Vampire Diaries: Season 1
DVD Released August 31st, 2010
Thursdays @ 8 pm on CW
The Vampire Diaries is based upon a book series by L.J. Smith. The TV series was obviously created in a post-Buffy, post-Twilight, post-True Blood world - the vampires are hardly scary, and fangs are rarely seen in the first half of the season. These are not your fathers vampires - they're moody, broody, and often likeable, even when they're trying to be "evil".
The show revolves around Elaina Gilbert, a high school student in Mystic Falls, Virgina, who falls for Stefan Salvatore, a century old vampire. Stefan's only reason for returning to Mystic falls is because Elaina looks exactly like his lost love from a century ago, Katherine. Stefan's older brother (also a vampire) Damon (the bad brother) follows him to town with a vendetta against Stefan.
The show starts out really slowly - it plays more like 90210 than Buffy the Vampire slayer. Midway through the season though, the action ramps up and it gets much more interesting. The first half of the season plays out as Damon vs. Stefan. Once they come to an understanding, and the show introduces other antagonists, the shows mythology gets fleshed out and the plot goes to some unexpected places.
Damon (Ian Somerhalder from Smallville and Lost) shines as the anti-hero. Even when his actions are suspect, you can't help but enjoy his smug, cold attitude. Rather than be a pale imitation of David Boreanez's broody Angel like Stefan (Paul Wesley) he revels in his sell-serving bad-assery.
Elaina (Nina Dobrev) also stands out as a breakout star. At first it seems she is channeling Bella from Twilight with her mopey depressed attitude, but this soon gives way to more depth than ever displayed by Bella. She often puts herself in harms way for the good of Stefan and her other friends, but just as often she is able to defend herself. She is the only one that really sees the good in Damon.
There are also other supernatural beings in the town, including various other vampires, a family of witches, and a family of supernatural beings that have yet to be revealed.
I suggest you give this show a try, as it starts out slow but ends up very interesting. The mythology of the show through only a single season is enough to keep me hooked. I'm excited for season 2 - which starts this Thursday, September 9th.
3 1/2 out of 5 stars because i could do without so much winey teen angst
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