Episode Report Card Cindy McLennan: A- | 1 USERS: A YOU GRADE IT Doppelganger Hijinks Ensue
By Cindy McLennan | Season 2 | Episode 1 | Aired on 09.09.2010
Daytime; Hospital: Bonnie finds Matt, who leads her to a strong, healthy Caroline who -- surprise surprise -- is watching Jersey Shore. While Matt kisses his girl, guilt and relief swim in Bonnie's eyes as she fights back grateful tears. It's all very touching and I Love You Guys and mercifully short.
Lockwood Mansion: the townsfolk gather at the Lockwoods' to offer comfort by swilling the new widow's vino, which seems like an odd thing to do prior to the wake and funeral. I mean bringing the grieving a meal or whatnot? Traditional consideration. Remaining for an impromptu cocktail party? Not so much. Carol is demanding answers about her husband's demise and Liz's deputies' part in it, and is as surprised as she is offended when Liz explains that the Mayor was disabled by the Gilbert Gizmo, which seems weird, because Carol was with the Mayor when he succumbed to the device. If I'm not misremembering, she's the one who told Liz about it, right? No matter. Damon uses his masculine wiles to calm his favorite cougars and encourage them to stick together and trust each other.
Meanwhile, Tyler is on front door duty and watches with interest as a big black truck pulls up in front of the house. I watch with acute interest, once I get a gander at the driver. Mason Lockwood slides out from behind the wheel and oh my. The late mayor's younger, black-sheep brother is played by Trauma's Taylor Kinney. I'll pause while you give the casting director a much deserved standing ovation. You're welcome. Anyhow, Brick House (They named him "Mason," how could I resist?) can't believe how Tyler's grown, and Tyler's prickly with him at first, but then they hug, and I think they warm up to each other, but maybe that's just me.
Hospital: Stefan and Elena visit John, not because they care about him, just because they want some Katherine intel, but all John has is a lot of fear, a lot of pain, and a lot of attitude. He softens a little when Elena places his protect-o-ring in his good hand, but is loath to help Stefan in any way, so Stefan pointedly suggests John confide in his niece-daughter. Down, but not out of snark, John says, "My daughter should have driven a stake through your heart by now," then explains to Elena that he never spoke directly to Katherine; Isobel always ran interference. He turns back to Stefan. "So either kill me or get out, because I can't stand the sight of you with my daughter." Elena shakes her head. Her voice is low and raspy. "You see the world with such hatred. It's gonna get you killed." After she stomps off, Stefan stops pussyfooting around. He pounces on John, grabs him by the throat, force-feeds him his blood and tells him to leave town in the next 24 hours, before the blood passes out of his system, or Stefan will turn him into that which he most hates -- a vampire. Gah, Stefan gives great low-key scary. I will not lick Paul Wesley's arms. I will not. I will not. I will not.