So, basically, I’m a huge fan of this episode. And the following review is more like a conversation with my own mind. I apologize.
Where has this episode been all season long? Quite sincerely, I mean that — The Vampire Diaries finally felt like it “returned” tonight after four months of being an over the top soap opera with the supernatural element. (The keyword[s] there being “over the top,” which is how I would differentiate it.) And yes there still was that pesky, little triangle that we had to deal with in this episode. The show basically thinks it’s the main reason you’re watching; I know a lot of us aren’t mainly watching for the triangle (including people who wish I’d stop talking about it in my reviews, apparently…), but the show is all like “Nope! You’re watching for the triangle! Here’s a cliffhanger about how one of the brothers is going to leave Mystic Falls!”
Oh, what suspense! Will one of the series regulars who have appeared in every, single episode and are integral to the plot no longer be on the show!? I don’t know what will happen!
(Sorry, I just have a problem with that “suspense” sometimes.)
I don’t know what irks me more, that Elena really is that special to both of the Salvatore brothers (I feel like they’ve both classified Katherine in that sense; and also that final scene was…well, it happened), that they seem to tie their humanity to her existence, or that at this point, I don’t even know what differentiates both brothers. This is something I’ve been struggling with for about two weeks now when people went on a comment party in my review: what is the difference? what does Elena find attractive in one that she doesn’t in the other? does she remember her speech about not wanting to live forever? It appears that history is just repeating itself. Both brothers are completely enamored with a Petrova doppelganger — and now the doppelganger wants to keep both of them. At least she finally admitted it, which is something I believe she definitely owed the brothers. What will the outcome be this time, considering that Katherine apparently chose Stefan? Personally, I don’t think there’s been enough Damon and Elena moments to truly classify the triangle as “over” during the next episode. Like, I think they needed to do an episode that truly evaluates what Damon gives to Elena, rather than having people stating what it is. Sure, we got one Delena episode and then one Stelena one, but the Delena one was still an extension of what it meant for Stelena in some weird way. That’s not even remotely “fair” (as Caroline put it last week, or I believe she did). Even Elena thought she owed it to Stefan to tell him what happened during the trip — when in fact she’s supposed to be discovering what it is she wants without having to “report back” to Stefan, because it’s not as if he’s giving her permission or something or as if Damon is the alternative to Stefan. Obviously, they’re both each other’s alternatives but he should exist, to Elena, as his own entity. I think that’s part of the reason why I haven’t “gotten it” yet. (Just choose Matt, homegirl.) Does any of this make sense? And at this point, even though I know the show is basically yelling at me that everyone is dark, I would rather have cliché “good” and “bad” cutouts to differentiate the Salvatores. At least that way we’d know that they satisfy respective traits of her being (as I’ve been told the books did quite well).
Speaking of good and bad, how awesome was it when Abby mentioned that doing this kind of spell could make her tap into dark aspects of her? For one, at least Bonnie finally somewhat told her off. (I thought Caroline was going to pop up to do that for her again.) It’s truly just small moments like these that we (nay, just me and people in the comments it seems) were asking for, writers. To develop her just a tiny bit. For that, I’m not even mad that she was just doing spells the rest of the episode. This episode serviced Bonnie more in five seconds than the previous three seasons. And as I’ve mentioned before, it’s extremely important to do that because Bonnie is the writers’ plot eraser[*] — and not developing her character creates a large audience of people who are just extremely ungrateful whenever she seemingly saves the lives of anybody they care about, because they think of her as that character who muddles up the screwed up moral compass on this show in the first place. It’s a mess. Secondly, how amazing would it be if Bonnie turned dark and there was some real internal struggle with the group? If the audience wants to hate her…well whatever, but let’s create that plot where there’s actual reason to do so. And for the rest of us, we’ll just appreciate the badassery that comes with it.
[*] Which they basically admitted. “There’s always a way to undo a spell.” Well of course there is! Just write a Bonnie scene, duh.
