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After a few episodes spent rudderlessly floating along, The Vampire Diaries appears to have found its new direction. With the introduction of “The Five”, the season starts to settle in beyond simply watching Nina Dobrev’s Elena fight whatever emotion is strongest this week.
Let’s take a closer look after the jump..
I was still riding high on the comeback of last week’s great episode when I sat down to watch tonight’s show. And I’m not very impressed. ‘The Rager’ is all over the place, with a very obvious “twist” on the vampire hunter, plus I’m getting really tired of scenes showing Elena feeding on Matt (Zach Roerig) – and its only been two episodes . I’m sorry, but she’s living with another human, so can’t she just spread it around a little? Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) isn’t offering up any blood to keep his sister alive? Does he not know she’s having this problem? This seems to be a whole storyline they haven’t even touched on yet.
The episode seems to just toss tons of information at us, including new characters, in order to set up a bigger arc down the road. We have the return of Rebekah (Claire Holt) and Klaus (Joseph Morgan) to Mystic Falls, Tyler’s (Michael Trevino) new werewolf friend, Hayley (Pheobe Tonkin), vampire hunter Connor (Todd Williams) trying to kill everyone and the confirmation that he’s one of something mysteriously referred to as “The Five”, just to name a few. ‘The Rager’ is the kind of episode that spends a lot of time arranging all the pieces where they need to be so that the storylines can kick into gear next week. Or I’m hoping that’s how it is anyway! I’m looking forward to the show having a larger story at work again, but the set-up was a little rushed and all over the place.
Courtesy of The CW
What I do like, as usual, is Klaus (full disclosure: I have a crush on Klaus. I can admit it). Joseph Morgan is perfection in this role and he’s a joy to watch on-screen. He brings a fun but still dangerous vibe that gives the character more dimension. Technically, we are supposed to hate him because he started out as the baddest of bad guys, but he has so much character, heart and sometimes even vulnerability that it makes him loveable. In my humble opinion, of course! Tonight he is at his best when sparring with Tyler and teaming up with Damon (Ian Somerhalder). What we are lacking in this episode is some kind of interaction with Rebekah. Those are my favourite scenes and I was looking forward to a follow-up to their last altercation in the premiere. Unfortunately I guess I’ll just have to wait a bit longer.
I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss the undercurrent of the whole show – the love triangle. It’s back in full force, with hallucinations, sexual tension to the max (“Are you staying for the show?” says Damon as he is topless and undoing his pants? Is that even legal?!), and ending with Damon offering to teach Elena to be a vampire. This can only be trouble.. and I say this not just as a Stefan (Paul Wesley) fan. Elena’s choosing to let the irrational, impulsive vampire teach her, rather than her calm, cool and collected boyfriend. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see trouble written all over this.
A few more observations:
- Not nearly enough Caroline (Candice Accola) tonight! And there can only be trouble for Tyler and Caroline if Klaus knows about Tyler’s secret relationship with Hayley. Klaus can’t wait to swoop in and save the day for our beloved blonde, and I would LOVE to see that relationship blossom. Based on their chemistry and connection displayed last season, Klaus and Caroline are fantastic TV (Again, just in my humble opinion 🙂
- I am sad to report that there is no Alaric (Matt Davis) sighting this episode. I watched on the edge of my seat, desperately hoping for a glimpse of him, but alas, there’s nothing. I’m worried. I hope they don’t tease that out through the whole season.. or that maybe it was just a one-off scene and won’t happen again. I don’t know which would be worse, honestly.
So what did you think of this episode? Did it seem a bit chaotic to anyone else? Is anyone else supporting me in wanting to see Caroline and Klaus together? Sound off below!
The Vampire Diaries can be seen Thursday nights at 8pm EST on The CW