[review] the vampire diaries seasons one & two

[krickets]

Dear Amazon,

I want my life back.

So I have pretty much done nothing these past five days but watch The Vampire Diaries and work. And I haven't even gone to bed too late most nights. I mean, considering the sheer volume of CW fodder I have inhaled over the past 5 days. Mostly all within normal "business" hours, thank you very much.



Number one, this re-watch has made me more curious about the mythology. I have always appreciated the mythology on this show, but generally speaking it was in an "in one ear and out the other" sort of way. But now that I've re-watched the entire series. (The entire series!) I have had a major refresher course. And I gotta say, they've done a great job. I'm even doing "homework."

For example, Vervain and Wolfsbane actually exist. (See pics below.) And each of them have their own mythology (independent of VD) that deals with vampires and werewolves respectively. I love stuff like that.



[vervain]


[wolfsbane]

This fucking moonstone, alright? I'm so baffled by it! I thought I'd figured it out but then three episodes ago that one know-it-all dog-boy said something that confused the fuck out of me. So, what I gather is this: It's not an "on or off" kind of deal. It's a matter of controlling the "other side." Free one, keep the other caged by the curse. (Something like that.) All I know is that I am almost positive that not only Elena (the doppleganger) will have to die, but also a werewolf and a vampire. Clearly, both Tyler (first Mason) and Caroline were "created" by Katherine for this purpose. But I'm still not clear on what is going to have to go down.

Part of me is certain that Katherine is actually going to be the one to die, as the vampire part of the equation. Because, really? Is Nina going to play two main characters the whole time now? That's rough, girl. I could be wrong though, but I feel like that's a good guess anyway. The vampire will not be Caroline or Stefan because I'm going to have to hurt some people if that is the case.

The wolf? Tyler is the chosen boy, but I'm hoping it turns out to be Jules. She needs to die. End of story.

And then of course there is Elena, who is a given. So what do we think? Is this Elena Gilbert's last year as a human? Will she become a vampire? I wonder...

If this were any other show, I'd be negotiating my way out of the ceremony. Somebody is going to stop Klaus (who, as it turns out is going to be this super hot English guy who reminds me of Iwan Rheon) and the ceremony/curse-breaking/deal won't even be an issue. But this is the Vampire Diaries -- it almost has to happen for realsies. This show pulls no punches. The only way it doesn't happen, is if something even more crazy and fantastic happens instead. (True!)

Aside from the mythology, re-watching this show was a joy. A fucking joy! Here are some things I learned along the way:

1. Re-watching the first fistful of sub-par episodes? Was awesome! What? How? I hated the first three or four eps. I remember this distinctly. But watching it now, knowing what I know, it was like "what? why did I have such a huge issue with this show?" The only real problem I have upon re-watch, was the Stefan/Elena romance was rushed. I think for me, character stuff like that is the most delicate. But looking back, the pacing of this show, from beginning to end, is so quick that there is no way they could have taken a half a season to let their love "blossom." I mean, could you actually imagine? It just would not have worked. And now, I find them positively delightful as a pair, so I didn't even care much that their "epic" conversation was so overplayed. It is like, "okay, moving on, get to the plotty stuff -- we get it, she's hot, you're hot, sex, etc."

2. Bonnie? Is totally awesome. I have been really enjoying her this season but season one I found her kind of dull. But again, on re-watch, I am questioning my sanity? Why did I not love her. And actually, despite my love of the adorableness that is Bonnie/Jeremy, I kind of dig Bonnie/Damon as a pairing. (I ship Damon with NO ONE -- this is a problem with me considering how shippable the show wants him to be.) But Bonnie/Damon? Seriously? How perfect? She is literally the only person who has not backed down from him or let him push her around. It makes perfect sense. (In my twisted little brain anyway.) But Bonnie/Jeremy is also fine -- maybe better even. But I did have to say it.

3. Lexi. Is it me or does the girl wear too much make-up?

4. Tyler and Matt had a bromance. Matt even said "bromance" out loud about their not-so-secret love affair. How did I not remember this shit?

5. I still love Caroline just as much (no, even more) and I still ship her with almost everyone. Okay, Stefan, Matt, and Tyler. If that's wrong? I don't want to be right.

