The Originals Top

From Klaus’s ruthless power moves to the heartbreaking Mikaelson family reunions, we’re ranking the absolute best of the best. Is there anything more iconic than 'Always and Forever'? ⚜️

👇 Which scene still lives rent-free in your head?#TheOriginals #KlausMikaelson #AlwaysAndForever #TVD" Option 2: Music/Cover Song Comparison

Use this if you are writing about "Originals vs. Covers" in music. "Originals: Top 10 Songs That Can’t Be Topped 🎸

Everyone loves a good cover, but sometimes you just can’t beat the source material. We’re diving into the legendary tracks where the original version remains the gold standard. From Dylan to Bowie, these are the 'originals' that defined an era. 🔗 Read the full list at [YourBlogName.com]" Option 3: Fashion Product Description (Clothing)

Use this if you are selling a top (shirt) from a collection called "The Originals." "The Originals: Top in Midnight Black 🖤

Meet the foundation of your new wardrobe. Part of our 'The Originals' essentials collection, this top combines a premium, buttery-soft feel with a silhouette that never goes out of style. Whether you're layering up or wearing it solo, it’s the piece you'll reach for every single day. ✨ Features: Sustainable organic cotton blend. Breathable, all-day comfort. Reinforced seams for longevity. 🛍️ Shop the collection at [Merchant Website Name]" Option 4: Business/Vintage Brand Strategy

Use this for a brand highlighting their "original" flagship products. "The Originals: Top-Tier Quality Since [Year]

Before the trends and the fast-fashion clones, there were the Originals. We’ve gone back to our roots to bring you the top-performing designs that built our legacy. No gimmicks—just the original craft, the original fit, and the original quality you trust."

Which of these fits what you had in mind? If you provide a bit more context—like if it's for a YouTube script, a product tag, or a specific character—I can sharpen the draft for you!

The Originals: The Golden Years

It was a crisp autumn evening in New Orleans, and the Originals family was sitting atop their kingdom, surveying their domain. The sun had just set over the French Quarter, casting a golden glow over the city they had ruled for centuries.

Mikael, the patriarch of the family, stood on the balcony of their ancestral home, a grand mansion on Rue de la Grande Rue. He gazed out over the city, his eyes burning with a fierce intensity. Beside him stood his wife, Esther, her beauty and power radiating like a warm breeze.

Their children, the Original Vampire siblings, stood at their sides: Klaus, the fiery and impulsive one; Elijah, the calm and collected one; Rebekah, the fiery and determined one; and Kol, the mischievous and cunning one. Finn, the gentle and artistic one, was absent, having retreated to his own little world of art and poetry.

The family had just emerged victorious from a long and brutal battle against their enemies, the forces of darkness that had threatened to destroy their kingdom. They had fought with all their might, using every trick in the book to outmaneuver and outwit their foes.

As they stood on their balcony, they knew they were the most powerful beings in the city. They had lived for centuries, accumulating wealth and power, and had become legends in their own right. The people of New Orleans whispered stories of the Originals in hushed tones, fearing and respecting them in equal measure.

Klaus, ever the strategist, was already planning their next move. He had a vision for the city's future, one that would solidify their hold on the city and ensure their dominance for generations to come.

"We need to solidify our alliances with the werewolves and the witches," he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "We need to make sure that our enemies are crushed, and that our friends are loyal only to us."

Elijah nodded in agreement. "I have been working on strengthening our ties with the werewolves," he said. "Their alpha, Tyler Lockwood, is a valuable ally, and I believe we can trust him." the originals top

Rebekah smiled, her fangs glinting in the fading light. "And I have been working on building our relationships with the witches," she said. "They are a powerful force, and with their help, we can ensure our continued dominance over the city."

Kol, ever the troublemaker, chuckled to himself. "And I have been working on causing chaos and mayhem," he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "It's a tough job, but someone has to do it."

Esther smiled, her eyes shining with pride. "My children, you are the best," she said. "Together, we are unstoppable."

Mikael nodded, his face stern. "We will continue to rule this city, and we will do it with an iron fist," he said. "We will not be challenged, and we will not be defeated."

The Originals family stood together, united in their determination to maintain their grip on New Orleans. They were the top of the food chain, and they would do whatever it took to stay there.

