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The talent of the writers, cast, and crew have got me obsessed with this television series. They've taken the books to a whole new universe- and I love stargazing!

(This is a collection of my recaps which are written specifically for iheartvampirediaries, but can also be found on other television sites as well.)

Saturday, December 11, 2010

By The Light of The Moon

Tonight's the night we witness Tyler's first full moon transformation. Are you ready?

Night before the full moon. At the Lockwood residence, Tyler is anxiously packing his transformation essentials meanwhile Mason's video is playing in the background. I'm not sure if that's helpful. I feel like he should be listening to Eye of The Tiger or something, but that's just me.

Now that he has psyched himself out, he desperately tries to telephone his uncle to no avail. So, he leaves a message expressing his weariness over the up coming full moon; it's overheard by a female house guest.

Wasting no time, this guest drives up to Mystic Falls reaching the Lockwood Mansion by morning. Meeting Carol and Tyler, she introduces herself as Jules, a friend of Mason's. She expresses to them that Mason's not in Florida. Tyler heads over to the Grill, leaving his mother to sort out the missing person's report. Shortly thereafter Jules leaves as well, but she stalls in the driveway to make a phone call proving there's more to her 13 hour car ride. "Mason was lying; there is another werewolf. His nephew."
"Why are you on some suicide mission."
Over at the Gilbert house, Elena and Bonnie are disputing over recent events. Bonnie is now on the duty of dispelling the moonstone, and Elena isn't happy about it. Jeremy questions why she has to be so forthright in her self destruction, but Elena just shrugs it off. Apparently, Operation Sacrifice isn't over yet. Left alone in the room, she takes the moonstone from Bonnie's purse, grabs her keys, and attempts to head out the door. Bonnie, however, rounds the corner intercepting her escape. Elena tells her that she's on her way to see Stefan, but her best friend's not buying it. Especially because Jeremy approaches with an empty purse proving Elena's true agenda. It was a test.

In order to prevent Elena from more "Better I" attempts, Bonnie has placed a spell over Elena sealing her in the house.

At the tomb, Damon is being a thoughtful older brother. He brings Stefan a care package: lamps, blood. Stefan graciously accepts, however, refuses the blood so that Katherine wouldn't have access to it. "Don't worry about me, just make sure Elena's safe." Katherine tries to use Klaus's inevitable arrival to threaten Damon, but I love how he's forced himself to be so cold to her. "I've been dead before, I got over it."

Damon then heads over to the Gilbert's for "Elena Patrol." Maybe just to monitor her phone use, because it's not like she can go anywhere.
"You've been marked."
The Grill is busy with patrons. Including Jenna and Alaric who are wrapping up their brunch. Jenna leaves because she's expecting a visitor at the house. A writer is visiting Mystic Falls researching small town Virginia, and Jenna's hosting a Historical Society event for him. As she leaves, Tyler enters to find Caroline. They will be heading to the cellar to prepare for tonight's full moon, but before they leave Tyler mentions Jules's visit. Caroline flashes a quick glance at Alaric who then calls Damon to share the news.

After transferring his duties to Jeremy, Damon arrives with a strategy and wolfsbane to boot. He and Alaric are ready to team up on this mystery friend. Is she a werewolf, too? Jules walks into the Grill and asks Matt "Eyes So Blue" about Tyler and his possible whereabouts. She takes a seat at the bar quickly to be harassed by a surprisingly believable drunken Alaric. Now it's Damon's turn to be the white knight. Playing savior he comes to Jules's rescue, only it's false concern as his main agenda is to distract her from Alaric mixing wolfsbane into her drink.


Some time has elapsed and Jules still hasn't taken a sip from her drink. So, Damon tries to woo her, eye flirting and all. He tells her how he finds Mason to be a stand up guy, and is shocked at his disappearance. Still, she hesitates to partake in her drink. As a desperate resort, he lifts his glass and asks her to follow suite. Jules lifts her tainted drink, but slams it back down. She calls out Damon revealing that she "sniffed" him out long before he attempted to drug her, and demands information on Mason's whereabouts. "I'm sorry to inform you, you probably won't find him." She threatens him that on this full moon, his life is marked. She leaves the bar, and Damon attempts to follow. He has that no one threatens me and lives look in his eyes, but Alaric convinces him to go home. And lock the doors.
"Bonded by a code of loyalty."
Meanwhile, Bonnie goes to Luka. "Luka, I'm so sorry." She feels awful about channeling him without his consent, but she's grateful that he's very quick to forgive her. As Bonnie enters his home, there's an amazing amount of grimoires. Apparently Luka's father, Dr. Evil, is an advocate for family heirlooms- he believes all witches are somehow bonded because of the craft they share. Bonnie believes that it's this loyalty that lets Luka hold her in high regard. Well, sure; that's one reason.

