The Originals “Ne Me Quitte Pas” told the story of Elijah’s journey over the past 7 years and how he came to realize that he wanted no part of the man he was before. What was initially heartbreaking, especially for Klaus, ended up being the best decision for Elijah and one of the most burdened Mikaelson ever on this show.
Let’s dive into The Originals “Ne Me Quitte Pas”!
Finding Love and Happiness
Being a long time fan of The Originals and Haylijah…I feel like I’m cheating when I say I loved watching Elijah’s journey and how he fell in love with Antoinette. He seemed free, unburdened by his past, and had a smile that I’d never seen before the entire time I’ve ever seen him on screen. It was like he was breathing for the first time. It got to the point where I was left wondering, “Why would I want him to come back to New Orleans?”
The love he shares with his family is unique. But it’s also all encompassing and often toxic. It tears him apart and has been destroying him for a long time. How could I not want to see more of happy and free Elijah? Especially after this episode? He’s unburdened by ‘Always and Forever’ and found a life and love with Antoinette.
Do I want him to end up with Hayley? Ehhh. Maybe. Endgame Haylijah would destroy what he has with Antoinette and the relative peace he’s found with her. I don’t think my heart is ok with that. I know…shocking…and I still feel like I’m cheating. But I love seeing Elijah unburdened and going through a journey of self discovery that he was never allowed to have.
As for Antoinette knowing about Klaus and The Originals, I don’t think her relationship started out because she had malicious intentions or she was setting herself up for a place of power. She had no desire to go to New Orleans or confront Marcel with Elijah in New Orleans. Power doesn’t entice her. Plus, Elijah knew his history and said nothing. And at the end of the episode he stayed with her and burned away his past.
Elijah’s not leaving Antoinette, or the life he’s built for himself, anytime soon. And I’m ok with that.
Saying Goodbye to His Past
It was important to not gloss over Elijah’s journey that lead him to that confrontation with Klaus in France. We needed to see what he went through; the loss, the loneliness, and the discovery of his abilities. Do I think that a vampire of his caliber should’ve been let out into the world with no clue of what he was? No. It’s the stupidest thing ever and a black mark on this episode. But watching all of this and having an episode dedicated to Elijah was integral in understanding that he’s free.
For a moment there, as we watched Elijah spiral in his despair to figure out who he was and find Marcel, I thought Elijah was going to go mad. I thought he was going to become a ripper and lose himself to his strength. He did in the club, no doubt about that, but he pulled himself up and didn’t fall into a spiral. For that I’m proud of him. He’s a new man and his ability to move forward without returning to his past life, speaks of his strength and happiness.
Yes, a part of me wants the ‘Always and Forever’ that has guided The Originals since day one. And yes, I believe that Klaus will break the spell and free them of The Hollow’s burden. But this man and the life he leads with Antoinette…he’s a liberated Elijah. His burning of his clothes and the last remnants and reminders of his past is a declaration.
He’s done with Elijah Mikaelson.
He’s ready to move on.
And I’m ok with it.
No More, Always and Forever
Klaus has always been the sort of man/Original that doesn’t take no for an answer. He forces your hand, even if it’s family, and does as he pleases no matter how much his siblings complain. So I was shocked and surprised that he let Elijah be. Sure he fought him a bit, warned off the girlfriend, argued, and tried to snap his brother’s neck. But in the end, he told Freya that he couldn’t find Elijah and let him go.
This is a watershed moment for Klaus. He has relied so heavily on Elijah, for centuries, and he’s now come to realize how big of a burden he put on his brothers shoulder. He can’t keep depending on his brother to pull him out of the trouble he gets in or to reel him back when he goes on a killing spree. His brother has something worth fighting for that doesn’t involve blood, mayhem, and the pain that the Originals go through on a daily basis.
This is growth. I know many people think he’s lost his marbles and gone back to the Klaus we knew back on The Vampire Diaries, but that isn’t so. Klaus is ready to carry the weight of their families problems and continue working on becoming a man worthy of his family’s love and that of his daughters. He will break the spell keeping them apart, he will find Hayley, and he will do it all in the name of love and everything his brother has done for his over the centuries.
Favorite scene from “Ne Me Quitte Pas”:
Look at this unicorn. He’s smiling, relaxed, and just having a good ol’ time! *THROWS MUG ON THE GROUND* ANOTHER!
Check out the trailer for next week’s episode titled “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea”:
The Originals airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
