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fangs r us; 3.02; the hybrid
∞ This season we're starting a new trend. Every time an episode is about to come on, I will get (irrationally?) terrified that it's going to suck. By the end of the episode, the show's awesome quotient will have proven me totally wrong and it will feel like I am going to die of waiting for the next episode to start. Re-commence cycle. And so on.
∞ Someone explain to me why I thought this episode was called The Pack. That's what it should have been called. Or simply "Hybrids." Someone needs to work on these episode titles man. The Birthday. The Hybrid. Your FACE. Etc. We can do better.
∞ Shirtless Matt! *swoon* That is all.
∞ Damn Elena and her fierce independence and her stubborn streak. I will always love this part of her. Never change, Elena.
∞ Tyler having scenes! With people! Matt/Tyler! (I love them so much!) I am pretty sure I started bouncing and clapping when Matt offered to help Tyler with the full moon. I wanted that to happen so bad! And look! Matt still cares. Despite the whole werewolf thing. Despite his suspicions about Caroline. He still loves his best friend! *cuddles them to death* And for my own twisted shipping reasons I was positively giddy about the Elena/Tyler scene. Sure it was all plot, but that coupled with the "gilfriends only" conversation in the last episode is more than I would have thought would happen. I am pleased. (Crap, now I kind of want pre-crash Elena/Matt/Tyler fic. It would be glorious.)
∞ I am still suspicious that the "ghosts" are not Anna and Vicki but simply manifestations of them. Maybe they're demons? The whole idea of pitting them against one another is bothersome to me, especially because I like both of them a lot. I was also sad that Matt couldn't see Vicki. I was SO READY for a reunion. Alas... it was not to be. Someone on my flist suggested some Matt/Ghost!Vicki fic. I am sick, but someone please tell me that there's a fic writer out there who will make it happen? (Please?) I feel like Jeremy needs a better plan than Bing. This obviously isn't working. This is the plotty storyline I was most excited about (because it was so mysterious!) going into the premiere and it's quickly taking a back-burner. I am still excited to see where it goes, but I want more.
∞ Klaus's big master plan is falling apart because of John's little life essence trick thingie. Whoops! I think this might have been one of my favorite parts of this episode: the reveal that Klaus is fucking screwed because Elena remains alive without his knowledge. This gives Stefan even more reason to keep up his end of the bargain, but I just know he's going to lose himself. And I'm not looking forward to "The Sacrifice: Part II." But we'll see how it goes.
∞ Can this show please be that progressive and reveal at some point in this season that these two are totally sleeping together? And simultaneously have it not be a big deal? So what? We create a hybrid super army by day, get a little drunk and knock boots by night, and we kind of hate each other, no biggie.
∞ So... Kat Graham. I am guessing she's just too busy for this show now? I am pretty shocked that she wasn't in either of the first two episodes. (A face on a screen for two seconds doesn't count.) I really enjoy Bonnie and feel like even though the writers used her as their magical elf whenever necessary, she is an important part of the show and it sucks to have her just disappear like that. But at the same time I can't really blame the actress when they put so little effort into developing her character. The fact that we are still confused as to why she's a Bennett witch, but her father's side of the family is clearly not magical, doesn't help matters. It's been three years. I'd peace out too.
∞ Tyler was kick-ass in this episode. I love how he stood up to his mom about her bad-mouthing Caroline at the beginning and I was even more thrilled when he dropped all pretenses the second he realized that Caroline was in trouble. The fact that he revealed himself to her like that without any hesitation says so much. And I was so pleased that they weren't just going to make Carol blinded by her hatred. Even in the beginning when Bill stopped by and she spoke about how she's been there ever since Caroline was born... she hesitated, even before knowing what Tyler was she still said "It's Caroline" and it was obviously something she was struggling with. (Still doesn't make it right, but it makes her more believable and likable.)