She questions whether or not any of the grimoires have a spell that breaks the bond over a talisman. Showing Luka the moonstone, he agrees to help her although she doesn't tell him why.

Back at the Gilbert residence, a trapped Elena is helping her aunt gather boxes of historical archives out of the hallway closet. Upon closing the door, Jenna reveals the inquiring researcher. Elijah. He casually greets Elena as if he's the new neighbor! Great. This means he's been invited in! OMG! Jenna walks him out and Elena high-tails it up the stairs to share the alarming news to Jeremy. But, it's no use. Elijah is already upstairs, and the fear of him hurting the ones she loves forces her to keep his presence to herself.

My goodness, Jenna would be more careful if they filled her in once in awhile. But, there's no time to deliberate- "I'm prepared to offer you a deal." He's no longer in cahoots with Klaus, and wants to use Elena as a bargaining tool to defeat him in the future. So, he needs Elena to stay off the radar. In return, he promises to make sure that all of her loved ones remain protected. She agrees, but has a condition of her own. Free Stefan.

But is it too late? The moment has come. In the tomb, we witness Katherine taunt Stefan. She tells him that no one has to know their indiscretions. Stefan at first is reluctant to her kisses, but is overcome by a burning passion for his first love. Things are hot and heavy, and then...

Dream! (Sorry Delena shippers.) "Maybe I can do eternity in here after all."
"Still human."
Tyler and Caroline are in the cellar setting up. Tyler is doing his best to mimic his uncle's preparations. "Hey Tyler, how you doing?" He takes his shirt off which startles Caroline. He assures her that his pants are elastic- although they probably won't stay put- like the Hulk. Oh, he made a funny. Wrapping himself in chains and triple checking their reinforcement, he attempts to digest the wolfsbane. Choking and in agony trying to consume this he repeatedly tells Caroline to leave, but she won't. It's a horrible thing to witness, but she won't let her friend experience this alone.

Across town, Bonnie and Luka have prepared a circle of candles on a rooftop in clear view of the moon, almost full. They begin their chanting and the energy between them builds. The moonstone is suspended from their joined palms and soon begins to shine like a fourth of July sparkler. It's done. The charmed duo are lost each other's gaze, once again overcome by their bond.

So, that's it? It really worked? The curse is broken?

But, Tyler is in agonizing pain. It's a few hours until the moon is at it's fullest, and Tyler is beginning the transformations. His temperature begins to sky rocket forcing perspiration to build over his tensing muscles. He grits his teeth and groans at the elements manifesting within him. Soon, his joints extend, twist and turn. "It hurts!" Caroline can only embrace him. But, Tyler continues to yell at Caroline to leave. His eyes turn golden and fangs come down to a sharp point.

Bye, bye Caroline. Her tombstone will read:
Great friend, Community activist, Always cheerful...

Caroline's quick reflexes take her behind the metal gate which she rapidly locks by winding chains around the bars. Tyler's animal instinct has taken over and he is fiercely trying to break out to attack the vampire he senses. He breaks away from his restraining hooks, but she safely slips out of the cellar and boards the cellar door shut. Now, in wolf form he charges at the door causing it to splint. In tears, Caroline bolts. Unfortunately, there are other dangers in the woods.
"There's nothing here for you, Rose."
Damon makes it back to the Broodinghouse safely. Curiously, he checks the house- yup, paranoia will do that to you. There are no werewolves present, only Rose. Last we saw her was in Richmond when she ran off at the sight of Elijah. Now, she has nowhere to go and apologizes to Damon for her disappearing act. She's cut short at the sound of glass breaking.

They go survey the damage and are confronted with a vicious wolf. Jules has tracked Damon and she's going in for the kill. Rose pushes him out of the way and is, in turn, bitten. Damon stabs the wolf with a fire iron forcing it to run off. Assessing the damage on Rose, they notice that the wound is healing. Myth.

