Sigh. I don’t know what to tell you, guys. My opinions are like the stepchild in The Vampire Diaries world.

Last week, I said that I thought Klaus and Caroline was “technically gross.” Then, someone rebutted with: “It’s The Vampire Diaries, everything is wrong!” Well, okay. I guess my mind has just shifted completely in the new year. Is there something wrong with me? Or is it the writing? At some points, I feel like it’s definitely the writing. And then I read reviews online and everyone is singing The Vampire Diaries‘ praises, and so I think it’s me. People have stopped linking to my reviews… so obviously the problem is me.

And then I think, I understand that it’s such an awesome show so maybe people are just lenient on it because of how amazing it is, so they’re forgiving this slump.

Tonight’s episode was, I’m sure, technically entertaining. Elena was in danger (as if she’ll ever die, something I’ve previously discussed that’s just a waste of time); Bonnie’s mom is becoming a vampire; Klaus tries to woo Caroline; the Originals don’t actually die — not that you thought they would; Alaric’s new lady friend is somewhat of a creep; there was a lot of intense music to underscore everything. Only one of those things was actually shocking to me… and that’s part of the reason I watch Vampire Diaries in the first place: to be shocked.

Lately, I find myself surfing the web while I watch, then I shut my laptop when The Secret Circle is on. And that’s a show where every episode has been the exact same story. I just can’t explain it rationally. Here’s what I did enjoy about the episode:

I love Elena’s ability to fend for herself more and more. She’s slowly but surely coming up with plans all by herself (still, mini-plans) that actually work out… and she’s also a bit ruthless. To save herself from Rebekah’s wrath, she cleverly tells her that if she kills her now, she won’t be able to exact revenge correctly. But at the same time, she’s still the Elena we’ve known (ie, she doesn’t want Elijah to die).

It’s a move that’s definitely important for the show moving forward. But methinks there will always be people who for whatever reason do not like Elena. “She’s stupid, she’s annoying, she’s kissed everyone on the damn show!” (That last one is more about Nina Dobrev than Elena.)

But other than that, as I said, I’m kind of meh about the stories. I certainly do not care if most of the Originals die. Elijah is cool; Rebekah’s easy on the eyes but otherwise is there to seduce Damon and pine for Matt; Klaus technically has to go at some point but he might stay indefinitely since the writers love him so much; Kol is useless; and that one whose name I don’t even know is irrelevant. The only real reason to have the Originals around is for another flashback episode explaining more of the mythology, but they’ve decided against that and will instead flashback to a time where Damon learned about how women are for pleasure. Oh, god. Who cares?

The Vampire Diaries has mostly become a game of Who’s Not In This Episode!? If you guess correctly, you get to watch a plot in which it’s painfully obvious that they’re missing. Also, if you guess incorrectly, you get to watch a plot in which it’s painfully obvious that they’re missing. Now it kind of makes sense why the Nikita boss wants to start killing off people. I think it may be time to start on The Vampire Diaries as well.

Well, what did you think about this episode? (Maybe I need to rewatch this episode.)