And Dobrev Makes Three… Review: The Vampire Diaries – “Handle with Care”

Season 5, Episode 6

Air Date: Thursday, November 7, 2013 8/7c on The CW.

RATING: ★★★★★

“Elena meet Crazy Pants. Crazy Pants, meet Elena.” – Damon Salvatore

As if we haven’t had enough to work out with two sets of doppelgangers, The Vampire Diaries’ writers must believe we want yet another lookalike walking around town. I assume that with the Silas (Paul Wesley) storyline working its way to a close, the need for something or someone new joining the ranks will help stretch out the drama a bit. With that in mind, I’m enjoying the new revelations.

Observations and thoughts:

Hung Up On An Ex

How does Elena (Nina Dobrev) get herself into so much trouble? Is she really TSTL (too stupid to live) or just that darn unlucky? I get tired of her running after a guy to make sure he’s “OK” only to find he’s peachy, and then she ends up in a jam. Does the girl have no life of her own? Give me a break, writers! Where is Elena’s story arc? Why haven’t we delved into the story surrounding her father working at the university she attends? Remember her roommate who had a picture of Elena’s dad on her phone? I sure do.

Cabin Fever

Stefan (Wesley) just can’t catch a break in “Handle with Care.” I feel sorry for the guy in more ways than one. He finds himself trapped in a cabin with Tessa (Janina Gavankar) and her bad wig. (Because yes, Tessa and her hairstylist must be having a disagreement of some sort.) Look, I love this new side of Stefan but where is his story going? He’s another character stuck in a rut. Will he continue to be the damaged, heartbroken ex, or will he find love again? It’s obvious Tessa is drawn to him because of his resemblance to Silas but she hates Silas. If I recall correctly, she can’t even tell the two men apart. That doesn’t bode well for Stefan, if you ask me.

Which Witch

As much as I want Bonnie (Kat Graham) to come back to quell the depression hanging over the group, I am interested in how Silas’ evil plan is supposed to work. Because you know he isn’t going to go through with what the goody-goodies want without a price. Silas is not to be trusted under any circumstance. Why does no one see this? “Did you want me to pinky swear?” Silas has a great sense of humor and rivals Damon (Ian Somerhalder) for laughs. I enjoy this side of Wesley’s character even more than his non-brooding Stefan. He impresses with the ease of slipping into psychopath mode. But don’t get me wrong, amnesiac Stefan is wearing on me too. He’s not walking around with a chip on his shoulder, and now that he’s no longer in the dark … well, let’s just say I’m concerned about his sanity.

Big Little Brother

Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) is coming into his own. He isn’t shirking his Hunter duties one bit. “Put the crossbow down, Pocahontas.” Damon’s back to playing the peacekeeper and he does it with easy humor. I bet he laughs just to keep from crying. Silas is infuriating and it has to weigh on Damon that he needs a witch (shouldn’t Silas be called a wizard?) for anything. But let’s get back to Jeremy. I was expecting him to be more upset with Bonnie’s fate. It shows growth in his character that he can accept failure but not be defeated. If Jeremy expresses anything, it’s that he won’t ever give up until he can have the woman he loves in his arms. I’m a sucker for a happy ending. Here’s hoping we get one.

My Favorite Girl

Everyone take a collective sigh of relief with me. *le sigh* Katherine (Dobrev) manages to cheat death, yet again, and will grace my TV screen for what I hope will be many more insightful episodes. Her predicament is an interesting one in that she’s supposed to be dead. Like the true and final death. We don’t know how she’s escaped her fate and I don’t think we’ll get the answer to that question any time soon. So, what does this second chance at life mean for the ravenous vampire turned human? (I’d still like to know where the food she is eating goes. Eat a damn ham sandwich, girl!) Katherine injects much needed excitement into every scene she’s in, and Dobrev shines as the bad girl turned not-so-bad girl, I guess?

An Interesting Turn of Events

Can I say I’m a bit confused about Caroline’s (Candice Accola) purpose in “Handle with Care?” She ends up a glorified babysitter/interrogator who allows Katherine to take over and do the dirty work because she’s more equipped. It’s good to see the woman do what she does best. Katherine is a natural seductress and even the tight laced Dr. Maxfield (Rick Cosnett) isn’t immune to her charms. I can’t wait to see how this plays out. And how will the doctor feel once he finds out he’s being played?

Memorable and funny lines:

Tessa: “May I give him a message?”

Elena: “Yeah, remind him that you’re a crazy bitch.”

Tessa: “I would but I think that’s maybe his type.”

Silas: “Knock, knock. Who’s there? The mayor. The mayor, who?”

(Silas gestures to Damon for an answer)

Damon: “Well, who?”

Silas: “No one. That’s the joke. No one’s there because I killed the mayor.”

Jeremy: “You’re a dick.”

Caroline, about Dr. Maxfield’s drugged state: “What did you inject him with?”

Katherine: “I don’t know. It just said avoid contact with eyes, and do not ingest. Uh oh.”

I want Elena to take more initiative in her relationship with Damon. She’s worrying too much about her ex and I’m worried about the ease with which she cozies up to Stefan. I know they’re friends but she needs to let him go and focus on Damon. You know, her boyfriend! With Stefan’s amnesia a thing of the past, will this change his feelings toward everyone he knows? Will he run into Tessa’s arms seeking refuge? I’m dying to find out. Let me know what you think by leaving a comment in the section below or on Twitter @ellemoe.

Tune in to The Vampire Diaries Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW. For more on the show, visit the official site.

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Follow The Vampire Diaries cast on Twitter: @ninadobrev, @iansomerhalder, @katgraham, @paulwesley, @zach_roerig, @candaceaccola, @McQueeninchains.

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Writer, mother, realist, cloud lover, daydreamer, dessert enthusiast, sweet tea addict, perfectionist, and lover of life and Christ, but not in that order. http://www.fanfiction.net/~vikingloverelle