Feeling much relief over this revelation, Damon and Rose sit to have a fireside chat. Rose is willing to stay around to help Damon with "all things Elena." She is also willing to be a special friend. Soon, they begin doing special friend things. Damon brushes his hand over her shoulder, but she flinches in pain. They pull back Rose's robe to reveal singed skin. So much for a myth.

Caroline returns to the cellar. Cautiously. Calling out for Tyler, he answers, "Caroline." That moment for Tyler must have been the biggest relief to know that he wasn't alone through his transformation. As she enters, she finds him shivering on the ground. Still frightened, but his friend's embrace is reassuring.
"Goodbye Katherine."
Luka and Bonnie part, but the grin on his face as he arrives home is ever present. However, once he sees Dr. Evil it disappears. As Luka indirectly returns the moonstone to his dad it is revealed that the talisman was never altered. He lied to Bonnie. (Karma? Why didn't she keep the stone?) Now, Luka's only friend and love interest is non existent. His night isn't over yet. Elijah needs them to break the tombstone spell.

Inside the tomb, Katherine wants to talk to Stefan, but he's not interested. "Yes, I've done terrible things. I know that. But, I still love you, Stefan." To prove it, she tells him to look to Isobel, an expert at researching, to find Klaus. At this point, neither of them know that Elijah is still walking the earth. So, to see him standing at the tomb's entrance is a shocker. "Thank you for having the good sense to be frightened."

He's just as intrigued to see Katherine as well, but his mission is to release Stefan. Once Stefan is out, Katherine attempts to follow. Her path is blocked by Elijah who then compels her to stay put until he says otherwise. Beckoning after Stefan, she's alone to ponder the new dangers of her existence: trapped in the tomb and accessible to Elijah.

Sitting at her bedroom window, Elena pulls back the curtain to reveal Stefan's reflection. Did she imagine it? No, it's really Stefan. Her bargain with Elijah worked, and he's here. They embrace and like their first meeting, it's the same giddy smile that lights up her face.

Stefan and Elena have survived the odds to reunite once again. Their love is their fuel for survival. In his arms, Elena has found safety. In her arms, Stefan has found his reason for existence.


Ready for a month and a half of hiatus? What are your thoughts on Caroline and Tyler's budding relationship? Do you think Bonnie will give Jeremy a chance after Luka's stunt? What's going to happen to Rose?! Oh man. Share your OMG moments below. Then, find me, Danielle DuCré on Twitter @msdanielley, we can discuss Diaries in 140 characters or less..


Photos: CW

Saturday, December 4, 2010

The Ultimate Sacrifice

"Well, I'm naked so I'm gonna go."
Alaric welcomes us back after a heart wrenching two week hiatus with boxer briefs and a bowl of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey. Although Elena is glad her aunt is in a positive relationship for once, she's definitely in an uncomfortable position standing in the hallway with barely clothed guardian figures. They say their goodnights and Elena hops back into bed moments after Dr. Evil (Dr. Jonas Martin) swipes hair from her brush, a framed picture, and other personal items.

In a complimenting contrast- Stefan in white, Damon in black- the Salvatores head to the tomb on a mission to obtain the moonstone from Katherine. She's game for some company if they're willing to step into the tomb to get it, but Damon makes it clear that this is nowhere near an option. "I'd rather poke my eyes out." So, she makes them an offer: her freedom for the moonstone.

"Err go...you live."
Taking this news back to Elena, the brothers expect her to have a little more enthusiasm over the fact that there's a way to save her life. But, she's not. Nor is she eager to rebuild her relationship with Stefan at the moment. Elena has understandably been worn down by the latest events in her life, but is she ready to give up?

She may be, but Damon and Stefan surely will fight til the death- well, final death. They set out to prepare for Operation Moonstone. Surely they will need a capable witch on their side to temporarily break the tombstone spell- Bonnie.

Currently, she is at MFH walking with Luka. A relief is washed over her as she takes comfort in being able to confide in him the difficulties and set backs of trying to strengthen her craft. "You need help...from nature, the elements." Luka also shows her how to channel another witch's power. Utilizing their jewelry as talismans, Luka is able to summon a wind that picks up like a Kansas storm. Autumn leaves funnel and the surrounding students begin to take cover. He releases the spell; they connected.

Witnessing the energy between Bonnie and Luka, Jeremy strolls up questioning on the weather. "Global Warming," are the wise words Luka shares before heading off to class. Then, receiving a text from Damon requesting her presence, Bonnie and Jeremy head to the Broodinghouse.

