Review of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES – ‘The Departed’

Elena’s Choice: In Life and In Death

Ever since the very first moment in the series, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES has been Elena’s story. It is through her eyes that we see the world around her shift as everything she thought she knew fell away and she discovered a whole new world of possibilities. Losing her parents that fateful day on Wickery Bridge forced her grow up faster and it introduced her to the one person who would change everything for her: Stefan. She did not know initially that he was the one who rescued her from the sinking car that claimed her parents’ lives. But she felt an instant connection with him when he showed up at school that next year. From the moment he introduced himself, Elena was lost. She may not have remembered Stefan, but every cell in her body remembered him. He was her savior. He was the one who saved her life and made her life possible. Some call it muscle-memory, others call it the subconscious mind. But something in Elena’s soul rejoiced when she finally met Stefan. Yet with every blessing comes a price. Meeting and knowing Stefan, meant entering and accepting his world — the vampire world — a world where supernatural beings fought deadly battles and Elena was the prize. She was the doppelgänger and her destiny meant she could be the harbinger of death or salvation for vampires. Stefan may not have realized it when he saved her life that fateful day. He just saved a young girl that looked the spitting image of a woman he had once known and loved. Elena’s innocence and beauty beckoned him. She was as irresistible and intoxicating. And so began the grand love of Stefan and Elena.

But it was not until this episode that we found out the other half of the story: Elena’s story. She had not met just one Salvatore that night her parents died — that was the night she met Damon as well. Like his brother, Damon felt the pull to return to Mystic Falls and it is remarkable that he returned the same night Stefan did. Interestingly, Damon was lying in the road (waiting for a sign perhaps) and Elena walked up. Elena may not have any memory of that remarkable first meeting, but it left an imprint on her soul. Just like when Stefan touched her life irrevocably when he saved her from the sinking car, Damon touched Elena by granting her one wish: a love that burns within her like a raging fire.

Mind compulsion is a powerful tool, but as we have seen time and time again, it does not last forever. It does not completely erase the memories that were imprinted. It just covers them up for awhile. What brings those hibernating memories to the surface are two things, compulsion and vampirism. With Elena having been injected with vampire blood by Dr. Fell for her head injury, Elena died and reawakened as a vampire. She will now remember all those memories that Damon compelled away. She will remember that she met him first — before the car accident where Stefan saved her. She will also remember that time when Damon stole a kiss from her and then erased her memory of it. All those powerful moments and memories will rise to the surface and Elena will finally understand WHY she has been so drawn to Damon all these years, even when she was in love with Stefan. She did meet Damon first and his compulsion that she seek a love that burns within her has tugged at her heart every moment she was around him. The mind may not remember yet, but her body did.

Elena was not just cursed with being the doppelgänger and having the blood to set Klaus free from his curse and the blood to create more hybrids, Elena has been cursed to love two men. She has been torn and conflicted and not sure why Stefan and Damon had such a claim on her heart. But now we see and understand, as she will: fate had thrown a wrinkle into her life that fateful day. It claimed two lives — Elena’s parents — and gave her two to replace them in a way: Damon and Stefan. One would nurture her and one would push her, but both would protect her. One shudders to think of the Salvatore brothers as surrogate parents for Elena, but they certainly filled a gaping hole in her life. Elena was of an age when she did not need parents as much as she needed companionship and guidance; and Stefan and Damon have been there every step of the way for the past two years of her life.

So as we watched her struggle over her conflicted feelings for the two brothers, wrestling with her heart and her mind, we understood the difficult choice before her. Why should she have to choose only one, when she needed and wanted both in her life? But in the immortal words of her wise mother, Elena needed to let one of the brothers go, to be free. It was wrong to hold one captive just because she did not want to choose.

In matters of life and death, Elena has never hesitated: she would always sacrifice herself to keep her friends and family for harm. But in matters of the heart, she shied away from any painful decisions. She wanted to keep both Stefan and Damon, and we kind of hoped that she could too. Yet in the end, Elena saw that she was only inflicting pain with her indecision and was finally forced to make a choice — and she chose Stefan.

But here’s the real twist: she chose Stefan based on what she knew at the time she made the choice. It was but only moments later that Elena found herself reliving that terrifying night all over again. But this time, she would not be saved by Stefan. In fact, when Elena saw him, she waved him away. She wanted Stefan to save Matt, this time. She would sacrifice herself to save her friend. But in doing so, she unknowingly shed her humanity and became the one thing she never wanted: a vampire. And her memories of Damon will be raised to the surface of her memory and her decision will be undone. For how could she choose Stefan when she now knows that she met Damon first and the wish he granted her: a love that burns within her? Whatever Elena may feel for Stefan, it is not a burning desire. She admitted as much to Matt. No, for the past two years, Stefan has been the safe choice — the one who made Elena feel safe and secure. All those raging, burning emotions have been kept hidden within her heart and only recently had Elena begun to acknowledge that Damon was the one who brought those feelings out. So with knowledge of her prior connection to Damon, Elena is more than likely to choose again — and it will be a different choice. For Elena is not just a young, teenage girl anymore; she is a vampire and all her emotions will be heightened. Thus, that burning passion for Damon will be magnified. The human Elena, who had no memories of meeting Damon before Stefan, is gone. It will be fascinating to meet this new Elena, one who must live a new life and with new choices laid out before her. She won’t need protecting anymore; she will be able to protect herself. Suddenly on equal footing, will she choose the safe choice, or will she embrace her hidden desires? Suddenly the 4th season feels a long way away!

