The Vampire Diaries Review: Surprises Galore!
The CW teased a big surprise on "Kill or Be Killed."
So... it had to have been the fact that Sheriff Forbes is now aware of Damon, Stefan and even Caroline's true identity, right? Nope.
Oh. Then it was the revelation that Stefan isn't merely back to drinking human blood, but he's slowing consuming Elena's in order to defeat Katherine, correct? Try again.
Okay. It must have been the episode-concluding scene in which it was revealed that Katherine is in cahoots with Mason, has been involved with him for over a year and now has the moon stone in her possession? Yes, that was definitely it - because I absolutely did not see that coming!
Indeed, all three of the developments outlined above could have served as the focus of this installment and left viewers with many questions heading into the rest of the season. But, come on, this is The Vampire Diaries. It doesn't just zig one time when you expect it to zag.
It careens all over the place more than Lindsay Lohan after a typical night out. But in safer, more suspenseful fashion.
There are numerous issues left unresolved regarding Katherine and Mason's relationship:
- When did he learn she was a vampire?
- Why does she want the moon stone?
- Has she been trying to recapture it ever since she gave it to Mason's ancestor?
- And what the heck does it even do?!?
Throughout the episode, I was impressed by how the show had depicted Mason as neither good nor evil. Even when he plotted to help kill Stefan and Damon, it was out of self defense, not pure malevolence. But now there's no doubt about what side he's on, and I can't wait until October 21 to learn more. (Darn you, CW, for forcing us to wait two weeks for the next new episode!)
Shocking conclusion aside, viewers were also treated to more shades of Damon's humanity during the hour. He spared Liz's life, he reacted in disgust and horror at her disowning of her daughter. When Elena pointed to these actions as the signs of the Damon who was "my friend," I have a feeling she was speaking for countless female viewers out there, wasn't she?
It's okay, Delena lovers. Go ahead and swoon.
But don't get your hopes up too high. You know what they say: a couple that uses human blood together, to ensure that one half of it can fight off the dangerous doppleganger of the other half, stays together. Words to live by.
So, now we have the sheriff locked in the basement, detoxing from vervain and awaiting to be compelled; Stefan taking a risk by going back on the red stuff; Damon looking hot; Caroline alone, scared and quickly learning the vampire ropes; and Jeremy in on Tyler's secret, all while Katherine and Mason plot who-knows-what in the woods.
What an episode! Where will it go next? Sound off now in our Vampire Diaries forum and in the Comments section below!
Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.
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October 10th, 2010 2:19 AM
Oh to be Nina Dobrev! Getting paid to kiss three hot guys. What a job!
October 9th, 2010 10:16 AM
this is probably unimportant, but a sara-jeremy relationship would be nice. =D
Rank: Guest Star
October 9th, 2010 5:35 AM
i was definitely shocked by the mason and katherine relationship!! like what the f!!
and nina dobrev!! ur the luckiest person in the world!!! i love you! :)))
October 9th, 2010 3:41 AM
Great episode! I didn't see the Mason/Katherine connection at all. The new relationship between Jeremy and Tyler is great to see. As far as Delena they'll get together in some way if they stick to the premise of the books in any way though I've yet to read the latest two.
Rank: Guest Star
October 8th, 2010 10:17 PM
this is me...quietly swooning! Go Damon!!
October 8th, 2010 4:57 PM
i liked when mason got his ass kicked too. wish she would have killed him. that was not cool of him telling liz about damon and stefan. im so glad they have her in their basement until the vervain wears off so they can do their mind thing. im curious about the moonstone.
October 8th, 2010 1:04 PM
I've been giving some thought to the moonstone. There are various mystical 'powers' that have been attributed to it, over the ages.
One of the ancient beliefs that I read was this: holding a moonstone in one's mouth, during a full moon, will enable the user to see the future...
October 8th, 2010 12:48 PM
OMG i wanna be nina, to do the hot scenes withe vampire's and werewolf hahaha lol
October 8th, 2010 12:29 PM
OMG this has been one of the best episodes everr!!!
The Vampire Diaries rocks!!! We all love Delena and Stelena, i cant choose between either. And im loving Caroline more and more every episode! It was a big awe to me when she kicked Mason's ass. You go, girl! :)))))))))
Loved it. Hands down to the writers.
October 8th, 2010 11:57 AM
Actually, I did kind of guess it, though I never thought they'd actually go to that version of things. Come ON, Mason and Katherine both coming to town at the same moment can't be a coincidence. Okay maybe that, but why wouldn't he tell Tyler what that moonstone does? The moment he refused to tell Tyler what it does, was the moment that made me suspicious about his motives. But it's a great twist nonetheless, and hats off to Julie and Kevin for being excellent at their work. That's a sign of great writing, and excellent execution!
Can I go on about how Damon is a sweetheart? He actually thinks about others too. I loved how he told Liz about how wrong she was about Caroline. After everything he's done to her, he still cares about her, and that's a sign of a man who loves deeply and sincerely. Stefan, Elena, Jeremy, Bonnie, Liz and now Caroline - the guy's definitely come a long way since the first episode! That scene between him and Elena was epic, and anyone saying Delena might not