Vampire Diaries - Season 4, "Memorial"

Directed by: Rob Hardy
Airdate: October 18, 2012

Recap: This week's episode is mostly focused on Elena's transformation as a vampire. Stefan, the devoted boyfriend that he is, introduces Elena into drinking animal blood. Damon, however, thinks Elena should be drinking human blood. As he so bluntly puts it, "Vampires eat people. It's part of the natural food pyramid." Alas, he's ignored and Elena is having issues keeping the blood down. Then Connor, a vampire hunter, arrives in town to "cleanup." Additionally, April Young, the daughter of Pastor Young who killed himself and the other council members in the last episode comes back from boarding school.

Connor makes his presence known and escapes unscathed for the moment. Seems like he'll be the Big Bad this season. Where's Klaus though? Perhaps he'll make an appearance later on in the season.

Verdict: Three seasons of this show and we still have to be told that when a fresh vampire is turning, "emotions are heightened." There were at least three (maybe two) instances this same phrase was mentioned in the past two episodes. We Know!! Perhaps because the episodes are getting shorter (so much advertising because TVD is such a hit for the CW), you can notice everything. This past episode was 41:51! What's next? A whittled down 40 or 35 minutes? Come on! But I digress.

Additionally, Damon not participating in the memorial was obviously his shit. Whose grave was he talking to at the end? Our dear old Alaric. Showing the audience, not telling us how much Alaric's absence is felt by Damon. Alaric's ghost saying, "I miss you too buddy," was priceless.

Let's not forget the fact that Elena fed from Damon. Honestly, homegirl is getting her cake and eating it too. Fourth season guys, I'm over it already. How long can the creators stretch this triangle out? I know there will be more to come. It's hard watching this in real time after watching them one after another on Netflix.

This episode felt so short. But then again, perhaps that's what happens when you can't get enough of a show. It always feels too short.

'Til next time!