‘The Vampire Diaries’ 4.8 Episode Review And Recap: We’ll Always Have Bourbon Street

As if this Vampire Diaries love-triangle couldn’t get anymore complicated! Between last week’s ‘sire’ game-changer, Hayley’s (Phoebe Tonkin) alliance with Professor Shane (David Alpay), and the inevitable build up of a Tyler/Klaus showdown, I think it’s safe to say that next week’s winter finale is sure to be an epic one! The Vampire Diaries is known for their epic finales (except for season two’s winter finale, but we forgave them for that), and I’m definitely excited!

First off, Elena (Nina Dobrev) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) are really getting it on! I’ll admit, I cringed a bit a this part, because it seemed as though Elena had completely forgotten about Stefan (Paul Wesley). It just didn’t seem right, given their history. Well, after discussing a few things, Caroline (Candice Accola) and Stefan decide to tell Damon about the sire bond, which sets up a brotherly journey!

While Stefan and Damon are in New Orleans looking for a way to break the sire bond, Elena, Caroline, and Bonnie (Kat Graham) decide to have a girls night! This episode really had my favorite things in it. Girl time, brotherly bonding, and flashbacks! It is revealed that Damon is no stranger to the sire bond, because in 1942, a girl named Charlotte was sired to him. It got to the point where he told her to count every brick in New Orleans (and she did, repeatedly), and he vanished. I found this part a bit odd. If Damon knew about the sire bond, then why did he seem so hesitant and surprised when Stefan told Damon his theory? I get it, he wanted Elena to love him without some supernatural force, but still. Regardless, Damon claims that he knew a witch that could break the bond… Which is another thing I don’t quite understand. We come to find out that Damon went to this witch for help, did everything she said, and still was unable to break the bond between him and Charlotte? What makes him think that this time will be different? Although I didn’t catch that answer, the daughter of the witch told the Salvatore’s that her mother practiced a dark magic called ‘Expression’ and used Damon without any thought of helping him. (Kind of loved how this is now tying into what Professor Shane’s plans are for Bonnie and the 12 hybrids). She told them that there is no way to break the sire bond, unless you tell said sired individual to let go and forget about them. Talk about drama!

To top that off, Tyler (Michael Trevino) and Hayley’s plan to un-sire as many hybrids as possible takes a horrible turn. Kim (Alyssa Diaz) decides to challenge Tyler’s authority by kidnapping Caroline and torturing her. Thankfully, Tyler saves the day and claims his spot as alpha to all the un-sired hybrids! Klaus and Tyler showdown, here we come!

I actually really enjoyed this episode! I’ll admit, I hated the whole sire thing at first. I thought it was another way of trying to justify Elena’s feelings for Damon and the whole situation didn’t make sense. As always, the writer’s found a way to tie it all together. I’m also liking the fact that Professor Shane is making Bonnie practice ‘Expression’. Ever since last season, I’ve wanted Bonnie to tap into her dark side. I’m really, really excited to see where this goes! There are just so many aspects of this show to look forward to, so many possibilities. Every character has an interesting story this season, no one is getting thrown in a corner, and I’m loving it.

Notable Mention:
It’s always nice to see Lexi (Arielle Kebbel) pop in during flashbacks. Killed her off way too soon!

Rating:
A-

Questions:

• Team Delena or Team Stelena?
• Thoughts on this new magic called ‘Expression’?
• Any theories as to how the winter finale will pan out?