The Vampire Dairies "162 Candles": We Used To Be Friends
So, having reviewed Damon’s actions this episode you can look at the following in one of these two ways:
- That Kevin Williamson plans to idolize Stefan as the classical hero, and while not pushing Damon into a corner, treating him as a one-dimensional villain.
- That the justification for Damon’s actions will indeed be explained, that his brutality stems from pain, resentment for others in general, and unbearable suffering.
My problem with my second theory, though supported in numerous interviews, is that while as viewers we are continually promised more back-story on Damon’s past, his tumultuous relationship with Katherine, and his feud with Stefan, we are never actually shown it. In episode 6 of “Lost Girls” it was only Stefan’s back-story, and while it pains me to say this, the only reason that viewers can seem to emphasize with Damon, in my opinion, is because Ian Soerhalder is a fucking incredible actor. He conveys everything in his eyes, almost so that we need no explanation for why he does what he does. But when Damon performs heinous acts like the ones he carried out this episode, we need an explanation. Which is why I am actually leaning towards my very first theory, and I DO NOT want Kevin Williamson developing into an Alan Ball. (For those of you True Blood fanatics and Erik fangirls, you know what I mean.)
The scene at the end of the episode where Stefan, in a particularly uncharacteristic style, went from mournful over Lexie’s death to vengeful in .36 seconds, going to totally bust a cap on Damon’s ass. However, this moment made for one of the best in the series so far. Stefan stakes Damon, but spares him, saying that since Damon saved his life, they are even. This made absolute sense because:
A) Damon can’t die.
B) Damon is pretty.
C) Damon has some of the best one liner’s on T.V. right now.
D) The show must go on.
E) Damon is the show.
F) THE VAMPIRE DIARIES WOULD BE OVER IS DAMON CEASED TO EXIST.
Fin.