Points of Interest

1. It was lovely to Aunt Jenna again, if only in flashback memories. The loss of Jenna is still keenly felt; especially now that Alaric is gone too. Though in theory, both could be hovering nearby if Jeremy chose to use his ghost-whispering skills more often.

2. How awesome was it that Elijah made a reappearance?! Though we’re still not sure that inviting him in the Gilbert house was the safest thing to do. But now that Elena has died again, perhaps Elijah will have to seek Jeremy’s permission to enter in the future.

3. With Alaric gone and living on the other side, I’m assuming that Sheriff Forbes and Mayor Lockwood will be quickly reinstated to their positions and that the Town Council will let them be and that no more talks of bringing Dr. Fell up with the medical board arise. Our heroes need their faithful friends and allies in critical places to keep their activities off the general populace’s radar and to prevent widespread panic.

4. Loved it when Damon complained to Bonnie, “I’m not half way out of Virginia and Elena sells our souls to the Originals?” and Bonnie replied, “It was her call.” To which Damon responded, “You know what else is her call, everything bad — ever.”

What Worked

Where to begin?! This episode was jam-packed with so much. There was the Tyler/Caroline moments; the Elena-Stefan-Damon love triangle; Damon saving Rebekah; Matt and Jeremy attempting to save Elena by getting her out of town; Alaric’s goodbye to Jeremy; and Bonnie’s clever little switcharoo with Klaus. Okay, that’s a great starting point: Klaus.

It felt so anti-climatic when Alaric staked Klaus and his body burst into flames. There was none of the usual whispered, blistering insults that Klaus had grown famous for. So it was such a relief to find out that Bonnie had saved everyone (well, Stefan, Damon, Caroline, Tyler and Bonnie’s mother) by transferring Klaus’ soul into Tyler’s body. But of all the body’s, why did it have to be Tyler’s? Was it to punish Klaus for tormenting Tyler? Was it so he would be more comfortable and at home in a hybrid vampire/werewolf? Or was it because Bonnie sensed that destiny had some how marked Caroline and Klaus in such a way that they were destined to be a part of each other’s lives in some way? It is mind-boggling to think about. But it also rather tragic. Did Bonnie create a Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde situation where Klaus and Tyler must struggle within one body for control? Or is Tyler gone and only Klaus resides in Tyler’s body now? And how is Caroline going to feel once she finds out? Run, Bonnie, run!

So as relieving as it is that Klaus, our notoriously evil and deliciously bad villain is not gone for good, the ramifications of his continued presence occupying Tyler’s body is troubling. Will he still be a threat to Elena and the everyone else, or will Klaus finally learn to be a better man?

Whatever the circumstances, it was beautiful seeing how joyously and unhesitatingly Caroline chose to run away with Tyler — albeit after she conditioned it upon allowing her to help save her friends. When Tyler reminded her, “Stefan and Damon are going to whatever it takes to protect themselves. But this is our lives, so let me protect you,” Caroline simply smiled and said, “I will go anywhere with you, and if have to spend the rest of our lives running, I will run with you — but first I have to help our friends.” Caroline’s pure love has shone like a beacon throughout and it is what continues to draw such fine men like Matt and Tyler to her, and which tames wild beasts like Klaus. It would have been beautiful to have allowed Caroline and Tyler to have had their time on their own together and carefree for awhile. But then we would have missed them. The Klaus-aspect forces them to stay for awhile until that gets worked out.

Also applaud-worthy was Jeremy and Matt’s plotting to kidnap and save Elena. It almost worked too. But Alaric staking Klaus’ body changed the game for everyone. Even Matt could not deny Elena the right to see the one person she wanted to see more than anything before he died. So kudos to Jeremy and Matt for daring to take a risk at pissing Elena off and keeping her safe. It’s exactly what Damon would have done too. Which is exactly what Damon told Stefan when he snapped, “You just had to let her make the choice, didn’t you?” and Stefan exasperatedly asked, “What would you have done, Damon?” To which Damon retorted, “Grabbed her, gagged her, threw her in a well. I don’t know. Anything rather than let her trust Elijah.” Then when Stefan reminded him, “You know she’s just hate you for it, right?” Damon rationalized, “Yeah, but she’s be alive and she’d hate me. Thus the eternal difference between you and me.” Sometimes when you love someone, you don’t ask them what they want — especially if they have a martyr complex — you have to save their life for them. That kind of gumption and take-charge attitude previews two very strong men. Jeremy and Matt are certainly coming into their own, and deservedly so after being pushed aside so many times because they are only human. Only human does count for something. Humans die for each other every day — and it means more that they are willing to stand and fight without super-human abilities to protect them. Both Jeremy and Matt deserve good women in their lives too that appreciate their contribution and bravery. Dear Universe: make that happen!

Okay, okay, I know the Delena fans are dying to talk about it. Let’s just jump right in. As mentioned above, Elena’s choice may have been Stefan — but that was the human Elena; vampire Elena is certainly going to make a different choice. It was foreshadowed at great length in this episode. From the moment that Stefan returned and Elena greeted him with a hug, we saw the look of pain on Stefan’s face: he knew that she had not chosen him. Later when Stefan was saying his goodbye to her that same expression was there: Stefan knew by Elena’s own body language that she had chosen his brother. So he gave her one last passionate kiss goodbye, not because he was worried that he may not live, but because it was going to be his last chance to kiss her. So it was with sadness and regret when Stefan said, “That’s just in case there is no later.” Stefan even said as much to Damon when Damon called to let him know that Klaus was dead, “An hour is not enough time to get you all the way back to Mystic Falls.” Then as Damon wryly replied, “Us and our epic goodbye’s, Stefan?” Stefan softly said, “Not us, brother. You and Elena.” In a quiet heart-beat, realization began to dawn on Damon’s face, and he regretfully said, “Well, I guess you’ll have to say goodbye for the both of us, won’t you?”

