Pop-Culturalist.com

Let me start off by saying Charles Michael Davis completely owned this episode as Marcel Gerard. Best performance to date and had us feeling every single emotion Marcel was experiencing due to the Mikaelson family betrayal. Davis tugged at our heartstrings and as much as it hurt, it was absolutely worth it. Well done, sir.

The episode centered around Marcel & Klaus’ relationship and the strain it was facing. Marcel and Klaus’ dynamic has always been one of my favorites on the series and this episode was no exception. Marcel was deeply wounded by the choices the Mikaelson’s made that lead to Davina’s death, and it was clear a simple apology would not suffice. The two of them had a heated discussion about the tragedy in a poignant place – a bridge that first united them – to which they were later joined by Elijah who begged Marcel to make the right choice. Vincent had given Marcel the serum that would make him equally as powerful as the family that had betrayed him and he had a difficult choice to make.

When Marcel attempted to take the serum, Elijah violently ripped his heart out of his chest and he fell into the river from the bridge that once united him with his pseudo family. Elijah was fearful the prophecy would come to past if he didn’t take immediate action, but he’s in for one hell of a surprise since Marcel already consumed the serum. Game on.

The Originals may revolve around the Mikaelsons, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the heroes. This ancient family has left behind a trail of victims all in the name of family, a fact Marcel was quick to point out. Does the family motto “always and forever” justify their actions no matter how vicious? Marcel certainly didn’t think so and it seems anyone who isn’t blood is easily expendable. Elijah may feel tremendous guilt over the choices he’s made – even if Marcel didn’t die – but that doesn’t excuse the lengths he goes to protect those who share the same last name. As much as you want to root for the Mikaelson family, you ultimately find yourself siding with Marcel.

The closer we get to the finale, the higher the stakes. With the loss of prominent characters, a divide in alliances, and everyone fiercely standing by their morals, it’s anyone’s guess who will still be left standing at season’s end.

Photo Credit: Annette Brown/The Cw