'The Killer' - The Vampire Diaries, Season Four

The Vampire Diaries

Season Four

Episode Five

'The Killer' - 4.0

I think 'The Killer' was the worst thing to Google image search for since 'Two Girls, One Cup'

Tyler, Damon, Jeremy, April, Hayley, Matt, Elena, Stefan, Klaus and now even Caroline. With every passing episode, more and more characters stop being interesting or likeable, and after almost no development in so long it's getting tiresome. I wouldn't bat an eyelid if they died. So much could be done better, there could be some real movement, instead of these constant circles.

I'll admit that Elena's arc so far this season has been pretty enjoyable, but she's still the loathsome, moral creature she's always been, and this new vampirism is doing little to change her. 'The Killer' that this episode refers to is actually our female protagonist, as she ends up being the one who finally takes down Connor, the vampire slayer. The moment when she snaps his neck in the cave was quite epic, and there is this degree of wonderful irony and tragedy that underpins the move. I hope that she finds out. It's great that the writers gave Damon and Stefan enough tact to not just blurt out her dumb-girl-play when they come across her digging a grave for her first victim, but she does have to find out sometime. They will no doubt give her some unrealistic, over-the-top 'OH GOD WHAT HAVE I DONE?' realisation, because her sombre reflection and regret period was pretty fucking cliché. This is The Vampire Diaries though. I can't expect anything groundbreaking.

There is a lot of pretentious and cynical musings coming from me right now, but I get like that when I am really, really tired of the shit. Bonnie's meeting with the college professor for example; utter bullshit. Boring, over-long, badly written and badly edited. We never once see Bonnie actually hypnotised, it is all just '(talking,talking,talking) by the way you've just done something and forgotten about it TA-FUCKING-DAH'. It didn't help that I had mostly forgotten (or blocked out) that she was having ANOTHER magical crisis and couldn't do spells. Maybe one day she can stop putting a cork in her power every time she could be of some level of usefulness. We're all sick of it Bonnie, just learn to be a bloody witch for once.

I had issues with Damon, as normal. He just proves to be a difficult ass when it comes to rescuing Jeremy, Matt and April from the Mystic Grill. Why does Stefan wanting to send hybrids in show he's working with Klaus? All it shows is that Stefan has enough brains to know that something part-werewolf can't be killed by the werewolf venom Connor may or may not have, and the fact that he had to vervain Damon just shows that he can remember all the times that his brother has fucked things up in the past. Remember when he fed Elena his blood? Or when he killed coach Tanner? Or when he killed Jeremy? Or all the times he egged the Originals on? Yeah, I think we can all agree that everyone in Mystic Falls would live a lot longer if he wasn't around. 

In regards to the Mystic Grill hostage situation: what the fuck was that? Admittedly the violent end for so-far-unseen hybrid lackey No.76 was wonderful, but the capture and rescue of the three main humans was unremarkable. They came so close to killing off Jeremy but wussed out at the last second. COME ON!!! You could have had an amazing goodbye, with poor Elena saying farewell to her beloved brother as the glass and nails stick out of him like a porcupine's quills. Also, is anyone going to point out that it was Elena's fault that Connor shot Jeremy? She pumped the hunter and made him miss Stefan, so why did Elena barely even flinch? Similarly, where was Elena when the pressure switch went off? Why wasn't she hit? So many questions, so little motivation to rewatch the episode and figure out the answers. 

Did anyone else hope that at least ONE of the goddamn humans would die? Matt seemed entirely unphased by the events once they were over, while Jeremy was more concerned about the fact he was compelled than the fact he was kidnapped and shot. April had the entire thing compelled away, meaning that the ordeal ended up having almost no bearing on the characters or the plot, other than indirectly causing Connor's death. Whatever, I don't see the point if it isn't going to have repercussions.

Jeremy becoming the new hunter? Called it. Predicted it. Feel somewhat patronised that it played out exactly as I expected, even if it was all a little faster than I thought it would be.