The cast for this show is so vast that it’s unfortunate most of the conflict comes with guest stars entering the small town. It’s why I was — and still am — a fan of the “Evilaric” storyline. Evilaric is, unequivocally, what Klaus should have been from day one but never was. And it was fantastic. Once again, the Originals proved to mostly be a moot point this season (and Rebekah’s gone? noooo!) when the show decided to create the Even Bigger Bad last week with Alaric. Nevertheless, that’s what I want to see: characters I care about in actual danger. (Plus, how awesome was that pencil scene really?) And of course, in true TVD fashion, the twist! Alaric only dies when Elena dies. Well, well. Does this mean that if she were turned into a vampire that he would die, since she technically needs to die as well for that to happen? And I know she may have been a bit dimwitted going to the school alone, but I like her quick thinking when not staking Alaric…and how she figured out why Alaric wouldn’t kill her. (Even I thought it was because his Alaricness was still there but nope.) That said, if everyone is dark then what about Elena — where is her evil? It’s upsetting because, as I said again, I don’t see why Elena shouldn’t just choose both Salvatores, y’know, beyond it being selfish and not really a choice at all.
And even though everyone has darkness, they also have good inside them as well. I mean, that’s why Klaus draws, people. But we got to see that a bit tonight when he somewhat-saved Caroline and told her to go home. That’s a scene where I finally understood his layers (and maybe even understood Klaroline for a second there, whoa!) — which has never been evident when he was drawing with lead, and painting murals, and perhaps tagging a street wall next week if he hadn’t been spelled. And although it was executed nicely in the scene with Caroline, I understand that the show is basically screaming out that Klaus is all alone. It’s not enough that he’s basically just constantly asking Stefan if he wants to hang, but Tyler had to spell it out this episode. Unfortunately for me, I was unaffected by him not-really-dying for two reasons: (A) He’s not really dying. This is True Blood all over again. They love this “villain” so much (quotes) that they want to keep him around so decided sleeping was the answer, besides now the gang has to keep him alive so that they survive. And (B) Because…uh…yeah this should have happened some time ago, really (even though Klaus is the biggest non-threat ever). I think I’m the only advocate for hoping these guys would have been successful in bringing Klaus down. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the scene was brilliantly executed and I was caught up in the moment as well. But…it was time, don’t you think? I’m glad the writers didn’t decide to just have Klaus stick around forever. Somehow the real threat here is the previously substantially irrelevant council who now know that Tyler and Caroline are supernatural.
Overall, this was quite possibly the best episode since 3.09 (which I know a lot of people thought was too fast and made no sense but to me was the epitome of this season), so I’m quite ecstatic and pleased. In a sense it feels, however, that bringing down this villain they’ve been talking up for a season and a half was quite easy. You know, like in the same way that Matt killed and Original and you’re like, “Matt? HE killed an Original!?” Truthfully, I don’t know what’s coming up next, and I don’t know how they will rid themselves of Evilaric. I mean, I guess Bonnie could do the spell again…but that’s obviously not going to happen. And that’s truly the best aspect of The Vampire Diaries: the thrill of the uncertainty (not to be confused with “where the hell is this going!?”). Genuinely, I’m questioning whether or not Elena will turn, seeing as that’s (in my mind) the only way to get rid of him (besides the aforementioned spell, that Bonnie could stop her heartbeat too, that there could be another sacrifice like her father did), and they need to. And with the council developments, it somewhat does feel like no one is safe (Matt is so dead, right?) but we shall see. Who will Elena choose? And does that matter more than the reason she’s choosing whom? I don’t think so. And I also don’t think we’re going to be getting a concrete answer, really, if she does choose. But sometimes the entertainment overpowers the critical thinking.
So thank you for a fantastic installment of TVD, writers et all. I couldn’t be more thrilled for the finale!
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I SO think Bonnie's gonna turn evil. I feel like they basically spelled it out tonight.
Really enjoyed reading your review! I also think this episode was the best I've seen in awhile. I was dying to see some excitement in TVD again, especially after last week's over dramatic episode...and what do you know: they delivered! I was sad to see Rebekah go too, but am glad that Elijah will come back, I guess I got attached to these originals for some weird reason.
The other thing I was happy about was that finally we got to see a true TVD episode, not one based only on the triangle and Elena's confusion and "oh so difficult" choice (it's gotten to a point where I don't really care anymore...just choose already woman!). Anyway, I doubt one brother is gonna leave town for good, I bet it will be for one or two episodes max and then something will happen in Mystic Falls and he'll have to come running back. Also, what you said about Elena turning, it totally makes sense, but I don't know if it's going to happen...I think they'll come up with another way to kill Alaric and if they don't...well, Bon Bon to the rescue!
