The Originals Review 3×13: “Heart Shaped Box”

The theatrics and dramatic flare of Aurora hit an all time high in this week’s The Originals. Tempers flare and blood is spilled, but who really has the upper hand?

Last week on The Originals we were left with the vision of Aurora (Rebecca Breeds) beaming with glee at her fancy new weapons in the form of white oak bullets, thanks to the stolen carved knight she went to great lengths to retrieve. This week, we got to see just how she planned to use her new toys. Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and Elijah (Daniel Gillies) both are pitted against the insane woman when they are impelled to rescue their sister Freya (Riley Voelkel) from her unbalanced vengeful grasp.

Davina (Danielle Campbell) is given a sweet moment with Kol (Nathaniel Buzolic) in order to retrieve information on how to complete the spell under the watchful eyes of Aya (Tracy Ifeachor) and the Strix. Meanwhile, Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) is given a job to occupy her mind and occupy Camille (Leah Pipes) in the art of protecting herself.

It seems like the typical search and rescue until plots become mixed and everyone is involved in one way or another with each other’s business. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly went down this week.

Rhymes and games and all that fun stuff.

Aurora de Martel certainly revealed her preference for the dramatic side and her fun flare in exacting revenge. If she’s anything she certainly is a show-woman. Despite her desperate need in seeing both Klaus and Elijah dead and gone for abandoning her centuries ago, it certainly was fun to see the lengths that she would go to amp up the frustration and bother for the vampire brothers.

“Does she have to punish us with the world’s most unfortunate limerick? Is it not enough that we’re forced to play her wretched games?” - Elijah

Through the ordeal of finding Freya before she bleeds to death after being buried alive in a shoddy pine coffin, we are given further knowledge regarding Aurora’s focus of hatred. It seems that she believes Klaus was influenced by Elijah into leaving her and if it were not for him, he would have remained by her side. We can only imagine her disappointment in finding that this was not the case and her entire source of bitterness was misplaced. That doesn’t stop her from getting a shot off in the woods directly into Elijah’s well-dressed chest. Thankfully, Klaus was on hand to remove the wooden bullet and save him from a slow and painful death, however Aurora escapes once more and ruins Klaus’ plan to end her life that day no matter what.

Guardians and Gal Pals.

Usually, when Klaus asks someone to do something there is a selfish ulterior motive behind it. This time it was no different when he approached Hayley to busy herself in aiding Camille to ensure her safety. It is noble of him to want to keep Cami safe despite her growing distance from him during her vampire-infancy, but it is even more noble that he would look after the well-being of Hayley in the process. There’s almost a sense of tenderness regarding both of the women when he requests this and we can’t help but feel the spark of emotion he keeps tucked away deep in that black heart of his.

“Aurora is still at large, no doubt plotting her revenge. She used Camille to get to me once and she may do so again and Cami is rather vulnerable. I’d like to provide some safe guarding.”
“Isn’t that your job?”
“No, not any more.” - Klaus & Hayley

That being said, Hayley does step up to task and in doing so creates an unexpected bond with Cami as she instructs her on how to protect herself. These two have never been overly chummy nor have they ever been hateful towards one another, however in their sparring and shared peril when the Strix eventually come for them, you really can’t ignore the potential there for a great friendship and perhaps a formidable fighting duo in the continued quest to safeguard the Mikaelson clan. Hayley has had a tough time of it lately, losing her husband and realizing just how much she did really love him. Perhaps having Cami around to instruct and even talk to will be a good thing for both of them. After all, they do have a lot in common regarding the men in their lives and now a shared lifestyle.

One track mind and heart.

Davina really does have one thing on her mind when it comes to everything: Kol Mikaelson. Every bargaining chip involves the object of her desire. We understand that she wants him back from the dead, but it’s almost become too predictable. The plans that she makes are pretty cunning, but that can only last for so long. Creating a spell that involves something only Kol would know about was a brilliant play on her part in trying to get him returned to the land of the living for good.

“I’d forgotten how cuddly you are. If you want me to talk, fine. But I’m only talking to her.” - Kol

Kol really does care for Davina and it would be nice if they could actually resolve their problem and return him for keeps, but my feelings are that this will never happen. Without the promise of bringing Kol back to life, those that seek to control Davina do not have anything to keep her compliant and creating spells. At least Marcel (Charles Michael Davis) still has Davina’s back and let her know that after all is said and done, he’ll be there for her when the Strix decide that she’s no longer useful. It’s good to know, since Davina has been warned time and time again about her involvement in that particular coven and her continued involvement only sinks her deeper into trouble. Be that as it may, it has been nice to get some Kol presence back in our lives.

Conclusion: Freya should hire personal body guards.

Seriously though, Freya is the most vulnerable and is constantly kidnapped, almost killed, and injured by every single enemy of the Mikaelson clan and there seems to be more than the usual in the woodwork lately. It would be interesting though if Aurora and Aya did become successful in removing the sire line element to things. That would mean all bets were off for any of the Originals and their deaths would not be as devastating as they once were. In a way, I hope they are successful with the spell to remove it. Call me crazy, but we could use a little more mayhem and uncertainty when it comes to the death of key characters.

Besides the excellent writing and well thought out script, the camera work on this episode was exceptional as far as lighting and locations. Noticeably, the shots taken in the day particularly in the woods were colorful and pleasing to the eye. This isn’t something that happens often in The Originals, as most of the action usually occurs indoors or during the evening. It was a nice contrast to a usual formula that’s followed when shooting scenes for a show mainly about vampires. Also, the wardrobe on this particular episode was very on point: Phoebe Tonkin and Danielle Campbell looked even more stunning than usual. So much so, I wondered if extra promotional shots were taken that day.

We look forward to next week to see just what else Aurora has up her pretty little sleeve as well as a much anticipated crossover from The Vampire Diaries by way of a visit from Klaus’ favorite Salvatore brother, Stefan (Paul Wesley) himself.

Questions, Comments & Concerns

• Aurora has become increasingly insane and desperate in her attempts to end Klaus’ life for the crime of dumping her.
• Will Davina ever get her greatest wish and have Kol back for good?
• Does Aya even care that she was outwitted for leader of the Strix? It seems to me that nothing changed and Marcel only thinks he’s running the show.
• Why has Freya not purchased herself a full set of body armor by now and a secret safe haven to retreat to when things get bad?
• Hayley and Cami have good chemistry together. I hope to see this duo much more in the future. Gal vampire pals unite!
• How many of you said ‘awwwwww’ when Klaus was recarving that white knight for his little girl? Be honest.