'The Vampire Diaries' goes back in time

I don't even know where to begin discussing "The Vampire Diaries" this week. I've been looking forward to Thursday's episode, "Lost Girls," ever since the awesome promotional flashback photos were released several weeks ago, but it more than exceeded my highest expectations. So, without further ado...

Five reasons "Lost Girls" was the best episode yet:

1. "I'm at the Sizzler. I had the buffet." 

Just when we thought Damon couldn't get any darker, he makes an appearance burning the bodies of some slaughtered teenagers while sauntering through the carnage like he's just up to a little idle mischief. 

As Damon becomes more menacing, he also grows more magnetic. Ian Somerhalder really outdid himself this time.  Damon's apathetic, almost restless attitude as he coaxed Vicki to drink his blood, beginning the irreversible process of turning her into a vampire, was absolutely perfect. (As were his abs as they later danced, shirtless and giddy, through the Salvatore boarding house. That was definitely worth a rewind.)

Somehow, one of the most revealing Damon moments Thursday night was when he stood at the window and plunged his hand into the beam of light spilling from between the heavy curtains. He knows exactly how his skin reacts to sunlight when he's unprotected by his ring. He didn't make this move out of curiosity, but out of pure boredom-fueled masochism. It's becoming more and more clear that Damon Salvatore's greatest enemy isn't his brother; it's himself.

2. "Damon and I were both born here.  The Salvatore brothers: best friends."

The 1864 scenes were one of the highlights of this episode for me. Director Marcos Siega's gorgeous, sun-flooded flashbacks made the the dark, panicked present-day moments seem even more tense and claustrophobic. "I've been 17 since 1864," Stefan told Elena, and we were whisked back in time.

It was fantastic to get a chance to see Damon and Stefan before they turned against each other. In an early episode, Stefan said that Damon wouldn't hurt Elena, because Damon ultimately didn't want to lose Stefan. This hinted that they once shared a strong bond, and we finally got to witness it! Watching Damon start to teach Stefan to play rugby in the backyard made me a little sad for how far they've fallen.  They're both so completely alone now, when they could've had each other to rely on all this time.

Their old camaraderie made the present-day moment when Damon pulled a wooden bullet out of Stefan's chest all the more powerful. "If anyone's gonna kill you," Damon hissed, saving his brother's life, "it's going to be me." It's a vamped-out version of your everyday sibling rivalry. I mean, I can tease my little sisters until I run out of words, but I'd be furious if anyone else did it. Stefan gave Damon back the ring despite it becoming increasingly clear that killing Damon is the only way to end his reign of terror. Beneath 145 years of animosity, the Salvatores still remember what it's like to be brothers. I think that'll become even more important in the upcoming episodes.

3. "The smart and kind Salvatore brothers both coming to my rescue. How will I ever choose?"

Finally, we met Katherine Pierce, the woman who drove the first stake into the brothers' relationship.  While I much prefer Nina Dobrev as Elena (we'll get to that in a moment), her performance as Katherine was impressive, too.  Katherine is more carefree than Elena, with good reason -- she's a vampire. Almost nothing can hurt her.

I haven't read "The Vampire Diaries"  books, so I was unprepared when Katherine's face went suddenly demonic and she sank her teeth into Stefan's neck. I should've guessed that she was the one to turn the brothers! I can't wait to hear more about how she got them to drink her blood and how she ultimately died in that burning church.

Her unrepentant manipulation of both brothers made it easy to understand why they've turned against each other. "You have no idea of the future I have planned for us," she tells Stefan. "You, me and Damon. No rules." Her selfish, wanton life philosophy mirrors Damon's own. It seems he's learned from the master.

4. "You let him get involved with Caroline? He was hurting her!"

Once again, Elena is a rock star. She demands an explanation from Stefan for why he lets his brother get away with so much. I'm so impressed by her bravery. When she finds out that the Salvatores are vampires, she's more angry than she is scared. Writers Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec continue to write Elena as a strong, admirable teenager. Even more than the good-looking, ultra-charming vampires, Elena's relatability is what keeps me invested in the show.

Damon's relationship with Caroline has been by far one of the most disturbing story lines in the show. He compels her to consent to whatever he wants -- be it sex, obedience or allowing him to feast on her blood whenever he pleases. The longer Stefan lets him get away with it, the more I doubt Stefan's benevolence.  I'm glad Elena feels the same way. She's always stood up for Caroline and I hope she continues to do so!

