The Vampire Diaries 5.09 Review: Living in Hell

All those that have yet to watch tonight’s episode of The Vampire Diaries, entitled ‘The Cell’, now would be a good time to do so before proceeding ahead. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Well, this week we were given the backstory behind Damon’s time as an Augustine vampire, as well as some backstory on the experiments and who Aaron is. Now, while I am happy that Damon is finally getting a substantial story of his own, I’m finding it a little hard to believe that any of this ever happened to him. That amount of trauma, surely there would have been some hints towards it, and yet I can recall none from the previous four seasons. This is the problem for some writers and actors, as characters grow they’re growth tends to reflect in any flashbacks, not more who the characters were in the beginning, but more who they are now. I’m a little disappointed in this series for not really being able to do that.

Also, I’m disappointed in this series because of how this whole Augustine thing feels thrown in here. After the originals left, it feels like they needed something to throw in and just came up with this to take over once Silas was taken care of. The way it’s been written in has just been sloppily done, particularly with including all the Mystic Falls bigwigs as being part of this society that hadn’t managed to pop up on this series until just now. There have been no clues hinting at this at all, and yet it has managed to be written in. That’s just terrible in my opinion.

Just a few other comments regarding this episode. One is that I absolutely adored the use of fifties music for the flashback sequences; perfectly fitting for those scenes, I just wish there had been more. Another thing was how much I absolutely loved Katherine’s shirt, and now how very badly I want something like it. Finally, there were absolutely no doubts that Enzo wasn’t going to pop up and be alive near the end of the episode. His character definitely has so much more to him than that, and I am glad he’ll be around next episode. Hopefully we’ll have some interactions between him and Damon, and get to see just how the effects of being captive for a good seventy years or so has taken its toll on him.

Overall, while there are certain things I am excited to watch on this series, it isn’t anywhere near as good as it was two seasons ago. Let’s be honest, as soon as Elena became a vampire, and especially after she made her decision when it came to choosing between Stefan and Damon, there wasn’t much more they could do with this series. Unfortunately, as this series runs on The CW, there’s no doubt there will be another season after this one, I just don’t know if I’ll be around to watch it. That’s the trouble with TV these days; no one ever knows when is a good time to end their series.

My rating: 6.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“Deep thoughts, mortal coil, blah blah blah.” – Katherine writes down.

“And so on, and so on, and so on.” – Damon states.

Alright, folks, I’m off to review Once Upon A Time in Wonderland now, so check back soon for that. Afterwards we have Grey’s Anatomy and The Crazy Ones.

The Originals 1.09 Review: We Rule Together

All those that have yet to watch tonight’s episode of The Originals, entitled ‘Reigning Pain in New Orleans’, I suggest you go do that now before proceeding ahead. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Despite my belief that Klaus managed to usurp Marcel’s power structure so quickly, this was a decent episode nonetheless. I’m absolutely loving Hayley in this series versus the series she was introduced to us in. She seems to be the most grounded, real character this series has, most likely due to the fact she’s the only one Klaus won’t kill/dagger, as long as she’s – to quote her character in this episode – in the family way.

There was a really nice, tender moment between Klaus and Marcel in this episode, where Klaus explains to Marcel the reasons he took the kingdom from him, and why he wants the body now. This was a surprisingly tender moment for this character, particularly being that he’s not one to let anyone in. Being that this character is supposed to be psychotic though, I’m not sure how integral this was to the story so early on in the series. I am kind of missing the loveable bad ass that Klaus was on The Vampire Diaries.

A few other things to note regarding this week’s installment of the series. I loved the use of a musical beat as Marcel smiles and accepts the equal status Klaus has asked of him. Also, the absolutely wonderful use of language that both Klaus and Elijah exhibit. What is it with the British and their beautiful use of their native tongue? First Sleepy Hollow’s Ichabod speaks so eloquently, and also Klaus and Elijah now. Another thing, I loved the way Davina said to Cami, “Oh, you’ve been compelled.” Just like it’s another walk in the park, as simple as that. And, finally, I have to address the fact that this series somehow has tried to substitute Klaus’s feelings for Caroline by throwing in the similarly blonde Cami. While the scene between them was beautifully acted, it just did not fit with this character, and the fact that Caroline is honestly still it for him. Oh, and I did enjoy the little exchange between Klaus and Hayley where she addresses what will happen to her after the baby is born, and he’s basically stumped in what to tell her.

Basically, this was a decent episode in a series that had a stronger six or seven episode opening. Unfortunately the last two or three episodes have not quite lived up to the earlier episodes, and this series is seeming to become less than a guilty pleasure and more of just something watched out of intrigue. I do believe the showrunners need to get this series back on a track that is suited for these characters and the beautiful city of New Orleans. Sadly, they seem to be managing to run these characters into the ground more than they’re providing well-developed progress.

My rating: 6.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“You’re Hayley? Klaus’s wife.” – Davina asks. “Ew. No. Never.” – Hayley replies.

“Darling, we have to stop meeting like this, this is how rumours begin.” – Elijah tells the vampire whose throat he clutches.