After a debriefing of the situation, Bonnie agrees to help by temporarily dismantling the tomb spell. In addition, she says that she will produce ash from an object of Katherine that will paralyze her as they grab the moonstone. It's been 146 years, but Stefan is able to produce something of Katherine's; the infamous picture of 1864. Worried that Bonnie is overexerting herself, Jeremy steps in to protest. However, Damon has no patience for teenage bravado and harshly questions the reason for his presence.

Using Katherine's framed photo, Bonnie creates a spell over the fire that is burning it to ash. (After 146 years, I wonder what the percentage of sentimental value was that Stefan gave up.) As she collects the remnants, Damon and Stefan prepare to leave for Operation Moonstone by loading up all of Alaric's toys, err, battle weapons. Once in the clear, Jeremy once again expresses his concern. Insisting that she's fine, he offers to help collect the ash. As she finds a container, Jeremy uses his school i.d. to shovel a portion of the ash into his hand. What'cha plannin' on using that for, buddy?

A suicide mission nonetheless.

Trying to be a hero, Jeremy rushes to the tomb alone to obtain the moonstone. Idiot! "Naive little Gilbert, if you want it you're gonna have to come here and get it." With that, he drops a stake from his right sleeve and fires into Katherine's abdomen. Then, releases the ash form his left hand, paralyzing her. "I figured you'd say that." Of course good deeds don't go unpunished, the moonstone is at the back of the cave! Jeremy grabs it and makes his way back out, but has a struggle with Katherine. He should've had a stake prepared! This is Mystic Falls 101! At least he's smart enough to throw out the stone before she sinks her teeth in him. Is this the finale for Elena's little bro?


Meanwhile, back at MFH, Matt apologizes to Tyler for his behavior at the Lockwood Mansion where he picked a fight. Clearly understanding the circumstances, Tyler is quick to forgive him. (Poor Matt is so sad! All the recent events in his life are eating him up inside. GIVE THIS GUY A BREAK ALREADY!) Leaving Tyler on the basketball court, he runs into Caroline. They share less than a moment and he moves on again, probably hoping not to break down.

Seeing Tyler, Caroline inquires about the "wolf thing." She extends her help, and although curious as to why she's being so considerate, he doesn't turn her down. (In the background we hear Kat Graham's version of 'Only Happy When It Rains'.)
"Unimaginable pain."
Taking a stroll through the woods, Tyler inquires about Caroline and Matt's relationship. Realizing her dilemma with the situation, he adds, "It's not really fair to be with someone and not really let them know who you are. I get it." He surely does. And he proves it to her by leading Caroline to the Lockwood cellar. While examining the bolts and chains, Caroline uncovers a journal. Tyler reads:
August 31
My body is changing...
It's Mason's journal. And, there's a computer chip inside. Rushing back to the Forbe's residence, they soon discover that Uncle Good Looking documented each transformation, including a video entry. It's good to see Taylor Kinney again, although the circumstances aren't so kind. The chip provides hours of footage of Mason's agonizing transformation. Tyler, understandably, is getting choked up watching his future. Again, he asks Caroline why she's helping him. They have a heart to heart about entering into the unknown and add another link to their growing friendship.

Doorbell.

It's Matt. Not sure what to say, he settles for honesty, "I miss you." Although Caroline is beaming, the sight of Tyler reinforces Matt's uncertainty and dims the hope right out of those baby blues.
"The doppelgänger is alive and she's ready to surrender."
We last saw Elena upset at the fact that all of her loved ones are preparing to risk their life to save hers. When the Broodinghouse is clear of her protectors, Elena finds Rose and gives her an ultimatum. If Rose introduces her to Slater, who will then get her into contact with Klaus, Elena will supply Rose with a day-walking ring. "You owe me." Hesitant at first, Rose agrees; and they set out so that Elena can make the ultimate sacrifice.

Arriving at Slater's home in Richmond, they are greeted with the sight of a stake through Slater's heart and a crying human girlfriend, Alex. (Although it was sad to see such a nice character go, Slater was like an Encyclopedia. He probably held the Guinness World Record for accurate Wikipedia entries. He lived a fulfilling life.) Unable to log into Slater's PC, Elena asks Alex if she knows the password. Alex is baffled by Elena's gall. "I understand that. Do you know his password?"

