The Vampire Diaries Review: Burning Bridges

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The Vampire Diaries asked its viewers to accept a lot in "Break on Through," not all of which flowed very naturally.

Let's start with the return of Sage. It wasn't exactly organic. First: how did she know Finn was freed from his casket?

Granted, she's 900 years old and clearly possesses certain powers that far exceeds those of the young (not even 160-year old!) Salvatores. But it becomes a dangerous line, a pretty severe writing crutch, when she can simply do and see anything she wants.

Rebekah and Sage

Second: Why did she and Damon suspect Rebekah was up to something? We've barely seen this Original since she and Klaus discovered the White Oak Tree secret in "All My Children." Was she really acting different? Was there any indication Damon should be suspicious?

Third: Finn? Really, Sage?!? This is the Original we know the least amount, making it difficult to really get invested in anything surrounding him or the fiery red-headed mentor of Damon's. It simply seemed random all around that Sage showed up... schemed to deceive Damon... and based all her machinations on love for another character we scarcely know.

Nothing involving Sage worked for me this week, which is saying a lot considering her presence resulted in a near threesome.

The storyline didn't serve Rebekah well, either. The Vampire Diaries has done a tremendous job creating depth to this (gorgeous!) character, but she came across as more pathetic than vulnerable here. I know, I know: it's Damon Salvatore. What woman would not jump at the chance to jump back into his bed? But she was really so willing despite the rivalry that clearly existed between her and Sage? With Sage right there? Looking on mischievously?!?

Can we give Rebekah some credit please? (SPOILER ALERT: At least she'll get her revenge next week.)

Elsewhere: There wasn't really a lot of movement on the Alaric front. Yes, we now know for sure he's one "accidental serial killer," as Damon so tactfully put it. And, yes, that counsel member hit list is sort of scary. But we're still left pretty much where we were a week ago: with Alaric as a murderer; wondering how the ring will affect Jeremy; and appreciative that Matt Davis is getting a shot in the spotlight.

The final line of the episode was even indicative of how the show has been treading water a bit recently: Let's go kill some Originals. We're on board with that battle, Damon. Trust me, I'm excited to see where this all goes. But wasn't that also the mission many weeks ago? Where have we really gone since then? And, honestly, why do they even want to kill the Originals anymore? They aren't even in Mystic Falls, for the most part, and haven't really done much in awhile.

Let's hope the concluding set of season three episodes stop spinning and start moving forward with the momentum that made us all embrace TVD from the outset.

What were the highlights of an overall mediocre installment? A number of nice character moments and exchanges. We had Bonnie embracing Elena; Caroline doing her best to convince Abby to stay, by invoking the memory of her father; Elena shedding quiet tears on the phone with Jeremy (great work in this scene by Nina Dobrev); and, best of all, Stefan realizing that he could overcome his blood lust, thanks to Elena.

You're gonna be okay, she told Meredith. But I somehow doubt the fallen doctor was the only person for whom this message was intended.

What did you think of the episode? Were you intrigued or bored by the appearance of Sage? Do you blame Rebekah for bedding Damon again? Do you care that Bonnie's mom left again? And where can we find Own it. Live it. Love it. bumper stickers?

Break on Through Review

Editor Rating: 3.4 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.1 / 5.0 (455 Votes)

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.

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The Vampire Diaries Season 3 Episode 17 Quotes

Ric, the world can't stop just because you're an accidental serial killer.

Damon

Take him out for martinis, feed him some chicken soup. Don't let him kill anyone.

Damon