“You’re choosing him over me, aren’t you? Again.” – Rebekah says to Marcel.

“You don’t make it easy to love you, brother.” – Elijah explains to Klaus.

Okay, I’m off to watch Supernatural now, and afterwards it’s Trophy Wife. Stay tuned.

The Originals 1.08 Review: Fear is Not the Same Thing as Loyalty

For all those that have yet to watch tonight’s episode of The Originals, entitled ‘The River in Reverse’, here is where I suggest you go do that before proceeding ahead. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

I’m not sure how to dictate my feelings towards this episode. It seems like all of this was culminating, but almost like we got to the end of the chapter far too quickly. Klaus gained control of the kingdom by having Marcel swear allegiance to him, but it seems like this has happened way too early in this series. I thought for sure that this would at least play out until the end of the season, but I suppose this and The Vampire Diaries are ones to have half-season arcs, rather than full season arcs that made Buffy the Vampire Slayer work so well. Yes, this episode had its moments, but it didn’t work quite as well as it could have, had it done a season long arc.

For the first five minutes of this episode, I blissfully forgot that Tyler had hopped over to this series. And then we came around to the scene of planning an attack against Klaus, and there he was, in all his terrible glory. At least Rebekah snapped his neck and he now appears to be in the garden for some time, at least I hope. They really didn’t need to keep Tyler around on this series passed that one episode he did two weeks ago; he doesn’t fit in this world, and he always manages to ruin Hayley’s character whenever they’re around one another. Plus he’s gone so far off the deep end that it would really be nice if he would go away, permanently.

Marcel and Bekah working together and being together is another little issue I had. It was easy to see their attraction towards each other, even with the obstacle of him having affection for Cami – which was terribly written out – but they got together far too quickly. While this series has managed to have its good moments, it seems to be wanting to progress things far too quickly than it should, and Marcel and Rebekah was one of those things.

There were a couple things I did like about this episode. One was definitely when Klaus wiped the floor with all those vampires, especially when he gave them his hybrid face. Another was when Rebekah told Marcel to take the coin. And the third was Hayley’s hair. That girl has some gorgeously maintained locks that I would desperately like to get my hands on.

Overall, I’m becoming more iffy on this series. I expected more from Elijah’s fever dreams, as well as more about Hayley’s lineage that we did get. The girl’s supposed to descend from some royal werewolf line, but her family lives in a bayou? I get that they were driven out by Marcel, but why stay near there? They’re not the witches; they don’t depend on ancestral magic to stay werewolves. But still, I am enjoying parts of this series, I just desperately wish that Caroline was here already. I don’t like the way their writing Cami, at all, even if the actress does the part well, I just want Caroline.

My rating: 7 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“Remind me to annihilate your brother when you get healthy.” – Hayley says. “Yes, remind me to remind you to get in line.” – Elijah replies.

“I doubt you’d trust your own reflection.” – Cami tells Klaus, hitting it right on the nail.

“It’s an ancient mystical plot I’m using to destroy you.” – Cami informs Klaus, dryly, before revealing it to be doodles for a tattoo idea.

“Yes, it is ironic discussing freewill with a mind-controlling vampire.” – Father Kieran mutters.

Okay, I’m off to watch Supernatural now, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. afterwards. Stay tuned.

The Vampire Diaries 5.08 Review: Knowing Who You Are

For all those that have yet to watch tonight’s episode of The Vampire Diaries, entitled ‘Dead Man on Campus’, now would be a good time to go and do that. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Well, looks like Damon went and got his smartass captured. It makes me very curious to learn who this Augustine is, although it seems a little bit out of leftfield that something like this has ever happened to Damon in the past. I am happy, though, that he’s getting what seems to be a bigger story that surrounds him and not just his relationship with Elena. We haven’t gotten enough one-on-one time with Damon in a while, so his very own story was definitely necessary. I’m just not too big on this college secret society; couldn’t there just be something that isn’t vampire centric for once? Because contrary to Elena’s statement that being a vampire is awesome (Really, Elena? Really?), it’s not all that fascinating; it’s a little too easy.

Elsewhere, Bonnie began dealing with the fact that every supernatural being goes through her to pass on to the other side. She also got a new haircut, which, while nice enough looking, makes her head look far too big, and is a tad bit unflattering for her skull sculpture. But at least her character doesn’t come off as all doom and gloom, although I’ll kind of miss the all-powerful witchness that she was. I could’ve sworn she would still come back as a witch, but I suppose she swapped with Amara, not Silas. Still I’m on the fence concerning her character at the moment, I kind of still wish she had stayed dead.

So Dr. Wes basically made Jesse into what the Mikaelson patriarch was? Is that what this series is trying to tell me? It seems an awful lot like retread ground, doesn’t it? Is that all this series has become, recycled seasons past stories? Here’s the new father Mikaelson – although he’s now dead – and Bonnie’s back to her bubbly, first half of season one type character. Does Plec not have any originality?

