The Originals backdrop
Sci-Fi & Fantasy•Drama•Mystery

The Worst Episodes of The Originals

Every episode of The Originals ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of The Originals!

Binge this in 2d 16h•Peaking at 9.1/10

The Vampire Diaries spin-off that follows the Mikaelsons, a family of millennia-old, power-hungry vampires who want to reclaim the city they built, New Orleans, and dominate all those who have wronged them.

Airs on
The CW
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons5

All12345

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Worst Episode
    Click to reveal
    The Originals Season 5 Episode 2 - One Wrong Turn On Bourbon
    6.9/10(16 votes)

    #1 - One Wrong Turn On Bourbon

    S5:E2

    When a mysterious disappearance brings Klaus back to New Orleans, Hope looks forward to the prospect of seeing her father again. However, when the dark magic that had been keeping them apart begins to manifest in dangerous ways across the city, Vincent turns to Ivy for guidance about what it may mean. Elsewhere, Marcel returns to New Orleans amidst increased tensions between the supernatural factions, while Freya makes a decision about her future with Keelin. Finally, Roman’s surprise visit to the Mikaelson compound forces Hope to reveal some dark truths about her family.

    Director:Carol Banker
    Writer:Carina Adly MacKenzie

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. The Originals Season 1 Episode 2 - House of the Rising Son
    7.1/10(22 votes)

    #2 - House of the Rising Son

    S1:E2

    Rebekah arrives in New Orleans at her brother Elijah's insistence, but, concerned that Klaus is up to no good, she seeks help from a reluctant Sophie. Marcel enlists Davina's help.

    Director:Brad Turner
    Writers:Declan de Barra, Diane Ademu-John

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. The Originals Season 5 Episode 4 - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea
    7.4/10(10 votes)

    #3 - Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

    S5:E4

    Frustrated by the lack of progress made in the search for Hayley, Klaus turns up the heat by taking hostages from each of the three New Orleans supernatural factions. Freya goes to Mystic Falls to check on Hope, who has been sent back to the Salvatore School. Vincent seeks guidance from Ivy after learning that Klaus’ erratic behavior is escalating.

    Director:Michael Grossman
    Writers:Beau DeMayo, Kyle Arrington

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. The Originals Season 1 Episode 1 - Always and Forever
    7.5/10(71 votes)

    #4 - Always and Forever

    S1:E1

    Klaus returns to the French Quarter of New Orleans, a place where he helped build centuries ago. Now he sees that it has been taken over by his former protege Marcel. Camille, a psychology student, doesn't believe in supernatural beings. However, she finds herself drawn to Klaus. Meanwhile, Hayley and Elijah wait to see what Klaus will do next.

    Director:Chris Grismer
    Writers:Michael Narducci, Julie Plec

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. The Originals Season 1 Episode 17 - Moon Over Bourbon Street
    7.5/10(17 votes)

    #5 - Moon Over Bourbon Street

    S1:E17

    Elijah is taking control of the quarter and receives a surprising offer, and they know how to throw a party.

    Director:Michael Robison
    Writers:Michelle Paradise, Christopher Hollier

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. The Originals Season 5 Episode 1 - Where You Left Your Heart
    7.5/10(13 votes)

    #6 - Where You Left Your Heart

    S5:E1

    Desperate to see her father Klaus after seven years, Hope resorts to drastic measures to bring her father back to New Orleans. Hayley attempts to minimize the fallout from Hope’s actions, but not before news of what she’s done ripples through the city. Meanwhile, Freya’s guilt over not being able to reunite her family gets in the way of her happiness with Keelin, while Rebekah struggles with her inability to fully commit to Marcel. Finally, struggling without Elijah by his side, Klaus’ murderous rampage throughout Europe leads to an unexpected encounter with Caroline Forbes.

    Director:Lance Anderson
    Writer:Marguerite MacIntyre

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of The Originals

    READ
  7. The Originals Season 4 Episode 5 - I Hear You Knocking
    7.6/10(12 votes)

    #7 - I Hear You Knocking

    S4:E5

    After being marked by The Hollow’s dark magic, both Klaus and Marcel experience the symptoms of a malevolent haunting, forcing the two adversaries on a violent collision course. Meanwhile, Hayley and Elijah head out to speak with Mary after Hayley uncovers a mysterious link between the dark magic and her former wolf pack. Finally, as an exhausted Freya risks her own life to cure Klaus’ infection, a guilt-ridden Keelin must decide whether to honor her hypocratic oath and help Freya – or flee the Mikaelson’s forever.

    Director:Chris Grismer
    Writer:Kyle Arrington

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. The Originals Season 4 Episode 11 - A Spirit Here That Won't Be Broken
    7.6/10(10 votes)

    #8 - A Spirit Here That Won't Be Broken

    S4:E11

    When its discovered that The Hollow is using a magical totem to fuel her power, Freya enlists Rebekah and Klaus’ help to locate and destroy it. Elsewhere, an ultimatum by The Hollow puts Kol at odds with his own siblings, while an unexpected run-in forces Marcel and Rebekah to confront the growing tension between them. Finally, The Hollow’s plan for Hayley leaves her in the fight of her life.

