It's been a long ten months, and I'm so glad to say The Originals is finally back.

Did it live up to the tremendous hype?

The Originals Season 4 Episode 1 was, without a doubt the best episode in a few years.

The five-year time jump helped. Returning after all this time off the air made me concerned that it would be difficult to keep track of events, but Michael Narducci elevated the show higher than I thought was possible.

Let's start with Hayley. In short, she was badass. Her sass throughout the hour was on point, and I loved getting to see her continued fight to save the Mikaelsons.

Mary warning her off bringing the Mikaelsons back was warranted. Hayley has had five years of safety, and that's what she needed to find the final werewolf so Freya could make the antidote.

Hopefully, Mary has a bigger role this season. She's never been one of the focal points of the show, but being Hope's babysitter and the voice of reason should keep her around a little longer.

Haylijah's kiss was outstanding. Being apart for five years must have been hell for them, and I'm hopeful there is a way to keep them together this time.

The last thing we need is soapy drama. Keep them together, or else we'll somehow tell Keelin to run and not give any more of her time to the cause of saving the Mikaelsons.

Kidding aside, Keelin was a decent addition to the cast, but it's difficult to get attached to the females. They're a dying breed. Yes, I'm still not over the loss of Davina and Cami.

Hey, look, I don't know what kind of pervy stuff you're into, but I'm not that kind of girl.
Keelin

Permalink: Hey, look, I don't know what kind of pervy stuff you're into, but I'm not that kind of girl.

Marcel was silly to believe a word Klaus said about Alistair being a man who liked pride. As if Klaus was just going to hand over some details that would benefit Marcel.

I just wish we would have gotten some more insight into what the serum did for Marcel. There have been hints that he's stronger, but will he be strong enough to fend off the originals when they return for their brother?

Klaus: Have you come to taunt me, Marcellus?
Marcel: No, I came to have a nice civilized coversation. I think we're overdue.

Permalink: No, I came to have a nice civilized coversation. I think we're overdue.

Deep down, Klaus knows the only way he's getting out of that damp basement is if his family shows up to save the day. He knows that's impossible, but hey, there's hope.

The casting for Hope was on point. The kid knew how to act, and I'm pumped to find out why she's been dreaming about those symbols that are appearing sporadically through New Orleans.

They reminded me of the mad house faux Rebekah found Freya in during The Originals Season 2.

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With Hope claiming she had a bad dream, I'm thinking she's not going to be evil. Maybe she'll be a beacon of hope when we get to see this new villain in the flesh.

There's got to be a reason why Adam found himself in search of the symbols. Could he have been having the nightmares, too? The villain could be going after all supernatural children.

Could you imagine how Klaus would react to that? It would certainly make for some nail-biting scenes.

Vincent continued to be one of the best characters. Yusuf Gatewood always turns in an awards-worthy performance, and he was outstanding in the premiere.

For a long time, we've managed to keep our monsters buried and we've got to make sure they stay buried. Otherwise, we will lose everything we've built. We will lose it forever.
Vincent

Permalink: For a long time, we've managed to keep our monsters buried and we've got to make sure they...

Klaus throwing threats at him made me think he was going to cast some spell to make his time in that dingy room more painful.

Instead, he opted to remind him that Cami once told him there was something good in Klaus. That brought all of the emotions back for Klaus about losing the love of his life, and that's probably why we'll be seeing Leah Pipes as her alter ego on The Originals Season 4 Episode 2.

"Gather Up the Killers" was great. I can't wait to see what the rest of the season holds for these characters. It would have worked so much better as a two-hour opener, but I'm just glad to have The Originals back.

Other tidbits from the episode:

Marcel being in power again reminds me of the days when The Originals first kicked off as a backdoor pilot on The Vampire Diaries.

I had to laugh when Kol and Rebekah apparently ran off to feed. They could have just stayed asleep until the actors were available to appear.

It's doubtful that Alistair's henchmen are going to let Marcel rule the French Quarter. Something tells me they're going to want Klaus sooner or later.