Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Vampire Diaries - Family Ties, S01E04

I would say that Vampire Diaries is very predictable, only it keeps catching me by surprise.

Yes, this episode contained your typical teenage drama. Through Damon's manipulations, Elena (Nina Dobrev) questions whether or not she can trust Stefan (Paul Wesley) when he won't reveal anything about himself to her. And Bonnie (Katerina Graham) couldn't get a date to the town party, while Vicki (Kayla Ewell) picked Tyler (Michael Trevino) over Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) again. We even had these relationship issues affect the adults, like poor Jenna (Sara Canning) and her cheating ex, Logan (Chris Johnson), trying to win her back. But none of these were the true plot points.

Instead, we are concerned about poor Caroline (Candice Accola) and whether or not Damon (Ian Somerhalder) is going to kill her. When Elena discovers the bite marks, and realizes Damon hurts her (though she probably suspects it's about sadism, not snacking), she becomes genuinely concerned for her friend. Course, then she didn't stick by Caroline's side to make sure she stayed safe, but that was all for the good because when Damon started drinking, he got a mouthful of vervain, a plant that apparently weakens Vamps.

And Jenna's jerk may or may not have honest intentions when it comes to his former lady love, but at least his deception has to do with trying to protect the town from Vampires. That's right, he and Tyler's parents (the mayor and first lady), as well as Caroline's Sheriff mom didn't buy Damon's attempts to cover his murderous tracks with a mountain lion. They know Vamps are out there and they don't like them.

Also, Damon found a yellow stone antique, which Caroline now has. We have yet to discover its purpose, but it's likely important. And finally, Bonnie's witchiness may be developing quickly. She lit an entire roomful of candles with her mind.

So the story remains interesting, with some fun drama thrown in, but the most enjoyable aspect of this episode was Damon's conversation with Caroline near the beginning. There is something almost appealing about how he can always get his way with her, it makes their relationship seem so functional. It really isn't. But because he can make her forget everything, he is so honest with her. I'm a vampire. I wear a ring so I can go out in the sun. I am going to eat you, only not yet. Yes, that last line was particularly creepy.

I look forward to next week's episode, in particular to see how Damon overcomes his current predicament. Oh, yes, I kind of prefer him to boring, brooding Stefan.... How about you?

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