Overall I think it was an awesome, mind blowing, funny episode and can't wait to watch the finale next week, especially with the cliffhanger they left us with...even that was missing from previous episodes that I missed.
[*] Which they basically admitted. “There’s always a way to undo a spell.” Well of course there is! Just write a Bonnie scene, duh.
You made me laugh with that. She always does just seem to come in to undo something
That scene at the beginning with Alaric dragging Caroline is awsome. It shows perfectly what you're gonna see in the rest of the episode. I really enjoyed it.
I don't think they will turn Elena in the next season: the series is all about her umanity and innate goodness colliding with the supernatural and evil element. It certainly would be interesting but I don't think the show is ready yet.
She is always the victim who has to be rescued and if they wanna do six seasons they have to change the intire structure of the show in order to make her a vampire in the fourth season. It takes a lot of courage, doesn't it?
And plus: the only ordinary character would be Matt, if he won't die next week (finger crossed 'cause he's cute). It's just too much supernatural stuff.
What do you think?
BTW always grat reviews ;-)
One more thing about last night's episode: 2 things bothered me (just found weird):
1- Caroline trying to open her car...c'mon woman, you're a vampire and another vamp is chasing you...how about using your vamp speed to get out of there instead of your car?
2- Damon and Bonnie get to Elena's house, but instead of going downstairs to greet them and to help her friend (she must have heard them talking!), or at least to see who it is,,,she continues on painting the room! Seriously? Unless she received the phone call exactly at the same time...oh I don't know.
Anyone else think of something not quite right??
because vampires don't want everybody to know that they are vampires so
they do normal things like...using a car!Plus she did receive the phone
call at that time..because when the brothers started looking for
her..She was already in the school! (plus the fact that she couldn't
hear them is not impossible)!! Plus the tiny little details don't
matter..else you will just go crazy :D!
I loved the klaroline moment !! I just hate the fact that caroline was
celebrating klaus' death (dessication) with her friends..That kind of
ruined it! I also loved the scenes where klaus was trying to get in
elena's house. It was funny and it reminded me when elijah used to do
that with coins!
I loved the scenes between damon and stefan too..But
stefan really? Leaving town because your brother had the girl? Its the
first time in ages that you're in good terms with your brother and you
just decide to leave the town and come back in Hum..50years? We all know
that's not gonna happen but still..that's not the way to think!
I loved the stelena scenes..It seems like writers are trying to trick us
and make us believe that she'll choose him..Which makes me think that
she'll choose damon! (Finally the love triangle will be over..For a few
seconds..).. I thought for a second that jeremy was seriously injured
(not dead..but in trouble) when bonnie was like Jeremy ,Jeremy! Great
scene
Overall it really was a great episode!! I'm so sad that the season is almost over..
yeah I was wondering about those two things too. Caroline could've just ran home with her light speed. And how did Elena get out of the house with the Salvatore brothers inside the house, Klaus was outside, Jeremy just got told to get back upstairs only a few minutes after coming downstairs. But she got enough time to get out of the house quietly enough so those vamps couldn't hear her and drove away in her car that even Klaus who was outside most of the time couldn't hear or see.
But then I just kinda ignore it. It's TV and they're [sorta] allowed to do these amazingly convenient things just so the story can progress LOL.
You are exactly right about that Klaroline moment! It finally made sense! That is why: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I DON'T WANT KLAUS TO BE KINDA-DEAD AFTER THAT AND EVERYTHING THAT'S HAPPENED THROUGHOUT THE SEASON :''( Awesome review btw.
I have a strong dislike for Bonnie, so I hope she does turn evil... if anything so she can stop saying "I didn't do it for you" whenever someone thanks her. Maybe Jeremy will turn evil too!
I really enjoyed this episode as well, but I'm starting to think that they need to do something new with Elena... I mean, her life is always tied to everyone else's... Katherine, the Originals, the hybrids, Alaric... just give her something ELSE. Maybe there's some other supernatural power and she decides to study it. Or something. Give her some sort of SKILL, other than just being alive! (Oh and other than everything being MAH FAULT)
Would be nice to get a storyline for Damon as well... what was he doing while Stefan was being The Ripper? I think it goes in line with what we're looking for in terms of what he brings to Elena - we don't actually have much on his character; other than that he doesn't like having to live up to expectations. They need to flesh him out a bit, then we might understand the attraction better, I think.
