The show takes a step back in pace after last week's finale-like extravaganza. Not that there aren't enough twists this week to change to the story drastically...
It does kind of amaze me how Caroline tries to keep things positive every week. "Sure we lost some folk last week and one of us turned into yet another supernatural being, but all is cool 'cause we in high school" or whatever. The episode doesn't give her and her friends much time to breathe though. Stefan is coming back to school to keep an eye on Elena and Rebbekah is joining him. Looks like we're going go spend a lot of time in school this year.. Oh who am I kidding, even the teachers are seen more off campus.
About that: Alaric is trying to teach Elena some fighting skills, which, after a dead aunt, numerous attacks and a relationship with a predator, seems kind of late. But the intentions are good. Now, Elena didn't get her kung fu on but she did get some self esteem. I love it when characters have to convince themselves they are strong. But in Elena's case it kind of worked. Her message is basically that she continues to believe in the human side of Stefan. No matter how many innocent girls he forces to play Twister.
Much pressing matters arrived in the form of Tyler, who has a mysterious and rather dangerous loyalty to Klaus. Lots of story potential there. But instead we spend much of the episode in the ghost world, as Vicky tried to get back to our side. I don't know how it all worked but the end result was that even people who are on out side concerning Klaus form a threat to Elena and Matt is a wiccan now.
I didn't really care for the ghost story though it offered up some nice twists and insight to Matt. But even better was the ending with Jeremy and Anna. Bonnie who? And for the first time I'm deeply concerned for Katherine, even though she doesn't have to worry about contract negotiations or anything.
Yes, this week was all about wrapping some stuff up. But more importantly, it set some things up that we'll likely see develop in the next couple of weeks. If anything, it got me stoked for the next big episode ofThe Vampire Diaries which can't be too far away.
