Has the milk gone sour?
The Vampire Diaries has returned in its third season with a second episode called “the Hybrid”, and even though (of course) i loved seeing Jeremy’s cute new haircut the episode, I felt that the show had a weaker opening than Season 2. And here’s why:
1. The Dynamics are EXACTLY the same as ever
This week’s episode saw Elena putting her life on the line to save Stefan (again) from Klaus’ possession like an idiot while Klaus used a pack of werewolves as guinea pigs for his “army of hybrids”- which, apparently, he’s building with no apparent enemy in mind. Damon (again), of course intervenes and argues with Elena, but then eventually got sick of her moaning and bitching and decided to give the mission a try just to shut her up. Then later in Elena’s bedroom, Damon again tries to get all “handsy” with her and (OMG shocking!) she’s left feeling confused. Alaric, of course, needed to walk off the hangover before (hopefully) shaving his chest and hitting the gym with Jeremy, who’s looking extra fine this season!
Can those two just acknowledge the pink elephant in the room, and learn from Caroline and Tyler’s example of animalistic supernatural sexual intercourse already? The viewers have had 2 entire seasons of Damon saving Elena’s ass already; if Elena hadn’t been so up herself hung up on Stefan, she would have seen the light and rewarded Damon by recreating his favorite positions when he did Katherine 145 years ago. In any case, the dynamic between these two just needs a refreshing change. There’s no growth in the characters, and it’s as though the circus act that went down taught them nothing.
2. Weak Villains (or just poor casting?)
Speaking of the (hands down) sexiest female villain on TV, where the bloody hell is Katherine? One of the reasons why I looked forward to VD every week last season is largely thanks to Nina Dobrev doing a kick-ass job playing Katherine. I genuinely miss her crazy manipulative mind games: toying with the brothers by undoing her blouse, compelling Jenna to stab herself, sleeping her way back into the possession of the moonstone (in addition to general fabulosity). Nobody, not even Klaus, has as much aura and mystery as Katherine.
The writers decided to send Katherine on another run for the Bahamas her life- which is fine; but left the big villain shoes for the lanky, weedy Klaus to fill. In this week’s episode, when Klaus rocked up to the werewolf pack with a loose T-shirt and skinny toothpick arms blazing, it just became obvious that there’s no terror factor to Joseph Morgan’s portrayal of the character. In fact, when he brooded over the failed experiment to build an army, he didn’t look powerful OR in-control with those puppy dog eyes. There’s no cheekiness to Klaus, and honestly, Paul Wesley can diminish Joseph Morgan any day, just saying. They haven’t even shown off what he can do with his newfound hybrid powers yet! It’s like buying a new Ferrari, and driving at 30km/h. UNDERWHELMING.
3. The Supporting Plots are more interesting than the Main
A little bit of a red flag! The supporting plots have actually been more entertaining and refreshing than the main Save-Stefan plot. Caroline and Tyler’s vampire-werewolf relationship is leading into an epic feud; with Carol now changing her views about vampires and Caroline chained up by her father knowing her son is a dog once a month.
Side Note: It is true that every show has a previously-molested character with an Electra Complex, but can we just let Caroline have a week of school without being tortured or vervained like a whore-on-the-run? Maybe torture Elena instead?
Matt’s bromance with Jeremy is getting to be too hot to bear. Last week M gave J the “I wanna spend the night having D&Ms over wine” look after they fulfilled the post-pot munchies. This week J walks in on M as he’s changing. Wonder what Bonnie thinks. Anyway, poor Matt has to watch Jeremy talking into thin air, while Vicki and Anna both tell Jeremy various ghostly B.S. I wonder where the writers are going with this one.
I suppose every show has to evolve: hell, even the spoiled-to-death, caviar-munching brats on Gossip Girl eventually went to college and stopped wearing colored tights. And yes, maybe I’m asking for too much. But judging from the first two episodes in Season 3, the level of suspense just isn’t as intense as before; and the show’s become slightly “predictable” and slower.
NONETHELESS, an absolutely fantastic show and episode. Well done, Kevin and Julie, for keeping the dream alive!