∞ The scene with Damon and Elena at the end bugged me for a couple of reasons. Number one, I felt like they were developing their sans-Stefan bond nicely and organically and it was way too soon for that kind of a push. If given about 1 to 2 more episodes, that scene might have flowed naturally. But it didn't. Instead it came across as Damon just acting like a child again and making this effort to get Stefan back all about him. Elena had already said she was happy he was alive and so why did he feel the need to force her to admit that when she had already said it back by the car? (And he shut her down when she did it too!) It was such a sickening power play - the kind of thing that an abuser would do. (But then this is Damon we're talking about and he does have a bit of a track record.) And then on top of that, he acts as though he's only going to go after Stefan to please Elena (when we know it's because he loves his brother) and so in the end she had better be grateful? Ew. No. (And how should she express her gratitude I might ask?) The writers need to open their eyes and realize how fucking gross it sounds when he says shit like this and it doesn't do them any favors. This scene could have been just as emotional and it could have worked for me. I am willing to open up to Damon and Elena but when they put shit like that into his mouth in the way that they did it ruins the entire thing.
And it's not as if I couldn't understand the sentiment. Like I said, given a few episodes the question of "What happens when Stefan comes back? Are you just going to forget this thing between us?" etc., could be a totally legitimate one. But this was too soon to be warranted.
∞ So I have a confession to make: I liked Alaric in this episode. Partially. I think things between he and I went downhill when it was revealed that he had Damon following them the whole time. That just felt like more of the same. I loved him blaming himself for Damon being out there, and not letting Elena do that herself, and I enjoyed their conversation in the car. I am not sure how I feel about him moving back into the Gilbert's though. It kind of makes what happened in the episode last week feel sort of cheap and fake. They should have allowed more time to pass. But I did like his little "Do you know what you're doing there?" to Elena, so we'll see how it goes. (And no, I don't ship it. Not even a little.)
Just some clarification on my Alaric "issues." I feel like his character has been kind of stuck in the same place for a while. And his romance with Jenna fizzled out pretty quickly in terms of how interesting it was or had the potential to be. I think the beginning of season two is where I just kind of started feeling like they weren't using him properly and that his character was being squandered. I feel like both Jenna and John were more real/interesting as characters. Especially John. And I did kind of resent that both of them died and he stuck around. (I know that is going to offend some people.) And his dynamic with Damon might just be the thing about Alaric that I understand the least. I get that they are supposed to be friends, and that's important for Damon's character and I am okay with that. However, I still don't really understand how there is no real challenge in their dynamic. Alaric pretty much just goes along with whatever Damon says and is his right-hand guy. The only time he didn't really, was when Damon was dying and that hardly counts. I don't understand why every other dynamic on the show has some give-and-take but this one doesn't seem to, and when it does it's quickly dismissed. The relationships between Bonnie, Caroline, and Elena are a good example. Friends you love but that you also hold accountable/don't always get along with/who tell you the truth even when you don't want to hear it, etc. So the lack of that in their friendship makes it come across as a little empty to me. Especially considering their very sordid history. All that said, with this episode it feels like the writers are starting to take notice and are doing something about it. So I give them an A for effort.
∞ I enjoyed Stefan's shirt in this episode. He does things to me.
∞ Caroline Forbes. And her face. And her voice. Couldn't have ended this episode in a better way. I was out of my seat. I am beyond excited for this.
∞ Someone explain to me why I thought this episode was called The Pack. That's what it should have been called. Or simply "Hybrids." Someone needs to work on these episode titles man. The Birthday. The Hybrid. Your FACE. Etc. We can do better.
∞ Shirtless Matt! *swoon* That is all.
∞ Damn Elena and her fierce independence and her stubborn streak. I will always love this part of her. Never change, Elena.
∞ Tyler having scenes! With people! Matt/Tyler! (I love them so much!) I am pretty sure I started bouncing and clapping when Matt offered to help Tyler with the full moon. I wanted that to happen so bad! And look! Matt still cares. Despite the whole werewolf thing. Despite his suspicions about Caroline. He still loves his best friend! *cuddles them to death* And for my own twisted shipping reasons I was positively giddy about the Elena/Tyler scene. Sure it was all plot, but that coupled with the "gilfriends only" conversation in the last episode is more than I would have thought would happen. I am pleased. (Crap, now I kind of want pre-crash Elena/Matt/Tyler fic. It would be glorious.)
