It’s flashback time on The Vampire Diaries which means splendid costumes, different hairstyles and a whole heap of information about the past that influences the present. In “The End of the Affair” Stefan’s (Paul Wesley) ripper days are shown in all their glory; revealing that human blood turns him into a sadist and how he had a connection to Klaus (Joseph Morgan) in this dark time that he no longer remembers. As so much awesome happened in this episode this is going to be a longer review so dive in.
Stefan’s lack of memory of these 1920s Chicago deeds appeared to be down to his post binge blackouts but the real reason was a surprise; it was Klaus that compelled him to forget to. This act lost Klaus (or Nick if you will) a true friend and his sister Rebekah (Claire Holt) her love (Stefan really does have a way with the ladies and in that tux you can see why) but one that seemed necessary. This reveal (that was one of many in this twist packed episode) that Klaus and Stefan had run in the same circles and had been rather close initially surprised me, but Klaus’ knowledge of the ‘rippah’ days and the Originals nifty ‘we can compel anyone’ trick made complete sense. I was more than happy to see Stefan’s confused expression after discovering the photo of himself and Klaus looking all dapper back in the 1920s that may have matched my own, however I can guarantee that I swooned more.
The relationship that Stefan had with Klaus could be seen as being similar to the one he had with Damon (Ian Somerhalder) before they both turned (obviously minus the blood drinking and torture). Also with the lack of Damon in the flashbacks what was he like at this time? Yes he tells Elena (Nina Dobrev) that he could avoid Stefan who he charmingly refers to as a ‘cocky ripper douche’ and that he indulged in some Daisy Buchanan’s of his own but without seeing this can we believe it? Gloria (Charmin Lee) the extremely powerful witch, who has managed to slow the aging process down clearly prefers Damon, which would suggest that Damon was perhaps a much more pleasant and less sadistic vampire to be around. Damon would have seemed the likely choice to be Klaus’ wingman but there is something about him that Klaus dislikes, so much so that he chose a cocktail umbrella to poke him with before getting all serious and almost staking him for real. Klaus does indeed have a favorite brother.
Now to the women in Stefan’s life, it turns out there are a few. After this little road trip will Elena finally let go? She seems rather stubborn about ending this mission but Stefan was rather emphatic in his explanation as to why she should give up, but despite his pleas I’m sure this isn’t the last of Elena’s attempts. Though I’m sure her experience in his death list cupboard, coupled with his rather strong grip on her wrist during their argument might put a kink in a future reunion. When Stefan finally comes back to Mystic Falls these experiences might be too much to forget.
One name I was glad to hear mentioned was Lexi (Arielle Kebbel) as Elena read from Stefan’s diary from his dark days, for a show with diary in the title it sure has been a while since we saw one (not that this is an issue, more an observation). Hopefully next time we have a flashback we can have some Lexi time, for a character that has had little screen time she has definitely had a lasting impression.
So to the new woman from Stefan’s past who also happens to be Klaus’ sister and the third Original that we have been introduced to; Rebekah. Rebekah is someone who easily falls in love according to her big brother, this we witness in her strong affection toward Stefan which leads to her ‘death’ at the hands of Klaus adding to his Original casket collection. Luckily for him he can undo their deaths (can we have Elijah back please?) and she is valuable in contacting the Original witch. Not so lucky is that the necklace that Rebekah was wearing that is so important also happens to be the very necklace that Stefan gave Elena which she wears every day. This is going to be fun to get out of. It is unclear how Klaus giving Stefan back his memories from the past will change his attitude, he told Klaus that he was ‘the hybrid dick who sacrificed his girlfriend’, but what now? Also how exactly does he feel about Rebekah?
Who could forget the woman who has been in Stefan’s life the longest and that is Katherine who bookended the episode with phone calls to Damon to help in his Stefan quest. Yep she’s vague and cryptic and doesn’t reveal that she is in a dangerously close location to Stefan and Klaus, but she clearly cares in her strange way. The best Katherine reveal however was in the speakeasy looking like she stepped out of The Great Gatsby rocking a pretty fantastic bob. Katherine really has been keeping tabs (or stalking) Stefan like she said she had been doing. These flashbacks are amazing not just for the mass information drop but also for the spectacular costumes that this beautiful cast get to show off.
In the other big story of the episode there were some very unpleasant scenes of Caroline (Candice Accola) being tortured at the hands of her father Bill (Jack Coleman). His belief was that he could condition Caroline to associate her vampire instincts with pain and therefore suppress them. This alone sounds like a terrible idea and coupled with the agonizing screams from Caroline really emphasized this. Luckily Tyler (Michael Trevino) went to Sheriff Forbes (Marguerite MacIntyre) and the two got Caroline to safety, but this day of pain caused by her father, unsurprisingly had an emotional effect. Tyler was on hand to provide comfort, climbing into bed with her for a well needed snuggle that showed that there is much more than passionate attraction between the pair. This scene was truly heartbreaking and Candice Accola really nailed the pain that Caroline was feeling.
One other introduction that came tonight was the person that sent Klaus fleeing back in Chicago. Sebastian Roche (Supernatural, Fringe) is playing this character who had Klaus on the run so he must be a danger. Playing a vampire hunter in the 20s means that he should be dead by now, but has he also found a way to prolong his life or did he become the very thing that he was hunting?
This was a truly terrific episode and lets us know that this show really isn’t slowing down. The flashback device works so well because they use it sparingly and when they do use it they really utilize the storytelling potential. We have now seen more of Stefan at his darkest and most depraved, which has allowed Paul Wesley and the character of Stefan to really shine this year. As Stefan has explicitly told Elena to keep away does this now open the door to Damon? If you could pick another decade to flashback to when would it be and why?
Next week: Bonnie (Kat Graham) returns, Damon faces a new enemy and Klaus and Stefan remain in Chicago. To see the promo video for next week head here.
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