To speed things up a bit, Elena blackmails Alex into believing that if she cooperates, Rose will grant her her deepest desire- to turn. Slater who? Alex is on the phone with his most prominent contact, Cody Webber. "I'm getting Klaus's attention." Elena is definitely channeling her Petrova genes! She's been taking charge all day, but, it's her next line that distinguishes her as Elena Gilbert: "It's either me or my family." Unlike Katherine, Elena is willing to sacrifice her life before endangering another.

Rose doesn't agree with Elena's plans, so she calls on Damon to diffuse the situation. He arrives with no focus on baring his love for Elena, but showing tough love to save her. "Get your ass out the door before I throw you over my shoulder and carry you out myself." She attempts to punch him- attempts being being the operative word. "I don't want to be saved."

Apparently Damon wasn't the only one summoned. Dr. Evil and Elijah used the stolen items from Elena's room to perform a locating spell. Elijah falls right in behind Cody and Crew as they break down the door to Slater's home, and attempt to haul Elena off and become legends. Noticing Elijah, the Crew is in awe, so he uses their reaction to reach inside each of their chests and rip out their unbeating hearts. Sorry Elijah, Damon's not impressed- he does this all the time, you know.
"Safe."
At the tomb, Operation Moonstone is underway. Damon didn't leave word as to where he was going, so Bonnie and Stefan begin on their own. Descending the stone steps, they notice that the moonstone is out-but, Jeremy is in. This fuel's Bonnie urge to summon the spell and she does so with the help of Luka, as she still carries his talisman. It was a spell that spared no energy from both her and Grams, and this is no different. Through Jeremy's protests, Bonnie continues though her body is breaking down. Unbeknownst to her, across town Luka is experiencing the same energies. Turning from Dr. Evil to a concerned father, Jonas Martin places his hands on Luka's temples and says a bond breaking spell. Bonnie and Luka blackout.

Jeremy is still shouting his concern as Bonnie comes to. Stefan is caught between a disabled witch and the youngest Gilbert being held hostage by his maniacal ex. Katherine gives a grandeur impression that she's going to bite Jeremy's neck, purposely to get Stefan's attention. And she succeeds. Stefan jumps into the spell sealed tomb, throws Jeremy out, and is welcomed by Katherine's innocent school girl smile. There's a four letter word that no doubt entered Stefan's mind at this moment of revelation.

Bonnie takes Jeremy home and he protests the need for a babysitter. Feeling foolish over the situation, he admits to Bonnie, "I didn't want you to get hurt." Then, tries to convince her that there's something between them and she can't deny it. But thank God (and the writers, of course) she does. Her mind is definitely on the possibility of a relationship with Luka. But, how will she feel once she learns the pain she caused him?

At the Martin residence, Luka is resting, but Dr. Evil has put his hat back on. He listens as Elijah explains the days events. He left Elena alive because, like Katherine, he knew she'd be protected. Wanting her "safe," however, gives the ol' doctor concern. Perhaps he owes a debt to Elijah, and the only way to move on is by assisting in the doppelgänger mission.
"Of all the idiot plans, Stefan."
As Bonnie leaves through the backdoor of the Gilbert house, Elena and Damon arrive at the front. Damon reiterates the foolishness of Elena's actions as the audacity of her pulling such a stunt is unfathomable. "You shouldn't question why I would try to save all of you." The door opens and a roughed up Jeremy mutters the word that sends Damon and Elena flying to the tomb. "Stefan."

Upon arrival, frustration still fuels their power struggle. Damon won't let Elena near the tomb in anticipation that she'll run right in. At this state, I wouldn't put it past her, so he's right not to offer leniency. Elena gives up and retreats leaving Damon to have a moment with Stefan. Indeed he felt that Stefan being in the tomb was an annoying set back, but he only shows concern. He even addresses him by his name, and not the tantalizing "brother" nic-name. Damon vows to get him out, and agrees to Stefan's request to keep Elena away from the tomb.

Leaving Stefan behind in the sealed tomb, it's Damon who has to take the reigns of this operation into his own hands. Does he still have a team? Bonnie's weak, as is Jeremy; Alaric's on an ice cream binge; and Elena's on a suicide watch.

It may take some time and his vow to Stefan amuses Katherine. Damon spending enough time with Elena to keep her safe and away from the tomb- "That right there was the biggest mistake you've ever made."

Oh dear.


Share your OMG moments below, then find me, Danielle DuCré on Twitter @msdanielley, we can discuss Diaries in 140 characters or less..


Photo courtesy: CW