Archive for the ‘Episode Reviews’ Category


Nov 04,2011

Vampire Diaries recap: 3×08 Ordinary People

Posted by Jayney with No Comments

This episode gave me tingles and shivers – not to mention that my brain is literally exploding with questions and overwhelmed with the information we’ve learned.

On that note, let’s dive right into this recap.

"And I think this piece goes here.. oh no oops, over there."

Ric and Elena are wandering through the caves muttering about bats (ironic?), and then Damon gives Elena a heart-attack (super hilarious) before telling Elena the old Lockwoods must have hated vampires too. Elena and Ric head into the part of the cave Damon can’t enter and they look at the stick figures – oh sorry, cave paintings – and Ric does an all-powerful assessment and says it’s Viking script and there’s the names of their 3 fav originals. Klaus, Rebekah and Elijah. (Elena nearly passes out, she’s so shocked).
So it takes us back in time to when Klaus and Rebekah are carving their names on the walls. It’s a bit cute; for brother and sister they seem very close. We learn that Mikael is ‘papa original’ [jaws drop] and thus it mustn’t have been made up cave drawings by Klaus.

Sebastian Roche. Om nom nom nom.

Damon is still teaching Elena how to fight (does anybody else not focus on what they’re saying when Damon and Elena are touching?) and Elena believes that asking Rebekah is the best way to find out more information. She heads off to speak to her and it doesn’t start out well – “If you wake Mikael then we are all doomed. Sounds super ominous. Smeh, bring on Sebastian Roche I say.
Rebekah flashes back to a play fight between Elijah and Klaus (little brother Henrik is there – and I wonder where the other original brothers and sisters are). We find out that Mikael was not all cute and fluffy – he was a bit of a tyrant and had it out for Klaus. Her story is interrupted by a concerned Damon who calls Elena while he is headed to see tied-up Rippah Stefan.
In the cell, Stefan’s all like: “Elena’s plans never work out” and Damon’s like: “Yeah I know bro, so I’m gonna release ya and we’re gonna go drink people and whiskey”. (And apparently – that plan worked). Rebekah invites Elena over for a fashion show.. and I am instantly in love with her (not that I wasn’t before – but she shows how sassy and strong, but also vulnerable and caring she can be). Claire Holt is incredible. Anyway.
Ric invites Bonnie over and asks her to bring the necklace, and in return he offers some great advice about Gilbert men: “Trust me, we learn eventually”, I hope so, for Jeremy’s sake. We discover that Ric has been playing puzzle and has worked out that the symbol of the necklace means ‘witch’ which I didn’t get meant ‘original witch’ and ‘original mother’ –  [cue my brain going into overdrive].

Too sad for a witty caption. Love these two.

Rebekah tells Elena about the werewolves and how they lived together in peace for 20 years… until Henrik was killed because of them (and Klaus who was a naughty boy and snuck them out on a full moon). Damon calls Elena in the midst of all this and of course, she hears Stefan in the background and Damon tells her he’s “got it”. Then we all enjoy more of Rippah Stefan as he talks about his “bunny diet” and flips coins into a glass (how does he DO that?!). It was kind of eerie, the two of them are too similar at the moment. Except until Damon shows his “humanity” later…
Anyway Elena is given a bit of a low-down on vampires by Rebekah, claiming that they are predators and don’t care – but Elena is smarter and coys her into talking more (Elena’s satisfied smirk.. love). We find out that vampirism was created as ‘protection’ rather than a ‘curse’. It was pride that got them there too.. and they were warned that this magic would breed consequence. Esther and Mikael were told that it would be the makings of a ‘plague’ and right she was [Ayeanna?]. But Mikael is having none of it – and BAM Esther created the curse in her ‘original-witch-ness’ (more jaw dropping).
I liked the way Rebekah explained how Esther turned them, “calling upon the sun for life and the ancient White Oak tree (one of nature’s eternal objects) for immortality” (her voice gave me shivers). And then – Mikael gave them wine laced with blood and drove his sword through their hearts (I jumped).

