The Vampire Diaries Review: This Means War...

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I want the boy more than I want vengeance.
Let's get both.

It. Is. So. On.

For weeks during the hiatus that concluded last week, fans had heard about the impending vampire vs. werewolf war. On "Daddy Issues," it escalated. Big time. And poor Caroline suffered at the hand of the shot 'heard round the world. Or the shots heard 'round the world, really, wooden bullet style. Ouch.

Jules and Tyler

You know it's an exciting, action-packed episode when it starts and ends with Damon wet and naked... and those scenes are merely an afterthought.

While Damon did utter some classic lines this week (Vervain is an "acquired taste," he isn't that tall, etc.), there's not much to pick apart about him at this point. We get it: he loves Elena, he can't have Elena, he constantly struggles between good and evil. I love the character, but there's little new to say about that cycle right now.

Fortunately, this installment was a great platform for Caroline, Stefan and Tyler, while it did an tremendous job introducing Brady. It's easy to understand everyone's viewpoint in this burgeoning bloodbath, which is a sign of great writing.

Caroline is still new at this vampire thing and was trying to protect her friends, but when it backfired, she cut ties with Tyler. In response, he went back to the only real family he has right now - and can you blame him? His dad is dead, his uncle is dead and Jules is talking about a code of honor and loyalty. He could use a lot of that right now.

Stefan, meanwhile, is always trying to play peacemaker, but had no choice but to fight back when confronted in the woods. Can't imagine that brawl (one of the best filmed, most tense sequences in show history) will go a long way toward helping him earn Tyler's trust.

Then there's Brady. He's a villain, sure. But he's just living the life he knows. He's likely grown up around those who instilled in him a mortal hatred for vampires. I'm certainly not rooting for him in this feud (the guy doesn't even have a superhero haircut), but I appreciate that he comes across as a multi-dimensional character.

Overall, a tight, solid, focused hour of television that continued to raise the stakes. I'll leave you with a few questions:

  • Do you trust John?
  • How touching was that group hug between Elena, Bonnie and Caroline?
  • And the "I love you" mouthing. Sorry, Delena lovers.
  • Here's your first look at next week.

Daddy Issues Review

Editor Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.8 / 5.0 (136 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 2 Episode 13 Quotes

Jenna: What the Hell?
John: Good morning to you, Jenna. Alaric.

John: Coffee?
Elena: We did that last night. No more avoiding.