I had issues with Nina Dobrev throughout the episode, but her graveside breakdown was pretty well done. The wait for her to become a more interesting character is getting horrid, but I am pretty sure she's moving towards something better. Her outburst at Damon when he tries to prevent her from helping out was a good omen. In a perfect world she'll kill him eventually, then Jeremy. God I hate them so much. 

OK, 'The Killer' was stupid and pointless. I like that Elena FINALLY killed someone, even though she's killed vampires and stuff. It was an important moment for the series and for the character nonetheless, so I can only hope that the writers will actually do something with this development and not just have her mull over the guilt for a few episodes. Preferably, I'd like to see her switch off her humanity. 

'The Five' - The Vampire Diaries, Season Four

The Vampire Diaries

Season Four

Episode Four

'The Five' - 6.5

I'd be lying if I said I saw the point of this. It wasn't even that impressive.

As per Vampire Diaries' usual, the origins and ramifications of intriguing and/or mysterious plot points are addressed in only the following episode. This is a fantastic move to cater to impatient, forgetful or high teenagers, but for folk like me who prefer a steady burn-off period where we can munch on the possible directions of a storyline, it's kind of... patronising? That's a good word. 

Interestingly though, I wouldn't call the story of 'The Brotherhood of the Five' the focus of tonight's entertainment. Rather, Claire Holt absolutely steals the show with some amazing work as original vampire Rebekah, who was always just awesome. She is coming to understand herself in relation to the people around her, and she is beginning to grasp her tendency to fall in love so easily. This is demonstrated by her twelfth century love affair with Alex, one of the original five hunters, and this ends typically for her, as she becomes the first victim of a silver dagger (I assume) after promising to go away with him. 

The writers have this obvious fixation with the tragic Rebekah, and they seem to believe that her obsession with finding love and acceptance is some glorious character innovation, so she and all the other characters refer to it all the fucking time. Yes, I get it. I UNDERSTAND. VAMPIRE DIARIES, PLEASE STOP.

Anyway, the writing isn't the best part, obviously. Claire Holt just owned her material tonight. I have been a little tough on her lately, but god was she good, especially in her blubbering argument with her brother all the way back in the 1100s. Joseph Morgan did well too, but Holt really hogged his limelight and really, really proved herself as more than an actress with impeccable delivery. Also, she's still totally Australian, so that's awesome. Why isn't Hayley Australian on that note? 

Later on, Klaus conspires to have his sister daggered in order to keep his and Stefan's plan a secret. This leads to the greatest scene of the night, and possibly of the show so far, as Rebekah once again realises her once beloved brother has wronged her again, turning to see him preparing the dagger. She takes it willingly, almost running headlong into the blade, but not before tearing into Klaus for being a weak, loveless monster who will never have a real legacy. I'm officially head-over-heels in love with this teenage monster, and I pray that she’ll be with us again soon. Ah, the beauty of a race of vampires who only die temporarily (other than Finn and Mikael).

Elena did shit too, learning how to control herself while feeding on random strangers, which is weird because I was pretty sure that she had learnt how to drink from Matt without much issue. She had a little lapse in control last episode, but who gives a shit about that? Regardless her entire plotline was ruined by the Delena overload. Damon sucks, just get over it, OK? 

Truth be told, I actually was a little impressed by Ian Somerhalder's handling of his whole 'predatory species' monologue, as well as Nina Dobrev's reaction to it. I really am trying to like this guy, as he is clearly the focal point of the show, even if he isn’t the main character on paper. That’s Elena of course, who’s new vampirism is being treated in the most hipster way possible; they are trying to make deep, subtle parallels to the original doppelganger, Katherine.  When she takes her first bite  at the (stupid sounding) Murder party she turns to Damon and tells him – with a cocky smile on her face – that she wants more. She has also altered her hair just enough to be a little like Katherine’s frizzier do. UG.

Connor is still a pretty fun villain, and I appreciated his violent killing of that hybrid, though the Brotherhood of the Five is so clearly a ripoff of the Slayer line. Even the would-be hunters are called potentials! Seriously? Every time one dies a new one is called? They have super strength and super reflexes? IS THIS NOT A BELL BEING RUNG? 

