THE VAMPIRE DIARIES: The Night of the Comet
September 18, 2009 by SB
And here you thought it was just going to be a love story.
Talk about dark and brooding…and a little scary. While last week’s premiere episode did it’s job of introducing to the inhabitants of Mystic Falls, and drawing us in to the potential romance of Stefan and Elena, this week was all about the seemingly infinite power of Damon Salvatore. Talk about a pain in the ass older brother. Or should I say pain in the neck?
Besides being mesmerized Damon, last night’s episode also was effective in setting up important storylines that will likely to continue through this first season – Aunt Jenna’s insecurities about raising Jeremy and Elena, as well as Jeremy’s obvious issues with how he deals (or doesn’t deal) with his personal issues. That, and oh, you know…all these high school girls being attacked my a vicious vampire.
Apparently this town likes its parties and I can actually kind of identify with that, having grown up in a small town myself where everyone was in the same place on Friday night, especially if there was a high school sporting event or some kind of thing going on, so I guess the comet would count, especially if legend tells you that it brings sexy, sexy vampires to your town. Shoot, I’d head outside right this second.
A lot of things were coming together this week and a lot of characters were crossing paths with Stefan, Damon, Vicki, Matt, and Jeremy. I thought all those actors did a good job this week—Jeremy does that hurt puppy look SO well, and he’s so cute too when he’s trying to be sweet to Vicki. Likewise, Matt is good at conveying a lot of emotion with his face, Damon is perfectly snarky, and Stefan is perfectly intense while still seeming appropriately worn out.
Gotta say, though, the big winner (and surprise) for me this week was Vicki, who I really wasn’t that taken with last week. She just seemed so grumpy and one-note. This week, she continues to not have any parents AND to have the most beautiful post-attack victim hospital patient hair I’ve ever seen. But I don’t know—she showed a lot more range this week. For one thing, she was AMAZING at acting scared—someone should seriously give her the lead in a horror movie right now. And for another, when she kind of started liking Jeremy, after finding out he rescued her from the woods, she was really cute. And then she did that drug haze thing pretty smoothly too. I think she’s going to keep growing on me.
My favorite thing about this episode was most definitely the vampire action. There were times when Damon went into scary vampire mode that I was actually, legitimately SCARED. That’s pretty impressive, especially for a CW show (although I would argue that the CW sometimes gets away with things that the big three can’t or won’t, and as a result has some pretty good stuff going on, including scary shows). And actually, Damon is kind of making this story for me right now. And I don’t mean that he’s making the entire show—I actually think there’s a lot of good acting, good chemistry, and decent writing going on. But without Damon, this show would be “Twilight” right now, what with the shy little love story and whatnot, you know? And not that it would always be that, either, but especially right now in the beginning, he’s the differentiating factor and I love him. When Elena said Stefan didn’t tell her he had a brother and Damon said Stefan doesn’t like to brag? Priceless.
But what really sealed the deal for me, more than even the attacks and snark and general awesomeness he brings to the table, was the scene on the roof with Vicki. It was just so DEVIOUS to overpower Stefan and make Vicki think that Stefan was her actual attacker, and then leave him with the choice of killing her or being killed himself, or drinking her blood to get strong enough to convince her of the animal attack. When that happened, I was just like … whoa. It was good stuff. And I like how they’re taking a route of revealing mythology in bits and pieces rather than beating us over the head with it, or having some contrived conversation between Damon and Stefan about what they can and can’t do, or any other method that would read like a laundry list of vampire powers. It’s going really well so far. I really like this show.
The brooding, the angst aside, and the biting aside, tonight brought us some big smoochage. Elena and Stefan lip locked and it was hot. They’ve progressed from stolen glances rather quickly but I’m ok with it. Will they continue to song and dance it or will these be together (well, at least for the short term, this is a Kevin Williamson show).
