RED DOOR
With what may be the best Originals episode to date, it seems the Mikaelson family still has many secrets, and like any good gothic story, one of them is hidden away in a secret room. Elijah’s horrible crimes (particularly his first) are locked away behind the red door, a symbol in his mind of all the crimes he has committed. His suit is a shield protecting him from the truth of his own monstrosities. If he looks like a gentleman, maybe he’ll believe he actually is one.
Besides Elijah’s own history, “Red Door” proves to be a psychological study in family as well as romantic dynamics. With therapist Camille on hand, she was able to even get under the skin of Mikael. In all, “Red Door” is a masterful modern day presentation of the romantic Byronic monster (steeped in gothic literary influence) longing for redemption in the love of a woman; Elijah with his love for Hayley and Klaus for Camille.
ELIJAH REMEMBERS
“Red Door” begins with a nightmare – Elijah’s that is. He first finds himself chasing Hayley, but right before he kills her to drain her blood, she turns into Tatia (his first love – Elena’s ancestral doppelganger). Elijah wakes up in horror. But it seems the dreams are just the beginning. This is all part of Esther’s plot to break Elijah down. Her plan? Let Elijah remember all his sins as he suffers in his own personal hell of remembrance and guilt. She believes if he suffers enough, he will beg her for salvation. From there, she’ll be able to give him a new body to start over where he would then be able to marry Hayley and raise a family.
With a spell, Esther transports Elijah back in time to when he was still a mortal. There we meet young Tatia (played by guest star Nina Dobrev) who is loved by all in the village. But it is Elijah’s heart she chooses. They share their first kiss. But their happiness is short-lived as soon after the Mikaelson children are all transformed into monsters.
While Klaus became a werewolf/hybrid, Elijah and the other Mikaelson children were turned into vampires by their mother. Soon after this transformation, Tatia stumbles upon a murderous scene where bodies have been ripped apart only to find Elijah talking to his brother Klaus (who is in turmoil over what he has become).
She runs in horror connecting them to the gruesome deaths. Elijah chases after her to convince her he’s not a monster. Unfortunately, Elijah loses control instead. Still a new vampire, he doesn’t yet have power over his passions. So while he loves Tatia and even wanted to marry her, he cannot control his urge to drain her blood. So the truth comes out…it was Elijah who killed Tatia not Esther.
For a thousand years Elijah believed it was his own mother who drained Tatia and not himself. But Esther claims otherwise. She took away Elijah’s memories of Tatia’s death only after his consent to block out the guilt. Since then, he has put all of his victims behind this “red door” in his mind. Tatia was only the first. Now the room is bursting with victims.
So what will happen when he remembers all his victims hidden away? There’s only so long secrets can remain hidden. And while Esther’s plan is slightly maniacal, she isn’t without a point about who Elijah is. (I give props to the writers for the fantastic characterization given to Elijah in this episode.)
And it’s not just his guilt she plans to use to break him anyway. She also plans to use his love for Hayley and even gives him a romantic dream. Esther needs Elijah to “bask in his own version of a better world to come.” Can’t say Esther’s not a genius.
THE MAGICAL DUO
When Davina wakes up (now with a killer headache) after her fight with Klaus, she soon discovers that Kaleb is actually Kol. With his charm (and perhaps actual honesty), he convinces her that he is on her side. They team up to cast a spell that will temporarily turn off the power of the white oak stake. That way, if Mikael stakes Klaus her friends Marcel and Josh won’t die.
Thankfully, the two are quite the powerful team and hold Mikael off with their magic. But Davina still hasn’t lost her desire for revenge against Klaus. She takes back the white oak stake and runs off with Kol. Something tells me these two could become a young magical version of Bonnie and Clyde on the run…and I like it!
HAYLEY AND MARCEL TEAM UP
Meanwhile, Hayley and Marcel team up when Elijah and Oliver go missing. They follow the trail back to the werewolf fight. At this point, they know something’s wrong. Unfortunately, something even more pressing interrupts their search and rescue. Klaus could be killed by Mikael which would in turn kill ALL of them. So they put their search on hold and lend a helping hand in the nick of time to help save Klaus and Camille.
MIKAEL KIDNAPS CAMILLE
In a shocking gesture in the beginning of the episode, Klaus trusts Cami with the actual white oak stake. Now if that’s not love for this paranoid beast! Unfortunately for Klaus, this moment of trust backfires. After he reveals to Kol that he knows exactly who he is, their reunion is interrupted when he discovers Camille’s been taken – with white oak stake and all.
