Hold on to your seats, folks! This week, we got a taste of what it’s like when vampires and werewolves clash without a full moon. Can you imagine the chaos when there is one?
Trust Issues and Supernatural Rivalries
Trust was a significant theme this week, with Tyler confronting Caroline about the truth regarding Mason, Stefan, and Damon. The confusion between these two new supernatural beings is understandable, as the concept of vampires and werewolves being enemies is not yet ingrained in them. Caroline’s frustration with this confrontation is justified, considering how much she has risked to support Tyler during his transformation. While Tyler’s actions can be somewhat forgiven due to the information Jules is feeding him, it doesn’t mean we’ll be pleased with his later decisions.
Caroline’s Torture and the Epic Battle
Caroline’s trust in Stefan is evident, as she believes he can help Tyler sort out his feelings, despite the fact that Stefan’s brother killed Mason. This leads to Jules showing her fearlessness against vampires, even without a full moon, and introduces her love interest and werewolf partner, Brady. They take matters into their own hands and capture Caroline, subjecting her to horrifying torture scenes involving vervain spray, wooden bullets, and a dart gun full of wooden splinters.
In the exchange of Caroline for Tyler in the woods, Jules and Brady seem outmatched by Stefan and Damon. However, they reveal a group of wolves armed with vampire-killing devices, leading to an epic battle where Damon uses his heart-ripping move, and Stefan turns the weapons against their wielders. The heartbreak comes when Tyler hesitates to help Caroline out of her cage and does nothing when it seems that team vamp is defeated. Dr. Martin’s secret weapon, his witch brain aneurysm power, saves the day and shows that Elijah will keep his end of the deal (though he still can’t be trusted).
Caroline’s Heartbreak and Candice Accola’s Performance
Caroline is understandably upset with Tyler, but her closing the door on him might cause more harm, even if he deserves it, especially as he reveals to Jules about the dreaded moonstone. Candice Accola’s performance was incredible, portraying the torture, pretending to Stefan that all is okay, and her confrontation with Tyler. Her relationship with Stefan is endearing, as he doesn’t push her to talk but knows that her two best friends will help ease her pain. We look forward to more from these two, without the complication of a potential hookup.
Damon’s Crisis and John’s Return
The other major threads of the episode involve Damon’s handling of everything after his meltdown and the implications of John’s presence. Of course, John can’t be trusted, as the final scene shows him working on a way to get Katherine out of the tomb. Why he’s trying to free the vampire that tried to kill him is a mystery, but there’s likely more to this than meets the eye. The amusing part of John’s return is everyone’s disdainful reactions, as no one likes the guy, and he knows it.
Damon continues to struggle with his crisis but tries to pretend everything is fine, offering up snappy one-liners like his personal favorite to Stefan about getting “a hero hairdo of my own.” He finds a new female plaything in reporter Andie, with whom he shares the much-talked-about bath scene that turns from steamy to unsettling as her blood mixes with the soapy water. Given the history of reporters in this town, this relationship likely won’t end well.
Lines Drawn and Allegiances Set
This episode solidifies the divide between vampires and werewolves, with all talk of Klaus on the back burner but simmering away. Damon teeters on the edge, making us excited for what’s to come. A truly stellar episode featuring all the main cast and exceptional performances, setting a major plot point ablaze. A
What did you all think? Excited for the vampire vs. werewolves battle? Enjoy the Damon bathtub scene? Want to join a slumber party with Caroline, Elena, and Bonnie? Let us know in the comments below or in our TVD forum. Also, be sure to check out Mark O. Estes’ excellent full recap here.
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