6. Damon calling Caroline's mom by her name all the time. Not Sheriff Forbes, but Liz. It is kind of sweet. Is he for real her friend? I can't tell. Damon is still a big mystery to me. Mostly why he's so adored but also, the character. I don't know. There's too much back and forth for me. And part of it is probably Ian. I know so many people here adore Ian but the dude cracks me up. I find it extremely hard to take him seriously. The bathtub scene was like comic gold, I tell you.

7. I was reminded again of Stefan's (very few) faults. It's true he has them. But aside from that? Why so perfect, Stefan? It's gross how much I love him. Really. I need to be stopped. Is the fact that he's a "reformed" bad boy an indication that Damon, too can be saved? I certainly hope not. (Honestly, in The Descent, I found myself giddy with the idea of Damon turning all "big bad" on us.) I can only chalk my love of Stefan up to my love of the broody, angsty, serious, slightly dark, do-gooder types. But also, the hero types. (Hello, Pacey Witter.)

8. This is something that I realized before the re-watch, actually. But it is worth bringing up again here. Holy crap, I actually like Elena. No, that's not true. I have always liked her, I just found her kind of boring and flat in comparison with the rest of these awesome characters. Lately though she's been changing my mind. I'd even go so far as to say this whole season, she has. And on re-watch, I really enjoyed her more in season one.

9. Stefan/Elena still works for me. Against all odds. I don't overtly ship them, but they are cute and I buy them as a couple (now) and I even find them interesting and compelling at times. It doesn't hurt that they look good together. I love how they are with each other and really, they work for me. This show would absolutely not work if they didn't. They are the driving force behind so much on this show and the writers have done a really good job of making them "not boring" which is quite the feat.

10. I feel like this post needs video clips:

[Go to the YT page if you want to feedback the vidder.]

Also, this video by dreamrequiem.

11. Katherine. I like her. What can I say?

12. Everyone on this show is awesome. Even.. I'll say it, Damon.

13. I re-watched it way too fast so I have to try again after the coming hiatus starts.

Comments

[gigglemonster.livejournal.com]

AHHHHHH THIS POST IS SO FULL OF AWESOME IT IS OVERFLOWING WITH IT.
This makes me want to do a series rewatch SOOOO bad. I think I will do that during their upcoming (*sniffle) hiatus!

2. I think if I were to ship Damon with anyone, it would probably be Bonnie. And for exactly that reason. I will never understand the hate that Bonnie got (still gets?) in this fandom.

7. STEFAN! ♥__♥!!.
And also
The vampire will not be Caroline or Stefan because I'm going to have to hurt some people if that is the case.
SERIOUSLY.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Hahaha, you're funny. You totally need to do it! I would say do it together but I think the coordination would be maddening -- and we'd probably grow tired of one another.

2. Yeah, this surprised me. In my video search tonight I think I found two active LJ comms for that pairing actually! Weird!

7. I KNOW!

Oh, this show is awesome!

[lenina20.livejournal.com]

One day I really need to get to this show. Really.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Um YES.

[akzseinga.livejournal.com]

I LOVE STEFAN SO MUCH IT'S CRAZY. I don't know, just kind of love these good guys with darker undertones who can kick major asses. My love for Stefan right know is on the same level as my love for Helo when I was watching BSG and THAT LEVEL IS SO HIGH. He's my favorite.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Yes. This is my only icon with him on it. (Needs to be remedied.)

Yeah, the darker undertones are nice. He is definitely no slouch when it comes to those heroic bad-ass moments either.

Wow, that's a pretty high level. I remember how you had a thing for Helo.

[blighted-star.livejournal.com]

This post makes me happy.

I don't know what it is about TVD, but it's become this obsession for me. I can't tell you how many times I've watched each episode. And I am so excited for the rest of S2. I can't imagine how it'll go or whether or not the sacrifice will actually take place. With these writers, they know how to make me go "OMG! WHAT?! HOW!"

There isn't one [major] character I hate. I love Elena, Stefan, Caroline, Damon, Katherine, etc etc. I love a bunch of different pairings. Seriously, Caroline is the most shippable person ever.

Jules - yep, she needs to die a slow and horrible death. I almost do want the sacrifice to take place just so she can suffer. I don't want Elena turning into a vampire yet, however. I rather she turn in the 5th season or later, and I'd like it to be her choice/ a well thought out decision rather than something she feels forced to do.

