I wasn’t really feeling the premiere of Vampire Diaries, so I was starting to worry that maybe the show had lost its mojo. Guess I just need to realize that while the premieres never quite meet my expectations, the show always picks up speed from there.

I’m still not sold on a few things, but “The Hybrid” does seem to bring the show back to its old self. There’s plenty of blood this week, more than I think we’ve ever seen in an episode, all kinds of creature features, and plenty of new character relationships to enjoy. Vampires, werewolves, and hybrids, oh my!

Klaus: Please, forgive the inclusion. My name is Klaus.
Werewolf: You’re the hybrid.
Klaus: You’ve heard of me. Fantastic.

But what I’m not so excited about is this Stefan and Klaus storyline. I love Stefan. I love Klaus. So there really should be no bad with the two of them together, right? Still, I can’t help but wonder where Klaus is going with all this. (And also, why didn’t Klaus hear Damon and Elena arguing when Stefan so clearly could?)

He’s creating a Hybrid Army for what? He’s stringing Stefan along for what? I know we’ll get our answers in due time, but for now I’m just left wanting more out of it all. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really enjoying the Stefan and Klaus bromance. (It’s probably still too early to call it that.) I just want the backdrop for their mischievous adventures to have some meaning sometime soon. Sorry Klaus, better luck creating comrades next time.

Elena: Yes, I worry about you. Why do you even have to hear me say it?
Damon: Because when I drag my brother from the edge and deliver him back to you, I want you to remember the things you felt while he was gone.

I’m also enjoying Elena and Damon’s quest to find Stefan, just not how Damon is using this to get closer to her. And this scene right above is a perfect example of why. Damon is so damn smug and using this whole experience to stick it to her. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

Again, that could be the Stefan and Elena shipper in me talking. I’m really loving Elena’s tenacity for still loving and going after Stefan. And I love how she could sense he was watching her. I just feel like the writers are only keep the nods to their relationship going as long as it’s still useful to their agenda.

Elena: You’re not a lost cause, Ric. You’re just…lost. But so is Jeremy. And so am I. Our family is gone. We don’t have anybody. I’m sorry, but you don’t have anybody either, so…we’re kind of it for each other.

Elena: I’m a doppleganger, it’s not going to work on me. He left it for if I ever have kids.
Alaric: Well, then why don’t you save it for future generations of stubborn, relentless baby Gilberts.
Elena: Okay, why don’t you borrow it until we survive this. I’d feel bad if I got you killed before happy hour.

Elena and Alaric on the other hand… Do I really have to explain how so many viewers’ eyes were suddenly opened to the possibility of them this week? Sure, there was that ‘ick, she just saw her history teacher half-naked’ moment, but then it all went uphill from there.

She consoled Alaric about being lost and alone, asked him to come with her to rescue Stefan (and he called Damon to save both their asses), gave up her dad’s ring, and even got him to move back into the Gilbert house. I suggest we have a new triangle!

Jeremy: You said you needed help. Tell me how I can help you, please.
Vicki: I can come back. Help me come back…
(later)
Anna: Jeremy. Don’t trust Vicki.

I’m also loving the Matt and Jeremy bromance. Though I’m really creeped out by Vicki and Anna haunting them as ghosts and playing “god cop, bad cop”. What do they want? (My guess is it’s not milk and cookies.)

Damon: He’s an insufferable martyr who needs his ass kicked. But he can be saved.

In conclusion: The werewolves were really cool. (I love the shot of Elena looking up to find a werewolf right in her face.) And I’m glad Damon has finally realized Stefan can be saved. It took him long enough to get to this point, yeah? No matter how much this show changes, I just love these characters. They’re what really keep me watching this show.

Caroline: …Daddy?

Yet, I’m kind of bored by this Tyler and Caroline storyline and the ‘Caroline’s father is a vampire hunter’ twist that’s doesn’t seem so twisty. On the one hand, it’s sweet that Tyler’s mother has finally realized vampires can be good. On the other hand, I can’t help but feel like they made Caroline’s father a vampire hunter just to make it shocking. Didn’t Caroline say her father was gay? (Not that he can’t be a hunter and gay. And awesomely, he’s also Heroes‘ HRG!)

Notes:

Kevin Williamson, employing Heroes alumni, one at a time. (There’s also Cassie’s grandmother over on The Secret Circle.)

Next week:

Klaus continues his dastardly plans by taking Stefan back to the 1920’s and the site of his old Ripper days.