As the night wore on, they descended into the mansion, ready to celebrate their victory and plan their next move. The city was theirs, and they would do everything in their power to keep it that way.

The story of The Originals is a dark, adult-oriented supernatural drama following the world’s first vampires, the Mikaelson family, as they return to New Orleans to reclaim the city they helped build centuries prior.

Unlike its predecessor, The Vampire Diaries, which centers on teenage romance and love triangles, The Originals focuses on complex family dynamics, ancient lore, and high-stakes power struggles between vampire, witch, and werewolf factions. The Core Narrative: "Always and Forever"

At the heart of the series is the family motto, "Always and Forever," a pact made by siblings Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah a thousand years ago to remain loyal despite their dysfunctional nature.

Niklaus "Klaus" Mikaelson: A volatile hybrid (half-vampire, half-werewolf) who returns to the French Quarter to investigate a plot against him. His journey is defined by his struggle with fatherhood and a search for redemption as he prepares for the birth of his daughter, Hope.

The Power Struggle: Upon his return, Klaus finds his former protégé, Marcel Gerard, ruling the city with an iron fist. The story follows the Mikaelsons' efforts to take back their throne while navigating the fallout of their long, violent history.

Complex Themes: The series is often praised by viewers on Reddit and Quora for being more "mature" and "action-packed" than The Vampire Diaries. It delves into the burden of immortality, the consequences of past sins, and the "realism" of a world where even heroes are morally gray. Key Story Arcs

The Harvest: A critical event where Marcel intervenes in a witch ritual to save a young girl, Davina, ultimately using her immense power to control the witches of New Orleans.

The Hollow: A powerful, ancient evil that threatens the family in later seasons, forcing them to make ultimate sacrifices to protect the next generation.

The Original Family Origins: Flashbacks throughout the series reveal how their mother, Esther, used dark magic to turn them into vampires to protect them from werewolves, only for their father, Mikael, to become a hunter dedicated to destroying them.

Fans frequently revisit the show for its high-quality acting, particularly by Joseph Morgan, and its ability to turn former villains into compelling, tragic leads. TOP 10 THE ORIGINALS EPISODES - IMDb

The Originals Top: A Guide to the Show's Most Iconic Moments, Ranked

When The Originals spun off from The Vampire Diaries in 2013, fans expected more of the same supernatural romance. What they got instead was a Shakespearean tragedy soaked in blood, bourbon, and the complex dynamics of a thousand-year-old family.

Centering on the Mikaelson siblings—Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah—the show traded high school drama for a king’s struggle to reclaim his city. To celebrate the legacy of the "Always and Forever" vow, we’re breaking down the Originals top moments and characters that defined the series. The Top 3 Most Heartbreaking Deaths

The Originals never shied away from permanent consequences. While many characters died and returned, these three exits left a lasting scar on the fandom:

Hayley Marshall (Season 5): In a final act of maternal defiance, Hayley sacrificed herself to protect her daughter, Hope. It was the moment that truly signaled the beginning of the end for the Mikaelson era.

Cami O'Connell (Season 3): As Klaus’s "moral compass," Cami’s death by Lucius’s bite was slow and devastating. Her final goodbye to Klaus remains one of the most poetic scenes in the series.

Klaus and Elijah (The Series Finale): The ultimate "Always and Forever." Seeing the brothers go out together, ending their cycle of violence to ensure Hope’s future, was the only way the story could truly conclude. The Top Villains Who Challenged the Mikaelsons

You have to be truly formidable to scare an Original vampire. These antagonists managed to do the impossible:

Marcel Gerard: Though he eventually returned to the family fold, Marcel as the "Upgraded Original" in Season 3 was the first time the Mikaelsons felt genuinely outmatched in their own city.

Dahlia: The wicked aunt whose mastery over connective magic made her a terrifying force. She represented the dark roots of the Mikaelson family tree.

The Hollow (Inadu): An ancient evil so powerful it required the family to stay apart for years to keep its essence contained. The Top "Always and Forever" Power Moves

Klaus Mikaelson was known for his flair for the dramatic. Here are the top moments where the Mikaelsons reminded New Orleans who really ran the show:

The Season 1 Massacre: Klaus taking on an entire army of Marcel’s vampires in the street, backed only by his own hybrid rage, set the tone for the entire series.