∞ I am still suspicious that the "ghosts" are not Anna and Vicki but simply manifestations of them. Maybe they're demons? The whole idea of pitting them against one another is bothersome to me, especially because I like both of them a lot. I was also sad that Matt couldn't see Vicki. I was SO READY for a reunion. Alas... it was not to be. Someone on my flist suggested some Matt/Ghost!Vicki fic. I am sick, but someone please tell me that there's a fic writer out there who will make it happen? (Please?) I feel like Jeremy needs a better plan than Bing. This obviously isn't working. This is the plotty storyline I was most excited about (because it was so mysterious!) going into the premiere and it's quickly taking a back-burner. I am still excited to see where it goes, but I want more.
∞ Klaus's big master plan is falling apart because of John's little life essence trick thingie. Whoops! I think this might have been one of my favorite parts of this episode: the reveal that Klaus is fucking screwed because Elena remains alive without his knowledge. This gives Stefan even more reason to keep up his end of the bargain, but I just know he's going to lose himself. And I'm not looking forward to "The Sacrifice: Part II." But we'll see how it goes.
∞ Can this show please be that progressive and reveal at some point in this season that these two are totally sleeping together? And simultaneously have it not be a big deal? So what? We create a hybrid super army by day, get a little drunk and knock boots by night, and we kind of hate each other, no biggie.
∞ So... Kat Graham. I am guessing she's just too busy for this show now? I am pretty shocked that she wasn't in either of the first two episodes. (A face on a screen for two seconds doesn't count.) I really enjoy Bonnie and feel like even though the writers used her as their magical elf whenever necessary, she is an important part of the show and it sucks to have her just disappear like that. But at the same time I can't really blame the actress when they put so little effort into developing her character. The fact that we are still confused as to why she's a Bennett witch, but her father's side of the family is clearly not magical, doesn't help matters. It's been three years. I'd peace out too.
∞ Tyler was kick-ass in this episode. I love how he stood up to his mom about her bad-mouthing Caroline at the beginning and I was even more thrilled when he dropped all pretenses the second he realized that Caroline was in trouble. The fact that he revealed himself to her like that without any hesitation says so much. And I was so pleased that they weren't just going to make Carol blinded by her hatred. Even in the beginning when Bill stopped by and she spoke about how she's been there ever since Caroline was born... she hesitated, even before knowing what Tyler was she still said "It's Caroline" and it was obviously something she was struggling with. (Still doesn't make it right, but it makes her more believable and likable.)
∞ The scene with Damon and Elena at the end bugged me for a couple of reasons. Number one, I felt like they were developing their sans-Stefan bond nicely and organically and it was way too soon for that kind of a push. If given about 1 to 2 more episodes, that scene might have flowed naturally. But it didn't. Instead it came across as Damon just acting like a child again and making this effort to get Stefan back all about him. Elena had already said she was happy he was alive and so why did he feel the need to force her to admit that when she had already said it back by the car? (And he shut her down when she did it too!) It was such a sickening power play - the kind of thing that an abuser would do. (But then this is Damon we're talking about and he does have a bit of a track record.) And then on top of that, he acts as though he's only going to go after Stefan to please Elena (when we know it's because he loves his brother) and so in the end she had better be grateful? Ew. No. (And how should she express her gratitude I might ask?) The writers need to open their eyes and realize how fucking gross it sounds when he says shit like this and it doesn't do them any favors. This scene could have been just as emotional and it could have worked for me. I am willing to open up to Damon and Elena but when they put shit like that into his mouth in the way that they did it ruins the entire thing.
And it's not as if I couldn't understand the sentiment. Like I said, given a few episodes the question of "What happens when Stefan comes back? Are you just going to forget this thing between us?" etc., could be a totally legitimate one. But this was too soon to be warranted.
