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“Before Sunset” The Vampire Diaries Season 3 Episode 21
I sat through Before Sunset with my jaw on the floor. Last night’s episode was by far the most well developed episode we have had on The Vampire Diaries thus far. The flow was perfect. It kept you on edge even during the incessant commercial breaks, which in the age of Hulu and Netflix is not an easy feat. The plot was interesting and precise and to my delight none of the characters annoyed me even for a second.
I will likely get a lot of hate for this, but I have never been a fan of Bonnie, Tyler, or Jeremy. I’ve always thought of them as plot ploys and haven’t been interested in watching their characters development. On a show that is centered on a deep caring for the characters, I have never warmed to these three. I worry about what effect their death would have on the main characters, but would not be devastated myself if they should die. Generally I find their story lines rather dull, but not in Before Sunset.
Let’s break it down
Jeremy had a shining moment in this episode when he told Stefan off and asked for one day of peace. I even found myself yelling “Go Jeremy” at my television set. Hey Steven McQueen, who knew you could actually act? His scenes throughout the series have been fake feeling, but this one finally tapped into something real and it was heartbreaking. I remember Steven McQueen from Everwood (one of my all-time favorite shows) and it was great to see him finally come into his own in this episode.
Tyler stood up to Klaus finally, seriously it took you long enough. I loved that he stood up to Klaus in defense of Elena rather than Caroline. Although he has never had more than a passing relationship with Elena, the realistic bond of growing up with someone your whole life came through. It was very…human.
And then there is Bonnie, who thank god was finally soundly on Team Salvatore. No wishy washy nonsense, no awful Kat Graham stares, she was there to help Stefan and Damon period the end. It was refreshing to see Bonnie not acting just to save Elena. Yes, that was an added bonus, but truly Bonnie was working to stop the greater evil.
You can’t talk about last night’s episode without also noting the stellar performances by Joseph Morgan and Nina Dobrev.
Joseph Morgan, who I love (I mean that accent, come on what’s not to love), was back to his old self. He is so good at being bad and it was great to see him back in action rather than just sitting around. Klaus’ death scene was incredibly emotional for both Klaus and Stefan. Go team Kelefan! I think it’s fair to say that we haven’t seen the last of Klaus, although I don’t think he will make an appearance in the season finale.
Elena‘s speech to Alaric when she is about to kill herself was brilliant, but we all already know Nina Dobrev is a very talented actress.
Yes, the Elena/Damon/Stefan triangle was featured nicely and I am as anxious as anyone to see how it pans out, but this was an episode for the supporting characters. I was so happy not to hate Bonnie anymore (let me be clear I’ve never hated what she does or who she is, I just find her super annoying). The finale will inevitably be Elena centric so it was great to have her take a bit of a back seat in this penultimate episode. The Vampire Diaries continues to be one of my favorite television shows and last night’s episode was a great reminder of why.
Until next Thursday TVD Family…
The Vampire Diaries airs on the CW on Thursdays at 8/7c