Elijah’s "Red Door" Reveal: Learning the psychological depths Elijah went to in order to keep his suit clean and his mind sane was a chilling look at the family’s trauma.

Rebekah’s Departure: Seeing Rebekah finally get her chance at a life away from Klaus’s control was a top-tier moment for fans who wanted her to find her own happiness. Why The Originals Remains a Top Supernatural Drama

Even years after its finale, The Originals maintains a massive following. Unlike its predecessor, it leaned heavily into themes of legacy, redemption, and the weight of history. It asked a difficult question: Can monsters truly change?

Whether you’re a fan of the intense political maneuvering in the French Quarter or the explosive magical battles, The Originals stands at the top of the vampire genre for its grit and emotional depth.

Several academic and analytical papers explore top themes in the TV series The Originals

, focusing on psychoanalysis, colonial history, and family dynamics. Scholarly & Analytical Papers A Psychoanalytical Study of 'Klaus Mikaelson'

: This study uses psychoanalysis theory to examine the personality shifts of Klaus Mikaelson. It explores how his character transitions from heartless and cruel to showing remorse and guilt. The Afterlife of New Orleans as a Vampire City : Published in M/C Journal

, this paper analyzes how the show uses the multicultural and gothic folklore of New Orleans to create a "revisionist history". Colonialist Themes and Race in The Originals

: An analytical piece that views the show as a supernatural tale of white aristocratic power recolonizing New Orleans, critiquing the sidelining of POC characters. Blood and Soil in The Vampire Diaries Universe

: This academic paper investigates the "Nordic origin" of the Original vampires and argues that the series' mythology can inadvertently legitimate certain nationalist claims by obscuring histories of racism. M/C Journal Key Topics Covered in Research Family Dynamics

: Many analyses focus on the "Always and Forever" vow, exploring how the show defines family through shared trauma, sacrifice, and the struggle for redemption. Supernatural Politics : Unlike its parent series The Vampire Diaries Since the intent is a bit broad, here

, research often highlights the more mature political maneuvering between vampires, witches, and werewolves in New Orleans. Gender and Agency : Papers such as Staking a Claim

look at female identity and empowerment through characters like Hayley and Rebekah. specific topic

like character psychology or historical context to narrow down these results? The Originals: A Spin-Off Like No Other

In the heart of New Orleans, where the air is thick with the scent of jasmine and ancient secrets, Niklaus Mikaelson

stood on a balcony overlooking the French Quarter. The city he once built was again under his control, but the victory felt hollow. For a thousand years, he and his siblings—Elijah, Rebekah, Kol, and Finn—had lived by a single vow: "Always and Forever." But forever is a long time for monsters.

The story of the Mikaelsons isn't just about blood and power; it's about a family trying to find a home in a world they helped destroy. When Klaus returned to New Orleans, he found his former protégé, Marcel Gerard, ruling the city with an iron fist. The witches were silenced, the werewolves were exiled, and the vampires were the undisputed kings.

The arrival of Hayley Marshall, a werewolf carrying Klaus's child, changed everything. The "unholy" hybrid, who had spent centuries running from his own father, suddenly had something to protect—a beacon of hope in a life defined by darkness.

Through countless betrayals, the loss of loved ones like Camille O'Connell, and the constant threat of enemies both old and new, the Mikaelsons fought to keep their family whole. In the end, the story of The Originals

was never about the crown or the city; it was about redemption.

Klaus, the man who once feared nothing but his own vulnerability, finally understood that the greatest power wasn't in fear, but in the love he held for his daughter, Hope. And Elijah, ever the noble brother, proved that the vow of "Always and Forever" was a promise he would keep until his very last breath. or a different supernatural event from the show?

Since your request is a bit open-ended, I’ve drafted a write-up for The Originals

TV series, focusing on its legacy as a top-tier supernatural drama.

If you were actually looking for a "Top" list (characters, seasons, or episodes) or a write-up on a different "Originals" topic, let me know!

