Rage, rage against this fucking show.

[dante_kent]

So I've literally just finished the episode. I'm not sure I've ever been so angry at this show (and I've been very, very angry before). It seems like from the look of my flist I am not alone in this. Which makes me love my flist, btw. And hate this show. So, so much.

Comments

[circelily]

I think it was a mean trick of the show to splice the Delena consummation with the bile of Caroline convincing Stefan that sirebonding was in play.

But, to its credit the episode bent over backwards to debunk the notion that the Elena's desire was compelled on her by mirroring not one but the two of the most iconic romance steps - Mystic Falls dance and motel making out.

That sirebonding would be central to the season 4 plot, particularly Elena and Damon interaction has been signalled from the first scene of 4.1, where it was stressed that Damon's blood turned her. Plus those pretty lacey promo portraits with the tag lines "Bound by Blood" and "Blood is Guilt."

The clever thing that sirebonding gives them is doubt. It's not some feelings aren't real and some decisions aren't self-initiated but that it is impossible for Elena and Damon to be certain about which is which. But one way this could be played is that it forces Elena to get angry and explicit about self-actualisation in a way she's never addressed, because she never had cause to doubt her own agency.

Or it could be pants. But I think the writers have been braver and smarter this year so far, and might even grasp this as an opportunity to get layered character growth by foregrounding a barrier to fight against...

[dante_kent]

You're not wrong. While I don't love the sire bond idea, I can handle it. What I really cannot tolerate is the presentation. I will never really be ok with how they filmed this gorgeous scene that sang of mutual pleasure and feeling and equality - and then ruined it by simultaneously casting a cloud of dubious consent over it. I think that's offensive and dangerous, and no matter how much I know it'll turn out alright, the damage has already been done.

But one way this could be played is that it forces Elena to get angry and explicit about self-actualisation in a way she's never addressed, because she never had cause to doubt her own agency.

Ooh, this could be very interesting. There are a few ways in which I might be able to enjoy this sire bond storyline. But the writers need to be very, very careful.

Honestly, I tend to be more with you on the positive side. I'm usually all for giving the writers the benefit of the doubt. If they've earned anything, it's my faith in them and their handling of the D/E storyline. I'm not worried that this will eventually work out. I never was. I just don't think I'll ever be able to shake this belief that the writers made a mistake by cutting that scene the way they did.

But whatever. I'm beyond excited for morning after sex. I regret nothing.