For almost the entire episode, Damon acted like he had already lost. He could afford to be chivalrous and flirtatious with Rebekah; he could give up the fight with Alaric; and he would step aside to allow Stefan and Elena to be happy. He just never really believed that Elena would ever choose him over Stefan; and he was prepared to lose the girl — again. Just like Katherine always chose Stefan over him. Yet Stefan’s words gave him hope he dared not have before.

Whereas Stefan was there with Elena and could read the inflection in her voice, the difference in her body language, her distancing and reluctance to voice the choice of her heart. Stefan knew what Elena did not yet want to admit, that it was goodbye for them. Elena doesn’t want the safe option anymore. She’s curious to know what she feels for Damon; for she already knows what it is like to be with Stefan and she doesn’t burn with the same passion for him as she once did. She doesn’t crave safety and security, she wants to burn with uncontrollable desire. Whether she wants to admit it or not.

Thus, when Matt brought Elena tea and said, “So, Stefan?” Elena tried to rationalize why she should be with Stefan by explaining, “He saved my life, you know. I never told you that. The night that my parent’s car went off the bridge, Stefan was the one that saved me.” As Matt asked, “So you feel like you owe him or something?” Elena further explained, “No, it’s not that. It’s after the accident, I kind of felt like I didn’t know how to live anymore. Like I didn’t want to. But then being with Stefan, somehow I figured it out. And that’s what love should be. You should love the person that makes you glad that you’re alive.” It was a beautiful, rational speech, but her heart didn’t seem to be in it, so Matt again asked, “So then what’s the problem?” To which Elena sighed and admitted, “The problem is Damon. When I’m with him, it just consumes me. And I know that I can’t love them both. I know that it’s wrong, but I when I choose one, I’ll lose the other — and I don’t want to lose anyone else.” Elena wasn’t making a choice with her heart, she was choosing with her head. She was choosing the safe choice.

Later when Damon prodded her, “Since I’m possibly a dead man, can I ask you a question? . . . If it was down to just him and me and you had to make a choice, who got the goodbye? Who would it be?” Elena tried to rationalize her decision again by saying, “I love him, Damon. He came into my life at a time when I needed someone and I fell for him instantly. No matter what I feel for you, I never un-fell for him.” Damon with a heavy sigh then replied, “I get it. It was always going to be Stefan.” But this is when it got interesting, Elena conditioned her choice by saying, “I can’t think about always. I can only think about right now — and I care about you, Damon, which is why I have to let you go. Maybe if you and I had met first . . .” Unsure as to whether she was still offering him hope for the future, Damon noncommittally replied, “Maybe.”

The next thing we see is either Elena remembering as she is drowning or as Damon is being beaten to a bloody-pulp a memory from long ago. It was the night that Damon and Elena first met, and one or both of them was just beginning to remember it. It was a lost memory being remembered. The scene was beautiful and it certainly foreshadows what lies ahead for Damon and Elena next season.

Let’s enjoy it again and appreciate how significant it is: The scene opens with Damon lying on an empty street and as he rises he sees Elena. Not certain what he is seeing, Damon says, “Katherine?” To which the girl replies cautiously, “No, I’m Elena.” After a double-take, Damon admits, “Oh you just look, I’m sorry, you just really remind me of someone. I’m Damon.” As Elena flirtatiously responds, “Not to be rude or anything, Damon. But it’s kind of creepy that you’re out here in the middle of nowhere,” he playfully says, “You’re one to talk. You’re out here all by yourself.” With a sigh, Elena retorted, “It’s Mystic Falls. Nothing bad ever happens here.” But then she revealed, “I got into a fight with my boyfriend,” and when Damon inquired, “About what? May I ask?” She replied, “Life. Future. He’s got it all mapped out.” Then when Damon curiously asked, “You don’t want it?” Elena admitted, “I don’t know what I want.” This was the moment. This is the Elena we know all too well. Indecisive and afraid to let her heart go. So when Damon gently said, “Now that’s not true. You want what everybody wants.” This time Elena was the curious one when she teasingly asked, “What? A mysterious stranger who has all the answers?” To which Damon impishly replied, “Well, let’s just say I’ve been around a long time. I’ve learned a few things.” Opening the door a bit wider to the possibilities and promise of the future, Elena threw caution to the wind and dared to ask, “So, Damon, tell me: what is it that I want?” And he predicted, “You want a love that consumes you. You want passion and adventure, and even a little danger.” Not sure what to make to this prophecy, Elena turned the tables on him and asked, “So what do YOU want?” Alas, before he could really answer, their interlude was interrupted and Damon bestowed one last gift upon her as he wiped her memory and compelled her with, “I want you to get everything you’re looking for. But for right now, I want you to forget that this happened. Can’t have people knowing I’m in town yet. Goodnight, Elena.” Then he disappeared into the night.

At this point, Damon still had dreams of rescuing Katherine and living happily ever after with her. Damon did not yet know that he had met his soul-mate in Elena and that he had granted her wish by compelling her to seek a love that would promise her passion, adventure, a little danger, and a love that would consume her. He also did not know that he is brother Stefan would be the one to rescue Elena just minutes later and that all three of their lives would become intertwined to such a degree that they would do anything for each other. The love knot had just been tied and they did not know it yet.

