The Originals season 5 will be the last for Joseph Morgan, cast

Always and forever. That’s what you have to keep reminding yourself amidst the news that The Originals season 5 will be the last. This news was first announced by executive producer Julie Plec on social media, one in which she explained why the upcoming batch of episodes is going to mark the end of an era. This is the second time in the past year that she’s made such an announcement, given that it was a year ago she confirmed that The Vampire Diaries would be coming to a close.

Timing-wise, it’s understandable and it does make sense for it to be the end of the road for The Originals. This is a show that has ratings that are on the lower end of the spectrum for The CW, and with that, there would be a risk that it was outright canceled after the fifth season rather than ending on its own terms. Getting out in front of the news is smart, and it allows you a chance to craft the ending that you so choose.

What’s also important to note here is that this is not necessarily the end of the road for the entire TVD universe. There have been talks surrounding a spin-off featuring the older version of Hope (read more about who is playing her here), and how she is adjusting to her unusual life. We figure that Joseph Morgan, Phoebe Tonkin, and some other cast members could presumably appear in that new show down the road. So many actors do owe a lot to this show, given that they were reasonably unknown to American audiences before signing up here.

We also do want to tribute The Originals for creating such a bizarre but wonderful show about family and battling the inner darkness — the past season of the show is our favorite of this franchise since the second season of The Vampire Diaries, and all of the pieces are in place for an epic end of the journey. Let’s hope that Klaus finds some sort of happiness and redemption and that Rebekah, Elijah, and others get some element of peace. There are a number of characters in need of closure, and hopefully, over the final thirteen episodes, they will have a chance to find that. We’re nervous imagining a CW schedule without this show or The Vampire Diaries, but all things must end … even if “always and forever” will continue to play out in our head.

Have any reactions to The Originals season 5 being the final one on the CW? Be sure to share your reactions in the comments. (Photo: The CW.)