The TV Chick

October is awesome because there is so much Vampire Diaries to be had, whee! This week’s episode is ‘Memorial.’ First things first, the new opening is here to stay. With added bonus material this week!

We begin with Elena and Stefan in the woods getting ready to do some hunting. This scene is crosscut with Damon and Stefan arguing about Stefan’s plan to get her on the straight and narrow right off the bat by eating only animals. He’s hoping she can avoid a bender this way whereas Damon is like, vamps eat people – this is one of your dumber plans. We cut back to Stefan and Elena in the woods – things are about to get hot. Everything is now heightened for Elena – we’re hearing heartbeats and everything. But, then she goes and barfs some blood. Ruh roh.

Over at the recently blown-up cabin, there’s a random new dude in town who is inspecting things to find out what went down. He finds a letter in the oven (which was preserved) that was addressed to an April. (All pretty straight-forward here.)

Over at the Grilllllll, Mama Sheriff (who seems to be employed again?) is questioning Damon about the accident. Damon is like, well, this is a win. Mama thinks he had something to do with it, and he’s like 12 people, shoooot, I’d have a dinner party, I wouldn’t blow them up. The dude from before then comes in and introduces himself as an ‘independent contractor’ named Connor Jordan. When Mama and him walk off, Damon mutters ‘Nice to meet you too Mr. Busy Body Guy.’ (Oh you!)

Matt and Jeremy be chillin’ at Mystic Falls High and Matt is still feeling badly about Elena’s current state of being. A gal walks up – turns out her name is April Young – she’s the daughter of the recently deceased crazy, cult Pastor man. She’s apparently back from boarding school now that her dad is dead (no one to pay the bills and you’re out I guess?)

Elena is leaving a message for Caroline about her ahem, adjustment issues. Stefan comes in with a real hop in his step (he’ll probably try to deny it but he’s loving his vampire princess) He says he’s cheerful because she’s alive-ish. Champagne for everyone! (Guess you can drink underage when you’re a vampire now – no law abiding for this rebel chick).

Elena then ends up questioning Damon at the Grill about the council. She goes to sit down and he won’t let her sit in Alaric’s seat (tears of course). She also tells him that she can’t keep the animal blood down. He then has her drink from him. It’s apparently a very personal thing to do (don’t tell Stefan guys!) They’re into it and so am I of course because I’m a gross creeper. [Ed. Note: I think EVERYONE was into it...or we're all gross creepers.]

Meanwhile, Caroline and Tyler are having sex (what’s new, right?). Caroline feels bad because of the dead people, Tyler is like this is grief sex. (Reminds me of the Friends episode where Chandler and Monica have sex after some funeral and Chandler is like, yes, let’s celebrate life!) Also, right downstairs is the Widow Lockwood. (Okay, I get it. You guys are monsters now or whatever. But, a little respect please. Your mama is right down there awake for crying out loud!) The doorbell rings and it’s Connor Jordan. He wants to discuss things with the Widow. Tyler comes down and Connor extends for a handshake and Tyler is feeling some serious pain. Guess those gloves weren’t just to prove he’s a tough guy from the early 90s – they’re laced with vervain or some such. He then shoots Tyler super fast. Tyler gets his strength back quick and runs like heck. Tyler goes to Stefan who says that the bullets (wooden with markings) would have killed a non-hybrid.

Matt and Elena are at the church for the dead people memorial. Elena is saying her emotions are heightened. She then goes and talks to April who is worried about having to speak. Elena says ‘say what you want – or nothing at all.’ Elena wants to eat April so, so bad. So, she excuses herself because she has MANNERS. And then she barfs in the bathroom because she’s still a mess.

Stefan goes to Bonnie. She lets him in to talk about her sad feelings. He’s then like, yeah, that’s really sad for you, but I’ve got some bullets for you to look at. She says they’ve got nothing to do with witch business.

Elena calls Damon to come and help her out as she’s wretching blood. He even brings her a new dress (this guy!). Connor is there outside the bathroom all suspicious like. He tries to shake Damon’s hand who won’t do so and claims he’s a germophobe. They get out of this scene unscathed. Connor then goes and stabs April, whaaaa??

Okay, so Elena can’t even keep down the blood bag Damon brought her. She’s scared she’s going to die. Damon knows she needs it from the vein. She peaces out, but Stefan sees and goes up to Damon to complain. Damon spills the beans about his blood transfer with Elena and Stefan is super jelly of course.

Elena ends up giving a speech about Pastor Young since April is a no-show due to bleeding profusely. Her blood is dripping. They can all smell it. Elena is fading here dudes. Stefan escorts her away. Back in the pew, the gang is like what’s the deal. Stefan explains she needs blood. Matt then is like, hey, feed from me. (I wrote LOVE MATT). So, she does, right there and then. It looks like she’s just crying in his neck.

Tyler then takes one for the team and goes up to speak. He gets shot by Connor who is standing on the balcony. People flee, it’s crazy. The Widow Lockwood is like, I’ll call an ambulance so this looks legit. Damon goes after Connor – a fight ensues. Stefan then comes and Connor runs. He then then punches Damon for you know what. (Oh, these guys!)

Elena almost eats April but Caroline stops her because Caroline is awesome and also friends are not food. Caroline gives April her blood and has Elena compel April to not be scared. (It works, hearts!)

Over at the bar, Connor asks Matt what happened to his neck – Matt says his girlfriend went overboard, lolzzz. Jeremy then tells Connor ‘nice ink’ about his tattoos. No one else can see his tats. Connor is confused that he can see them. (Secret tattoos, what is up with that?!) Connor reads the letter from the Pastor later that day and learns that he believed there’s a greater sacrifice coming. Hmmm.

Stefan gives Elena booze – it helps with the cravings. He’s mad she lied to him. And that she fed on Damon. She can’t stop crying and feeling so many feelings and everyone’s grief. He’s got a plan!

The gang (minus Tyler) is assembled at the school. Stefan then hands out lanterns to light because everyone needs to grieve. Damon is pissed because there are important things to do. Stefan is like, nope, time to grieve. Everyone goes around and lights their lantern and says who they’re grieving. (Tears obvs). Elena and Jeremy’s list is really long (also obvs). And Elena lists herself and it’s really sad guys.

We end with Damon sitting at Alaric’s grave and calling everyone little children. He’s so sad. Ghost Alaric is there and smirked! Damon says ‘I’m just stuck here fighting with my brother and taking care of the kids – I didn’t event get the girl.’ (Ugg, sadness) We then hear Alaric say “I miss you too buddy.” (Do I really have to mention the tears?)

I loved this episode. Emotional episodes like this is what The Vampire Diaries does best. Man, so much pulling at the heart strings going on. I’m curious to find out the deal with Connor is and what his real agenda is. Also, I wonder where we’re going to take this April storyline. Also, more Alaric please!

The Vampire Diaries airs Thursday nights at 8 PM on the CW.