So as we look back over this episode, it was all about Elena’s choice: who she chose to love and who she chose to save. Two years before, Elena did not get to choose who Stefan saved, and he saved her life over the lives of her parents. This time Elena wanted Stefan to save Matt and he did. Stefan will always acquiesce to Elena’s wishes for he values free-will above all else. Whereas, Damon would have not given a second thought to Matt’s life and would have saved Elena’s. Yet life changes again for Elena Gilbert. She was willing to die in Matt’s place knowing that she had saved him. But fate had other plans and Elena revived a vampire due to the blood in her system. Elena’s choice to save Matt changed her life and in doing so, it not only revived her body, it will reawaken her buried memories of meeting Damon that night long ago. Once she remembers that she did actually meet Damon first, as well as the wish he bestowed upon her, her destiny will finally be fulfilled. Because Elena won’t be human and subjected to her human fears and insecurities anymore; she’ll be free to choose a new choice for her new life; and this time, she’ll choose Damon. It is not only foreshadowed and promised, it is destined — and pity the fool that gets in the way of destiny!

It was a beautiful episode of love and loss. But it was really the bookend to Elena’s story. It began with a girl being rescued by a boy (albeit a vampire boy) and falling in love. Yet now, that story is done and it will now be about Elena’s journey as a vampire. Her choices of her former life won’t be enough anymore. It will be a time for new choices. So there’s hope for Damon and Elena yet. Their story is about to begin.

What Didn’t Work

Gosh, this is one of those rare episodes where everything worked phenomenally. No criticisms. Let’s just bite our nails and begin the long countdown to Season 4. Is it Fall yet?!

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

“The Departed” written by Brett Matthews and Elisabeth R. Finch and directed by John Behring. ‘The Vampire Diaries’ stars Paul Wesley, Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, Joseph Morgan, Steven R. McQueen, Candice Accola, Katerina Graham, Michael Trevino, Zach Roerig, Matt Davis, Torrey Devitto, Claire Holt, Daniel Gillies. ‘The Vampire Diaries’ airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on the CW.

Review of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES – ‘Before Sunset’

So who is the big, bad villain now?

In a very twisty and somewhat twisted episode, it was a game of cat-and-mouse as Alaric tried to set a trap for Klaus while Klaus tried to turn the tables on him. As it stands now, Klaus lost, but Alaric did not necessarily win. Instead of Alaric vanquishing Klaus with the white oak stake, fulfilling his destiny under Esther’s plan, Stefan and Damon pulled a fast bait-and-switch and captured Klaus with the desiccation spell meant for Alaric. This proved the better option after everyone figured out that Elena and Alaric’s lives were blood-linked through Esther’s spell — which meant if Elena died, then Alaric died — and no one is quite sure if killing Alaric means it could kill Elena too.

With the octane cranked up and two evil foes circling each other, it is a wonder that everyone else did not simply get out of their way. But in a war between Alaric and Klaus, everyone is caught the crossfire. Alaric’s first move was to corner whoever showed up at the school and then use that person as bait and leverage to lure Klaus into his trap. Alaric’s plan was simple but effective. Yet, with Klaus aligned with our heroes, there were too many people to keep track of and even Alaric could not plan for every contingency. That same could be said for Klaus as the elaborate counter-plan to combat Alaric ended up working just as effectively against Klaus. The art of distraction and strike while your enemy is not looking has been used before, but it does work. Even the invincible Klaus was felled by a simple desiccation spell just because he was not paying attention. Gotta love it when a plan comes together like that!
So with Klaus claiming he sired the bloodline that created Stefan, Damon and Caroline, no one wanted to use the white oak stake on Klaus just in case he is their “grandfather” through the vampire bloodline. But stopping Klaus’ heart, putting him into a state of catatonic hibernation and dumping his body in the Atlantic, could conceivably keep him neutralized for a time. However, with one more episode left in this season, it is hard to imagine that Klaus has been completely sidelined; and with Alaric still on the loose, our heroes may need a trump-card to take down that incarnation of evil.

It just remains to be seen who will be the big, bad villain in the end. Will it be Klaus escaping the desiccation spell, or will it be Alaric who is amassing his own army by outing Carol Lockwood and Sheriff Forbes as vampire-sympathizers?

Points of Interest

1. The image of Klaus rotting away eternity “swimming with the fishes” is kind of poetic justice.

2. It was really fun to see how everyone decided to celebrate after Klaus was finally taken down. How great was it when Elena returned home to fine Bonnie, Caroline, Tyler, Jeremy and Matt awaiting her with the greeting, “Welcome to our victory party!” Even with Elena’s cautious observation, “What victory? We failed. Alaric’s still out there,” it was still a significant achievement. So as they cheered to “A Klaus-free life,” we cheered along with them.

3. Another cheer-worthy moment was when Tyler came to save Elena, against Klaus’ explicit instructions and Klaus said, “So much for that sire bond” and Tyler announced, “I’m not your little bitch anymore.” Finally!

What Worked

Kudos to Matt Davis for another fine performance as he embraced Alaric’s evil side and seemed to enjoy every minute of it. When Alaric accosted Rebekah in the school hallway, she said with surprise, “You’re supposed to be dead.” To which he replied, “I am.” It sent chills down our spines as we knew what she did not, that Alaric could actually kill her.

