At the top of this newest episode the audience gets a glimpse at The Vampire Diaries a la 1865 with some silly costume get-ups that clearly try to bump up the love triangle being created and re-created.
Discovery Time on Vampire Diaries
Episode six starts with the bang that bleeds from the end of episode five, Dobrev's Elena's discovery of Wesley's Stefan's true identity and her demand of the answer to her question of "what are you?" Of course, he rattles off the line, "Everything you know, every belief you have is about to change, are you ready for that?" As if her asking means that she is either not ready or unable to handle the answer. In fact, most women in male-centered vampire stories are quite the opposite of the standard mother or vixen stereotype. And at least Dobrev stands up to her vampire demand even if it comes off as a boring Twilight scene with Wesley patronizing her by reminding her that at the end of the day it's her choice whether or not she stays with him. Actually, the whole series is turning into a bad Twilight knock off in so much that although Stephanie Meyers books and now films are not earth-shattering they at least are awash with palpable sexual tension and actual suspense.
Part of these complaints must also be attributed to the source material. L.J. Smith's series sports little originality as its story forces its main characters to be destined to be together. Including this episode's historical 'twist', which finally allows a woman to shape the future of the men around her. But this twist is still pure manipulation and this episode's dress up session seems like silly padding in a series attempting to find it's true focus.
The Future of the Series
Don't forget that this focus is also being by a CW alum. The series was developed and is being written by Kevin Williamson, creator and writer on the previous CW hit Dawson's Creek (1998) and horror films Scream (1996), Scream 2 & 3 (1997 & 2000) and I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997). This previous teen series and horror success suggest that Williamson is a perfect match to consult on this series. However, in these past few episodes his pampered horror moments and obvious use of sex and violence prove that his past 1990s escapades should be left where they are, in the past.
The past also comes to haunt in this episode as Mystic Fall's adults fight back in what seems to be a stupid storyline where the city's leaders retaliate against its vampire inhabitants. The more interesting storyline developing is that of the 'transition' of Kayle Ewell's Vicki who fell prey to Somerhalder's Damon's antics. This transition highlights the hodgepodge vampire lure of the series and how female-centered the choices are in this show. So despite the swelling soundtrack and dark lighting, one cannot help but applaud Dobrev's choice at the end of the episode and wonder where the series will take the lackluster lovers? Because no acoustic guitar or sappy crying can really pull in audiences. But then again this show isn't lacking in them just lacking in substance.
Oh and it's Halloween next week, so be prepared!
