nothing like Claire Holt but her choice of shoes was what I couldn't align with the character of Rebekah! I didn't realize it till you mentioned it and seeing a new actress playing Rebekah so well, but you're right I look at "new Kol" as a new Mikaelson not the brother we met in TVD world. Agreed, while I understand why Kol wanted revenge it seemed silly he thought it was gonna to fly when his brothers found out. Or odd he didn't mention a plan once they did discover his prank. I love when Klaus is being charming, amusing, maybe funny? I think Joseph Morgan really shines in those smaller moments. One of my favorite Klaus moments was in TVD where he comes home and finds Rebekah torturing Damon, his facial expressions were hilarious. The tantrums are a little over the top for me, especially since they happen so often. Hmmm, maybe Elijah relapses and kills Cami at the end of the season! It would definitely revamp (no pun intended) the show for season 3.

Seriously, that would be a Win/Win situation! What exactly is Cami's schooling/employment situation? Clearly she's not a practicing therapist (although you wouldn't know it by the amount of pointless advice she doles out) is she in graduate school? Have her bachelor's degree? I can't remember and I'm too lazy to go back to season one to find out. I enjoyed Klaus in all his scenes, but the phone call with Finn reminded me of what I originally loved about the character. I actually found myself laughing out loud at both him and Elijah. Am I to assume Klaus's comment to Cami when they headed to the house meant he was going to compel her after she played babysitter for him? New Vamp girl is back.... and I'm liking her more than most of ladies on this show. Surprisingly Phoebe Tonkins scenes/acting didn't grate as much as they usually do.... Maybe she scaled back the "sexy acting" as I like to call her facial expressions 90% of the time. I LOVED Marcel, Finn, and Elijah.... Danielle Giles delivery gets better and better, I was actually able to tune Cami out and just concentrate on him. Also, I was pleasantly surprised by the actress playing "Rebekah", between her lines, delivery, and mannerisms I could actually believe this WAS Rebekah. Thank goodness she didn't jump into Leah Pipes body, that would have been disastrous!

I think it's just the idea of "Klaus letting Cami in the circle of trust" comments and it being such a beautiful moment. ... I mean, seriously? Klaus just killed his father for knowing about Hope, but brings Cami around a week later? Personally, I would have rather seen Klaus explore the relationship with his father than watch Cami be shoehorned into another family issue. Little of topic but recently read an article about some changes coming down the pike for Sleepy Hollow that could circle back to what everyone enjoyed last year. So fingers crossed for that. I'm really excited about the Finn storyline! Hats off to TO's casting Yusuf Gatewood as the new Finn. IMO, the new Esther and new Finn have been a highlight of this season so far.

http://insidetv.ew.com/2015/01/19/the-originals-season-2-episode-10/ When I read Julie Plec's comments about Cami I always wonder if she's watching a different show than I am......

Loved Elijah and Kol in their scenes...Elijah's line and delivery were hilarious. And Cami.... sigh...you know... Shallow question, did Joseph Morgan lose weight or something? I recently saw and an episode of season 4 of TVD and noticed a difference. Obviously he's older now but didn't think the difference was age related.

*Spoilers* for TO as well as others shows. Non spoiler TO/TVD mention.... If I hear the word organic one more time...... Also, if you watch these shows you know......... ain't nothing been organic for a loooong time my friend!

I would kill for Nina Dobrev's figure! Come to think of it...I would kill for the figure of any of the 3 female leads....

My Barba love just grows and grows! Olivia and Amaro...Uggg.... Could you two possible just try to be objective for once? Also, who's in charge of costumes for this show? Fin's whole get up was horrible.

Yep, I believe that was the writer she mentioned. Although she also mentioned Leah and Phoebe doing the same type of things and jumping to each other’s "defense". Then I believe Jomo's wife jumped on some anti Klaroline bandwagon somewhat publically. By the end of the conversation I wished I hadn't even brought it up! My main problem with The Originals is Cami and Phoebe, from their acting ability to their storylines.... the last thing I needed was to also think they were a bunch of babies! Highlight to the conversation though.... I asked my girlfriend how she knew so much about something not on her network and she told me it was brought up in one of her divisional meetings as an example of how NOT to let social media be a negative outlet for your show! For some reason that just cracked me up! This is exactly what I meant! The creators of Breaking Bad tell me they have a vision they are telling, no fan influence involved- I believe them. Julie Plec & Co tell me that in regards to the teenage vampire show they write for The CW... Ehhhhh, I've seen too many Delena scenes to buy that BS. Here's the thing, I understand fan service to some degree. This is the job they do to provide for themselves and their family. So it's pretty pointless to write a TV show no likes or watches. The writers should be telling the story they want, but also be flexible enough to adjust if something is or isn't working. But please don't preach to the fans when criticized saying it's because you "Don't do fan service and we're all just mad"... It's patronizing.

Exactly! It seems like such an obvious and safe option that it boggles my mind. My friend mentioned a situation where a writer for TO went on an Anti Tumblr page to see negative posts in regards to herself and then commented on Twitter how it made her so sad (sad face included in the post). Again, I'm not too familiar with Tumblr but I believe "Anti" pages are like the "Un-popular Opinion" pages that were popular on TWOP. What the heck did you expect to find there, rainbows and unicorns??

