'The Originals' season 4 release date, spoilers & update: Alaric to visit New Orleans with game-changing artifact?

As one book closes, new beginnings can arise. When "The Vampire Diaries" bids its final farewell in March, its spinoff series "The Originals" takes off the following week with its own brand of conflicts and surprises.

The anticipated fourth season of The CW's horror-fantasy series may be kicking off a little later than expected, but the show's confirmed air date also came with the reported appearance of Alaric (Matt Davis) in New Orleans. According to TV Line, "The Vampire Diaries" veteran will be crossing over to the spinoff series to deliver an invaluable artifact to Elijah (Daniel Gillies).

What could this artifact be and how does it tie in with the two series? Will it be something that changes the game for the Mikaelson's for the better or for the worse? Is Alaric's expected arrival a one-episode deal, or will he be staying for good?

As of now, very little is known about the plot details of the upcoming season of "The Originals." Spoiler TV teased back in October that a new and powerful entity will be appearing in episode 7 to bring chaos and mayhem that will shock viewers. Does this have anything to do with the artifact that Alaric is about to bring over to New Orleans in episode 8?

Fans are speculating that aside from Alaric, other surviving characters of "The Vampire Dairies" might eventually cross over to "The Originals." At the top of most people's wish lists is Caroline (Candice King), who was once in a romantic relationship with Klaus (Joseph Morgan).

Fans believe that Caroline may be able to lend a hand in saving the Mikaelsons. But fans who are hoping for Caroline and Klaus to rekindle their lost romance may be in for a disappointment because Plec has already hinted via Entertainment Weekly that Caroline and Stefan's engagement may be meant to last.

Other plot points to look forward to are Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) and daughter Hope's (Summer Fontana) quest to save the Mikaelsons' by tracking down the seven werewolf packs, Vincent's revealing back story, and a new love interest for Josh (Steven Krueger).

The final season of "The Vampire Dairies" airs  on March 10, 2017. "The Originals" takes over its timeslot the following week, March 17, when it kicks off its fourth season at 8 p.m. EST on The CW.