"Help me pick a prom dress bitch!"

Flashback again and we find out that Mikael forced Rebekah to drink blood to complete the ritual, and Klaus tried to stop him but failed. Rebekah explains that for “every strength there would be a weakness”; people could now keep them out; the flowers at the base of the White Oak burned and prevented compulsion and the spell decreed that the tree that gave them life could also take it away. But the darkest consequence was the hunger for blood.. OVERLOAD ON INFORMATION MUCH? I don’t think I breathed through her entire spiel. Just saying.

Claire Holt is brilliant.

We jump back to present day and Stefan is snacking on Callie in front of everyone. He asks Damon: “What’s the point of the jailbreak?” to which Damon replies: “Because I thought you needed a hug Stefan” (lol). And then suddenly – MIKAEL is there! In all of Sebastian Roche’s gloriousness. Epic.
Rebekah continues her story. We find out that Esther turned her back on Klaus, and Mikael went on a rampage and killed half the village. But shocker – Rebekah thinks that Mikael killed her mother, but actually it was Klaus – and he’s been lying to her this entire time because he didn’t want to be alone (naww…. ugh? I am torn).
Then there’s this super sweet family moment between Elijah, Rebekah and Klaus (linking hands, together forever). Rebekah explains to Elena that she still loves Klaus, because “he’s her brother and I’m immortal”. She shouldn’t spend an eternity alone! No no no.
[side note: Elena - you might want Klaus dead, but I surely don't]
And now Elena has Rebekah’s threat hovering over her – except that might change, with the revelation of Klaus’ lie.
Damon almost gets his heart ripped out by Mikael, except apparently Stefan can still care – since he saves Damon’s life AGAIN. And Mikael threatens Stefan with his own life if he doesn’t lure Klaus back to Mystic Falls.. Dum dum dum.
Ric, Bonnie and Elena are in the caves mulling over the stick figures, and then Elena pieces together the puzzle of Esther’s death.. and goes to tell Rebekah. (cue my heart breaking for her.. she looked so upset and lost).

"Yeah, I know I should have hugged her Damon."

P.S. Elena should have hugged her. Her whole world was just ripped apart. Why not give her a little cuddle? Tiny, minuscule even? Just saying.
Stefan tells Damon that he didn’t have a breakthrough, but I’m sorry Stefan – you did. And I would so punch Stefan after that statement too. Loved Paul Wesley laying on the ground gasping and chuckling though.
And then – my favourite part of the episode: the famous end Delena scene. Damon just doesn’t move from her bed, and I love that Elena gave up and climbed into bed next to him. They share a little moment where Elena talks about the “bond of family”. Elena: “I’m not mad at you for letting him out Damon. I think that you’re gonna be the one to save him for himself.” [soft sigh, pause] “It won’t be because he loves me, it’ll be because he loves you.” Naww. Think on that Damon.
Cue soft loving looks at Elena as she falls asleep. And that’s another episode wrapped!
So what did everyone else think? Were your minds blown as much as mine? Can’t wait for more of Rebekah? What do we think she’s gonna do once Klaus comes back? And really – is Mikael all that bad? He did lose his wife to his fake-son. Sound off in the comments below!


Oct 28,2011

Ghost World recap

Posted by Jayney with No Comments

Okay firstly: wow. Just wow. We were promised ghosts, drama, and more ghosts – and that’s what this episode delivered. TVD certainly does not disappoint.
The opening scene is eerily deja vu, as Damon put it. Here sits our hunk, Mas- oh. It’s Damon skewered to a chair, while Mason watches in the background. Damon thinks it’s Stefan who’s playing a “twisted ripper game”, but no. It’s ghost Mason – out for revenge! (Or so we think at first ;) )
We are introduced to Night of Illumination day, another founder’s celebration. Jeremy is chilling with Alaric and looking oh-so-hot, as usual. Oh but wait, there’s more. Ghost Anna is there and she’s happy to give ghostly quips and clasp Jeremy’s hand, while Ric and Elena stand there oblivious. Kinda creepy?
Bonnie and Caroline are having a D’n'M over Jeremy seeing Anna, and it’s obvious Bonnie is hurting (can you blame her? I mean, she freaking brings Jeremy BACK TO LIFE and he’s enjoying the spoils of life after death? Terrible boyfriend I tell you).

