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Review: The Vampire Diaries “Ghost World” (And Jenna Couldn’t Come Back Because…?)

Air Date: Thursday, October 28, 2011 8/7c on The CW

 

Stefan crashing the party

Ghosts abound in “Ghost World” but it’s not as scary or creepy as you might think. These are helpful ghosts (at least most of them). While I’m surprised by them, I wish there would have been others. I think The Vampire Diaries missed a huge opportunity for other interesting storyline quirks. I’d love to have seen Tyler’s (Michael Trevino) dad, Elena’s (Nina Dobrev) parents (human and vampire), and possibly the bartender from season one. He was our first intro into the supernatural world before we discovered who and what the mysterious Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) was.

Observations and thoughts:

I get giddy when guest stars appear who have been on the show before. Especially Lexi (Arielle Kebbel). I seriously hate that Damon (Ian Somerhalder) killed her in season two. That killed me, knowing how much she meant to Stefan. Though I wonder how different things would be now had she remained in Mystic Falls.

The Lockwoods have more secrets than any family in Mystic Falls. Not only is there the secret werewolf holding area, but now there’s a cave hidden beneath their property? Are you serious? I can’t imagine how big their property (or family secrets) go, but there’s a lot to be learned in that household. Too bad Tyler isn’t around to talk with his uncle Mason (Taylor Kinney). Now that’s a conversation I really want to sit in on.

Love keeps these two together

This “veiled matter” in Mystic Falls opens the door for tons of questions. The town is essentially haunted and ghosts walk freely among the townsfolk, unnoticed. Except there’s Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) the medium who sees and speaks to the dead. But my question is, once this connection between the ghost world and the physical world is broken, will he continue to see ghosts? Will he still want to? His love for Anna (Malese Jow) is endearing but he has to know it can’t last. She’s dead, he’s alive—it just won’t work. Then I think about Lexi’s reply to Stefan’s statement, “You’re dead.” She counters with, “Hmm, technically so are you.” What exactly does that mean?

I still don’t get the vampire ghost thing. It makes me question the supernatural characteristics of vampires. If they still have their souls (which seems evident if they have ghosts), is that why Stefan and Damon can tap into their human side?

“Are you gonna love a ghost for the rest of your life?” I’m so glad Elena asks Jeremy this question. I just knew it would hit her where it would hurt too. She’s holding onto the Stefan she used to know—a ghost. When she’s finally able to let him go, I think she’ll be able to move onto the guy who desires her most. Now that would be hot!

This love Bonnie (Kat Graham) has for Jeremy, is it gone now that she knows Jeremy kissed Anna? I understand her hurt over the situation, but isn’t it technically her doing? I mean, she brought Jeremy back from death, giving him the ability to interact with the dead. If that hadn’t happened, Anna wouldn’t be in the picture, now would she? Honestly, I think the whole storyline is a great way to push a wedge between Jeremy and Bonnie. There’s already some chemistry between her and Matt (Zach Roerig) so why not give the two of them a shot? Jeremy’s not ready for a relationship anyway. He’s too stuck in the past to move forward with anyone.

Leave it to big sis to shut Jeremy down

Alaric’s (Matt Davis) anger toward Damon is refreshing. I almost forgot his hatred for all things vampire since he became buddies with Damon. The thing is, they make a great team and he does need to forgive Damon. As Damon says, “I do a lot of things I don’t have to do.” The unsaid thought there is he does those things because he wants to. He needs to feel like a vampire so he does these unconventional, shocking things as a reminder of what he is.

 

 

Funny lines:

Damon to Mason while walking through the caves: “Aren’t you supposed to be all knowing?”

Mason: “I’m a ghost, not God.”

**

Damon to Mason as he stands trapped with spears piercing his skin: “Yo, help a brother out?”

**

While I enjoy “Ghost World,” I wish it included a bit more. There are so many other ghosts that could/should have shown up (hello Aunt Jenna!) and interacted with the usual suspects. And what about Katherine? Is she dead now? Wouldn’t she have shown up too? You know she’s got tons of unfinished business. That’s what I find amiss with the premise to this story arc, there’s so much unfinished business left in the air we’ll never get to see fulfilled. The fact that there’s this introduction to the ghostly side of things only leaves more unanswered questions. And the tiny glimpse of past characters is such a tease, it leaves me wanting.

Tune in to The Vampire Diaries Thursdays at 8PM/7c on The CW. For more on the show, visit http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-vampire-diaries.

 

All photos ©2011 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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