Mikael kidnaps Camille as leverage and drags her through the woods to an abandoned building.
From there, Klaus decides to do whatever it takes to save Cami (as well as himself). Meanwhile, Cami and Mikael have a little therapy session only to end with Mikael draining her blood. After searching through the night, Klaus finds them and is ready for a fight.
“You’re gonna pay for hurting her,” Klaus threatens which only give Mikael a good laugh.
Another battle between father and son then ensues, except with this time Mikael gaining the upper hand when Klaus chooses to save Cami over himself. Camille watches in horror as Mikael stakes Klaus with the white oak stake directly in the heart!
Disturbed that Klaus doesn’t burst into flames, Mikael runs after Davina and Kol to stop them from continuing the spell which keeps the stake from working. Camille pulls the stake out, saving Klaus before the power of the white oak stake returns.
Mikael returns enraged and is about to kill Cami when Marcel and Hayley show up to save the day.
I loved seeing everyone work as a team and hope to see more of it in the future. Mikael leaves, only to (I’m sure) return for another day strengthened and ready.
FAVORITE QUOTES
“You might want to try a bit of lavender under your pillow, does wonders for stuck-up pillocks with anger issues.”
(Kol says in a smart-aleck comment to Klaus.)
“I despise voicemail.”
(Finn reveals to Kol after giving him a nosebleed using magic to make him answer the phone).
“We’re called therapists these days. And to be honest you could do with some couch time.”
(After Mikael laughs when figuring out what Cami’s profession is after they’ve had a short discussion about his violence.)
“In times of need, even the devil eats flies.”
(Mikael announces before biting Cami – who was supposed to be his leverage.)
“How sweet, the cur whines for its bitch. I’ll make sure to drain the rest of her right in front of your eyes, just before you burn.”
(Mikael says to enrage Klaus when he sees his son’s affection for Camille.)
STANDOUT ROMANTIC MOMENTS
This week, there were a lot of great romantic moments. So instead of focusing on just one, I thought I’d point out all three.
First, as dark and disturbing as it is, Elijah’s love for Tatia is why he is the person (or vampire) he is today. His immaculate suits and gentlemanly demeanor are a cover for what he did to the woman he once loved. So in a way, Tatia has shaped who he is. And maybe it will be their destroyed love that will help him find redemption and a way to be with Hayley.
Which leads me to the second romantic moment: At the end of the episode, Esther gives Elijah a romantic dream with Hayley. He imagines her rescuing him. Part of this fantasy includes Hayley offering him the chance to drink her blood to heal him. Fearful, he tries to refuse saying “I crave you. My hunger could overwhelm me.” (Just the way he says it is enough to make anyone swoon.) But she’ll hear none of his fears and says she’s not afraid.
They kiss passionately as she then allows him to drink her blood. This scene once again ignites the passion and chemistry between these two.
And while it’s not real, Elijah’s feelings are. Here’s to hoping for an actual “real” scene between these two in future episodes.
The third moment is hard to pin down as there were many moments scattered throughout the episode. The growing love between Klaus and Camille is quickly becoming an epic Beauty and the Beast tale and “Red Door” (similar to Jane Eyre’s “red room”) has continued this story in full force.
From showing his trust by giving her the one thing that can kill him, going on a hunt to rescue her, attacking Mikael for hurting her, the intense stares these two gave each other when he thought he was dying and then the tender moment between them at the end are only a few elements as to why these two are my favorite couple of the series right now. “He hurt you. For that alone I would kill him,” Klaus reveals.
He checks her pulse, while she feels his heart. I was totally having Mick and Beth memories seeing these two together. Plus, I love when Movie and TV romances are influenced by the literary stories of the past, which these two definitely are!
THOUGHTS AND QUESTIONS
After Mikael shows rage for Klaus killing his wife, does he see himself as still married to Esther? This just reiterates even more why these two need to have a reunion of their own. How much love do they still have for each other? With one parent wanting to save her children and the other wanting to kill them, one imagines this reunion could prove to be pretty explosive.
The reunion between Klaus and Kol has been put on hold. So what do you think will happen when they have an actual reunion? Will Kol continue to join in on Davina’s revenge? Or will these two brothers forgive each other and join forces?
As much as I love the Kol/Davina interaction, is anyone else tired of the “let’s kill Klaus” plot?