  

Aside from the usual writing fails that perpetuate every episode of this drama, 'The Five' was pretty good, mostly in part to the wondrous woman that is Claire Holt. I'm gonna wrap it up now though, because I've just discovered that I'm incredibly pissed off by unrelated matters. Goodbye! 

'The Rager' - The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries

Season Four

Episode Three

'The Rager' - 4.5

This could be the start of something wonderful

In an episode devoted to an exploration of rage and emotional control, there was little to be passionate about in 'the Rager'. There were moments here and there that show this series is attempting to take Elena's transformation with the upmost seriousness and with a degree of realism, but the quick-fly scenes and almost pestering tone of this episode detract from the relatability.

Stuff always happens in Mystic Falls, it's not like Sunnydale. Yeah, if you put it out on paper I bet more bad stuff has gone down in Buffy's Californian small town, but it just feels like the writers have this need to fill every episode to breaking point with action and shocks, thinking that we don't have to attention span to last out the 'boring bits'. To make my point, my favourite scene tonight was the first conversation between Matt and Elena, in which he offered his wrist to her as some sort of loving, nurturing symbol of his undying devotion to her, but all she can talk about is herself. She doesn't even seem to register that her ex-boyfriend is feeding himself to her. Nonetheless, the more held back and subtle direction here was a nice, toned-down change from the in-your-face obviousness that often tarnishes this show.

I'm definitely not calling the director good though; his filming of Elena's two instances of showing-off were just awful. First, when she does a handstand on a beer keg and drinks is absolutely atrocious, it was clear when it was a stunt double or when she was being held up by wires. Later, the green-screen motorcycle ride was reminiscent of the boat scene from the Pilot of Ringer. That is definitely not a good thing when the moment was supposed to be an emotional high for the character, when all it looked like was Nina Dobrev having an acid-trip in front of a box fan.

We finally get to see Phoebe Tonkin's character strut onto the set and I have to say; I was a little disappointed. So far, Tonkin is once again playing Faye, just a sassy werewolf this time instead of a sassy witch. Granted she seems much less selfish, I thought they'd have a bigger focus than sticking her in for two scenes, establishing her as a potential hurdle for Tyler and Caroline then having Klaus say 'she's left'. Right. Of course, she hasn't left the town or anything, but she didn't even get a witty one-liner as a send off. Last I saw of her, she was bad mouthing Klaus in her stereotypical, anti-authoritarian tone-of-voice. 

I was much more appreciative of Rebekah's return to form, once again playing the role of a thousand-year old teenager, perpetually pining for the love and affection of her peers but always failing to get it because she FUCKING KILLS THEM. She dwells on this tonight as she comes under a seedy attack from the town's current vampire-hater, Connor, who poisons some beer with Tyler's werewolf venom. I was worried for a second that the writers had completely forgotten that werewolf bites don't kill Originals, but luckily Rebekah's temporary sickness ends with her simply sliding out of her bed. While she's sick she has a vision in which her high school crush, Matt, scolds her for failing to mature during her thousand years, causing her to freak the shit out and rip his heart from his chest. I knew they wouldn't kill off a main character so unceremoniously, so it was completely obvious that it was a fantasy, but it was still pretty impressive.

In other news, Rebekah's brother is starting to irritate me. I was generally a fan of Klaus, but as of tonight he seems... shorter. That's nothing against him, but Joseph Morgan lacked his normal intimidating stance and position as he strolled about doing jack all - except helping Elena survive her werewolf venom incident and saving Connor's life. What? I guess we'll get to that later this season?

Damon and Elena are still in deep desperate love with each other, but I still can't take the writers seriously for even considering this a possibility, and I sure as hell will never take Ian Somerhalder seriously as an actor. Just no.

There's nothing much that would entice me to tune in next week had this been my first viewing, but I will invariably return. If I were to be asked a reason, it would be that I am intrigued by the prospect of April and Rebekah alliance, which was hinted at towards the end as a repentant Rebekah offers her expertise to help the orphan out with the investigation into her father's death. I guess that will tide me over until next week. 