It occurred to me last night that The CW has really turned Thursday nights into bro nights, between the Salvatores and the Winchesters. Obviously very different relationships, but so fascinating nonetheless and it’s nice to sometimes get to watch relationships that aren’t romantic play out. And they are SO good at being old vampire brothers who hate each other. When Damon said, “Hello, Stefan,” without taking his eyes off of Elena, and Stefan gave him that evil death glare, that was intense, man!
Two episodes down and I want more, more more. THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is hands down my new guilty pleasure show, and Stefan, my new TV boyfriend (at least until Casey comes back on “Chuck”). The best part? I don’t even have to feel bad about it because he’s 27 (I only checked in the name of recapping, I SWEAR!). It’s funny too, because I usually find myself attracted to the villain on TV shows—Sylar on Heroes, Lex Luthor on Smallville (it’s possible that I call him Sex Luthor), and even now I think Damon is totally hot and I love him, but good god the smoldering looks, people! I mean, I know that people think that Edward Cullen/Rob Pattinson is the go-to smoldering looks guy, but no. THIS is how it’s done. Whew!
What did you think of this episode? Did you like it more or less than the pilot? Are any of the supporting characters jumping out at you yet? What do you think of how the vampire effects are done? What are your feelings on the acting/writing/music/look of the show? And for our resident experts, would you say the show is better, worse, or pretty close to the book? And was the teenage population accurately written? And feel free to come up with your own topics too, because as Elena said, “We met, we talked, and it was epic …” That’s SO us, you guys!
SB has many interests, including photography, her pets, entertainment, traveling and writing. She does have a day job, but that mostly amounts to her being a sarcastic young woman with a lot of time on her hands, which is why she appreciates the opportunity to recap.
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LOL “Sex Luthor” love it…
Ooh … this episode was a good one! That rooftop scene? Amazing! I’m kind of developing a crush on Damon too. Sure, Stefan has the broody, sweet, but tortured appeal (kind of like Angel), but Damon is EVIL, and he’s got amazing hair!
I’m liking the characters more with this episode, because as I said before, the premiere didn’t really grab me. It was entertaining, and I liked the people, but it wasn’t like other pilot episodes where I was hooked from the start. Agreed, that Vicki had more heart in this ep, and I really enjoyed her, as well as poor Jeremy and his pining over her.
Can I also say that I literally jumped up and danced around a bit, and maybe cried a few tears when the beginning bars of Sara Bareilles “Gravity” played near the end? Yeah, once a SYTYCD fan, always a SYTYCD fan! Great choice of song, though, as I know all the lyrics by heart and think they are incredibly fitting for this program.
Off to watch Supernatural now (I know, bad girl! I was busy last night organizing a photoshoot for my parents’ dog, and wasn’t home to watch ANY of my Thursday night programs! So thank goodness for days of work like today, so I can play catch up! Cas is calling…).
Yeah, I liked the episode, but I still think this show has some major flaws.
1. The dialog is very uneven. I really liked the parts between Stefan and Damon, but the dialog between Stefan and Elena I find pretty bad, most of the times. Wich leads to my other major problem
2. I don’t like Elena. It’s not like I hate her, but I can’t really like her either. I don’t know if it’s the actress or how the character i written, I can like her.
But Stefan is growing on me (though I still prefer Robert Pattinson), and Damon just becomes more and more awesome. Also the score for this show is really good. We had Raconteurs in the two episodes, and now Gravity, I love to hear my favorite songs in shows.
Yeah, I liked the episode, but I still think this show has some major flaws.
1. The dialog is very uneven. I really liked the parts between Stefan and Damon, but the dialog between Stefan and Elena I find pretty bad, most of the time. Wich leads to my other major problem
2. I don’t like Elena. It’s not like I hate her, but I can’t really like her either. I don’t know if it’s the actress or how the character i written, I can like her.
But Stefan is growing on me (though I still prefer Robert Pattinson), and Damon just becomes more and more awesome. Also the score for this show is really good. We had Raconteurs in the two episodes, and now Gravity, I love to hear my favorite songs in shows.