As for Elijah, will Esther successfully break him down? Or will he pretend to be broken only to take Esther down in surprise?
Well, what did you think of “Red Door?” Let me know in the comments!
Stay tuned for when I recap the next episode “Wheel Inside the Door.”
Photo Credit: CW
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I just wanted to mention that I’m really enjoying your recaps, as well as your commentary on the Klaus/Cami romance. I find their unfolding story quite captivating, and it’s difficult to find discussions online that don’t revolve around whether Cami is Caroline 2.0 and why the character should be killed off (sigh).
On another note, I think I must be the only person in the world that finds the Davina/Kol relationship a little … unsettling. Setting aside the fact that he’s this ancient being, Kol is still a grown man who just happens to be in a teenager’s body. I never watched TVD, so I have no idea how old he was before he was made a vampire. Even if he’s early twenties, I just can’t get on board with Kolvina as a romantic couple. Unfortunately, I think that may be where they’re heading! I do like Kol, though. He’s cheeky and a loose cannon. I look forward to more scenes with him and Klaus (and Cami too, because she won’t put up with Kol’s nonsense).
And to actually answer one of your questions…yes, Davina’s plot to kill Klaus (which hasn’t worked out too well so far) is getting old.
Thank you! I find the whole Caroline 2.0 argument to be a bit silly as Caroline and Cami are nothing alike. And don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the Klaus/Caroline dynamic but I think they’ve moved past that story. Plus, I think the Klaus/Cami relationship to be better, more literary and better written overall. That said, the only real similarity is the way Klaus behaves toward both girls. But that just stems from his personality as a Byronic Hero. That’s how Byronic Heroes behave. However, his feelings seem to have grown deeper for Cami than Caroline now. He chose to save her over himself. For Klaus, who is deeply selfish, to do that is very revealing about his feelings.
I’m not sure why there is so much hatred toward Cami and Leah Pipes for that matter. Sigh…I think it’s mostly loud fans rather than a majority. I think if people keep talking positively, more people will feel more comfortable to admit they like her. I’m glad to see the writers didn’t jump on the bandwagon and write her out of the series. Supernatural made that mistake when they wrote out Jo before she had a chance to gain a following. Eventually she did, but by that time it was too late.
Yes, I think Kol was young when he was turned though I’m not sure if they actually stated how old he was. I always thought he was around 18/19 ish. The age difference doesn’t bother me as that seems to be the norm in romantic vampire shows, but I get where you’re coming from. Angel was in his 20s when he was turned and had a relationship with the teenage Buffy. Damon with Elena in The Vampire Diaries. Anyway, there are many. I guess it’s because vampires live by their own rules and aren’t exactly moral. Many of them are Byronic Heroes. So I look at it as an extension of Byronic behavior. And maturity wise, many vampire stories have the vampires have the maturity level of when they were turned. So again, it doesn’t bother me in a story because I’m not looking at these murderous characters as moral examples. Rather just watching a story from their perspective…if that makes sense! But I love immortal love stories. And that typically means one of the characters must be pretty old. Anyway, I’m not what you would call a shipper of Davina and Kol but I’m interested in seeing how the story plays out!
Yeah, I agree. That kill Klaus plot has been played to the death. They did it for a few seasons on The Vampire Diaries, so now on The Originals it’s a bit overkill. Though I’m still enjoying every second. 🙂 This show is getting better and better and is quickly becoming one of the best vampire shows to ever be on the air!
Thanks for your thoughts! I appreciate it. 🙂
It’s lovely to see the comments from others. I agree that a lot of the vitriol seems to come from frustrated fans of other relationships rather than the general viewers. It’s been considered cool on most forums to bash Cami, but there don’t seem to be any convincing arguments being presented, only that she’s useless (aka she doesn’t have any awesome powers so she’s not ‘fierce’ enough or something) or she’s a recycled Caroline. And now people are saying that the romance between Klaus and Camille came out of nowhere. I seem to have been watching a completely different show from them…
Like the other commenters, I do see evidence that support for a Klaus and Cami relationship is growing, though, even from fans who loved Klaroline. Let’s hope that they have the time to play out the story properly and do it justice. In the meantime, I appreciate having somewhere to come and vent!