She really ran through a roller-coaster of emotions in this episode: disbelief, anger, curiosity, fear. Dobrev played them all quite convincingly. She has come a long way since her "Degrassi" days.

5. "I just want to go home."

While I'm at it, a round of applause for Kayla Ewell, who plays the newest member of the vampire nest, Vicki Donovan. I have to say, I raised my eyebrows while she was dancing around in her underwear after drinking Damon's blood. Still, I think her manic, over-the-top performance worked for the scene -- it was meant to make the viewer uncomfortable and unsettled, and it certainly did that.

As Damon explained in an earlier episode, becoming a vampire is a three-step process. First, you have to drink a vampire's blood. Then, you have to die. Finally, you have to feed on human blood; if you don't, you'll die before you vamp out. As Vicki comes down from her vampire-blood-induced euphoria, she sobs into Damon's shoulder about her family problems and her troubled love life. Damon, in a show of unrivaled compassion, snaps her neck.

When Stefan and Elena figure out what's going on, Stefan tries to convince Vicki that her best option is to not feed. Sadly, it seems that death is the lesser of two evils. As she begins to understand what's happening to her, Vicki starts to cry. "I don't want this," she wails. "I want to go home. Will you take me home?"

It's by far Ewell's best moment yet in the series. Her ugly sobs seemed so sincere that they were hard to watch. My heart genuinely broke for Vicki; she's definitely a problematic kid, but she was never hopeless until this moment.

Of course, there are still plenty of questions left unanswered!  First of all -- where is Bonnie? I'm hoping that she and Matt get more scenes together. Both of them are so endearing and I'd like to see more of them. What's going to happen with Caroline and Damon's gem? And for God's sake, why are Katherine and Elena identical? Is Elena a descendant of the Pierce vampires herself? I can't wait to find out.

What were your favorite moments in this episode?  What do you think of Damon "turning" Vicki?  How did you like Elena's reaction to Stefan's shocking revelations? Did you love the flashbacks as much as I did?  Do you think I'm giving Kayla Ewell undeserved praise?

Let's hash it out in the comments below. Don't forget to check back here next week!

-- Carina MacKenzie (follow me on Twitter @cadlymack)

Photos: (top) Paul Wesley as Stefan and Ian Somerhalder as Damon. Credit: The CW

(bottom) Nina Dobrev as Katherine and Jasmine Burke as Emily. Credit: The CW

Related:
Elena asks the big question
The undead show signs of life
Rooting for Elena

Comments

[Jenelle]

One of the best Ive seen yet

[Sarah]

Yes, absolutely. All of this is exactly why I'm loving this show. So glad I started watching, as it seems to be getting better and better each week. And I love what you have to say about Elena, such a great strong character. I'm excited to see where they take her connection with Katherine as well (because, as you said, there definitely has to be something there).

Thanks again for a wonderful recap/review, I look forward to reading them every week.

[Johanna]

No talk about the break up at the end of the episode? I'm sure its temporary and of course keeps things interesting, but I almost cried when Elena told Stephan she couldn't be with him. Despite knowing he would never hurt her and she would keep his secret she had to say no. The look of complete heartbreak and the song at that moment was perfectly devestating. She closes her door and colapses into sobs because we all know... who woulnt want to be with Stephan. Call me emotionally involved with the show but I was really sad for both of them at that point.

Love the reviews and you're right Vicki was great this episode you actually felt for her this episode and saw shes not just the pretty druggy.

[Alina Winchester]

i think stefan is so frikin hottt i mean look at the dude it says it for itself!!! domon is hottt to but the frikin smile creeps the crap out of me lol its the ending is sad but its supposed to be right but the only way you can tell is if you know

[Malina Winchester]

I think that Damon is cute but evil at the same time the hair and eyes make it work yes dont get mad at me but i love stefan too!!!!!! There both so cute and Ilove them to pieces but if i had to choose it would be Damon!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I disagree with my sister Alina she thinks the ending last night was supposed to happen I think they should just problems and date again love, Malina

[Joy]

I still can't decide whether I like this show or not. It does a great job of staying mysterious and still giving a couple answers every week to make sure people stay tuned, but I'm not as invested as I'd like to be at this point. The flashback scenes, while definitely a great contrast to the scary, claustrophobic feeling of the present day stuff, left me feeling like they were all just playing dress up. It didn't quite GRAB like I had hoped.