∞ So I have a confession to make: I liked Alaric in this episode. Partially. I think things between he and I went downhill when it was revealed that he had Damon following them the whole time. That just felt like more of the same. I loved him blaming himself for Damon being out there, and not letting Elena do that herself, and I enjoyed their conversation in the car. I am not sure how I feel about him moving back into the Gilbert's though. It kind of makes what happened in the episode last week feel sort of cheap and fake. They should have allowed more time to pass. But I did like his little "Do you know what you're doing there?" to Elena, so we'll see how it goes. (And no, I don't ship it. Not even a little.)
Just some clarification on my Alaric "issues." I feel like his character has been kind of stuck in the same place for a while. And his romance with Jenna fizzled out pretty quickly in terms of how interesting it was or had the potential to be. I think the beginning of season two is where I just kind of started feeling like they weren't using him properly and that his character was being squandered. I feel like both Jenna and John were more real/interesting as characters. Especially John. And I did kind of resent that both of them died and he stuck around. (I know that is going to offend some people.) And his dynamic with Damon might just be the thing about Alaric that I understand the least. I get that they are supposed to be friends, and that's important for Damon's character and I am okay with that. However, I still don't really understand how there is no real challenge in their dynamic. Alaric pretty much just goes along with whatever Damon says and is his right-hand guy. The only time he didn't really, was when Damon was dying and that hardly counts. I don't understand why every other dynamic on the show has some give-and-take but this one doesn't seem to, and when it does it's quickly dismissed. The relationships between Bonnie, Caroline, and Elena are a good example. Friends you love but that you also hold accountable/don't always get along with/who tell you the truth even when you don't want to hear it, etc. So the lack of that in their friendship makes it come across as a little empty to me. Especially considering their very sordid history. All that said, with this episode it feels like the writers are starting to take notice and are doing something about it. So I give them an A for effort.
∞ I enjoyed Stefan's shirt in this episode. He does things to me.
∞ Caroline Forbes. And her face. And her voice. Couldn't have ended this episode in a better way. I was out of my seat. I am beyond excited for this.
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I got really distracted by both the gifs in this post lol
BUT YES.
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You would never guess Kevin Williamson was gay from watching this show, would you? *Sigh* And they couldn't even give us Stefan drinking from his arm, he had to make him bloody beer. OTOH, I'd still feel kinda sketchy if the only explicit queerness on the show was evil vampire seducing good vampire away from goodness/heterosexuality. you know, just a teeny bit. (Not helped by the implied/offscreen bisexuality of Isobel.)
You are totally right about the ugh of that Delena scene. ...Back in season 1 when Damon was a Black Hat Wearing Villain, it didn't bother me as much, but now that he's sort-of-a-good-guy, it's sketchiness is a bit more sketchy.
I am very disappointed in the lack of Anna so far this season. :( Also, she needs a better reason to be back than keep Vickie down, wtf. But, it does make you wonder: are these really Vicki and Anna, or are they something else? ...Is it Kat Graham who's decided to back-burner the show or the show that's decided to back-burner Bonnie? If it's her initiative, it's pretty understandable, but I'd've just assumed it was more KW & JP being douchebags.
Candice was really great there at the end, but I do wish this show would let her be happy for more than 2 minutes at a time.
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I... if we get to watch them touch each other (in any way shape or form) I think I would be okay with it. Shallow is as shallow does?
The sucky thing is that I feel like they could do this right and they were almost there. Just hold out for another few eps. But NO it's gotta be this whole gross song and dance again. And you're right, now that he's supposed to be the reluctant leader/hero it's even grosser.
Right? She needs some happiness. I love her either way though.
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But I also put that in there because Matt/Jeremy seems like the only plausible current option (and there is def. some slashy goodness there....) among the white hats. (And since all the women keep dying, there aren't femmeslash options to speak of, either. T-T)
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(so maybe *that*'s why he took so long to put a shirt on in that opening scene...)
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I also had that thought about Anna and Vicki. And Jeremy/Matt are so hot right now. They're totally my new favorite ship that no one will write. That whole ghost storyline is totally and surprisingly my favorite right now.
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I am going to close my eyes and choose to believe that was Nina doing the checking out, haha.