Vent away! I definitely want this to be a safe place to discuss from any fan group. 🙂 And I think I”m going to actually write a post defending Cami. So expect to see an article about her character in the near future! I feel inspired to defend her with some actual convincing arguments!
the Klaus/Camille storyline is what interest me the most in the show , it’s just not the beautiful bond they share but how they bring the best out of each other. She is mature , well educated , independant , open minded and compassionate which is different from any other klaus’s love interest They balance each other very well and their chemistry is intense and way more realistic than elijah/haley. Klaus/Cami didnt begin as a physical attraction ( which is the kind of love stories i hate “she was so pretty” yeah sure that’s it ?)
I admit to loving all the different aspects of the show, but certainly the Klaus/Camille storyline is at the top of my list for what makes The Originals work. That said, I do also like Elijah and Hayley. I think they’re drawn to each other because they both see family as the top priority. 🙂 But yeah, that is one of the reasons the Klaus/Cami dynamic is so strong! There is a deeper soul connection than any kind of physical draw. There’s a Jane/Rochester type of dynamic here which has nothing to do with looks and everything to do with the connecting of two souls.
Amazing review. I love your points on Klaus and Cami, they are one of my favorite dynamics on the show. I agree about the Beauty and the Beast dynamics. I hope the writers continue to writer these two in the slow burn that they have been writing and not give in to some of the loud fanbases who’d prefer their own ship opposed to this one.
Thank you! They are one of my favorite dynamics on the show as well. And yeah, I really think they should continue the slow burn. It’s what will make their relationship be more powerful to the audience. Also, if the writers haven’t given into these loud fanbases yet, I highly doubt they have any plan to in the near future. That said, I do respect all of the fanbases with varying opinions as long as they are kind and respectful. 🙂
Your recaps of TO are giving me life. Especially everything you write about Klamille. I would never have made the Beauty and the Beast connection, but after reading about it first in your 1×19 recap, it wouldn’t let me go for weeks–months, even. I even wrote meta about that on my tumblr because your recap inspired me to do so.
It’s so lovely to find, if you dig deep down enough, so much love and positivity for Klamille and Cami as a character. No matter what the haters want to say, Klamille and Cami have fans, even though they try to be loud and obnoxious enough to shut us down. Your insight and analysis about Klaus and Camille’s relationship, about Klaus being a Byronic hero are everything. Thank you.
Thank you very much. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoy the recaps. I’ve done a lot of research on the Beauty and the Beast story as well as Byronic Heroes so I love writing about it when I see a real connection. And I agree, I think Cami does have fans as does the Klaus/Cami relationship. I think we’ll be seeing more of them come out and start talking over the character bashing. I don’t really get why people become nasty over opinions. People like what they like for different reasons, so why not have civilized discussions? Anyway, thanks for your thoughts!
Just wanted to say that I find the Klaus Cami relationship disgusting. I’m honestly surprised that your in favor it, but to each his own. The very fact that she wants to save him turns me off from it. His deep infatuation for Cami is quite obvious. it was obvious from 1.3 and its just grown even more to make Klaus as a character more stupid and really their relationship is quite unhealthy for both of them because it regresses both characters. Yes, Klaus is a Byronic, which is why I know for a fact a character like Cami will not match him or bring out the best in him because he’s too buys trying to please her and gain her acceptance. How is that romantic? Is quite disgusting to be honest. Klaus needs to be focused on making the city safe for his daughter, not making stupid decisions to please Cami and putting his life in danger to please Cami and gain her acceptance. The way he views Cami and Caroline is the same and yes his infatuation with Cami has grown deeper than that of Caroline, but I stand by the fact that this relationship will not last and is not good for either of them. Sorry, but they are not the love story of this show. The very fact that Julie Plec is doing this couple first proves that, and if we know Julie Plec its that the pairing she does first never last, and this one won’t either. Personally, I prefer Klaus alone, but I rather have him with anyone but Cami. Their relationship and dynamic truly dusgust me.
Thank you!! I thought it was just me. I’m reading all of her recaps on this Klami pairing and I’m thinking are you serious? Are you really trying to make this out to be romantic? Klaus is so desperate for this woman’s love and approval that not only did he risk putting his family and his own life in jeopardy by not killing mikael, just to please her might i add, he also was willing to die, to save her, and by doing so everyone in his sire line could die, potentially even his child, HIS CHILD, But even in the case that his daughter wouldn’t have died he would’ve left Hayley alone to raise their daughter, he would’ve really died and left his child behind to die for this woman, who he’s so deeply obsessed with, and had his daughter who he loves never know him. Does he even understand the void and the hurt Hope would have in her life for all eternity by not having her father? But he’s willing to die, willing to risk his family’s safety, willing to hurt his daughter’s future, all to be loved and accepted by his new obsession? Yet this is romantic? That what Amber is telling us apparently. This is beautiful….this is romantic.