All in all, it was a decent episode. I’m still not too big on the whole Katherine, Nadia relationship, mostly because she doesn’t seem to have that motherly chemistry. I’m sure they’d just write that off as the character, but there’s something off about the way Katherine says her daughter’s name and such. Also, I’m not all that into the college life that they’re depicting. All this series seems to try to do is make it look like being a vampire is easy and full of rainbows and daisies. At least in Buffy and Angel the vampires had depth and actual character to them. Damon and Katherine are about the only two things keeping me watching this show. Although, I am intrigued by Aaron’s character, I’m just surprised he can be compelled being that Wes is his legal guardian. But I suppose that’s just so Elena could compel him to open up to her. Oy vey.

My rating: 6.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“Who the hell turned you into a vampire?” – Caroline exclaims.

“Gross. (Pause) So I’m going to do that.” – Damon explains to the professor.

“You’re Katherine Pierce. Suck it up.” – Stefan tells Katherine.

Okay, I’m off to watch Once Upon A Time In Wonderland now. Afterwards it’ll be Grey’s Anatomy, and wrapping things up will be The Crazy Ones. Stay tuned.

The Vampire Diaries 5.06 Review: Road Trip with the Devil

For all those that have yet to watch tonight’s episode of The Vampire Diaries, entitled ‘Handle With Care’, this is your last chance to do devoid of spoilers. As always, this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! Proceed at your own discretion.

Maybe it was how little expectation I had of this episode, but I loved it. It was one of the better episodes this season, with a reveal to match the moment where we learned Tessa was Qetsiyah. There were so many hilarious lines to this episode, as well as so many moments. I mean, Stefan’s thumbs up to Tessa’s plan to kill Silas before he can destroy the other side was great. Then there was Silas’s grin after he made the ‘knock knock’ joke, and Katherine pretending to be Elena again and asking where the food is at. This all helped to make this episode a pretty decent episode; I’m going to have to keep my standards low for this series and just be pleasantly surprised.

One thing I found great this week was its use of music. This series had some quality songs that aren’t heard every day. I loved all the music, and the way it was used in each scene. Another thing I loved was Silas this week. He was so happy and cheery, and his sense of humour was both morbid and great. For once I was actually glad to have him on this show. Silas telling Elena she couldn’t come along because he didn’t want to look at her imposter of a face was just plain fantastic. And also, Katherine and Caroline working together was simply great.

This series really has had so many changes over the years. The first ten episodes where Elena had no idea what Stefan was, was like one storyline. Then there was the build up to learning she was adopted, and Damon moving his desire for Katherine onto her. Introducing Klaus and the Originals was another movement of the story, as well as Elena’s eventual transition into being a vampire. So many changes over four and a half seasons that it would make anyone dizzy jumping from one season to the next. Not to say I haven’t liked some of the transitions, it’s just a very different series from where it started off.

A few questions I have about this episode, the most notable being what is going on with Katherine? She somehow managed to survive dying, even though she was human, and then had the gray hair and lost a tooth. I’m really curious to know what is going on with her. Is she aging rapidly and dying similar to Alicia Silverstone’s character in the movie Vamp? Also, what’s this business of Amarra (a name they obviously stole from Buffy with the whole ring that made vampires unkillable) being crazy? Is it because she was entombed similar to Silas all these years, or is she hearing the voices of all the supernaturals on the other side being that she is tied to it? Will the voices go away now that she is (is she?) human, or will they stick around until she is dead and the other side kyboshed? Also, where did Silas go? Is the same that is happening to Katherine going to start happening to him? Or is it different because she was a vampire and he was immortal? Oh, and does Stefan now have all his memories back, because I kind of liked him better without them? So many questions that need to be answered before I ever stop watching this series.

All in all, this was a very good episode. Ian Somerhaulder is still as pretty as ever, possibly more so with age. I’m really becoming more intrigued with this series again, not as much as I’m loving The Originals right now, but it’s still pretty good. Definitely better than Once Upon A Time in Wonderland. Before I sign off, I just have to mention the look on Stefan’s face as Elena explained to Tessa that Damon has never put anyone’s life above her’s, including his own. That was a great moment there. Oh, and can we please have more Aaron? Until next week.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“Did you want me to pinky swear?” – Silas asks Elena of his promise to resurrect Bonnie with his death.

“The supernatural otherworld is bound by an object in Snookie’s backyard?” – Damon questions, after learning the object is in New Jersey.

“AKA, put the damn crossbow down Pocahontas.” – Damon tells Jeremy, who has the bow pointed at Silas.

“Knock knock! Knock knock. Who’s there? The mayor. The mayor who?” – Silas says and then gestures to Damon. “Well who?” – Damon asks. “No one! That’s the joke. No one’s there because I killed the mayor.” – Silas finishes with a smile.

“It’s called being secure. I assume you know a little about that by the way you wear your hair.” – Damon explains to Silas, regarding Elena and the Stefan issue.

“It binds the spell to a supernatural hell dimension, it’s not going to look like a freakin’ Ikea sink.” – Silas says to Damon.

“Just round up.” – Katherine tells Caroline, regarding the professor’s weight and how to accurately take enough blood out of him so that the vervain is gone in his system and she can compel him.

All right, I’m off to watch Grey’s Anatomy now, check back soon for that review and one for The Crazy Ones. Stay tuned.