Despite being a completely different show, The Secret Circle is still being unfairly compared to its sister show, The Vampire Diaries. (Don’t worry, I’m guilty, too.) Many are expecting it to already be just as fast paced and thrilling as a show that’s currently in its third season.

But let’s be honest, it took that other show at least three episodes to even kickstart into high gear. So while “Loner” is definitely the most exciting episode we’ve had so far, you’ll be excited to know that dark game-changing events will soon be afoot. I can’t wait. For now though, follow me down the rabbit hole…

Nick: What are you doing?
Faye: Trying to figure out this bound magic nightmare.

The last time we saw the group they’d made the decision to bind the circle for everyone’s benefit. But did it really go as they’d planned? As Diana said, they really are flying blind when it comes to everything, so it should be no surprise that this week’s there’s hidden consequences. Now none of them can do magic without another member of the circle present. And with a knife-wielding psycho on the loose, it seems their decision to bind the circle might have been a mistake.

A man who knew Cassie’s mother’s shows up to put a stop to witches the only way he knows how: by killing one of its members. Actually, Zachary Larson seems to know quite a lot about witches. (“Amelia and I were close. She told me everything.”) Amelia was close to Zachary and some girl named Heather Barnes before she suddenly pushed them away. Zachary also says that Heather suffered, on account of Cassie’s mom, a fate worse than death. So of course he blames everyone in the circle. (“He’s blaming what happened to Heather Barnes on our parents?” “Yeah, but he’s taking it out on us.”)

Cassie: Because sometimes when we’re together street lights explode and I think that might be weird for Diana, and you, and me.

The love triangle between Cassie, Adam, and Diana got a little more interesting and awkward this week. (“You look nice.” “No compliments.”) I’m actually surprised Diana talked to Cassie about it. And I can’t decide if I’m proud of her or if the scene was just really awkward. (I’m still a fan of Adam and Diana, by the way.)

Faye: And if you’re going to date Melissa, treat her right.
Nick: We’re not dating. We just hang out.
Faye: You’re using her.
Nick: And she’s using me. Works great.
Faye: She’s not using you. She likes you. And she deserves better. So, do it right or get lost.

Yet they’re actually not the most interesting couple happening right now. Nick and Melissa are giving them a run for their money in the haunted and tortured department. After Melissa asks Nick to the dance and he yet again rudely dismisses her, Faye lays the smackdown. This was undoubtedly Faye’s finest moment to date. (Especially with how rude she was to Melissa earlier in the episode.) And I loved seeing Nick give into Melissa at the end. (“Maybe we can just hang out, watch a movie?”)

Charles: Oh, by the way, I told Diana that we’re dating.
Dawn: You did what?
Charles: I had no choice. She knew I was lying to her about seeing you at school.
Dawn: But she believed this?
Charles: Yes, she did. Is that so hard to imagine?

And it wasn’t that much of a surprise, but it looks like Charles has a crush on Dawn. I can’t wait to see where this goes.

Melissa: You should come with. It’d be better than just sitting here by yourself.
Faye: It’s ok, I don’t mind being alone. Unlike you Melissa, I like myself.

But most of all I’m loving Faye’s character development. She’s wasn’t quite as annoying to me this week, and I’m finding she’s really just a lost soul, much like the rest of our circle. She doth protest too much about not minding being alone. Her parting look at the end of the episode says everything. I wonder how Faye will deal with knowing she’s now the odd one out.

Dawn: You’ve been marked. No matter where you go or what you do, I’ll find you. If you ever even look at one of our children again I’ll literally turn your life into a living hell much worse than Heather ever knew.

Again, I guess I’m just used to The Vampire Diaries, but I was a bit underwhelmed by how Charles and Dawn got rid of Zachary. Marking him with blood and sending him away with his tail between his legs? I expected death, mayhem, and destruction! At least, it looks like next week’s episode will deliciously fit that bill.

Notes and Quotes:

Charles watched the whole binding of the circle last week. Creeepy.

On the other hand, I find Charles relationship with his daughter Diana to be really sweet.

Poor Grandad’s body is in the lake house. I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of him.

I loved seeing the circle take down Zachary. The girls of the circle really are badass. I also enjoyed all the teens lying to Dawn when she clearly has the upperhand and knows exactly what’s going on.

Nick: I have a good idea of what we can do with the three of us.

Diana: I just think we’re better together than we are apart, power or no power.

Next week:

Heather’s aaa-live. And she’s got some scary witchcraft going on. Yeah, I’d say that’s worse than death.