I feel you, Kimber–Supernatural is still waiting for me and it’s my favorite. Last night was just too full, and boyfriend wanted to watch the NBC comedies. After him sitting through TVD, it’s not like I could deny him (nor was watching NBC anything but awesome of course!).
I did like Damon’s hair more this episode, and I wasn’t sure I would. And I understand about not being immediately hooked. I was immediately hooked in that Stefan is OMG so F-ing hot, and in a way that just kind of shocked me, since I’d seen pictures and was kind of meh, and in that it all felt real familiar, I think mostly due to the Dawson’s Creek factor, so it was like catching up with an old friend you haven’t seen in ten years.
Julia, I agree with you on the dialogue, actually. The Stefan and Elena thing CAN be a little heavy-handed, but it’s kind of one of those things that I’ll overlook because a.) it’s a show full of vampire angst, or fangst, as I like to call it, and b.) teenage romance can sort of be that way, all melodramatic and whatnot (sorry teenagers, but I’m speaking from experience here). My more pressing concern is with some of Damon’s dialogue. I think IS does the best possible job with it, and I think most of it’s good, but it’s hard sometimes when you go from great lines (“he doesn’t like to brag”) to sometimes mediocre, stilted, or not-as-funny-as-they-were-intended lines. If you’re going to bring the smart-ass, you’ve gotta bring it consistently (see: Dean Winchester). That’s one of those things though that I really think will even out over time as the writers get to know the characters better.
And I can kind of see it on Elena, too. I don’t think I feel as strongly about it as you do, and I definitely think she has her really good (and her kind of awkward) moments, but in general, I see her mostly as a device to get us to other places. And the whole lecturing Jeremy thing has got to go–it just grates. Hopefully Jenna can take over that role because it doesn’t matter if we like her or not, whereas not liking a leading lady can kill a show for you (i.e., I hated Anna Torv so much I just couldn’t stick with Fringe, even though I know it’s probably a really good show). Although I do like that Elena has more personality than Bella (because again, the comparison has to be made). But I really want them to do something with her that makes me love her as much as I loved Joey Potter, you know?
There were tons of things I liked about this ep, and quite a few things that I didn’t, but overall I was surprised at how quickly the show went by and how much I enjoyed it. The number one thing I LOVED was the Sara Bareilles song. I’m with you Kimber — I might have welled up a little, and I rarely if ever cry at TV. I’m a huge SYTYCD nerd, and the Kayla-Kupono addiction dance to “Gravity” goes down in my top 3 routines ever on the show, and the only one that can make me cry. Just hearing the music (like on TVD) is enough to do me in! And speaking of music, this is the second ep in a row to feature Mat Kearney! Love him!
I’m also with you guys on the awkwardness of some of the dialogue. Hopefully that will all get ironed out in time. I also am not super into the “Dear Diary” parts. I get that the show’s based on the books, and it’s called “The Vampire Diaries,” but it’s so cliche to me when the two love interests are having the same thoughts at [insert heavy sarcasm] OMG the exact same time!
I’m liking most of the supporting characters. There’s no one standing out as too terribly awful or grating, so that’s good. I like Bonnie and think she will be a cool plot device in the future.
Sigh… now we come to the part I’m having the most trouble with: Damon. Believe me, I WANT to love him, but I just don’t. I love me some Ian Somerholder, so it’s not that. In fact, I don’t know exactly what it is, but I don’t like Damon. At all. The character is just so… hammy, I guess you could say. Plus I’m already having issues with Stefan and Damon’s relationship. I absolutely don’t believe that Stefan wouldn’t have more to say about Damon going around killing people right and left. I know there’s tons of backstory there (and I’m looking forward to seeing it), and Damon is trying to force Stefan back into the “proper” vampire lifestyle, and Stefan isn’t powerful enough to fight Damon, but come on! I’m not buying it yet.
All that being said, I’m finding the show to still be thoroughly enjoyable, and I’m already looking forward to the next ep!