And yes, I definitely want more Bonnie! So far, she's still way more interesting to me than Elena.

[JS]

I agree, I am most curious about the Katherine/Elena connection. I'm guessing Elena is not a vampire but that this point, who the hells knows? It's possible that she is something supernatural or some kind of reincarnation.

[themothchase]

I agree - this was the best episode so far! Katherine as the vampire maker was the best, and most unexpected, twist. I would have settled for a little catty or bitchy, but a woman with fangs is all the better. Do you think she absolutely has to be dead-dead? Wouldn't it be sort of amazing to see her return - and to see Nina play both sides of the Katherine/Elena doppelganger face to face? And perhaps she could take sides with Vicki, who I worry is going to need some mentoring, beyond getting caught in the battle between brothers.

Also, if you watch True Blood did you notice the parallel between female vampire makers and the havoc they wreck on their male creations? I just hope we get to see a bit more of Katherine and she isn't quite as desperate and needy as Lorena was.

thanks again for a great summary/commentary!
--themothchase (follow me on Twitter @themothchase)

[lbj]

Strangley, this teenage vampire lite series is addicting and last night was the best yet.

"I'm so impressed by her bravery" - really? I'm not. I'm sick and tired of these cheeky girls snarking back to a creature that could snap you like a twig (see: Sookie).

[Bridget]

I liked this episode! I mean, any episode in which Ian Somerhalder dances around with his shirt off is obviously an awesome episode, but uh, this had other fun moments too.

I was surprised they chose Vicki as a character to turn, but I am excited to see how that storyline plays out. I really didn't care one way or the other for her character, but last night, I was indeed intrigued.

I enjoyed the flashback scenes a lot, super fun! I like that we got an introduction to Katherine and I hope they continue using that format to tell us more about the brothers. I have to say that Elana is probably my least favorite character on the show. She reminds me of a cross between Smallville's Chloe and Roswell's Liz, and. No thanks! I think Katherine is more interesting.

I am still hoping they use Matt more. I really like both the actor and the character. Hopefully there will be a storyline coming up for him soon.

[HiloriK]

By far this has been the best episode of the season however, I have to disagree with you on the performance of Kayla Ewell. I think her "panty party" with Damon was just plain akward. Iam Somerhalder continues to do a fantastic job at playing Damon but Kayla Ewell's acting is totally amateur. Her character is the perfect example of a whimsical, pathetic, vulnerable girl who can't fend for herself. Elena on the other hand, who doesn't love her?
The flashback scene costumes were not the greatest but the overall, look and feel of the scenes were fabulous. It really gave the viewers insight into the past.

Vampire diaries continues to exceed all my expectations. Each week gets better and better. I can't wait for the next episode. Go TEAM DAMON!

[Yvette]

Seriously, this show just gets better and better. It's gone from being a guilty pleasure for me to being a show I am COMPLETELY obsessed with and it's damn good tv.

I adore everything about last night's episode, it was fantastic and I can't think of anything even remotely negative, except for the fact that it had to end!

PS: Stefan looked RIDICULOUSLY hot in period costume. Guh.

[Arynn]

This episode was amazing for sure. I loved how little Damon cared about Vicki's transformation. When she finally drinks the human blood he just says "oops."
I also loved the scene when he saved Stefan. I wonder if it will have any impact on how Stefan feels about him.
Because the show centers on the relationships between Elena Stefan and Damon, we know Elena will forgive Stefan for being undead. What I'm having trouble picturing is how Elena will fall for Damon. She seems to despise him, so it will be fun to see how that changes.
What do you guys think about Jeremy and Vicki now? Do you hope they stay together? Do you think Elena will tell him whats wrong with her?

(as always, this was a Fantastic article Carina!)

[Arynn]

Omg! Did anyone else realize the next episode isn't on until the 29th??? They Skipped a thursday! I'm quite upset lol

[Alice]

I agree with your review, Carina - this was truly the best episode yet! The 1864 flashbacks were beautiful - the costumes were gorgeous, especially Katherine's dress when she steps out of the carriage! I think Nina and Paul did a great job convincing us that the characters had never met before. And it was great to see some genuine comraderie between the brothers for a change (and Damon in the military uniform - oh, my!). I enjoyed Ian's restrained portrayal of Damon - it was menacing, but not at all like I thought he would be once he got loose and seeking revenge. He didn't even tease Elena as much as he usually does. And the look on his face when he got very serious and said simply to her "Where's Stefan?" was rather chilling. But that was a great line when she said to him "did you thank Katherine?". Vickie was impressive in her scene with Stefan - completely sympathetic for the first time ever!

