So... is it next Thursday yet?

Toward the end of last night's Vampire Diaries episode, fans were treated to an extended look at "The Originals," the wildly anticipated backdoor pilot that will take viewers to New Orleans and into what appears to be an especially crazy, non-stop party. Even for that city.

It's run by Klaus' former protege, Marcel, who has created a Utopia for supernatural beings. How has he accomplished such a feat? That's what Klaus wants to know.

How can the mentor take over as king? That's what Klaus plans on finding out. Watch the terrific preview now:

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.