"Blondie. Witchy."

Damon rolls up in his Chevy looking gorgeously pissed off . I always chuckle at Damon’s witty remarks, but these few are going in the favourites vault: “Greetings blondie, witchy.” [cue Caroline and Bonnie's rolling eyes]. “Yeah well I don’t have time for vengeful Lockwood – when I kill someone, they’re supposed to stay dead.” [Caroline and Bonnie are miffed].
Elena, Ric and Jeremy are talking about “the other side” and Elena deems that Lexi is the only way to reach Stefan. Little Anna watches on (albeit very sad-looking). Matt promises he hasn’t seen Vicki, and wants no part of the ghostly business. Bonnie’s grimoire blows open to a spell that “reveals veiled matter”: basically code for “ghosts” (hoo boy). Back at the Grill table, Rippah Stefan rocks up and is sexier than ever. “Besides there’s going to be people everywhere tonight. So there’s going to be lots to eat”. LOL.
Bonnie and Caroline are on a mission to do the ‘revelation’ spell, but before I go into that:
JANNA MOMENT: Jeremy decides before it’s all over, he’s gonna pucker up and kiss Anna (he kissed a ghost? A DEAD ghost? I suppose I shouldn’t be grosed out, considering Elena’s been macking out with dead people since the beginning). Actually it was a super sweet moment. Lots of heart flutters. Steven McQueen is delicious.
Damon tries to convince Ric that Mason is back for revenge, and Ric’s still a tad angry at Damon for snapping his neck. Herein comes my favorite part of the episode: “Grams?” BAM. “Lexi?” SNAP. “God I miss whisky.” HELLO. “Told ya.” YEP.
Lexi is back and she’s BADASS. I actually yelped out loud when I saw her – and I was super excited that she was going to try bringing Stefan’s humanity back (though let’s face it… that wasn’t gonna happen).
Grams tells Bonnie she’s upset the balance of nature and she needs to set it right by destroying Elena’s necklace. Elena is crazy pissed at Anna and Jeremy for kissing, and rightly so. But that’s going to have to wait – Lexi grabs Elena and takes her on a “ripper detox 101: crash course”.

"Ya. I was so broody back then, no?"

Mason tells Damon (shocker!) he doesn’t want revenge, just an apology. And in order to get information about how to kill Klaus that’s just what Damon has to do (which he does… awkwardly). Mason accepts the apology with a laugh, and tells Damon to meet him at the old Lockwood Cellar with a shovel (curious?).
We cut to the old jail, where Stefan is tied to a chair and Lexi warns Elena that dragging Stefan’s humanity out of the depths of his soul won’t be pretty (funny that). Then she does some weird mind-control thing whereby Stefan’s veins start to pop out of his skin and he gargles in pain.
Meanwhile Damon joins Mason in the Lockwood cellar, and the two smash through a wall to “un-bury secrets”. Damon wonders if Mason is leading him into a trap, and I’ll admit – I thought he was too.
Lexi is still torturing Stefan and his snarky Rippah side is showing (as well as a cruel jab at Elena; UGH I cringed for her). Lexi reacts and tortures him further and explains to Elena that she “has to make him see past the blood”. Elena doesn’t take it so well, and has to bail.
Caroline is forced to tell Bonnie that Jeremy kissed Anna, but (always amazing) she steps up and tells Bonnie to power on!
Then MORE SHOCKERS. Some of the tomb vampires are back, and they are DEFINITELY out for revenge! The illumination lights are switched on and looky here – Tobias Fell has been strung to a tree, his guts spilling everywhere (yuck). Cue mad panic.
[note: I'm really hating on this 'unfinished business' crap. I wish ghosts would just find peace and leave]
After Elena comes up for air, she walks right into the middle of the madness (amazing shot here by the way – lights flashing behind Elena’s head. Brilliant cinematography in this show). Bonnie and Caroline still can’t find the necklace, and Caroline blames Anna (rightly so!). Jeremy believes her puppy dog eyes and Caroline tells him to wake up before he loses everything (damn straight!).
We jump back to Damon and Mason wandering through the caves and Damon gets a little more than poker-stabbed as chooses the opposite route to Mason’s suggestion (no my poor baby!). It appears as though Mason has left him and my heart literally stopped (who was gonna save him?!).