The Originals: A Legacy of Power, Family, and "Always and Forever" While it began as a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries The Originals

quickly established itself as a more mature, darker, and operatic exploration of the supernatural [28]. Set against the atmospheric backdrop of New Orleans, the series shifts the focus from high school romance to the complex, bloody power struggles of the world’s first vampires: the Mikaelson family [29]. The Core Conflict: Family vs. Ambition

At the heart of the show is the "Always and Forever" vow. The Mikaelsons—Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah—have spent a millennium bound by a promise of loyalty that is as much a curse as it is a strength [31]. The write-up of their history is one of betrayal and redemption, primarily centered on Klaus Mikaelson Original Hybrid

whose quest for power is constantly at odds with his hidden desire for love and acceptance [29, 30]. Why It Stands Out A Mature Tone: Unlike its predecessor, The Originals

leans into Shakespearean themes—tragedy, the heavy burden of immortality, and the toxic cycles of family trauma [12]. The Setting:

New Orleans isn't just a location; it’s a character. The rich history of the French Quarter, the jazz-infused atmosphere, and the deep-seated war between vampires, witches, and werewolves provide a vibrant stage for the drama [29]. The Stakes:

Because the Originals are nearly indestructible, the threats against them have to be psychological or ancient, leading to some of the most creative and terrifying villains in the franchise [30]. The Emotional Anchor: Hope The introduction of Hope Mikaelson

changed the series' DNA. What started as a quest for a "King" to reclaim his city turned into a father’s desperate attempt to provide a better world for his daughter [2]. This shift grounded the supernatural chaos in a deeply human story about the legacy we leave behind.

Based on the popular themes and top-rated elements of the TV series The Originals

, here is a draft for a countdown-style content piece (such as a blog post, video script, or social media thread) highlighting the show's peak moments and characters.

Always & Forever: The Top 5 Reasons 'The Originals' Defined a Genre While it started as a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries The Originals

quickly carved out a legacy of its own with darker themes, complex anti-heroes, and Shakespearean family drama. Here are the top elements that kept fans hooked for five seasons 1. The Complex Dynamic of The heart of the show is the fractured relationship

between the two brothers. Klaus’s volatility paired with Elijah’s "noble" (yet often brutal) loyalty created a cycle of betrayal and redemption that drove the entire narrative. Key Insight: put Klaus’s happiness above his own , a choice that ultimately defined both of their fates. 2. The Most Shocking Death Scenes

Few shows were as ruthless with their main cast. Moments like Cami O'Connell's tragic passing Hayley Marshall's ultimate sacrifice

remain some of the most discussed and heartbreaking scenes in supernatural TV history. 3. The Setting: New Orleans (The French Quarter) The city wasn't just a backdrop; it was a character. The supernatural politics

between the witches, werewolves, and vampires in the French Quarter provided a much more mature and grounded conflict compared to the teen drama of Mystic Falls. 4. Top-Rated Episodes to Rewatch According to fan rankings on

, these episodes stand out for their writing and emotional weight: No More Heartbreaks : A devastating look at loss. Le Grand Guignol

: A masterclass in flashback storytelling and political intrigue. Give 'Em Hell Kid

: High-stakes action and a setup for one of the series' biggest shifts. 5. The "Always and Forever" Philosophy

The Mikaelson family vow—"Always and Forever"—became the show's most famous mantra

. It represented both a source of immense strength and a crushing curse, highlighting the theme that family is both your greatest ally and your most dangerous enemy.

The Originals: A Supernatural Drama That Will Leave You Spellbound

If you're a fan of supernatural dramas, then you're probably familiar with The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off series, The Originals. Created by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, The Originals premiered on October 3, 2013, on The CW and has since become a cult classic.

The Premise

The show follows the original vampire family, the Mikaelsons, as they return to their hometown of New Orleans to reclaim their city from other supernatural beings. The family, consisting of Klaus (Joseph Morgan), Elijah (Daniel Gillies), Rebekah (Claire Holt), and Kol (Nathaniel Buzolic), must navigate the complex world of vampires, werewolves, and witches, all while dealing with their own complicated past and relationships.