Anyway... looking forward to the photo recap :D
IIRC Bonnie has only been thanked three times in the entire series. Damon in season one Elena thanked her for lighting Caroline's birthday candles *RME* and the last episode she was thanked by Stefan. With all the times she has saved their dumb asses from the crap they keep throwing themselves into, Bonnie can say whatever the hell she wants IMHO.
Amen. I was about to say, how many times have these mofos actually thanked her? That's the only time she has ever made that statement, and quite frankly I agree with the sentiment. These ungrateful bastards love to use her and take what they can get with very little regard for her safety and feelings. This episode was ridiculous with Klaus and Damon tag-teaming in verbally abusing her. All she was allowed to do was talk about the mission at hand, like the action girl she is, and look at Damon like he's some adorably incorrigible bastard. They never gave her credit for actually doing her job. Yet you have both Elena and Caroline as damsels in distress in this episode. When have any of Bonnie's friends gone out to save her? And don't give me the Julie "she's a strong woman" bullshit. Bonnie is still vulnerable just like the rest of them. If she goes "Dark Willow" they'll probably ruin it anyway. She'll be the least sympathetic villain on the show b/c so many in the fandom want her to die anyway. Yet a do-nothing like Klaus gets so much attention and praise. *SMH*
You are so right about Bonnie being the least villain in the show [if she ever gets a chance to be one]. At least Klaus is charismatic and charming enough for fan girls to drool over him [this is mostly thanks to Joseph Morgan and his amazing acting skills], so even if he is given a boring useless story line, people would still kinda care. Bonnie, on the other hand, being female on a TV show that appeals mostly to girls [although I know there are MANY fanboys out there as well] and has never been remotely interesting for the whole 3 seasons, it is really hard for many people to suddenly care about her character. However, personally I do want to see what it will be like if Bonnie turns against her friends, I just hope she won't be the main villain of the show.
I have no issues with Joseph Morgan. I wholeheartedly agree that he's a good and talented actor. His character and Elijah have been some of the highlights of the show for me, when their characters haven't been watered down by unnecessary drama. And of course he's attractive, and that gets you somewhere with the hetero female segment of the fandom. But b/c so many people already feel so negatively toward Bonnie it unfortunately won't bode well for her. The writers probably won't do her justice if she were to ever become a villain. They don't do her justice as she is now, so it'll be much like we've seen with other POC characters who receive very little exposition and back-story. Suffice it to say, I doubt many people could name more than one favorite POC character on this show, and there have been several who were a part of story arcs (past and current). They're just not being written to be likeable.
Finally a TVD-level episode!!! I was waiting for it for so long, tbh. Last episode was good, but this one? AMAZING!
I can't be more anxious for the finale now.
Best things:
- Bonnie among them, having scenes where she speaks (not just in latin);
- Klaus kind of helping them, but then becoming the the true villain we've been expecting for;
- Elena little plan working;
- Evil!Alaric (Matt Davis is just awesome);
- Tyler standing up for Klaus;
- NOT HAVING ANY EXTRAS > New treats, among the original cast (BEST PART)
- Beremy and Stelena (I'm still a girl, lol)
Oh, and I love that Klaus finally died. Really.
In general, it was one of the best episodes of season 3!
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I just don
I loved the episode; but I'm a little confused. Since Klaus died, why didn't Tyler die? Was it because of Bonnie's spell or something? I did glance away when Klaus was dying but did that mean I missed something crucial? Please reply, much love!xo
It's because Klaus didn't really died. He died the death that Mikael died. The same spell Abby did to "kill" Mikael, Bonnie used in klaus. Remember, when Katherine gave him blood he "woke up" of his "death". Klaus is the same.
Just realised that he isn't actually dead, just dessicated. Klaus will come back, it'd be wrong if he didn't. So curious to see why Elena passed out ;)! Good job writers :)))! Oh, just saw your comment BruNzr, thanks ;)!
Yeah, Elena is so irrelevant I even forgot about that! lol jk though
I like Elena. Poor girl. But she was selfish this episode, being all Katherine and all.
I love Katherine, but Elena is like, bad at being Katherine.
Anyway, I didn't understand at all what was happening like, she happened to suddenly pass out and then, with suspense music, they film the PAINT CAN. Like, wat