Klaus is SO desperate for this woman’s love and acceptance of him that he’s willing to DIE and have perhaps have thousands of other die right along with him, and have no future with his daughter, and have his child never know him. Because Cami’s life ( lets be honest she would die in the next 60 years anyway) is more important, than Hope growing up with her parents.
Hope having the love of her father and growing up safe free from harm of Mikael isn’t as important because Klaus needs to please Cami and make sure Cami see’s the good in him. Because no erasing Mikael as a threat to HIS CHILD’S SAFETY isn’t as important he needs to impress Cami.
Its so romantic Morgan. Beautiful…
Get this shit out of my face.
Sorry Jasmine! I appreciate actual discussion here, not rude comments. I can understand varying view points, but I don’t need vulgarity and insults. You want this out of your face, then leave. I’m not trying to make anything out to be romantic. That’s what was presented by the writers, actors, filmmakers, etc…At that point, it’s up to the audience whether or not they like that “romance.” Some do. Then others do not. But let’s all respect varying viewpoints without being rude and calling someone’s opinion “shit.”
I’m so sorry Amber. I didn’t mean to hurt your beautiful romantic feelings about your favorite beautiful romantic pairing. One day I believe I will see the beauty of the Klami..one day.
Sarcasm. Nice. You didn’t hurt my feelings. And I never said they were my favorite couple. Favorite pairing on the show right now? Sure. I just don’t appreciate rudeness on my website. I prefer it to be a safe haven for varying viewpoints and intellectual discussion. I don’t care if someone doesn’t like Camille and Klaus. Fair enough.
Oh, also, I never “saw” all these scenarios I’m apparently telling everyone to see as romantic. Which I personally find your examples to be exaggerative (though quite imaginative) at best. That said, I happen to find Wuthering Heights romantic even though Heathcliff was an abusive, cruel man to everyone but Cathy. He destroyed the lives of everyone around him and yet it remains one of the greatest romances ever told. I don’t judge romance by how good or moral a character is or how much I agree with a decision (and all the “possible” scenarios) of a character. A romantic story with a Byronic Hero involved is doubtfully going to be one where you agree with the character’s choices from a moral standpoint. A story can be “beautiful” without being an example of how relationships “should” be in the real world.
Well you are certainly free to your opinion. Though if you knew the type of shows that I like (Moonlight, Buffy, Veronica Mars, Doctor Who, Avonlea, etc.), the books I love (Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Rebecca, etc.) perhaps you wouldn’t be so surprised! 🙂
Perhaps your disgust comes from a place of hating Beauty and the Beast type stories in general? You see, it’s not about Beauty wanting to save the Beast or Cami wanting to save Klaus. That’s missing the entire point. It’s about seeing what is good inside of the beast and helping him see for himself beyond his own monstrosities. Beauty and the Beast is really a feminist story all about Beauty’s own choices and search for identity. But she can’t literally “save” the Beast. She can however help make him better. Her empathy and compassion as a person is admirable from where I stand. It’s one reason I love the interaction between the Doctor and Rose in Doctor Who.
As another example, look at Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. No doubt, this was Bronte’s own version of a Beauty and the Beast story with a Byronic Hero front and center. Rochester is a man with many secrets and is quite selfish. And (SPOILER) they do not end up together until he is transformed. If the beast can’t or won’t transform, typically (there are exceptions) Beauty will not end up with the Beast. I doubt Cami and Klaus are going to be sitting around on the show as a happy couple! Haha. That would be hilarious. They will only work if he chooses to change. Otherwise it will be as short-lived as Jane and Rochester before she learns what’s up in the attic. She can’t save him. Nor has she ever said she could. She can only try to help him. That’s the opposite of disgusting to me. Helping a “monster” to see the beauty within is beautiful to me. I suppose we must be looking at the story with a different lens. I find Elijah and Cami to be very similar characters in that respect. They both see the best in Klaus and want to see him become a better person. And it’s not about “changing” someone’s identity, but rather about becoming the best version of one’s self. Do I ever think Klaus will become this stand-up guy? No. He’s a Byronic Hero to the core with many dark traits and the show would be boring if he did. But I do think he will gradually become better. How could Klaus showing more compassion and more acts of selflessness be regression? How does having love for another person make him stupid?