    Director:Hanelle M. Culpepper
    Writers:Carina Adly MacKenzie, Michael Russo

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. The Originals Season 1 Episode 3 - Tangled Up in Blue
    7.7/10(19 votes)

    #9 - Tangled Up in Blue

    S1:E3

    Betrayal at the masquerade ball? Klaus and Rebekah come together to attempt to unravel Marcel's empire from within, in spite of Elijah's concerns. They enlist help from Sophie.

    Director:Chris Grismer
    Writers:Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. The Originals Season 1 Episode 7 - Bloodletting
    7.7/10(20 votes)

    #10 - Bloodletting

    S1:E7

    Hayley goes missing after someone from her past makes a startling revelation. Klaus has a dangerous encounter with an unexpected visitor. Davina makes a surprising connection. Marcel makes Rebekah an enticing offer that leaves her torn.

    Director:Jeffrey G. Hunt
    Writers:Michael Russo, Michael Narducci

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. The Originals Season 1 Episode 9 - Reigning Pain in New Orleans
    7.7/10(17 votes)

    #11 - Reigning Pain in New Orleans

    S1:E9

    Klaus tries to get adapted to his new duties as he became the king of the city. He offers Marcel a compromise and he fixes his relationship with his siblings. Davina feels betrayed by Marcel. She finally finds an ally, Cami.

    Director:Joshua Butler
    Writers:Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. The Originals Season 1 Episode 18 - The Big Uneasy
    7.7/10(13 votes)

    #12 - The Big Uneasy

    S1:E18

    Genevieve asks Elijah to allow her coven to publicly celebrate a traditional feast day, where members of the community offer the witches gifts in return for blessings. Meanwhile, Elijah makes plans to restore his home to its former glory; and Klaus sends Cary, a werewolf from his own line, to find a missing piece of family history.

    Director:Leslie Libman
    Writers:Michael Russo, Marguerite MacIntyre

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. The Originals Season 3 Episode 4 - A Walk on the Wild Side
    7.7/10(13 votes)

    #13 - A Walk on the Wild Side

    S3:E4

    In order to uncover what his old acquaintance Tristan is really up to in New Orleans, Elijah considers attending a gala thrown by a mysterious group of ancient vampires known as The Strix, while Hayley invites herself to attend with him. There, Marcel is approached with an enticing offer made by a mysterious woman named Aya, but he quickly realizes that things are not always what they seem. Elsewhere, when a vital component of Lucien's plan goes missing, he and Klaus form a tentative alliance in order to find it.

    Director:Matthew Hastings
    Writers:Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. The Originals Season 4 Episode 3 - Haunter of Ruins
    7.7/10(13 votes)

    #14 - Haunter of Ruins

    S4:E3

    After five long years apart, Klaus attempts to reconnect with his daughter, Hope. Even as father and daughter bond, the rest of the family is still in turmoil. Elijah mediates a conflict between Hayley and Freya to determine the best way to protect the family. Meanwhile, in New Orleans, Vincent tells Marcel terrible secrets about his ex -wife, Eva Sinclair, even as they begin their search for a mysterious witch who plans to sacrifice a group of innocent children – including Hope Mikaelson.

    Director:Jeffrey G. Hunt
    Writers:Carina Adly MacKenzie, Declan de Barra

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. The Originals Season 1 Episode 8 - The River in Reverse
    7.8/10(17 votes)

    #15 - The River in Reverse

    S1:E8

    In the war between Klaus and Marcel, Rebecca stands against her own brother Klaus. The chemistry between Elijah and Hayley gets stronger. Klaus accuses his siblings of distrust and betrayal.

    Director:Jesse Warn
    Writers:Declan de Barra, Julie Plec

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. The Originals Season 2 Episode 7 - Chasing The Devil's Tail
    7.8/10(13 votes)

    #16 - Chasing The Devil's Tail

    S2:E7

    Going after everything Esther loves. Klaus and Hayley seek an antidote for Elijah in the bayou assisted by Marcel and Josh. Kaleb takes Davina to an old hangout.

    Director:Jesse Warn
    Writers:Carina Adly MacKenzie, Christopher Hollier

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. The Originals Season 3 Episode 3 - I'll See You in Hell or New Orleans
    7.8/10(12 votes)

    #17 - I'll See You in Hell or New Orleans

    S3:E3

    With tension running as high as ever, Klaus and Elijah are forced to come together in order to uncover Lucien’s true motives in New Orleans. Cami is caught off guard when she finds herself face to face with Lucien and is surprised when he reveals some unexpected information about his past with Klaus. Elsewhere, a mysterious figure presents an enticing offer to Marcel, while Hayley turns to an unconventional way of coping with her current situation. Finally, an old acquaintance from Elijah’s past arrives in New Orleans and delivers some startling news involving the growing threat to the Mikaelson siblings.

