The Sun Also Rises
So, this week's Vampire Diaries felt a bit slow to me. Probably because it was all very predictable. Jenna was kind of pathetic. Bonnie was badass. Stephan tried to sacrifice himself to make Elena feel better. Elena was distressed by everyone else's choices. My general feelings haven't changed.
However, I discovered a great observation at arabian's LJ. The reason I'm not crazy about Klaus is because he doesn't have charisma. He's got the hungry, villainous look down, but there's no real power behind it apart from what the other actors are able to impart to him in their movements and dialogue. Damon has a powerful draw, and so do Elijah and Uncle John. They give the impression that they're standing up tall, filling the room, stretching their influence outward. Klaus gives me the impression of a rat just crawled out of hiding. He's malevolent and selfish, but he has nothing more than physical advantage and diabolical schemes. He slinks out of the shadows just long enough to strike a deadly blow, because he's not powerful enough to stand in the open and take it head on. That's my impression, anyway.
Moving on, there were three things that got me excited this episode.
1) Matt. For once, a human is talking sense and making a difficult, but rational, choice that has nothing to do with fixing everything or protecting someone or sacrificing oneself. It was really refreshing. Maybe eventually he'll get drawn in and find his place in the supernatural world, but I kind of hope not. I like him as he is, and I think he could do really well - even in Mystic Falls - as an extraordinary average Joe. It's nice to think that someone there is normal, even knowing about vampires and werewolves.
2) Tyler and Caroline. I love their friendship. They're the vamp/werewolf newbies, and they've developed this awesome bond because they understand what the other is going through. It could go romantic and I would be happy; it could grow as a friendship and I would be happy. I just love the sweetness that they infuse into this overly dark and dramatic show. Caroline grabbed my heart long ago, and she's so incredible that she makes everyone she touches glow. Tyler, Stephan, Matt, and even Bonnie have benefited from her spunk. Matt's tragic upbringing and abandonment was lightened by her. Stephan smiles - and even chuckles - when she's around. Tyler is no longer a jackass because of her. And Bonnie is best when she's in girl-bonding slumber-party mode. Caroline makes being a vampire look normal and fun, and she's the youngest of them all.
3) Stephan and Damon. The final scene when Damon tells his brother that he's basically a dead un-dead walking made me SQUEE I tell you! Actually SQUEE! For all that he's "hated" his brother, Stephan loves Damon and has come to actually like him even thought they're in love with the same girl. Stephan couldn't imagine living forever without his older brother 145 years ago, and he can't now. His stricken look was precious! And Damon's playing all tough, shrugging it off - actually tugging his wounded arm out of Stephan's hands - and trying to set things right for Elena. I have my fingers crossed for next week's episode. If he tries to force another kiss on her, I'll scream. Please, writers! Please! Give me something good!
However, I discovered a great observation at arabian's LJ. The reason I'm not crazy about Klaus is because he doesn't have charisma. He's got the hungry, villainous look down, but there's no real power behind it apart from what the other actors are able to impart to him in their movements and dialogue. Damon has a powerful draw, and so do Elijah and Uncle John. They give the impression that they're standing up tall, filling the room, stretching their influence outward. Klaus gives me the impression of a rat just crawled out of hiding. He's malevolent and selfish, but he has nothing more than physical advantage and diabolical schemes. He slinks out of the shadows just long enough to strike a deadly blow, because he's not powerful enough to stand in the open and take it head on. That's my impression, anyway.
Moving on, there were three things that got me excited this episode.
1) Matt. For once, a human is talking sense and making a difficult, but rational, choice that has nothing to do with fixing everything or protecting someone or sacrificing oneself. It was really refreshing. Maybe eventually he'll get drawn in and find his place in the supernatural world, but I kind of hope not. I like him as he is, and I think he could do really well - even in Mystic Falls - as an extraordinary average Joe. It's nice to think that someone there is normal, even knowing about vampires and werewolves.
2) Tyler and Caroline. I love their friendship. They're the vamp/werewolf newbies, and they've developed this awesome bond because they understand what the other is going through. It could go romantic and I would be happy; it could grow as a friendship and I would be happy. I just love the sweetness that they infuse into this overly dark and dramatic show. Caroline grabbed my heart long ago, and she's so incredible that she makes everyone she touches glow. Tyler, Stephan, Matt, and even Bonnie have benefited from her spunk. Matt's tragic upbringing and abandonment was lightened by her. Stephan smiles - and even chuckles - when she's around. Tyler is no longer a jackass because of her. And Bonnie is best when she's in girl-bonding slumber-party mode. Caroline makes being a vampire look normal and fun, and she's the youngest of them all.
3) Stephan and Damon. The final scene when Damon tells his brother that he's basically a dead un-dead walking made me SQUEE I tell you! Actually SQUEE! For all that he's "hated" his brother, Stephan loves Damon and has come to actually like him even thought they're in love with the same girl. Stephan couldn't imagine living forever without his older brother 145 years ago, and he can't now. His stricken look was precious! And Damon's playing all tough, shrugging it off - actually tugging his wounded arm out of Stephan's hands - and trying to set things right for Elena. I have my fingers crossed for next week's episode. If he tries to force another kiss on her, I'll scream. Please, writers! Please! Give me something good!