The Vampire Diaries 2 x 13 Daddy Issues
SQUEEEE !!!!!
Such is the awesomeness of The Vampire Diaries and a certain Ian Somerhalder!!! Both reduced me to that one-word review of this episode. How is it that Ian just gets more breath-taking, completely irresistable, and utterly god-like every time I see him on my screen????? Every single episode should feature him wet, naked, insanely sexy, sizzling, gorgeous, naked, wet (uh, wait, I said that already ;o) .
The ultimate great stuff in this episode included the several Delena moments filled with delicious chemistry and tons of subtext, Miss Caroline Forbes and the amazing growth she's had so far, and the girlfriends reuniting.
There were so many good things in this episode, that it's hard to know where to start. So, here are some random things ...
Caroline and Tyler had good chemistry in their opening scene, but can't hold a candle to her and Stefan.
Stefan and Damon were interesting in their exchange. I loved the way Damon subtlely threatened Stefan's "hero" position with that typical mix of sarcasm and truth.
Bonnie and Jeremy were cute and coupley :o)
The quick pace of this episode was great.
I loved Jeremy's transformation as soon as he sees Bonnie. He was so grown up when he asked "Is there a problem here?"
Jenna is just clueless but adorable in her oblivion. I felt for Alaric though, having to keep secrets from her.
The vampire werewolf fight was all kinds of awesome. So great to see kick-ass Damon back!!!
So, lets talk about the great character, Caroline Forbes. She has been through so very much this season with amazing growth. I love that she has become this strong, determined woman. It was agony watching her get tortured in this episode. I was screaming at Tyler when he hesitated too long before opening that cage. I mean, seriously, she risked her life to stay with him during his first turn, and he has to think about setting her free??? Seriously??? Then he stands there while Jules is about to kill her??? Dick Move.
She blew me away in that moment with Stefan, after suffering through all that, and having Jules pointing a gun at her head, when she poignantly tells him that she is fine and is not "girlie, little" Caroline anymore. She sure as hell isn't. I love that she knows this without being over-confident. That scene was touching and Stefan's affirmation of her being able to handle herself was heartfelt. It was also sweet of him to enlist the help of Elena and Bonnie to give Caroline the support she wanted (not neccesarily needed). I love that this show demonstrates that wanting your friends around is not a sign of weakness.
Another example of her strength of character was her telling Tyler off. It was awesome to see her stand up for herself (as she'd not done as a human). You go, girl!! Way to explain to Tyler what a true friend does.
Moving onto my favorite (as you all know) topic - Damon & Elena. This episode had several moments, but what makes me happiest is the overall shift in the way Elena sees Damon now.
She seemed more naturally open to him in their first scene. Her quickly filling him in on what's going on with her, without thinking about it first was refreshing. I love that Damon reads more from her facial expressions that he does from her words. Plus, Damon actually saying out loud that he's the good guy now, was just cool. As was the fact that she took him seriously, despite the sarcasm in his voice.
Their scenes at The Bar & Grill were all kinds of awesome. Damon's quick-witted "But stupid's much more fun" had me laughing out loud. But how quickly he changes his demeanor (& answer) when Elena asks him to be the better man (accompanied by the sweetest look - awww). The second part of the scene had my shipper heart jumping up and down. Elena being aware of Andie flirting with Damon is a great first step for her. Another emotion flickered across her expression while looking at them, but I can't put a name to it. That look they shared after he says, 'Trust me, it's in the best interest of women everywhere" was intriguing and held for just long enough to suggest something more. Finally, the part in the bathroom was delightfully revealing. Elena's confused look and her quick withdrawal of her hands said that touching him is what he wants her to stop doing. That coupled with her pause after his "because it's you who's asking" comment, give me hope that awareness is slowly seeping into Elena's psyche. The tension when John walks in is so thick, you could cut it with a knife and Damon couldn't re-establish direct, intense eye contact fast enough.
Add to all of that, that Elena said the words, "I'm coming with you" to Damon not once, but twice in this episode and you'll see why this episode gave me renewed hope for the Delena journey :o).
More random thoughts:
Show gave us several tidbits - Originals can be killed (or so John says), lycanthropes can sense when they are being lied to, all the vampires are drinking vervain (meaning any and all "rules" can be bent in Mystic Falls)
I loved that there was sunlight in this episode. It's nice to see the characters outside for a change.
It was nice to see Katherine. She's been missing for a few episodes.
Her and John???? Not sure what to make of that.
Nina's hair was cute, but something made me think it was a hairpiece (not sure why).
Ugh - Stefan & Elena's mouthed "I love you" during the girls group hug ruined it for me. It was a girlfriend bonding moment, not a SE one!!
I very much enjoyed Damon with Andie Star, Action News!!. All those suds and naked, wet, Damon was very enjoyable and his chemistry with her was good. I love that she is a distraction for him and that he really just wants someone to share his turmoil with, and then compell it away. It spoke volumes that what he really needed to talk about was Elena. It makes sense to me that his primary motivation in stepping away from her is ultimately his belief that she deserves a "good" man. He is soooo torn at wanting to become that man (by embacing his humanity), but so afraid that she'll never be honest enough with herself to see that she loves him.
Loved, loved, loved the concept that love changes people and that maybe this is who he is now. Quickly followed by shivers at Damon feeding on her. What a tangled web we weave ...