OMG, you guys.  This episode was really good, and felt more like the tone and rhythm of normal regular TVD episodes (as opposed to giant season premiere exposition episodes).  I don’t even know where to start.  But I have a job to do here!

Oh, before we get there … I mentioned it on Twitter and I’ve had some AMAZING responses so far, and I can’t wait to incorporate them, but there will be a Vampire Diaries Drinking Game posted on Thursday in time for the next episode, and I am taking suggestions on items.  The most common ones are abs on display and Damon’s eyebrow thing.  I could really use some Elena ones, though.  So keep the ideas coming, either here or on Twitter, and get your top-of-the-fridge liquor cabinet stocked up (and don’t lie, you know that’s where you keep it).

But yeah, the EPISODE!  Let’s start with my epic girl crush, Caroline.  You guys, I just don’t know.  What I do know is that I will go along with whatever as long as it doesn’t end with Caroline TRULY dead.  I liked her little vampire juicebox in the hospital (she’s so fucking cute), and her remembering what happened with Damon and telling him in her most Caroline way, “You SUCK,” was obviously awesome.  Plus, it was cool that her Damon memories helped to give her a little insight as to what was going on, and she’s so funny with the compelling.  I think I might like Vamp Caroline (see what I did there?), and so because it can’t be said enough, if anyone with any say is reading this, DON’T KILL HER.

Matt continues to be really, really cute and I loved him sneaking in the window to tell Caroline that he’s in love with her.  It made my sixteen-year-old Dawson’s Creek-loving heart really swell.  Matt is adorable and I love that Caroline, thanks to Stefan, was able to settle down and not eat him.  I wonder if Matt will be let in on the secret at some point this season.  I can’t decide if I want him to know or not–he’s just so precious, that I want him to stay in the dark about it but I also don’t want Caroline to have to sneak around behind him.  Jesus, when did I get so emotionally invested in these two?  Oh, right–FROM THE VERY FIRST SECOND.

I guess let’s discuss Bonnie next since not much happened with her other than she lost her shit over Caroline being turned.  And it’s kind of a bummer, since she and Elena planning and working the carnival was just lighthearted and fun, like their friendship used to be before Bonnie went uberbitch.  And the whole thing is … yeah, she was upset that Caroline was a vampire, but going straight into torture mode on Damon?  That was pretty shitty.  And did you notice how she snotted that everything is Damon’s fault, while conveniently failing to remember that she’s the one that threatened him into giving Caroline his blood in the first place?  Shut up, Bonnie.  My only hope is that someone either points this out to her or she realizes it herself and decides to chill the fuck out.  I mean, I know Bonnie is a witch and all, but someone’s taking it to the extreme.

Okay.  Let’s briefly discuss Elena and Stefan, since … well … they might’ve been the least exciting part of the episode.  I’m just SAYING!  But they were always around, involved, and especially Stefan.  Elena mostly sighed heavily.   But Stefan was all telling Jeremy how to kill vampires, and telling Caroline how to not kill people, and helping Damon figure out what was up with the Lockwoods, and making his way to the top of the Ferris Wheel.  And speaking of that … I don’t know exactly what they intended but it kind of looked like flying.  I think I would’ve preferred it being more clear that it was a jump, because I don’t want Stefan to start flying.  Although I clearly do not have a brain wired to deal with cool vampire powers, because I was like, oh, he’ll just turn it on, let Elena get in and wheel it to the top, stop it, and then climb up to the top with his vampire agility!  God, I am uncreative.  Vampires don’t have to use carnie skills!

And that actually segues into the rest of our stories.  Damon bounced back somewhat from last week, helped no doubt by the fact that Katherine is MIA and he’s found something new to think about, which is what’s going on with the Lockwoods.  He knows that Mayor Lockwood was affected by the vampire detector but isn’t a vampire, he knows that Tyler has a serious rage problem, and is just generally suspicious.  I do find it somewhat hard to believe that Damon has never heard of Ninja Turtles, but I suppose he probably had other things to do in the 80′s, like sucking blood and getting ass.  And seriously, can’t you just IMAGINE the tail Damon was chasing in the 80′s?  It makes me giggle to think about it.  Fuck 1864, THAT’S the flashback I really want.

What were we TALKING about?  Oh right, werewolves.  Well, again, I’m glad that story is moving along, although I am a bit curious about the moon stone.  Is that a thing?  Whatever.  I don’t care.  As long as it means more abs.  Bring it.  Question … how long do you think it’ll be before we see one of them doing it doggystyle?

Good lord, what has gotten into me?

And has it gotten into me doggystyle?

WHAT!  WHO WROTE THAT?!?!

Okay.  Now for Jeremy.  I still love his bromance with Damon, especially since Alaric has been notably missing from the first two episodes.  Couple of things.  First of all, he’s looking hot.  Duh.  Secondly, I loved from the get-go how he was still cool with Stefan while being very NOT cool with Damon.  And then I really loved how he had all plotted to kill Damon and just changed his mind, and then they had the best interaction ever, complete with Damon mocking his whittling skills.  Hee!  I’m telling you guys–whittling jokes?  Always funny.

Alright, that does it for me.  I loved it.  What did you guys think?  Favorite moments?  Theories on what’s going to happen?  What do you want to see more of?  And don’t forget to share your drinking game ideas!  Comments, y’all!