I haven’t watched yet, but I’m lurking on the recaps to see if I should start. I have to say, I might just catch up this week on the first two. I’m intrigued, especially because of the “genuinely scary” thing. I like scary! Also, with the mention of weekly parties, it kind of sounds like The O.C. with vampires which could be awesome.
SB, I died when I saw your “I checked for his age for the recap only” comment. How sad is it that the older I get, the more frequently I find myself doing what I call the “Am I a perv?” search to make sure I’m not lusting after some really cute 17 year old. Has anyone watched 10 Things I Hate About You? I checked imdb before the first episode ended, people. Sad.
(BTW, since most of you will probably be reading the Supernatural recap too, know that its on its way – I was late handing in my homework today; sorry guys!).
Nicole, you reminded me that I was going to comment on SB’s comment re: checking IMDb for ages thing too! I do that ALL the time! When I’m at work, I luck out because there’s a dictionary application that’s pretty much a link to Wikipedia, and I always see ages there, too. I always find it funny that I’ve grown up with TV, but when I was 12 and watching, I’d be lusting after 30 – 40 year old guys and gals. And now that I’m … ahem … significantly older than 12 … I have to check, too, to make sure it’s not an ILLEGAL crush I have! (Although sometimes it is! I won’t lie!).
Haha Kimber! I’m so glad I’m not alone in this.
As you pointed out, what stands out is the surprisingly Supernatural-esque gruesome vampire scenes, creepy transformed vampire look, as well as Damon’s threat level to the characters in what otherwise feels like another CW soap (onetreehill, melroseplace,…). If they keep up the cool stuff, this will probably become my next CW guilty pleasure like Gossip Girl.
I’m really enjoying this show. I almost died when I heard “Gravity” because I LOVED the addiction dance from SYTYCD. There’s really no one who bothers me on the show and Damon is soo hot! Stephan is too bad to look at either haha. I was scared during the creepy vampire parts lol but in a good way. I’m exited for next week!
You guys, I’m so excited to be back for the discussion! I’ve been moving all weekend and I don’t have internet in my house yet–or cable! Yikes! Not to fear, though, I’ve got my TV watching schedule prepared and ready for this week so I can keep on recappin’ on!
Kelly, I can see what you mean about Damon. And I can see what you mean about hammy … yeah, a little bit. I think some of that is a writing problem, though–I think he’s doing the best he can with what he’s got, but I’m still hoping it evens out over time. This was essentially Damon’s first episode, since he didn’t show up until the last 15-20 minutes of the first episode. I actually do like Damon, and I like Ian Somerhalder AS Damon, but at the moment, I’d say that more than anything I like the IDEA of Damon and what he brings to the story (so basically echoing exactly what Jane said). 🙂
Nicole, you’ve GOTTA start watching it with us. The scary vampire parts are shockingly well done, and it’s Dawson’s Creek: Vampires! What the eff is not to love, right? Just make it a total CW night. 🙂 Or yes, The OC, but I never saw that show (I know, for shame!).
Actually, sadly, I was checking the IMDB age to see if he was over 30. LOL! I knew there wasn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that he was underage. I actually don’t find myself with younger man crushes very often, but I know a lot of my friends had to perv search Jacob Black. Maybe it’s because I read so much celebrity gossip, Perez Hilton and the like–I always know right away how old someone is before I decide whether or not to have a crush on them. Of course, I also had a crush on Robert Redford when I was a teenager (which was only like 10 years ago, so he was plenty old then), so I might skew the other way. But it’s all the circle of life anyway, since the younger they get and the older they get, the more likely they are to be in diapers.
Jane, I think you and I are totally on the same page for the scary vampire love. I’m just so surprised at how well-done those parts are. The eyes are really, really cool, and whatever they don’t show manages a very Hitchcockian effect.
Man Alison, no doubt. The eye candy on the CW is out of this world.
ok, I was one to knock this Show. but i mustr admit, the second episode was good. Really good! Still hasnt left a huige impression in the dialogue department but the plotlines are at least interesting. The show is fun. Just hope they keep this pace and even improve on it (and never get as bad as the first episode was…my god)
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