The Vampire Diaries: There Goes the Neighborhood

There Goes the Neighborhood was a solid episode that introduced us to a couple of new characters, raised more questions, and made me change my mind about a vamp I’d pretty much written off. Although, I would have titled it ‘I Turn to You’. I mean, there was a lot of turning to people for support and comfort and asking to be turned going on. Matt and Caroline were also put front and center which always makes me happy. And there was a seriously awesome OMG moment at the end with Anna and Jeremy.

First things first, Pearl is now leader of the vampires from the tomb. Harper, the new vamp from last week, is content to follow Pearl’s orders. Frederick, on the other hand, is not. Laying low is not something he wants to do. He gets on my nerves, but I guess that’s the point. I still kind of hope he doesn’t last too long in Mystic Falls.

The main course is this ep was very high school. Elena and Stefan decided to try and have a normal life by double dating with Matt and Caroline. Can you say drama? They start out at the cafe and end up talking a lot about Matt and Elena’s past. The first time they got drunk, lying in cribs together, and pretty much anything else that would make Caroline feel insecure.

Also at the restaurant, Damon and Kelly Donovan finally meet and strike up a conversation you know will eventually lead to them drinking and getting naked together. Before leaving the bar for the bed, Jenna runs into them and reminisces with Kelly about all the fun they had back in the day when Kelly used to babysit her. Later on in the evening Frederick shows up and tries to hit on Jenna as she’s leaving. He tries to compel her to go with him, but her Vervain perfume makes her immune to his advances. Poor Frederick. No one left for the vamps to munch on, now that Vervain has been given out.

Frederick also happens to bump into Elena and mistakes her Katherine. She immediately tells Stefan about the encounter and the double date quartet heads back to Casa de Salvatore. Lo and behold, Matt and Stefan have something in common aside from Elena: cars. Stefan owns some fancy schmancy classic car that Matt practically drools over, to which Caroline says she doesn’t like sports cars because they’re hard to make out in. Caroline freaks out when Matt says he and Elena used to make it work. Nice guy Stefan gives Matt the keys and tells him to go take Caroline for a ride. On the drive they make up, talk about insecurities, and tell each other how much they like their relationship and want it to work. Cue the awwws.

Now on to my favorite part of the episode, the last couple minutes. Anna shows up to the Gilbert house and surprises Jeremy. She tells him she’s planning on sticking around and actually going to high school. Jeremy shares that he’s planning on writing another paper on vampires for class. They talk some more before Jeremy purposely cuts his hand and asks Anna to hand him a towel. “I can’t,” she says. She turns all vampy and grabs him, but does nothing. Jeremy offers his blood to her, which she reluctantly takes. I like this scene because it reveals Anna to not just be a selfish vampire, but one capable of caring for others who don’t share her plight. This new vulnerability to her makes me like her character so much more. And then the kicker. Why did Jeremy risk Anna killing him? “I want you to turn me.”

So Anna is kind of in love with Jeremy. Jeremy thinks/knows his love Vicki was turned into a vampire. What will Anna do? Oh, the anticipation is killing me! I have a gut feeling it won’t end well though.

My favorite quote came from Anna when she was telling Jeremy about the types of guys she’s dated in the past: “Maybe I’m just a sucker for guys like that.” Ha!

Another good, solid episode. Not my favorite, but I can tell you I’m absolutely dying to know if Jeremy will be the newest vampire in town. What did you think? Who will win the war for Mystic Falls? And how many more vampires are coming?

And seriously folks, where are Bonnie and Tyler? I’m about ready to tweet Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson myself and beg for their swift return. Until next week, my vampire-loving friends!

Photo Courtesy of The CW