Thus, it was super cool to see Caroline rush to save Rebekah, heedless of the risk to her own life. But moments later when Alaric caught up with Caroline in the parking lot, it was sad to see that Rebekah only stood there watching. Caroline had not hesitated to help Rebekah, yet Rebekah did nothing to help Caroline. It is our actions in the face of mortal danger that define us. Caroline knew what she was facing when she rushed to Rebekah’s aid, yet Rebekah could only watch and run away? It is any wonder that Klaus has fallen for Caroline and could care less when Rebekah told him to choose between his hybrids and her.

There was also a lovely moment embedded in the chaos after Elena helped Caroline escape and Caroline found herself in Klaus’ arms. As Klaus softly whispered, “It’s me. You’re safe now. We’ll save Elena. You go straight home and you stay inside. Do you understand?” It felt kind of breath-taking. It was no wonder that Caroline seemed dazed and disoriented at his heroic side of Klaus and could only breathlessly say, “Thank you.” Not only was Caroline rather surprised at this protective side of Klaus, so were we.

Returning to the diabolical Alaric, it was chilling and awesome simultaneously how much he scared the beegeebizes out of us. He not only walked right out in broad daylight without a protection ring, sizzling his face off, to snap Caroline’s neck and drag her back inside the school, when Elena finally came to offer herself in exchange for Caroline, he nearly laughed in her face. As Elena protested his failure to honor their deal, “You said you’d let her go,” Alaric snarled, “How many times do I have tell you, Elena? Stop trusting vampires!” Watching how cruelly and callously Alaric tortured Caroline with a vervain-drenched gag and pencils staked through her hands, we began to wonder if Klaus was actually the lesser of the two evils.

But Klaus and Alaric are vacillating between their hero/villain roles so rapidly, we are not sure who to trust anymore. For example, when Damon revived after having his neck snapped by Alaric, he curiously asked, “Why am I still alive?” To which Alaric retorted, “Get up! Klaus is going to kill Elena . . . Now do what you two do best, save Elena’s life.” Just moments before, Alaric was the prime target in their deadly take-down plan, but once they found out that Klaus had snatched Elena and was siphoning out all her blood in order to kill Alaric, the game changed in an instant and Alaric was suddenly aligned on the “hero” side because he wanted to save Elena’s life.

Everybody wants Elena: Klaus wants her blood to create his hybrid family/army; Alaric wants Elena because his life is now tied to hers; Damon and Stefan are in love with her; Matt will rush to her aid at the drop of a hat; Jeremy is her brother and will do anything to protect her; and even Tyler was willing to risk his life by trying to rescue her and defy Klaus. We understand the lure of being chivalrous and honorable as demonstrated by Matt, Jeremy and Tyler, as well as the more self-serving motivations of Alaric and Klaus, but the most fascinating motivation is love. Stefan and Damon are not seeking to protect and save Elena out of duty, honor, fear or a desire for power – they simply love her. Love is the most powerful emotion of all. It conquers fear and subdues anger. It is persuasive and intoxicating. We have seen how much it rules the hearts of those under its spell.

So with the biggest question of this season being: who Elena will choose to give her heart to — we remain riveted by the power of love. It even prompted Stefan to volunteer to accompany Klaus when he left town, assuming he was taking Elena with him. Yet even as Stefan proclaimed, “I’d turn my back on everything here to make sure Elena is safe,” Klaus tried to manipulate Stefan through his love for Elena by saying, “And that is what makes you her better option. It’s a shame that it’s not easier for Elena to see that. Personally, I think she’s wasting her time with Damon.” Seeing right through such an obvious ploy to drive a wedge between he and Damon, Stefan informed Klaus, “All this time you’ve spent trying to get my brother and I to hate each other, it’s actually had the opposite effect. . . . Damon and I have been through a hell of a lot worse than you.”

After failing to manipulate Stefan through his love for Elena, Klaus tried another tactic when he softly told Elena, “Stefan blames me for trying to tear him from his brother. But I think we both know who really came between them. You. That’s why you won’t choose. You know once you pick a Salvatore, you’ll destroy that bond. Consider this me doing you a favor. Once you’re dead, you won’t have to choose. No broken hearts. Their family stays intact. But between us girls, who would you have picked?” As Elena snapped, “Rot in hell,” Klaus smiled knowing his work was done. He then airily replied, “You’re welcome. Sweet dreams, Elena. It’s been fun.”

With one seed of doubt planted in Elena’s mind that she could be the source of further discord and the cause of irreparable damage to the bond between the brothers, Elena sadly explained to Damon and Stefan, “I know it’s selfish. I know it seems like I’m stringing you both along, but I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I mean, if I choose one of you, then I lose the other. But I’ve lost so many people, I just can’t bear the thought of losing one of you.” Even with Caroline reminding her, “You know that sooner or later you’re going to have to choose, right?” Elena hesitates. Love is both a blessing and curse. She is all too aware of the power of love and how it can be wielded for good and for evil. She does not want her love to be used as a weapon by Klaus to destroy the relationship between Stefan and Damon.

Whether Elena will have the strength and courage to make a choice remains to be seen. But whoever she choses, one thing is certain, Stefan and Damon’s bond as brothers will be as strong as ever. For, in the end, as Damon told Stefan, “All this over one girl,” and Stefan admitted, “She’s a pretty special girl.” To which Damon replied, “Yes, she is.” Elena may not be confident that her choice won’t destroy the brothers’ relationship, but they are. It was interesting to see that they recognized that a mortal girl will only live but a small amount of their lifetime and that the only relationship that will probably sustain the test of time will be their own.

