Previously on The Vampire Diaries: Once-more-good Stefan confronted Elena about her possible feelings for Damon, evil!Alaric hid one of the last remaining white oak stakes that could kill Klaus & co., Tyler was still off trying to break his sire bond, the Originals were tied to all the vampires in their respective bloodlines (an Original dies, so too do all of the vampires directly or indirectly descending from them), and Jeremy was happy for once in Denver (if, you know, still brainwashed by his own sister).
(Need to catch up? Visit our TVD recap index for links to past episode recaps.)
And now, on to this week’s episode, “Heart of Darkness,” for which I present a pros and cons list:
Pros
—The Damon/Elena stuff in the motel room (and just outside it) was the best it’s been in ages. Honestly, the writers should let Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder simply be hot more often because I swear I am never as interested in Delena as when they’re dancing or staring at each other before feigning sleep or making out or just generally not talking.
—That said, I liked the honesty between Damon and Elena in those scenes too, like when Damon said: “When people see good, they expect good, and I don’t want to have to live up to anyone’s expectations” and “This time I’m not going to make it so easy on you; this time you’re going to have to figure it out for yourself.” Once you can accept that you only love hot serial murderers who worship you, Elena, I think you and I will be in a much better place.
—The shirtlessness.
—Tyler’s return was obviously a huge pro in my book, as was the hot hot Tyler/Caroline reunion. They’re the biggest reason I still watch this show.
—Evil!Alaric. Man, he’s fun. Matt Davis is killing it.
—I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I really liked the Matt-and-Caroline-as-co-conspirators scene. I think because, like with Damon and Elena, the actors behind the characters have such great chemistry.
—The twist at the end, in which we learn that Rebekah has been possessed by the Original Witch. I can get behind this.
—The limited Klaus screen time. I hate him.
—Jeremy’s disapproval of Damon/Elena. Why *should* he support that?
—The music. For all its many flaws TVD showcases some excellent tunes every week. Florence + the Machine was perfect for the Damon/Elena kiss.
Cons
—Rose telling Jeremy that Elena and Damon are good for each other. Look, I say again: Why *should* Jeremy support that? He’s seen zero evidence they’re good for each other. In fact, the last time he saw them team up was so that they could brainwash him into wanting to leave Mystic Falls.
—Tyler and Caroline’s fight at the end. I get it (I’d be freaked if my significant other kept a creepy drawing from the guy who murdered me too), but still: DDDD:
—All the Originals have different British accents. It’s amusing but not really in a good way.
—Stefan having to beat up Alaric for evil!Alaric to show up.
—Alaric got killed AGAIN. Just STOP already.
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What made your pros and cons list for this week’s episode?
(By the way, there are some gorgeous GIFs of last night’s Delena scenes on Tumblr this morning.)
