Episode Report Card Cindy McLennan: A- | Grade It Now! YOU GRADE IT This Is A Story About Control -- My Control
By Cindy McLennan | Season 1 | Episode 18 | Aired on 04.15.2010
Matt, looking as smitten as he is drunk, dances away from Elena, giving Stefan a chance to approach and beg for a dance from the belle of the ball. When Stefan spins her a little too vigorously, Elena bumps into the guy behind her. She immediately apologizes, adding, "My fault. I'm clumsy." And in a completely unbelievable turn of events, the guy tells her that maybe she should get off the dance floor, then. I'm sorry, I'm not buying that any guy would ever be so rude to such a beautiful young woman, especially at a small town party of founding families and such. Anyhow, Stefan confronts Rude Guy. When he won't back down, Stefan compels him to apologize.
Next, Elena's at the bar, trying to get Damon to worry about Stefan, but he's more worried about Jeremy and his ongoing interest in Vicki's death. Damon tells her about Jeremy asking who could have buried the body, then hisses, "I know. I know. Me!" He'd be glad to compel Germ again, but they'll have to take off his Vervain charm. Elena puts her foot down. She doesn't want him messing with her little brother's mind any more. I suppose because then he'd do even better in school, and start eating more fiber, or something. No, really. I like that Elena's feeling guilty for having Damon put the whammy on Jeremy, but it's amusing that it's troubling her conscience, right after she justified all her secrets and lies as "protection" for the people she loves. Before he leaves her at the bar, Damon snags a rose from a nearby arrangement and hands it to her. She grabs it gingerly. Elena, watch out for that prick. (Calm down ,Team Damon. I'm saying that for your protection. I'm talking about the thorns. Mostly.)
Meanwhile, Tyler nabs Kelly sticking her empty glass in a plant pot. She laughs and tells him to keep her secret, then asks for directions to the ladies room. As he escorts here there, she grabs his glass. "Is that soda?" She takes a sip and sighs in relief. "Vodka. Thank God." Tyler's panic turns to delight. Welcome to Cougar Town, 'Roid Rage.
Balcony: Damon seems to be enjoying a private memory when he's interrupted by Uncle Snark, who knows all about the town history -- even the secret tomb full of vampires. "But then you already knew that, didn't you -- being that you're the one who did it." Damon smiles as he tries to figure out Jon's angle for baiting him, and points out that he could just rip his throat out, although he'd probably get an unhealthy dose of Vervain in the process. Uncle Snark: "Why don't you take a bite and find out?" Damon says it's not worth his time and walks off, but then he Stealth-Salvatores back, snaps Uncle Snark's neck, and tosses him off the balcony. He admires his work with a smile, grabs his drink and heads back inside.