'Memorial' - The Vampire Diaries, Season Four

The Vampire Diaries

Season Four

Episode Two

'Memorial' - 8.0

The suckiest funeral ever.

The final scene of a show is always the most important part, as when you leave after watching the hour or forty minutes or whatever, it is the easiest part of the episode to recall. Often, when someone reviews an episode, their memory of the experience is based almost entirely on the final scene. This is also a good reason to rewatch things, though you never quite get an as intense emotional response.

This is why I am trying to ignore the final scene. It wasn't bad, but it was Damon-centric and an unveiled attempt to ensure that the character remains a bad boy with a heart of gold, and it just pisses me off. The scene before it was terrific, and I loved hearing the names of lost characters - though I don't know why Tyler wasn't there - and giving recognition to the past in a show not known for continuity or consistency. I thought it was a bit strange that Elena didn't mention Alaric in her list, as he'd only died at the same point she did, which was like two or three days prior. He also didn't seem to get an actual funeral, much like Jenna.

Also, I'm guessing that Matt Davis couldn't find another job, because Alaric returns tonight as the ghostly apparition of his former character, who watches over Damon as the vampire paces back and forth, having a full on conversation with Alaric's grave. It was supposed to be cute, clearly, and we were supposed to feel sorry for Damon, and yes, it is nice to see that he does care for someone who has died, but I also take pleasure in knowing that there is no one left on his side anymore, as evidenced when he ditched the memorial service at the end there. No one agreed with him or followed him, everyone stayed with Stefan and played sentimental.

The series' new antagonist Connor Jordan was pretty awesome, and I appreciated the hasty pace at which he works, rather than the confident, methodical and breezy pace that most of the villains do their thing. Klaus likes to go on giant rants before he does anything, as does Katherine who likes to pretend to be Elena for half-an-hour before she gets to it. Jordan though, the second he realised that Tyler was a vampire - *cough* hybrid *cough* - he pulled his gun and pretty much emptied the clip into his chest. 

By the way, does that mean that wooden stakes don't kill hybrids? Did this information just fly over my head, because Tyler was shot by bullets that Stefan reveals would have killed a normal vampire, then later he's shot with a stake by Jordan during his speech at the funeral. Presumably that was on target, and for a while I was certain that we'd lost another character – I was momentarily excited - but he was fine. 

I have to say, I was impressed with the scenes in the church. Of course the best bit was with the blood dripping down from the balcony and all the vampires knowing that if they turn around, Connor Jordan will know what they are and take them out. For Elena it was especially scary, as she could barely control the urge. What’s more, for some reason she decided to go make an eulogy in front of everyone, which Stefan ended up having to rescue her from. It was very tense and very well done. Connor's plan was actually far more intelligent than I generally give this show credit for, so kudos to them for providing legitimate suspense. 

I sincerely hope that Jordan is a near permanent member of Mystic Falls. Even though he had barely any lines and we don't know anything about him, I feel like he is a real threat to our vampire friends and that is awesome. So often villains are just talk on this show, and it's about time we had one who can go through with their claims and perform acts of great violence on characters we love. I do have to request that he gets to take out one important character though, and I honestly don't care who. 

Elena's entire experience in 'Memorial' was pretty fun, and she is clearly a slightly different vampire to all the others as she is having issues drinking animal blood, vampire blood and blood bags. On more than one occasion she vomits rather spectacularly as a result of not taking blood straight 'from the vein', as it were. Seeing Nina Dobrev have to project what looks like half of Damon all over the church toilet was a sight to see, and I don't know if the show will ever be that gross ever again. I hope they will though.

I wonder if Elena's issues with her vampirism will necessitate the return of Katherine for aid, and that would be just fantastic. Katherine is and always will be the better role that Dobrev gets to play. 

Yeah, I did enjoy 'Memorial' on the whole, if I found the final scene a manipulative attempt to curry favour for Damon. Most of the other scenes, which varied from touching and retrospective to tense and climactic, managed to redeem the episode in my mind. I wouldn't count it as the best but it was pretty good and different for a show that can never call itself unique.