What Didn’t Work

What was the point of summoning Abby to appear in person at the Salvatore mansion when all she had to offer was information about the desiccation spell that could have been obtained through a phone call? Phones are a much faster way of communicating, after all when they are racing against the clock.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

“Before Sunset” story by Charlie Charbonneau and Daphne Miles with teleplay by Caroline Dries and directed by Chris Grismer.‘The Vampire Diaries’ stars Paul Wesley, Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, Joseph Morgan, Steven R. McQueen, Candice Accola, Katerina Graham, Michael Trevino, Zach Roerig, Matt Davis, Torrey Devitto, Claire Holt. ‘The Vampire Diaries’ airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on the CW.

Review of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES – ‘Do Not Go Gentle’

A long goodbye ends with a hell of a twist

The journey of Alaric Saltzman has been surprising and tumultuous.  When we first met Alaric, he was a lonely vampire-hunter seeking to avenge his wife’s death. Then as he came to know our heroes of Mystic Falls, Alaric became a champion of protecting everyone and anything with a good heart, whether they were humans, vampires and werewolves.  Alas, Klaus’ very determined mother Esther had other plans.  Ever since the day that Alaric put on that blasted resurrection ring, she had been plotting to use Alaric as a weapon to strike back at her wayward children – the Originals.   Carefully coaching Alaric’s alter-ego, the darkest side of him, Esther molded and shaped him into a creature that would ruthlessly hunt down and kill the Originals.  Unfortunately, Esther failed to consult with Alaric about all this.  He was unconsciously becoming the one thing he truly feared – a monster.  To complete Alt-Alaric’s transformation into the ultimate vampire-hunter, Esther made him a vampire; and not just any vampire, but an Original.  She knew he would have to be a strong as her children if he was to combat them, and arming him with an indestructible white oak stake would not be enough.

But there is so much wrong with this plan.  Actually, it a pretty good plan and could conceivably work.  However, the wrinkle in it is that Esther failed to account for the “human factor.”  She failed to recognize that Alaric would not want to be transformed into his alter-ego and a vampire.  That was his worst nightmare – to lose his own self-identity, self-will and self-regard.  She had transformed him into someone or something else entirely.  It was not voluntary or consensual.  It was a curse that Esther inflicted upon him, robbing him of his humanity and self-control.

The second factor Esther has failed to recognize is that she did not account for the reactions of those who care about Alaric.  She has stolen a beloved friend and vengeance will be sought on his behalf.  Instead, she has just aligned everyone’s interests to one common goal:  ensuring that Alaric will be stopped before he eradicates all vampires from the planet – which would kill Stefan, Damon, Caroline and Tyler along with the Originals.

So as Alaric tried to sit back and quietly await his death, refusing to complete the transformation, we knew it was time to say goodbye.  All his friends had shown up to honor the man who had chosen the nobler path and to die with dignity.  Yet, Esther was not done yet as she took possession of Bonnie in order to force Alaric to feed and complete the transformation.  Death with dignity was not an option.  Esther’s desperate plan must succeed, or she would be forced to watch with horror for another millennium the pain her children wreaked across the planet.

It was not the death we saw coming.  We were ready to say our goodbyes to Alaric and mourn his death.  Yet even that was stolen from us as Esther ruthlessly found a way to snatch death from Alaric and condemn him to exist as one of the “undead.”   The Alaric we knew and loved is gone.  He is essentially dead as he is now imprisoned or banished within himself as his alter-ego has taken over and become an uber-vampire.  He is locked inside a creature not of his own making.  It is the ultimate horror and we weep for Alaric, who is essentially dead to us.  In his place is a monster created to kill other monsters – no matter what other collateral damage may be suffered along the way.

Points of Interest

1.  The scene where Elena and Esther debated the merits of Esther’s plan was thought-provoking.  When Elena accusatorily said, “You said you wanted to undue the evil you created, but this is just as evil.”  Esther responded, “Alaric will never be what my children became.  I have granted him enough power to complete his task and then when the time is right, he will die. . . When this is over, we will have rid the Earth of vampires once and for all.” Elena then incredulously retorted, “But you’ll be killing the good along with the bad, you’re no better than Klaus.”  To which Esther defended her position by explaining, “Am I not?  I desire a world where you and your loved ones will not suffer at the hands of vampires.”  Neither is wrong, it is just that Esther’s way of achieving a better world is as unfeeling and inhuman as her children’s perspective.

2.  Seeing how Klaus reacts to his mother’s hatred was fascinating.  Rather than dispose of her body once and for all, Klaus calmly put her back in her coffin and angrily said, “My survival will haunt you through eternity.  You will never destroy me!”  He knows that she cannot hear him through her lifeless body, but that her spirit is watching and will hear every word. Who is torturing who?

3.   Then who did not want to cheer when Jeremy told Bonnie, “When my sister stops hanging out with vampires, I’ll take it off”?  His resurrection ring may come at a price, but perhaps it is better than outright death.  It’s not bad logic.

What Worked

Just like the looming battle between Esther-Klaus-Alaric is coming, so is the moment in which Elena must decide which of the two brothers she will give her heart to.  After last week’s steamy, passionate kiss with Damon, it would have seemed that Elena was leading towards his direction.  Alas, this week Elena allowed herself to be persuaded to try to rekindle her relationship with Stefan.  Just like when Elena allowed Stefan to push her towards Damon, Elena allowed Caroline to push her towards Stefan.  Elena is not making decisions for herself, but instead is choosing “not to choose.”  She is just going with the flow and seeing where it takes her.