I was really surprised when it was Damon who jumped out of nowhere to save his little brother. And then when he dug the bullet out...it really did play like any other sibling rivalry - like he was just a little pissed off that he got thrown in the cellar and nearly died, but it was no big deal. Makes you wonder what other terrible things these two have done to each other over 145 years that they just have to forgive and forget! And what's Damon doing with that magical Vampire compass watch?

It was so heartbreaking in the last scene when Stefan is going on about how they can make up a story and where they will go from here and it will out work out and Nina just cuts him off with "Stefan, I can't be with you." because, of course, it's the obvious answer. And he just looks so crushed, like he never considered she would come to that conclusion.

Can't wait for that reunion.

PS Anybody else really like how Paul played the scene at the door when Nina showed up demanding what he was? I replayed it several times, because I thought his facial expressions in particular were really facscinating and moving, saying these unbelievable words "I'm a vampire", but making them very believable with the look in his eyes and the dismay it was causing him to say it, but at the same time, he was owning it as a matter of fact. Really great. It has to be said, there was no "say it! outloud!" nonsense going on here - he was perfectly able to say it himself.

[AngelaViolet]

This episode rendered me speechless. Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec broached the topic of sibling rivalry with such passion and simplicity, it almost made me cry. Okay, I lie. I did cry.

Loved the flashbacks, the historical accuracy, the fierce determination of Elena.... Damon's half naked dance. I even enjoyed the several times Vicki was killed in this episode, because every time I swore it would be the last. Can't wait to see what she'll transform into as a vampire. I would love to see her as an incredibly confident version of her human self. Oh and to see her throw Tyler into a brick wall.

Great Review, and I'll be back next week :)

[Andrea]

oh wow!

I love reading your thoughts after watching the show, it's like you shine light on certain things and then make me want to watch it again and really absorb it! I love the show, and I love the show even more after reading these.

I completely agree with your thoughts on Elena, it's really refreshing to have a female character that doesn't just cower in fear or follow the crowd. She is strong and admirable and I love it.

While I love Elena, I am watching this show for the brothers. It's so intriguing to see the evolution of their relationship, as we learn more about where they came from, and also about their characters and personalities as they come out more and more.

thanks for the awesome review!

[MLA17]

Definitely the best episode so far. I loved that Katherine was a vampire. I was starting to wonder if she was when she was telling Stefan that she had plans for them. Then her faced changed and it was confirmed. The flashbacks were awesome!

I was really hoping Damon was going to get rid of Vicki! She's just annoyed me from the start. Then he turns her into a vampire and I was wondering why didn't they just get rid of her! But since I'm loving this show more and more after every episode, I'm gonna be patient and see if Vicki can prove me wrong.

Elena was great in this episode too. Especially at the end when she told Stephan she couldn't be with him.. Great great episode. Great great recap. Can't wait for Thursday!

[Heidi]

The one thing I wish about The Vampire Diaries is that it wasn’t SO focused on appealing to young girls.

I mean I enjoy it because I’m in their target group (although I’ve never seen Twilight or The CW’s other hit Gossip Girls), but I was watching it with my brothers and they couldn’t stand it and I understand where they were coming from (Damon & Vicki’s dancing was just too much for them and me too a bit).

While I get this is girly show about romance with shirtless hunks, I just wish it was an inch more watchable too for boys who are being forced to watch by the girls in their lives since it’s a show that I think could pull it off moreso then more teen soap operas.

[janet]

i started watching this show because my little sister was crazy about it and i wanted to make fun of her for giving into the vampire craze.But it blew me away! i went and bought all the episodes i missed on itunes and now my little sis and i watch the show together every week.its so addicting! i want elena with stefan but then damon shows a nice streak and i start wanting her with him! not to mention all three actors have amazing chemistry together.Also i completely agree that Matt is adorable.When he was talking to elena about Vicki before he knew she was dead and started tearing up.IM HOOKED!