Damon. Ah, my love. I can't explain why I love him so much considering he's like the worst boyfriend ever. He IS comedic, and Ian makes me smile. I've never been as attracted to Ian as I am now. I've known about him since his Young American days. I've seen his work prior to TVD, and I've always thought he was cute. But there's something about Damon that attracts me unlike his other characters. I don't want Damon to ever change.

eta: vervain & wolfsbane look really pretty. Oh, and Katherine can't die either. I love that fiesty bitch.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Yay! Me too! I had so many thoughts when re-watching and I am sure that I missed some of them.

Like, the fact that Isobel kind of bores me. They were the only episodes (including the pilot) that I struggled with. Although I did love her "If we're going to be friends then you're going to have to stop being such a hater." Line. (Not sure if that's an exact quote.)

Eh, I don't know about horrible. Maybe she could have redemption in her last moments. Maybe she sacrifices herself to save Tyler. No more lies and all that. IDK.

Damon! Yeah. I don't know if "boyfriend" is the thing I'd call him. Pretty sure the only consensual relationship he's been in was with Rose, lol. I actually kind of find myself the opposite. I remember loving him in lost and the rules of attraction, but Damon is such a ham (and a very bad dude) that it's hard to find him attractive. But it is quite easy to find him amusing, which thank goodness the show works with that. He has some of the best interactions. It's great.

[blighted-star.livejournal.com]

I like the episode Isobel, but I hate Isobel as a character. She was a bitch and I'd love to see her get staked. I think Alaric should stake her after her gets another magic ring.

Jules has potential to make up for the shit she pulled, and I guess the same can be said for Isobel, but as of now Jules needs to pay for what she did to Caroline.

Pretty sure the only consensual relationship he's been in was with Rose, lol.

Yea, he's got to stop compelling everyone. It'd be a challenge for him to have a real relationship with a woman.
I usually like bad dudes. I don't know, I find them fascinating to watch. I like how Damon will go to a darker place when he wants to get things done. Like in episode 1x17 when Stefan was kidnapped by the tomb vampires and Damon snapped the human's neck to get inside the house --- it's wrong, but that's one of my favorite Damon moments.
I only saw youtube clips of Rules of Attraction, but his dance in front of the mirror cracked me up.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Yeah I guess I have not found Alaric's backstory to be all that interesting which is why some of those episodes were a yawn for me. The character, I don't so much hate her as I find her uninteresting. I don't get her deal -- and I guess there's time for that, but if it's all the same, I'd really rather not, lol.

That was such a Damon thing to do, knowing that he couldn't break her compulsion no matter what, he really had no other choice I guess. But the decision was so quick. It was shocking.

[blighted-star.livejournal.com]

My guess is that Isobel will eventually come back, so who knows what we'll find out then. But I love Alaric cause I love his bromance with Damon,

I love shocking moments like that. TVD does it well.

[ozmissage.livejournal.com]

I knew wolfsbane was real, but I didn't know about vervain! That's interesting, I don't recall it ever coming up before in any of the other vampire related pop culture I've consumed over the years.

1. I still haven't seen episodes 4 & 5 or all of 3. I started with episode 6 on my third TVD attempt and it finally did the trick in sucking me in. Possibly because that was the ep where Matt's druggie sister died and that actress, bless her, drove me insane.

2. Bonnie! <3 I sort of shipped Bonnie/Damon in theory for awhile, but Bonnie/Jeremy is so adorable I'm firmly in their camp now.

6. I think Damon considers Liz a friend. He seemed to be actually hurt when she thought he was going to kill her. I go back and forth on Damon, I find Ian charming when he's hamming it up, but compelling/feeding off ladies for kicks skeeves me out. He's crossing over into Spike territory these days and not good, early seasons Spike, but later seasons Spike that I hated. I still enjoy his character sometimes, but he's skating by on my affection for Ian at this point. (And my Alaric/Damon ship love, I'm not going to lie.)

11. Katherine is kind of my favorite. Seriously.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

I think the common name for it is verbena, or is a type of verbena? I'm unsure -- botany confuses me. I just know that it's real. Which yay!

1. You should just go back and watch them. Seeing as you're all caught up, I guarantee you will like them better. It is funny because I actually liked Vicki for some reason. I was sorry she died. I was surprised to learn the actress who played her is 25 -- if she were a couple of years older, she'd be playing Elena's mom in flashbacks! LOL. The people on this show are so miscast for their ages!