Caroline was at least firm in her belief that Stefan is the right guy for Elena when she suggested that Elena invite him to the dance.  When Elena tried to protest, “I can’t ask him on a date. I just made out with his brother,” Caroline reasoned, “All the more reason.  You’re supposed to be figuring out what you want.  That’s what Stefan wanted you to do, right?”  Caroline then added, “I’m sorry, but Stefan is your epic love and I’m not going down without a fight.”  Caroline at least has made up her mind, unlike Elena who does not want to make a choice.

Even Stefan was inordinately pleased that Elena invited him and not Damon to the dance.  He took it as a sign that Elena had chosen him, not understanding that she hadn’t – she was just trying it to see how it felt.  Though Stefan does get points for refusing to allow Elena to entangle him in her decision by coming clean about what happened on the roadtrip to Denver.  Stefan has also always been the reasoned one, the one who is eloquent with words.  Seeing Elena’s confusion about whether to tell or not tell, he assured her, “You don’t need to tell me.  When all this over, if you and I find our way back to each other, you can tell me if you want to.  Otherwise, I don’t need to know. I don’t want to know.”   It gave Elena permission to not decide at this time.  Just what she wanted to hear.

Similarly, later when Stefan found Elena packing up Alaric’s belongings at the school, he took her to the school gym to reveal how he had changed – to the place where Klaus compelled him to turn off his human emotions. So when Stefan admitted,  “I thought I hit rock bottom in the ’20′s, but after I bit you, I never wanted to feel anything ever again.  But someone kept telling me it was okay to feel.  No matter how much it hurt.  That our emotions are what makes us human, good or bad.  To never lose hope.” It was eloquent, revealing and touching.  And it was just what Elena wanted to hear:  that she had saved him — that her martyrdom and patience in waiting for him had been worth it.  Thus, when Elena said, “I don’t have anyone anymore,” Stefan took her in his arms and assured her, “You have me.”  Typical “safe Stefan.”  Stefan wants to play the white-hat hero and rescue Elena.  But what is he rescuing her from:  her indecision, her refusal to stand up for herself, her inability to be alone, or her insecurity and unwillingness to take on adult responsibilities?  She claimed to not have anyone anymore, but that devalues the relationships she has with her brother Jeremy, her best friends Bonnie and Caroline, and even Matt.  Elena, of anyone, has more people rallying around her and willing to drop everything for her – and every single one would put their lives on the line for her.  For Elena to play the “dead parents card” was uncool.  It was manipulating Stefan into a role that she wanted him in.  She likes having him as a surrogate parental protector.  Note:  she did not manipulate him into being hot and sexy, she wanted him to be caring and strong.

Also, it discounts the pivotal and crucial role that Damon has played in Elena’s life, both while Stefan was gone being Klaus’ ripper-slave and even before when Damon would rush to her aid at the drop of a hat.  For three years, Damon has also proven that he would do anything to protect and take care of Elena.  She should not try to rewrite history and regulate Damon into being a “placeholder” until Stefan returned and came to his senses about whether he wanted to resume his place in Elena’s life again.  When Stefan martyred himself to be Klaus’ slave, it was Damon who was the one picking up the pieces and doing the hard part, being there for Elena as she wept over the loss of Stefan, raged at Klaus’ cruelty, and acted as an adult when Rick went on his drinking-binges over the loss of Jenna.  Frankly, Damon has been the more consistent presence in Elena’s life since Stefan left.

Even now, Damon was being more of a “hero” by standing by Alaric’s side during his death vigil.  It takes real strength and courage to watch a friend die and to be there during their final minutes.  Stefan, instead, rushed off to make sure Elena was okay.  Which takes more strength, comforting Elena or sitting by a dying man during his final hours?

What is interesting is that Elena seems to be petrified of her feelings for Damon.  He is the “unknown.”  It is like playing with fire and she is afraid she’ll get burned.  But she should remember that Damon was faithful in his love for Katherine for over 160 years — until he found out that she had rejected him.  Damon, once he gives his love, it is forever, and unconditionally.  That kind of unhesitating, mad passionate, all consuming love scares Elena.  For the love she shares with Stefan is constant, but in a safe, steady way.  It is never a raging out of control fire that threatens to consume her.  Loving Stefan allows Elena to be in control of her emotions, and not out of control.  But should she have to play it safe with love?

Also looking to rewrite history are Klaus and Rebekah, who unabashedly glorify the 1920’s.  Truly, what was so special about that time period that has captured their hearts and imaginations?  Was that truly the best times of their lives — the time when Stefan was in their lives? Was he the missing piece of their lives – the lover who worshiped Rebekah, and the best friend for Klaus?  That time holds such a special place in both their hearts.  So as Klaus was trying to remind Stefan of their former friendship and brotherhood, Damon calmly interjected, “He already has a brother — not to be all territorial and all.”   But with a sweeping glance, Klaus responded, “Oh the Salvatores and their unshakable bond.  I wonder what will happen when Elena finally makes her choice? Will we see you shake just a little bit?”  Unfortunately, Klaus only knew Stefan for such a short period of time in the 1920’s.  Damon has known his brother his whole life and knows perfectly well that Stefan, for all his lapses, is at this core not going to let Elena or anyone else get between them.

