It’s been quite a week for The Vampire Diaries. Less than 24 hours after The CW drama aired the backdoor pilot for its potential spin-off, The Originals was officially picked up to series. And while I’m positively giddy about getting a double dose of vampire goodness every week next season, a large chunk of the fandom remains unconvinced. Allow me to serve up five reasons why everyone should be thrilled about Klaus’ (Joseph Morgan) future in the Big Easy.

1. Klaus & Joseph Morgan Have Endless Potential

When the dreaded “Klaus” was first name-dropped back in season two, I never could have predicted the seemingly one-dimensional über villain would grow to become someone I cared about. But boy did I misjudge him. The perfect storm of Julie Plec‘s writing and Joseph Morgan’s acting have resulted in an iconic character with more heart and depth than arguably anyone else in the TVD universe. I honestly believe we’ve barely scratched the surface with him, and I can’t wait to see what else he has in store for us.

2. Klaus & Hayley’s Baby Will Be Crazy Adorable

Through the magic of science — and by “science,” I mean MorphThing.com — I’ve gotten a glimpse of what Klaus and Hayley’s offspring will look like, regardless of whether it turns out to be a boy or a girl. Those chubby cheeks… Those gentle curls… Klaus and Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) may not be excited for parenthood, but their kid is going to make the Gerber Baby look like a half-baked monster.

3. Three Words: Charles. Michael. Davis.

“How You Like Me Now” was the perfect karaoke song with which to introduce Marcel to viewers. Because, you know what? I like him very much now, and so does everyone else. The minute Charles Michael Davis appeared on screen during “The Originals,” the Twitterverse erupted into a chorus of “OMG”s and multiple variations of “I want him to be my husband”s.

4. Elijah & Klaus’ Bromance

Similarly to The Vampire Diaries, much of The Originals‘ heart will stem from the relationship between two brothers at odds — only we’re not talking about the petty romantic squabbles that Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan (Paul Wesley) face on a weekly basis. Elijah (Daniel Gillies) and Klaus must find a way to not only rebuild their shattered family, but to reclaim a lost kingdom. The backdoor pilot established Elijah as the yin to Klaus’ yang, so here’s hoping that combination will remain united for many seasons to come.

5. Caroline’s Love Life Will Finally Be At Peace

You know the old saying “If you love someone, you have to set them free?” That’s basically where Klaus and Caroline (Candice Accola) are right now. Even the most die-hard ‘Klaroline’ fans need to accept that our girl’s life is in shambles right now, and she needs stability. With Klaus heading off to New Orleans, Tyler (Michael Trevino) can return to town and help the former Miss Mystic Falls pick herself up.

Still unconvinced? Try browsing these points again in photo form, then cast your vote below: Will you make time in your schedule for The Originals next season?

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More ‘Originals’ Scoop:

1. ‘The Originals’ Scoop: Daniel Gillies Previews ‘The Beginning Of A War’
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Video: Elijah Tracks Down Klaus’ Enemies In New Orleans
3. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Scoop: Klaus Makes Enemies On ‘Originals’ Backdoor Pilot

Ladies and gentlemen, meet Klaus’ new BFF! Charles Michael Davis has been tapped to play Marcel, Klaus’ former protegé, on The CW’s Vampire Diaries spin-off, HollywoodLife.com‘s sister site Deadline reports. Described as “wicked, wild and charismatic,” Marcel could find himself at odds with the original Original.

“Marcel is a former kicked-around street rat who now calls the shots in the supernatural playground of New Orleans,” Deadline reports. “As a modern-day vampire, he’s fierce and bold, able to accomplish as much with his charm as he is with his strength.”

So how does Marcel fit into this brave new world? Apparently Elijah (Daniel Gillies) is forced to team up with Marcel’s enemies, all in the name of “helping his self-destructive brother find redemption.”

If you’re wondering why Charles Michael Davis looks so familiar, you’ve probably seen him on BET’s The Game and/or ABC Family’s Switched At Birth.

Who Else Is Starring In ‘The Originals?’

Charles Michael Davis is actually the latest of many stars attached to The Originals.

Phoebe Tonkin will also star on the spin-off, reprising her Vampire Diaries character Hayley. There’s obviously a lot more we’re going to learn about Hayley, as there’s no apparent reason for her to join Klaus on his own show.

Also starring on The Originals will be Danielle Pineda, though specific details of her character have not yet been released.

What do you think of this casting? It’s a major character, so I can’t wait to see Charles Michael Davis rise to the challenge! Drop a comment with your thoughts on CMD below!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

Deadline

More on The Originals at HollywoodLife.com:

1. Daniel Gillies Joining ‘Vampire Diaries’ Spin-Off ‘The Originals’
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Planning Spin-Off Series, ‘The Originals’