The Characters

The cast of The Originals boasts a talented group of actors, each bringing their own unique character to life. Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan): The charismatic and complex

• Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan): The charismatic and complex lead character, Klaus is a vampire-werewolf hybrid who struggles with his dual nature.
• Elijah Mikaelson (Daniel Gillies): The eldest Mikaelson sibling, Elijah is a vampire with a strong moral compass and a penchant for witty banter.
• Rebekah Mikaelson (Claire Holt): The feisty and determined sister, Rebekah is a vampire with a sharp tongue and a quick wit.
• Kol Mikaelson (Nathaniel Buzolic): The charming and mischievous brother, Kol is a vampire with a love for pranks and a talent for manipulation.

The World-Building

The show's world-building is one of its strongest aspects, with a rich and detailed mythology that expands on the Vampire Diaries universe. The city of New Orleans is brought to life, with its vibrant music scene, delicious Creole cuisine, and mystical energy.

Themes and Symbolism

Throughout its five-season run, The Originals explores a range of themes, including:

• Family: The show highlights the complexities of family relationships and the sacrifices we make for those we love.
• Identity: The characters struggle with their own identities, whether it's Klaus's hybrid nature or Rebekah's desire for independence.
• Morality: The show raises questions about morality and the gray areas between right and wrong.

Episode Highlights and Arcs

Some notable episodes and story arcs include:

• "The Return" (Season 1, Episode 1): The pilot episode, which introduces the Mikaelson family and sets the stage for the series.
• "The Klaus Mikaelson" (Season 1, Episode 7): A fan-favorite episode that explores Klaus's backstory and his relationship with his family.
• "The Final Reckoning, Part 2" (Season 5, Episode 13): The series finale, which brings the story full circle and provides closure for the characters.

Why You Should Watch

If you're looking for a show with:

• Complex characters: The cast of The Originals is diverse and multi-dimensional, with characters that will grow on you.
• Supernatural drama: The show delivers on its promise of action, suspense, and romance, with a healthy dose of supernatural creatures.
• Emotional depth: The show explores themes that will resonate with you long after the credits roll.

Then The Originals is the show for you. With its engaging storylines, memorable characters, and rich world-building, it's no wonder that this show has become a favorite among fans of supernatural dramas.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of The Originals and experience the magic for yourself!

The phrase "the originals top" often appears in specific contexts within academic and hobbyist literature, primarily referring to original specimens or data sets used for comparison in a study. Key References to "The Originals" in Research

Research papers frequently use the term when validating experimental results against a baseline:

Computational Problems and Replications: In studies such as "Where the really hard problems aren't", researchers compare replication results against the "originals" (often shown in the "top right" of data visualizations) to identify sudden differences in computational costs.

Astronomy and Galaxy Morphology: Scientific papers from projects like Galaxy Zoo often display images of spiral galaxies as they were originally captured ("the originals", positioned at the "top" of a figure) versus horizontally flipped versions to account for human psychological bias in classifying spin direction.

Imaging and Printing Science: Technical papers analyzing print quality, such as those documenting HP Deskjet or Canon performance, contrast newly printed samples with "the originals" located on the "top row" to detect color shifts or artifacts. Other Contexts Entertainment Lists: " The Originals

Top" is a common theme for social media and fan-curated lists, such as Top 10 Davina Claire Moments or top character rankings from the TV series The Originals.

Sports Rankings: The term is occasionally used in regional sports leagues where a team named "The Originals" competes for a "top spot" in playoff brackets, such as the Drew League.

Could you clarify if you are looking for a scientific paper involving a specific experiment, or perhaps an analysis of a character/episode list from the television show? 8thbirthday - Galaxy Zoo

The Originals is a supernatural drama series that aired on The CW from 2013 to 2018, serving as the first spin-off of The Vampire Diaries (IMDb ). It follows the Mikaelson family—the first vampires ever created—as they return to New Orleans to reclaim the city they helped build. Core Themes & Setting

Family Dynamics: The series is built on the Mikaelson family's vow of "Always and Forever" (IMDb ). It explores the complex, often dysfunctional relationships between the siblings, primarily Klaus, Elijah, and Rebekah (Wikipedia ).

New Orleans Setting: Set in the supernatural "crucible" of the French Quarter, the show focuses on the power struggle between vampires, witches, werewolves, and humans (Fandom ).

Redemption & Legacy: A major arc involves the redemption of Niklaus Mikaelson following the miracle pregnancy of werewolf Hayley Marshall (IMDb ). Key Characters

Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan): A vampire-werewolf hybrid driven by a desire for power and protection of his daughter, Hope (Wikipedia ).