Another relationship that Klaus underestimates is Tyler and Caroline’s.  Klaus feels confident that the lure of worldwide adventure will sway Caroline’s heart.  But while she may be curious about what lies outside the realm of Mystic Falls, she has already given her heart to Tyler.  Klaus does not understand love whatsoever.  His parents withheld their love and have done their best to track him down and kill him believing he is an abomination and stain on humankind.  His siblings only stand by his side out of fear.  And he has no actual friends, just those whose he can compel and through sire-bonds.  Not knowing or understanding love, it makes Klaus oblivious to its power and unshakability.  Klaus may impress Caroline, but Tyler brings out the passion in her.  A good example was when Tyler told Caroline,  “I am jealous, but I’m also competitive.  So hold on, I’m about to sweep you off your feet!” as he swept her up into his arms.  Not only is Tyler willing to do whatever it takes to keep Caroline’s affections, he is willing to die for her too.  He also volunteered that they should let Esther kill Klaus, even if it means killing Tyler too, just to protect Caroline (assuming she was not part of Klaus’ bloodline).  It is Tyler’s willingness to put her first that shows the depth of his love.  Is it any wonder that Caroline then told Tyler, “It does not matter how many times I dance with him, I love YOU.”

Caroline may be a girl that yearns for great things and a life bigger than it is now, but she is also incredibly sensitive to those she cares about – her friends and family matter greatly to her and she will look out for them above all else.  Her naturally protective and loving instincts are only heightened as a vampire.  So like her instincts push her towards Tyler’s love and compel her to encourage Elena back into Stefan’s arms, she also senses when one of her friends’ attentions are off track.  She noticed right away that there was something up with Matt spending a little too much time around Elena, under the guise of taking Jeremy under-wing. So she did not even hesitate to corner Matt, gaily saying, “Have I told you how amazingly awesome you are?”  Having successfully softened the blow, she then followed up with, “I know you and Elena have been getting closer lately” and as Matt curiously asked, “And your point is?”  Caroline reminded him, “One way or the other, she’s pretty much spoken for. ” When Matt then tried to protest, “Elena’s my friend, I’m just looking out for her,” Caroline softly said, “And I’m just looking out for you — because sometimes the people who love her get caught in the crossfire.”  It is not only Matt’s heart that could get hurt, but he is human and not invincible.  He is putting himself at risk more ways than one and one could be lethal.  The girl does hangout with vampires after all – which is why her own brother refuses to take off his resurrection ring.

Though it should be noted that one of the funnest parts of this episode was watching Matt and Jeremy rush off to save the day when Damon, Stefan, Caroline and Bonnie were all trapped inside the school.  Their eagerness to play their part and save Elena was charming, if slightly naïve.

Another wonderfully touching moment was watching the goodbye scene between Alaric and Damon.  One of the most unexpected and happy coincidences in the series has been the friendship that developed between Damon and Alaric: the vampire and the vampire-hunter.  Both lost, lonely souls only looking to find a purpose in this crazy life.  Their commiseration and friendship over many bottles of whiskey shall be remembered fondly.  So while Elena and Jeremy were only intent on saving Alaric, they did not understand that he would want to keep them from harm.  Elena had even reacted with horror when Damon first proposed that killing Alaric would be an act of mercy; yet it was exactly what Alaric wanted – for as he said, “I’m not going to complete the transition.  My dark side was dangerous enough as a human.  I can’t be a vampire,” and Damon understood his friend’s true desire to die rather than pose any risk to them.  The cherry on top moment was when Damon came into the crypt to check on Alaric, who asked, “Is this part where you give me a dream?”   As Damon’s lips twitched, he muttered about how he knew he’d regret having told Alaric that story while drunk.  Playing into the levity in the face of such a somber moment, Damon took the opportunity to say, “Sorry I killed you – twice.” With playful aplomb, Alaric smiled and replied, “So I have to really die to get a real apology out of you?”  This exemplified the Damon-Alaric relationship perfectly.  They always maintained their humor when things got tough and real.  It spoke to their trust and respect for each other, despite their initial differences.

Lastly, a shout-out is deserved for the latest unexpected friendship that is blossoming between Damon and Dr. Fell.  Damon has always been a bit pesky and playful when approaching Meredith, such as when he snuck up on her at the hospital to talk to her about his concerns about Rick. Sensing him rather than seeing him, she turned around to find him right there.  As she snapped, “Don’t do that.  It’s not funny,” Damon smiled and said, “Oh come on, it’s a little funny.”  That he took his concerns to her is telling.  Damon did not go to Stefan or Elena with his worries.  He sought out Meredith.  They also had a shared moment when Meredith came out of the crypt after sedating Rick and they debated the wisdom of leaving Alaric alone as per his wishes. So when she asked Damon, “Is that really what he wants?” it was a nice foreshadowing of how well Meredith has gotten to know both Alaric and Damon.   Perhaps there is a lovely friendship to be had between them, now that Alaric has become an evil, monstrous vampire.  Surely, both Damon and Meredith could use a friend at this time.

What Didn’t Work

As poignant and deserved as it was that Matt and Jeremy took a moment to toast Alaric back at the Grill, it seemed a bit out of place since both are minors and they are freely helping themselves to their employer’s liquor.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

“Do Not Go Gentle” written by Michael Narducci and directed by Joshua Butler. ‘The Vampire Diaries’ stars Paul Wesley, Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, Joseph Morgan, Steven R. McQueen, Candice Accola, Katerina Graham, Michael Trevino, Zach Roerig, Matt Davis, Torrey Devitto, Claire Holt. ‘The Vampire Diaries’ airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on the CW.