I don’t think having feelings for Cami will make him a bad father or a worse leader for the city.
Anyway, maybe you don’t enjoy relationships with Byronic Heroes. Fair enough. They have a lot of bad traits. They’re often selfish, obsessive, arrogant, self-destructive, dark, cunning and moody, But then they are also often passionate, individualistic, sympathetic, intelligent and sometimes even heroic (you know, when they’re not being villainous). I find them very attractive as characters. In real life, I don’t actually like bad boys.
That all said, if you are as familiar with Byronic Heroes as you claim, then you would also know the high percentage of romantic relationships in Film, TV and especially literature of the Byronic Hero combined with an angelic type figure. Byronic Heroes often cross paths with the Beauty and the Beast motif as well (which I’ve already mentioned). Again, no doubt the writers of The Originals are borrowing from the Beauty/Beast aka animal bridegroom tales. They are purposely playing this season up as a fairy tale with the reclusive Klaus hiding away in his castle. Is it really all that surprising that many people enjoy this dark fairy tale you claim is disgusting?
In this story, Klaus (a Byronic Hero) is the Beast. And the beast is often redeemed (or at least guided to be redeemed) by an angel which is the Beauty figure. Cami fits into that role. That said, let’s not call Cami “the angel in the house” either. She’s certainly no Victorian stereotype of the helpless female. In fact, she’s quite the opposite. And I’m not saying that Byronics are drawn to flawless women. No one’s flawless anyway. Cami has flaws and she’s definitely not a saint. But she does have a lot of goodness in her. Even the witch last season pointed out how no one could live up to Klaus’s pure and precious Camille.
Often Byronic Heroes are drawn to women with goodness in them because they see more humanity in them which they often find lacking (particularly when they are combined with romanticized horror monsters) themselves. Cami plays the role of Jane Eyre who can unlock the secrets of the mysterious beast without judgment. Plus, not only are the writers of The Originals borrowing from folklore, fairy tales and archetypal myths, but literature as well. This season is using many elements of the gothic novel, another area Byronic Heroes can often be found (and even immortalized by the Bronte sisters).
Do all Byronic Heroes fall in love and become consumed (in an often unhealthy obsessive way) with a woman who they feel can save them? No. Look at Cathy and Heathcliff. They certainly have Byronic love, but neither one of them can honestly be described as angelic. And what is Byronic love? “Byronic love obsesses on the idea of a man and a woman so similar in character and in spirit, as to be almost one individual.” Both Camille and Klaus have “warrior” spirits and are connected in a very deep way. As the show continues, we will see how deep that connection runs.
And honestly, are many people going to argue that any fictional relationships with a Byronic Hero in the mix is healthy? That’s hardly the point. It is, however, engaging as well as fascinating to read or watch. The all consuming love of a Byronic Hero. Sigh. How many of us fell in love with Buffy and Angel? Or even Buffy and Spike? Then of course some other examples include Phoebe and Cole, Mick and Beth, Sookie and Eric, Sookie and Bill, Damon and Elena… A Byronic falls in love with a better half. These relationships borrow from the Beauty and the Beast motif combined with the literary Byronic Hero. I could give you a long list of romantic relationships with a Byronic Hero. Edward and Bella are an obvious example. Healthy? Hardly. Entertaining? Well I guess that depends on who you ask.
However, as much as I enjoy Byronic Heroes and Beauty and the Beast stories (some more wholesome than others), I’m not standing here on a soapbox saying that the relationships of The Originals are the go to shining examples of healthy relationships we should all strive for! Nor do I doubt people watch Mad Men to look for moral examples of humanity. This is a show about very flawed characters. They are vampires, witches, werewolves…all who have done murderous things (except perhaps Cami). This is not a show about what people are actually like. I’m not here to judge the characters. I’m here to watch their story from their perspective.
And honestly, it’s not about who ends up with who. I’m not a shipper. I’m not a fangirl. I was just accused of being that on Twitter as if it’s like the worst insult in the world. LOL. I’m looking at the actual story being presented by the writers and right now, the story presented is a love story between Klaus and Camille which I happen to enjoy. Personally, I don’t look for realism and moral absolutes in a show about murderous vampires. There’s not going to be any relationship that in real life would be argued as healthy on this show. But it’s a supernatural series where the rules are quite different. I wonder if some people want to change the romantic vampire genre in general. Forever Knight, Kindred, Buffy, Angel, Being Human, Moonlight, The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, True Blood, Dracula, Blood Ties, etc. ALL have these types of relationships in them.