I am saying this realizing that Nina is playing a teenager, but:
- The actress who plays "Aunt Jenna" is only one year older than Nina.
- David Anders (Uncle Dad) is only 7 years older than Nina.
- Jasmine Guy, actress who played Bonnie's "so-elderly-that-a-simple-spell-kills-her" grandma was not even 50? She's 46 this year!

2. Yeah, Bonnie/Damon kind of works in theory, but Bonnie/Jeremy works for me to a vastly higher degree. Bonnie is the only person I would "allow" to be with Damon, lol. She could control him with her mind -- it would make for a nice role reversal.

6. Yeah I have so much trouble with his character that it's not even funny -- which why I appreciate the moments when the show doesn't want me to take him seriously.

11. Seriously? I wouldn't exactly go that far, but she's not as bad as I originally thought!

[later-tuesday.livejournal.com]

I'm a huge fan of LJ Smith, but I never got into the Vampire Diaries books like I did her other series'. I have to say (and I'm prepared to be shouted off your journal) that I think the show is 100x better. The books, though, are where a lot of the mythology comes from. She researched the hell out of plant and stone lore for her books.

Damon....I just can't ship him with anyone. He's a rapist. I like him as an evil character, but I'd never want to subject anyone to him romantically...if that makes sense. Poor Caroline :(, and now poor current food/sex zombie whats her face/friend of Jenna.

My favourite character arc though...Alaric. He went from this avenging angel, killer of the undead almost super human but still a nice guy into someone who hangs out with the guy who screwed and turned (essentially killing) his wife. He looks the other way about what Damon does to people (especially woman) and lies to the woman he currently loves. He started out this good character and he has been utterly ruined by the shades of grey and concessions he has been forced to make.

There needs to be more Liz. ♥ that scene when she found out about Caroline? and has to detox so they can put the whammy on her? *sobs*

I would like Jeremy/Bonnie, if only to stop his girlfrieds from all dying. Kid's going to end up with massive issues.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

I have never read the books so I am okay with you thinking the show is better, lol.

I like him as an evil character, but I'd never want to subject anyone to him romantically...if that makes sense. -- Yeah, I totally agree. He is a rapist -- which totally squicks me out as well. He's not just a guy who is pushy and controlling and his girlfriends are not just girls who are blindly trying to look past his faults. He's a guy who "violates" them (violently and sexually) while they are under his mind control. Kind of takes all of the romance out of it, you know?

I might need to watch again. I always felt like Alaric's bffness with Damon was sloppy storytelling. It only made sense in that they are both a bit older than the core crew, and that they have some shared history. But given what that history is, it only makes it even less likely that the two would team up and become civil with one another.

It's one thing if you're taking Damon as some kind of necessary evil. While it doesn't always seem like it, when push comes to shove, Damon is on their side and he is strong. He's gotten them out of many a' pickle. But calling him your friend? And the people in Caroline's life not being more appalled at all of the things he did to her? That's the things that's always baffled me. It's one thing if the character pays his penance or has some major redemptive moments, but Damon didn't really do any of that. He just kind of assimilated.

I joked when first watching, maybe in season one when Bonnie was trying to stand the sight of him, that it was funny how they were not running the other direction. Psychotic mass murderer coming your way, 10 o'clock, let's book it! They were more just like, "Yeah, he's bad. We probably shouldn't date him -- but we can totally let him hang out with our families and such."

Him killing Jeremy in the opener was a nice touch. I mean, obviously killing Jeremy is wrong, but I felt like it would have more consequences.

I have been dying for Liz, Matt, and Jenna to learn the truth. So I was sad when Caroline compelled her. But it was so emotionally satisfying at the same time. She's a really great side character.

Hahaha, right? Oh my gosh I didn't even think of it. But, I guess when you get involved with a raging druggie and a vampire, things are bound to happen.

[gottalovev.livejournal.com]

I should rewatch, because I definitely was not paying much attention at first when I found it laughable (must have been the fog!). And since I fell in love with almost everyone!

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Definitely. I'm going to watch it for the 3rd time during the hiatus. I'm going to try to spread it out and see if I can manage to wait until next Thursday at least to start it. We'll see!