    Director:Michael Grossman
    Writers:Declan de Barra, Michelle Paradise

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. The Originals Season 3 Episode 8 - The Other Girl in New Orleans
    7.8/10(13 votes)

    #18 - The Other Girl in New Orleans

    S3:E8

    After learning that Cami's life is in danger and Aurora may be to blame, Klaus is forced to engage in another one of her devious games and follows a series of clues she's left behind for him. Meanwhile, Elijah, Freya and Hayley take drastic measures against Tristan when they discover he holds a valuable piece of information they need. Elsewhere, Aya gives Marcel an ultimatum that leaves him with a difficult decision to make, while tensions between Hayley and Jackson cause her to reevaluate her involvement in Mikaelson family matters.

    Director:Kellie Cyrus
    Writers:Michael Russo, Michael Narducci

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. The Originals Season 3 Episode 16 - Alone with Everybody
    7.8/10(13 votes)

    #19 - Alone with Everybody

    S3:E16

    Dangerous foes descend upon New Orleans in an attempt to take down Klaus once and for all when rumors spread about the remaining white oak bullet. As the threats grow, Elijah urges his siblings to lay low at the compound while Marcel, Vincent and Josh chase down a lead involving a mysterious vampire named Sofya. Meanwhile, Kol is forced to face his brother Finn, the person responsible for his death; and Klaus and Hayley seek shelter with her former pack and stumble upon some unsettling news.

    Director:Hanelle M. Culpepper
    Writers:Ashley Lyle, Bart Nickerson

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. The Originals Season 4 Episode 1 - Gather Up The Killers
    7.8/10(14 votes)

    #20 - Gather Up The Killers

    S4:E1

    On the fifth anniversary of Klaus’ defeat, Marcel is king of the city and welcomes the un-sired vampires to New Orleans, only to find they pose an unexpected threat to his rule, leading him to seek counsel from an unlikely source. Meanwhile, as Hayley closes in on the cure that will allow her to revive Elijah and the slumbering Mikaelsons, she faces a final task that will force her to make a ruthless decision.

    Director:Lance Anderson
    Writers:Michael Russo, Michael Narducci

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. The Originals Season 4 Episode 7 - High Water and a Devil's Daughter
    7.8/10(11 votes)

    #21 - High Water and a Devil's Daughter

    S4:E7

    When it’s discovered that The Hollow’s latest servant is on the loose, Freya places a protection spell on the compound, forcing Klaus, Hayley and Hope to remain inside. Meanwhile, Elijah takes matters into his own hands when Vincent is reluctant to perform a dangerous ritual needed to strengthen their defense against The Hollow. Finally, while Freya enacts a risky plan that brings her face to face with their latest threat, an unexpected twist leaves her life hanging in the balance.

    Director:Charles Michael Davis
    Writers:Carina Adly MacKenzie, Celeste Vasquez

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. The Originals Season 5 Episode 5 - Don't It Just Break Your Heart
    7.8/10(10 votes)

    #22 - Don't It Just Break Your Heart

    S5:E5

    A mysterious clue sent to Klaus leads him one step closer to finding Hayley. Antoinette opens up to Elijah after her past comes back to haunt her. Meanwhile, Marcel makes a decision that puts him at odds with Klaus. Finally, Hope takes matters into her own hands to fix the mess that she’s created.

    Director:Jeffrey W. Byrd
    Writers:Bianca Sams, Jeffrey Lieber

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. The Originals Season 5 Episode 6 - What, Will, I, Have, Left
    7.8/10(12 votes)

    #23 - What, Will, I, Have, Left

    S5:E6

    After learning how she can get Hayley back, Hope sets off on a dangerous mission to end the mess she started. Klaus turns to Caroline for help when he discovers Hope’s plan. Vincent and Freya clash over whether to let Declan in on New Orleans’s supernatural secrets.

    Director:Charles Michael Davis
    Writer:Marguerite MacIntyre

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. The Originals Season 5 Episode 11 - Til the Day I Die
    7.8/10(12 votes)

    #24 - Til the Day I Die

    S5:E11

    Klaus turns to Davina for help to learn more about a mysterious affliction affecting Hope. On their wedding day, Freya and Keelin make a tough decision about their future together, while Elijah is forced to confront a past memory of Hayley. Finally, Declan’s growing curiosity in the city’s supernatural secrets forces Marcel to step in.

    Director:Geoff Wing Shotz
    Writers:Marguerite MacIntyre, Kyle Arrington

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. The Originals Season 1 Episode 4 - Girl in New Orleans
    7.9/10(19 votes)

    #25 - Girl in New Orleans

    S1:E4

    Determined Rebekah is on a mission to get to the bottom of a recent strange encounter involving Elijah. Davina convinces Marcel to let her attend an annual street music festival.

    Director:Jesse Warn
    Writers:Michelle Paradise, Michael Narducci

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Worst Episodes Summary

"One Wrong Turn On Bourbon" is the worst rated episode of "The Originals". It scored 6.9/10 based on 16 votes. Directed by Carol Banker and written by Carina Adly MacKenzie, it aired on 4/25/2018. This episode scored 0.2 points lower than the second lowest rated, "House of the Rising Son".