Anyway, we don’t know what “the” love story of this show will be. For now, it’s obvious the writers are making that Klaus/Camille and Hayley/Elijah. Or even arguably about the love of a family. I’m not here to tell the writers what to do. We can all have opinions, sure. But at the end of the day it’s up to them what story they want to tell. And that’s the story I recapped in a positive way. I guess some people are upset I didn’t trash the choices of the writers. Oh well. I loved the episode and stand by my viewpoints!
Anyway, I’m sorry the show disappoints you so much right now. I happen to quite enjoy it. But then we do all have our own reasons for liking or disliking something.
” You see, it’s not about Beauty wanting to save the Beast or Cami wanting to save Klaus. That’s missing the entire point. It’s about seeing what is good inside of the beast and helping him see for himself beyond his own monstrosities.”
No, Cami herself indicated that she wants to save him, but not everyone wants to be saved. She has the same complex as Elijah and it regresses her character. If you hadn’t realized. Cami has a penchant for bad boys. She wants to save them. They even indicated this in the beginning of the series. “Bad boys they aren’t good, not for me” She’s been down that road before, she has a liking for bad boys despite knowing better, and her relationship with Klaus regresses her growth, because yes as she indicated she is trying to save him. She wants to save him. Notice how in their relationship she doesn’t really see all sides to Klaus. She’s very delusional when it comes to him. She see’s the good in him and see’s him as damaged,as someone she needs to fix. Its probably something she’s used to and has tried to do in previous relationships. Its clear. Its also quite clear that she feels a level of guilt over not being able to save her brother, so now she’s projecting that onto Klaus.
” Beauty and the Beast is really a feminist story all about Beauty’s own choices and search for identity. But she can’t literally “save” the Beast. She can however help make him better. Her empathy and compassion as a person is admirable from where I stand. ”
This is what annoys me. Because their relationship is so one sided and Klaus does absolutely nothing for her growth as a character. Cami is very one note. I need to bring out the good in Klaus, I need to be show him the goodness in himself” But what does Klaus do for her? Absolutely nothing from what I can tell. He regresses her character growth. Its bad enough her character is completely centered around him, but then to see no growth from her is quite annoying as well. She literally learns nothing from Klaus and gains nothing by being in his life.
I don’t understand how you can say you’re a fan of Cami and like someone for her who actually regresses her character.
“If the beast can’t or won’t transform, typically (there are exceptions) Beauty will not end up with the Beast. I doubt Cami and Klaus are going to be sitting around on the show as a happy couple! Haha. That would be hilarious. They will only work if he chooses to change.”
Yes Klaus is changing but is she changing in a healthy way because from my viewpoint he isn’t.
“She can’t save him. Nor has she ever said she could. She can only try to help him. That’s the opposite of disgusting to me. Helping a “monster” to see the beauty within is beautiful to me. I suppose we must be looking at the story with a different lens. I find Elijah and Cami to be very similar characters in that respect. They both see the best in Klaus and want to see him become a better person. And it’s not about “changing” someone’s identity, but rather about becoming the best version of one’s self. Do I ever think Klaus will become this stand-up guy? No. He’s a Byronic Hero to the core with many dark traits and the show would be boring if he did. But I do think he will gradually become better. How could Klaus showing more compassion and more acts of selflessness be regression? How does having love for another person make him stupid?”
Aside from the fact that she tried to save him, which has been acknowledged in the show. Klaus is actually regressing. As we know he’s obsessed with Cami, but to who’s expense. As Jamine rudely stated, he put his own child in harms way by trying to please her. Is that not regression. In fact Klaus routinely puts his current infatuations above his family, as the case with him choosing Caroline over his own sister Rebekah. He put his child and his family’s future at risk for her acceptance. Is not that regression? That is not a good thing. He’s so obsessed with gaining her approval that he’s not thinking about others who should matter the most to him which is his family. This show is about family. Perhaps the show is actually showing what’s wrong with Klaus’s obsessions and how he’ll slowly start to realize the people who matter and break his obsession.
“Byronic love obsesses on the idea of a man and a woman so similar in character and in spirit, as to be almost one individual.” Both Camille and Klaus have “warrior” spirits and are connected in a very deep way. As the show continues, we will see how deep that connection runs.”