"I just wanted to be wit chu."

Back at the town square, Elena tries to snap some sense into Jeremy and lo and behold, Anna produces the necklace (yeah, I saw that coming).
Wonderfully, Mason is back and chops Damon free, and Damon can’t understand why. Mason tells him that all they do on the other side is watch people and regret decisions they’ve made (redemption not revenge!) and you can see that Damon is a tiny bit baffled (hopefully that draws some more of Damon’s soulful side out).
Caroline is on FIRE this episode. Rescuing Mrs Lockwood as well as keeping Bonnie together. What a babe.
Anna and Jeremy share a super-sad moment where Anna confesses she hasn’t been able to find her mum, and then she hands over the necklace. Meanwhile Lexi realises she’s almost out of time and tries to use the necklace as a way to lure Stefan’s humanity out. Stefan: “ironic then that it’s about to get blown into pieces” – isn’t it just?
Bonnie and Grams team up and cast their spell to destroy the necklace – and all the ghosts begin to disappear. The tomb vampires are the first to go, then Mason (before he gets to deliver an important message to Damon ARGH!), then Lexi (who passes on her fight to Elena), and then, saddest of them all – Anna. But not before she reunites with Pearl, and tears out-pour all around the world. Before Grams leaves she tells Bonnie she’s “the strongest of them all” and we are left with a sense that maybe everybody can move on now that all this ‘unfinished business’ has been taken care of (well… almost all of it).
Damon brings Ric into the cellar and expresses his trust towards him, and we all leave with a sense that their bromance is closer to being solved than it was before. I mean, could you really keep on hating that face? Really?
Elena tells Stefan she still hasn’t given up hope and that he can break through the compulsion if he fights for it – otherwise she’ll be gone forever (really love the use of “I won’t love a ghost for the rest of my life”; completely fitting and beautifully tragic).

It's ALIVE.

And then – SHOCK OF ALL SHOCKS: that necklace is alive! And Ric has walked in on a cave of – stick men? Huh? Oh wait, turns out it’s stories of the originals. Which we will find out about NEXT WEEK.
Once again, TVD delivers on a fabulous episode. My only qualms? No Delena moments, and Aunt Jenna didn’t come back [mega sad face]. What does everyone else think? Good episode? Favourite moments? Sound off below! :)


Apr 30,2010

1.20 Blood Brothers the reviews are in

Posted by Angela with No Comments

Ironically, this new piece of information also makes Damon more, well, human. Of course he’s bitter and angry. Katherine chose to turn his brother, and then that same brother caused Damon to live in a world in which Katherine does not exist or does not want him.     TVFANATIC

Let’s begin with the story of how the Salvatore Brothers were turned. As Stefan detoxed/starved himself, he flashed back to the night that Katherine and the other vampires were captured and supposedly burned in the church. He and Damon found the vampire paddy wagon, created a distraction, and tried to free Katherine. Damon was shot, then Stefan. Both died. How did they become undead then? Well, Katherine had Emily make the brothers rings to protect them, and she’d been using compulsion to make Stefan drink from her for weeks. He died with her blood in his system, as did Damon, who we already knew drank from her willingly. Ever since we saw Vicki have to make the choice of whether to feed on human blood to complete the transformation or starve to death, I wondered how each brother made that decision. The guilt of choosing immortality is what made Stefan want to go hungry now. “No more. After what I’ve done, it has to end,” he told Elena. “I just want it over.”     POPWATCH