I gotta tell you, the Tiger Beat line really cracked me up! And I 100% agree with your entire post. As far as the particle article I uploaded.... I don’t love the idea of being told that I’m only passionate about a show if I don’t get what I want and can complain about it. Also, almost missing a flight due to a Twitter war... really? This is going to be a bit of a ramble so if it's not your thing, move on nothing to see here... In regards to my jaded opinion… It started over the summer after reading an article talking about the TO writers, producers, and cast ( cast spouses as well in some cases) getting involved in negative fan opinions on social media. Frankly the article was over my head with a lot of the items playing out on twitter, tumblr, and other social media sites that I don’t involve myself in. I ended up having dinner with a friend who is in Public relations for one of the larger cable networks and inquired about the article. She explained that in the last few years or so the idea of social media advertising for your show has really taken off from just the idea of Facebook to twitter, tumblr, and more things that I can’t remember now. Basically she outlined exactly what the acticle noted about direct access to promote your vehicle. She also said networks like The CW are a nightmare as far PR because you’re dealing with younger cast and audience… along with the idea that since both are predominatly younger they have more access and interest in Social media. Sooo your constantly watching and trying to prepare to contain the next explosion. In the case with The Originals.... Not surprisingly there was a lot of online criticism of the characters of Cami and Hayley, along with the general idea of “mystical baby plot”. I won’t go into detail on the specifics here since the childishness blew my mind. Anyhow IMO….. Unless you’re at Kurt Sutter level of fan and network love ( Because apparently that man can do whatever the FUCK he wants and it’s considered pure genius) it seems counterproductive to alienate any of the small fan base you have. Right or wrong The TO family is the “parent” in this situation, you don’t respond to bad behavior you rise above it. Don’t respond to nasty tweets, don’t comment on what people say on anti Tumblr pages, don’t re-tweet mean tweets and explain why the person is an idiot. You guys are the professionals and by definition getting paid for this, while the fan who commented - “Cami’s dumb.. Klaroline forever!” is a) probable a teenager b) Still watching your show c) and not getting paid to deal with comments back. So for heaven’s sake be a professional and don’t engage or sink to these type of antics. It's counterproductive. Sorry for the mini rant for anyone not really interested in this type of information. I think I found it somewhat disheartening since I always found the The Originals charming to their fans when they were on the mother ship doing media.

TCA press tour with TVD/TO- Slightly spoilerish for general themes for the rest of the year. I'm not sure why exactly, but I seem to find most of TO's cast and writers comments about the fans somewhat patronizing. Maybe because I have previously read some very rude articles/comments that have colored my opinion of them..... BUT I still think they manage to come off as slightly put off, even when they might not necessarily mean to..

Was it confirmed all the leads ( Nina, Paul, and Ian) will be back? Interesting the CW didn't even wait to see how it's mid season shows do. Sigh... all my hopes of Stefan and Caroline hot footing it outta Mystic Falls for a road trip to NOLA crash and burn. I would like to say hopefully Julie and Co will use this opportunity to wrap things up but who am I kidding. Season 7 will just give them 22 (or so) more episodes for Elena to get kidnapped, Bonnie to be underused, Caroline to find love AGAIN, etc..... in a word- Yawn.

I do so enjoy when Julie and co talk about not writing "fan service" but in the next breathe talk about how we're going to see Delena's honeymoon period.... like a bunch of preteen girls. I have to say I'm pretty hard-pressed to think of anything less appealing than the current storyline of Elena being taken for the 100th time and then to look forward to a honeymoon period for her and Damon. As someone who is a fan of Caroline and Stefan, but not in the romance department I starting to think it's likely this might be my last season.

http://www.buddytv.com/slideshows/the-originals/the-originals-episode-210-gonna-set-your-flag-on-fire-26130.aspx Summary and stills from "Gonna set your flag on fire".... Could be considered spoilerish if you avoid previews and such. Dipping into the shallow end of the pool for a minute. Damn, DG certainly know how to wear a suit! And while I'm in the pool I'll head to the bitchy end to say, even Leah Pipes face annoys me in these stills... God only knows how much worse it will be when I have to watch the actual scene.

I'm convinced this show could be Must See TV for me again if it was just Finn, Carisi, Barba, and Rollins. Although Amaro isn't bad when he's not front and center acting like a fool, maybe it's just Olivia I can't stand anymore? She's become such a one note character, it's the same reaction to EVERY case regardless of the victim, facts, circumstance, etc. I understand they are supposed to stand for the victim but they ARE detectives.... So, you know, maybe detect before you draw conclusions every once in awhile?? While this wasn't really an issue in this particular case I just can't stand how her character has not evolved at all in all these years. I wish NBC/L&O would put Olivia out of her (my) misery and let her ride off into the sunset. Back to the this particular episode- I enjoyed Amanda more than I have in her previous central episodes... Great performance by Kelli Giddish. As most Veronica Mars fans I'm a sucker for Harry Hamlin as the pervy bad guy... He does sleazy like no other. I also really enjoyed Amanda's conversation with his wife, the veiled threat covered by her fake southern polite niceness was awesome.