Similar to episodes involving flashbacks to the “Reign of Katherine” era, Thursday’s Vampire Diaries, featuring epic ballroom setting, was pure pleasure. Circular storylines were made up for with lavish gowns, while weak characters were replaced with Klaus and his family of original vampires. Add on a few unexpected hook-ups and we had an all-around solid episode.
Although I’m sure next episode will revert back to the dullness that has surrounded most of the season, Thursday’s instalment reminded us of the formula that works for a show like Vampire Diaries – and what made it special in the first place.
The scene
If Mystic Falls were a real place, it would hold some sort of world record for number of formal balls hosted within city limits. It’s totally ridiculous, but it definitely makes for an entertaining atmosphere. (Who doesn’t love the already-gorgeous cast decked out in Cinderella-style frocks and tuxes?) Along with fancy drinks, dress and décor also comes old-world charm and manners. Care for a dance, good sir?
Vampire mystique
Screw hybrid armies and werewolves, vampires alone add the sizzle to this show. This episode featured Klaus, his siblings (who hosted the ball) and their recently returned witch mother, Esther, keeping secrets from each other and everyone else. They act like they’re better than everyone else, and they kind of are.
Unexpected plot twist!
I hate when twists are no longer twists because every single possible thing on the show has become predictable. In the case of Esther wanting Klaus dead, I wasn’t surprised. Finding out she fully intends on killing all her kids and has no remorse about it? That was unexpected. (Of course, the secret plan required Elena’s help/blood donation and it probably won’t end up happening … but even the possibility of a twist is enough at this point.)
New hook-ups
Even though the scene was set for Klaus and Caroline when he saved her life a few episodes back, their potential romance was left untouched until now. Finally Klaus began to pursue Caroline again, wooing her with jewels and a gown and charming her with his sad stories and artistic abilities. (Whether she was charmed or not, I totally was. I’m finally seeing why fellow TV Guide writer Alexis McLaren has been crushing on him for so long.) With Tyler still on Caroline’s mind, we can only hope that Klaus will continue being up for the challenge of winning her heart.
While I couldn’t possibly be a bigger fan of Damon and Elena being together, I can flat-out admit that the Rebekah and Damon’s sex scene was HOT. The back-and-forth strength and dominance, the clothes ripping, the fast-paced vampire moves … it’s a situation only two vamps could possibly do justice. Rebekah and Damon both faced rejection this episode, so I’m all for a little fling to make them both feel better.
Absence of witches
Aside from a few old-school witch concoctions being brewed up by Esther, there were absolutely no witches this episode. I try to like Bonnie’s character, I really do. But I strongly dislike her storylines, I don’t believe her acting and I find that every character she comes in contact with gets brought down.
With the introduction of Bonnie’s mother in recent episodes (who is equally, if not more, uninspiring to watch), I don’t see any positive changes in the near future. Frankly, an episode without Bonnie is automatically enjoyable.
What was your favorite match-up of the episode? Which characters would you like to see more of? Which do you wish would just disappear? Share your thoughts below.
The Vampire Diaries airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on CTV Two/CW.
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