When Does The Originals Start In The Vampire Diaries

Okay, let's be honest. We all love a good vampire show. Especially when it involves drama, love triangles, and ridiculously attractive people. Enter: The Vampire Diaries.

But then... BOOM! Along came the Originals. Were they always really there though?

The Great Originals Debate

So, when do The Originals actually START in The Vampire Diaries? Officially? Season 2, Episode 8, "Rose". But, let's be real, that's just their physical introduction.

My unpopular opinion? They started way before that. Like, way, WAY before. Stay with me!

Subtle Hints and Foreshadowing

Remember the whispers? The legends? The random vampire panic attacks about "something ancient"? That's the Originals influence, people! They were casting shadows long before they graced our screens.

Think about it. Katherine Pierce was running scared for 500 years. From who? Not just any old vampire. The MIkalesons were the reason!

She wasn't fearing a parking ticket. She was terrified of the wrath of Klaus. That terror, my friends, is a character in itself.

Elijah's Dramatic Entrance

Okay, yes, Elijah makes a grand entrance in Season 2. He's all suave, sophisticated, and stabs people with silver daggers. Iconic.

But did he just appear out of thin air? Nope! He was clearly watching, planning, strategizing. A puppet master pulling strings. That takes time.

He already had a plan set when he showed up. That means he did his homework long before Elena and crew ever met him.

Klaus: The Master Manipulator

And then there's Klaus. Oh, Klaus. He's the big bad wolf we all secretly (or not so secretly) loved to hate (and maybe even loved a little bit).

He was working through proxies for ages! All those random vampires doing shady stuff? Probably Klaus's minions. He's a micromanager with a vampire twist, and the planning for all of that began way before we ever saw his pretty face.

He had those Sun and Moon rituals all planned out long before they happened. That takes years of collecting information and getting his ducks in a row.

The Originals' Legacy

The Originals' backstory is woven into the very fabric of The Vampire Diaries. It informs the motivations of so many characters. It adds weight to the history of Mystic Falls.

Their existence changed everything. Even before they were physically present.

So, while Season 2 Episode 8 is the official "start," let's acknowledge the Originals' subtle creep into our lives (and the lives of the Mystic Falls gang) much earlier. They were always lurking in the shadows.

The Real Beginning?

Maybe the Originals start with that first mention of an ancient, powerful vampire. Or maybe it's when Katherine's fear becomes palpable.

Maybe it's even earlier! The moment Katherine turned into a vampire. That's where the chase began.

Ultimately, it's up to you. But let's agree: their impact was felt long before they showed up on screen.

So next time you're rewatching The Vampire Diaries, keep an eye out. The Originals are there, even when they're not. You might just be surprised at how early their story truly begins.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go rewatch Season 2. Just to be sure, of course.