This doesn’t describe Klaus and Cami at all actually. There are many warriors in spirit on the show. If anyone I’d say the people who are more similar in character and spirit are Elijah/Cami and Klaus/Hayley, but from what I’ve seen that’s how I see it. Although they’re not doing those pairings so I could be wrong.
“In this story, Klaus (a Byronic Hero) is the Beast. And the beast is often redeemed (or at least guided to be redeemed) by an angel which is the Beauty figure. Cami fits into that role. That said, let’s not call Cami “the angel in the house” either. She’s certainly no Victorian stereotype of the helpless female. In fact, she’s quite the opposite. And I’m not saying that Byronics are drawn to flawless women. No one’s flawless anyway. Cami has flaws and she’s definitely not a saint. But she does have a lot of goodness in her. Even the witch last season pointed out how no one could live up to Klaus’s pure and precious Camille.”
Yes I know its a cliche’ and annoying trope that quite overused. Part of why probably the klaus/cami pairing isn’t so popular at the moment, people have seen it many many times before.
i actually agree with morgan..i like cami but klaus doesn’t really do anything for her as a person. she doesn’t grow from him and i never realized before but i think cami does have have a complex. they did mention that she has a thing for bad boys for a reason. she maybe has tried to fix or save guys and it didn’t work before and she got hurt and she’s trying to do it again with klaus.
hmm…idk i still love cami though ^-^
I think we’ve both stated our viewpoints clearly at this point! That all said, I wouldn’t be so quick to claim that the beauty and the beast “trope” is so overused and therefore unpopular. It’s a story that never really dies out. It’s something I personally quite love and almost even wrote a dissertation on! It’s just who I am, I guess. There are many more people who love it as well. And I see the Klaus/Cami fans growing quickly as of late. Why? Because this type of story will always gain an audience.
That said, I’m quite tired and it’s very late so I’ll just say something briefly and then be done with this discussion as we’ve both said our bit and there really isn’t anywhere else to go. Yes, it is quite common for many women to be drawn to bad boys and want to “save them.” Though in this story, her version of saving him is just helping him to be better. I don’t think saving is meant to be literal. And are bad boys ever really “good” for you? Probably not. But it’s entertaining to watch in a show. Again, I reiterate, I’m not watching this show to look for shining examples of relationships. I LOVE watching Byronic love stories. Some people like murder mysteries, others comedy. I like stories with Byronic Heroes and I like Beauty and the Beast stories. I won’t apologize for it! 🙂
And I don’t think Cami gets nothing out of this. Something tells me that she enjoys all of this excitement. She’s not deluded. The writers are intending for Cami to see something real and good in Klaus. The flashbacks support this. We are meant to see goodness in him. I think seeing good in others and trying to help can be fulfilling. Plus, she probably feels drawn to the supernatural calling passed down through her family.
Also, on Byronic love. It’s not about people having the same personality. Otherwise Jane and Rochester woudn’t count either. It’s about having similar, impassioned souls. Souls are different than personality.
Anyway, we obviously disagree. I love and appreciate the Beauty and the Beast story told on this show, which the writers are purposefully doing. You see something different and don’t enjoy it. Fine.
Um, Morgan, Jasmine and Katie you all come from the same IP address. Therefore I am blocking. I don’t want trolls. That said, the level of devotion to create different people with different voices all to support your hatred for the Klaus/Cami relationship is almost funny. Wow, I just really wasted my time trying to have a positive discussion.
Awww Amber, but its so much fun to troll you because you really have no clue about the Klaus/Cami relationship and fail to see all sides to it and what’s actually happening. You just focus on the parts that get your panties wet. I think I’ll continue to troll you and have you rethink your ridiculous view of this relationship and maybe you might learn something 🙂
Oh, Jasmine/Morgan/Katie, it’s so fun to keep blocking you so go ahead and keep on. It just shows everyone how rude and childish you are. I won’t be as nice as Amber and allow all your comments to stay. I’ll just delete them. Just deleted one long one actually that you recently posted….
I will not give power to trolls and crazy people who act like stalkers and bullies! So the one person posting under Jasmine, Morgan and Katie trying to teach me a “lesson” for having an opinion different than theirs I will only just delete you and every comment you make both from the past and from here on out. I also deleted my comments because clearly you weren’t worth responding to in the first place. WILL not respond to you again no matter how many emails or IP addresses you come up with to use. You will only continuously be blocked. You have no power here.
Totally agree, I do not express myself more because I’m using google tradutor of and not very good.
Kisses from Argentina.