The big episode in The Big Easy is almost upon us.

This Thursday, The Vampire Diaries takes viewers down to New Orleans for "The Originals," a backdoor pilot aimed at teasing The Originals, a spinoff series almost sure to be picked up by The CW.

And with anticipation high following this awesome Originals trailer, the network has released a handful of new photos from the special episode.

They include an angry Klaus, a contemplative Klaus and a couple looks at Daniella Pineda, who guest stars Thursday as a witch named Sophie and who will be a series regular in the fall if all goes as planned.

Click through the fresh shots now. We've tossed in a picture of Damon for good measure. You're welcome, ladies!

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.