Elijah Mikaelson (Daniel Gillies): The noble brother who dedicates his life to finding Klaus's "buried humanity" (Rotten Tomatoes ).

Hayley Marshall (Phoebe Tonkin): A werewolf who becomes a powerful hybrid and the mother of the first "tribrid" (Fandom).

Marcel Gerard (Charles Michael Davis): Klaus's former protégé who ruled New Orleans in the Mikaelsons' absence (Royal Purple). Series Reception

Reviewers and fans often compare the show to its predecessor, The Vampire Diaries, noting several key differences:

Tone: It is widely considered darker and more mature, focusing on supernatural politics and power rather than teen romance (Reddit ).

Complexity: Critics from TV Fanatic praise the show's moral ambiguity and the depth of its "villainous protagonists."

Performance: The acting, particularly by Joseph Morgan, is frequently cited as a high point that elevates the series' intensity (Reddit ). Legacy and Spin-offs

The series concluded after five seasons, leading directly into the next spin-off, Legacies, which follows Hope Mikaelson at a school for supernatural beings (Wikipedia). Even years after its finale, it remains a favorite in the supernatural genre for its "rich backstory" and "unpredictable storylines" (IMDb ).

1. The TV series The Originals (a Vampire Diaries spin-off)
2. Original artistic works (e.g., in literature, music, or art theory)
3. Original research (the concept of novelty in academic papers)

However, I cannot produce a full, ready-to-submit academic paper (e.g., 5,000+ words with abstract, methods, results, citations) because:

• That would constitute plagiarism or contract cheating if submitted as your own work.
• It requires specific sources, a thesis, and original analysis that only you (or a researcher) can responsibly provide.

Option 2: TV Show / Fandom Article (The Vampire Diaries / The Originals)

Use this if you’re writing about the TV show The Originals and ranking or discussing the "top" characters or episodes.

Title: The Originals Top: Ranking the Most Legendary Mikaelson Moments

Description: When it comes to supernatural drama, no family reigns supreme like the Mikaelsons. The Originals gave us a thousand years of betrayal, bloodshed, and heartbreaking loyalty. But who truly stands at the top of this deadly pyramid?

From Klaus’s ruthless one-liners to Elijah’s noble sacrifices and Hayley’s fierce motherhood, the show delivered countless iconic scenes. At the top of our list is, unsurprisingly, the season 2 finale—where the family finally united against a common enemy. Close behind is Marcel’s rise as the vampire king of the French Quarter.

Whether you’re Team Klaus or Team Elijah, one thing is certain: The Originals remains the pinnacle of dark, emotional storytelling. For new viewers, start with these top 5 episodes to understand why the Mikaelsons are TV’s most captivating antiheroes.

Part 2: The Originals Top Seasons – From Best to Worst (Debated but Decided)

Ranking the seasons of The Originals is like picking a favorite child. But based on Rotten Tomatoes scores, IMDb ratings, and fan discourse, here is the originals top season order.

#3: Season 1 – The Foundation (2013–2014)

Villain: The Guerrera Wolves & The French Quarter Coven Why it’s essential: Purely for the world-building. The French Quarter, the cemetery jazz, the witch/vampire turf war. Klaus’s speech on the balcony (“This city is mine”) is iconic. It’s slower than later seasons, but the atmosphere is unmatched.

5. Marcel Gerard (Charles Michael Davis)

The prodigal son. Marcel is Klaus’s adopted son and greatest rival. He is the King of the Strix, a master strategist, and the first vampire to successfully bite an Original (with the upgraded venom). His arc from resentful son to reluctant uncle is underrated.

Honorable mentions: Freya (the resourceful sister), Davina (the rebellious witch), and Vincent (the reluctant elder).

1. Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan) – The Undisputed King

No surprise here. Klaus tops every fan poll. His arc—from paranoid, dagger-wielding villain to a father willing to die for Hope—is TV’s finest antihero transformation. Joseph Morgan’s performance—equal parts Shakespearean tragedy and rock-star swagger—elevates every scene. Top Klaus moment: His reaction to Hayley’s death in Season 5. Silent, tears streaming, then utter devastation.