So far so good.
I know we’re only two episodes in, but I still feel like TVD is going to have a solid season – one that wipes the horrible taste that season four left in my mouth. It helps that the show’s tone is more on point than it’s been in a while; True Lies was equal parts thrilling and amusing.
Katharine is a big reason why this episode is such a success. I definitely spoke too soon last week when I wondered if she would become whiny Elena 2.0 now that she’s human, because a wounded and flu-infected Katherine is the most hilarious thing of all time. And yet, Dobrev is doing a wonderful job of imbuing her with just the right dose of humanity; I particularly loved her little bonding moments with Jeremy which eventually culminated with her coming to his rescue (with a shotgun no less). It felt like a very earned moment, and it did wonders for the character’s growth. Bravo.
Silas continues to be a zillion times more effective than he was last year. I’m really enjoying him messing with the entire cast with his mind control (and all round evilness). The highlight was of course him compelling Elena which turned a mini-makeout session into a full-on assassination attempt. And how did Damon solve this predicament? He made Elena transfer her emotions to Stefan. It made me a bit uncomfortable, but I guess the love triangle will never truly leave the show which is unfortunate (I’m a Delena supporter by far).
Plus we’ve got a new complication that should prove awesome: Nadia – the gypsy/traveler who put the whammy on Matt last week – jumping on to Silas’ team. Something tells me these two are going to be causing quite a bit of trouble going forward. Goody.
Bits & Bites
– A gem of a scene: Katherine punching the random woman who tried to grab her on the street. Naturally, she hurt her wrist.
– Hilarious moment: Katharine realizing she’s “the freakin’ moonstone.”
– So I take it Caroline and Jesse will be hooking up soon? I definitely prefer him to the useless and irritating charisma-vacuum that was Tyler.
– Did anyone else find Damon spitting holy water on Elena hilarious?
– Matt bonding with Bonnie on “the other side” was a different kind of dynamic. I still find the latter to be immensely boring though. Die! (for good I mean).
– I’m not quite sure what to make of Elena’s new professor. I do hope he won’t be another love interest (since she did him “hot”).
– That final makeout session between Damon and Elena in broad daylight was pretty intense. Are we sure Dobrev and Ian broke up?
– Stefan’s not in the coffin. Hmm…
Vampy Zingers
Woman: You look just like Elena Gilbert.
Katherine: Actually, I’m much prettier.
Damon: Please tell me you found her.
Jeremy: I didn’t, but Matt did.
Damon: Oh. How shockingly useful.
Damon: How exactly did the Gilbert-Donavon brain-trust put all that together?
Caroline: Damon, towel. Knock!
Damon: Caroline, no one cares, no!
Katherine: How do you think I survived 500 years? It wasn’t because I was a vampire; it’s because I never looked back. Don’t be dumb. Survive.
Jeremy: That’s why people treat you like an object and not like a person.
Jeremy: I on the other hand am a hunter. Plus I work out.
Must-Download Tunes
This Moment Now by Tyrone Wells
Don’t Deserve You by Plumb
Conclusion
Action packed and frequently hilarious, True Lies is a fantastic hour of The Vampire Diaries.
Nad Rating
B+