So I’m not quite sure what to make of the new
introduction at the beginning of each episode of The Vampire Diaries. When it was used last week, I figured it was
just a variation of the typical “Previously On…” montage, but when it appeared
again this past week, it made me wonder if this was something
semi-permanent. I mean, I don’t
particularly mind it – it’s pretty succinct and informative. I don’t imagine it’ll last more than a few more
episodes, though.
This episode kicked off with Stefan attempting to sidestep
the whole “feeding on humans” aspect of Elena’s transformation by immediately
feeding her animal blood. Damon, of
course, disagreed and felt that she needed to feed on humans to survive. Neither was completely right, although Damon
was a little closer to correct. I
actually appreciated this. While the
results aren’t always happy or great, the writers are definitely presenting
Stefan as being “right” in regards to his philosophy that Elena should be able
to make decisions for herself (the biggest conflict between the brothers). While I consistently root for Stefan in this
love triangle, it is refreshing to see that occasionally Damon not only knows
what’s best for Elena, but that his methods are also the right way to go.
I enjoyed the introduction of the new vampire hunter,
particularly his methods. He always
wears gloves, which are soaked in vervain.
That way, when he shakes people’s hands, he can immediately tell if
they’re vampires. I also liked the
clever manner in which he attempted to weed out the vampires, by draining
somebody of their blood and seeing who reacts to the scent.
Actually, the church scene was a really incredible scene
all around. I loved the way the central
characters interacted with each other.
Despite sitting at various areas of the church, they were able to
interact with each other through whispers (other characters, like Matt and
Jeremy, were able to piece together the conversations based on who they could
hear). Last week I commended the scene
in which Elena feeds for the first time (noting how beautiful the single tear
dropping from her eye was), and this week I feel the same way about her moment
with Matt. It was tender and sweet –
Matt trying to repay Elena for his role in her death, and Elena trying to be
gentle with Matt as she drank with him – and I loved the choir singing church
music in the background. The scene was
made even stronger by the fact that they didn’t feel the need to “dumb down”
why Elena didn’t accidentally kill Matt.
Her compassion and feelings for him prevented her from ever hurting him.
I also thought the notion of all of these people speaking
favorably of the man who tried to kill them was strangely sweet. I am surprised to see that Pastor Young was
legitimately killed off, though. After
such a strong introduction, I figured he’d be the primary villain for the
season.
Not surprisingly, the lantern scene was a favorite as
well. More than anything else, I loved
the references. I mean, Uncle Zack! Who thought we’d ever hear his name
again. Side note, I do have to wonder if
the fact that the first two names that Stefan mentioned were people that Damon
killed was a sly slap in the face to his brother. Anyway, it was great to hear Matt and Jeremy
respectfully mourn the loss of Vicki, and for Caroline to honor her father (and
Tyler’s father), and for Jeremy and Elena to pay their respects to Jenna. Above all else, I appreciated the fact that
Elena said good bye to herself. My
criticism when Caroline was turned was that nobody treated her transformation
as a tragedy. The girl died! She would never grow old with her
husband. She would never have kids. This was a tremendously sad thing. So, I was happy that Elena acknowledged the
fact that she, ya’ know, died. But where
was all the love for Elena’s uncle John?
Ya’ know, the guy who gave up his life to save Elena’s.
Damon’s closing scene with Alaric was sweet as well. I always loved their friendship, and it was
nice to see Damon recognize that. The
two of them really did rely on each other – they were the person each of them
could turn to when they had nobody else.
I also liked the way Alaric just sat there and listened, without
interrupting (even though Damon wouldn’t have heard him). It echoed the sentiment of them always being
there for each other.
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