The "ghosts" storyline has the potential to be awesome, and like I said I was kind of anticipating it the most because there was so little known about it, but I am reserving judgment.
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I am going to close my eyes and choose to believe that was Nina doing the checking out, haha.
That's my theory--otherwise the show seems intent on taking them to a whole new level of dirtybadwrong (which I think would fit Alaric's characterization, oddly enough, but I doubt the writers consciously want to go there).
I was expecting nothing but suck from the ghost storyline and wasn't interested in it at all, so it could really only go up from there for me, I guess. Jeremy/Matt are so adorable in it, but where's Bonnie???
KW has always said he'll bring in a gay character eventually, so I'm assuming Bill will remain gay (though it probably won't play a role in the plots in any way, unless they're bringing in Sebastian Roche for him ;-)). What bothers me is that he'll either be a villain and/or they'll fridge him by the end of the season (if they wait that long). And I'm so sick of gay characters being villains or getting killed. *sigh*
True Blood, We're Looking At You
Julie, julie, julie. WILL YOU NEVER LEARN?
It would fit Alaric but I do have this theory that Matt Davis champions for this type of tom-foolery. Let's keep it clean, kids. Haha.
I am kind of hoping that they just leave his sexuality as something they don't talk about while he's around if he's going to be the bad guy. I mean, when exactly would they fit it in? Haha. And what would be the point?
Re: True Blood, We're Looking At You
Oh, totally. I've been a slasher for years so I have no problem reading subtext into the smallest hints, but it's more of a problem when they announce the characters are "TOTALLY NOT AND IN NO WAY GAY" in their best Will Ferrell voices (which I'm assuming/hoping they won't do).
Never mind, you're talking about Bill, LOL. For some reason, I thought you were talking about Klaus/Stefan.
Re: True Blood, We're Looking At You
(trend? lately? It's older than Isobel!)
Re: True Blood, We're Looking At You
Re: True Blood, We're Looking At You
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You noticed that too, huh? Also when Elena and Damon were talking in the lake, Alaric looked *so* jealous, and not for Elena...
I was about to say that it seems that they're pulling back from all the bromance teasing of last summer, but I just realized that scene makes it even gayer in a repressed sort of way
I was thinking about that too, actually. By taking such lengths to avoid contact, it emphasized it in a way that just "here, wrist" wouldn't. Besides, Klaus would *totally* make Stefan work for it, it's not like he'd just give it away for nothing...
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YES. I'm working on a Damon/Alaric post Ep 1 fic and that scene fits in almost seemlessly with the end, LOL.
I was thinking about that too, actually. By taking such lengths to avoid contact, it emphasized it in a way that just "here, wrist" wouldn't. Besides, Klaus would *totally* make Stefan work for it, it's not like he'd just give it away for nothing...
Yes! Like Klaus wants to keep a distance between them in that scene, which was already so emotionally charged... and then drinking out of the same bottle is also oddly erotic.
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:-D
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It just occurred to me that the singular form in the title might have been referring to Klaus and not to Ray or the others. We did get quite a bit into his psyche in this ep.
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You know what would be a better plan than consulting the internet Jeremy? CONSULTING YOUR GIRLFRIEND. CONSULTING. YOUR. GIRLFRIEND. Who is clearly too good for this show but I stan for her so I want her back on my TV.
I'm really curious about what's up with Vicki and Anna. Or maybe I should say "Vicki" and "Anna" because like you I'm suspicious that this isn't straight-up ghost business.
I wish I could still be ish about Tyler but the show is breaking down my defenses. Damn you show.
I totally agree that every time I think I might be willing to get back on the Damon/Elena bandwagon after a season or more of giving no fucks about them/being repulsed by them that they throw in weird, possessive stuff that just turns me off.
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Yeah I am definitely suspicious. It's too early to tell.
Hahaha, yay show! I am counting on this. I have a big soft spot for Tyler despite his past, and I'm excited for both him and Matt to be a part of the "team" this season instead of on the outskirts.
They just don't seem to know how to make his advances not be totally gross and creepy. And they have ample opportunity to do it right and there are times when they almost get there. But then they blow it.
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