Episode Report Card Cindy McLennan: A+ | 3 USERS: A+ YOU GRADE IT Shipwreck!
By Cindy McLennan | Season 3 | Episode 14 | Aired on 02.09.2012
Now, one E/D fan said that she feels, that in the porch scene between Elena and Stefan, Elena lost a lot of the growth she earned this season. That wasn't my opinion after watching once, but each time I've watched that scene since, I've cringed for Elena. I think my friend is right about that. It is sad to see Elena so desperately seeking an emotional response from Stefan. But I'm still not sure Elena is doing so, as a romantic partner, so much as she is pulling out all the stops, to try to break through to Stefan's better angels. Have you ever gone out for dinner or drinks, alone, with a recent ex? Even when you know, intellectually, that you don't want to get back together with the ex, it can be difficult not to treat and talk to that ex as if he/she is still your sweetheart. That's how you're used to *being* when you're together. You have to learn a whole new way to be. It takes time, and distance.
Another fan said that she just wishes Elena would stop stringing along both brothers. I don't think she is stringing along either brother. I see no evidence of that, at all, so I don't know how to engage with that comment.
Yet another fan feels that the writers were "mocking" E/D fans, by having Rebekah refer to Damon as a "caveman" while the two danced. Apparently, some devoted E/D fans got "Caveman and Warrior Princess" to trend, worldwide, on Twitter, and the writers knew this. I cover this show in such depth, that I'm a little concerned (for my health) that I don't remember Elena and Damon referring to each other as a caveman and a warrior princess. I accept and believe that it happened. It just didn't stick with me. When I watched this episode for the 2nd, 3rd and 4th times, Rebekah's "caveman" quip did stick out at me. It seems shoved in. So, to this fan, what I want to say is, I don't think the writers were trying to mock you. I've been in this online fandom business for nearly 15 years. I've had contact with showrunners and writers for most of those years. It is common for writers to pluck out a phrase or nickname that means one thing to the fans, and use it in another way, in an episode. It's not mocking. It's a shout-out. Sometimes, it's also a playful nudge, but believe me, the writers know the passionate fans are the ones who keep their show alive. They may hate it when they're getting death threats (!!!) and insults, and just rude commentary, but they also love that they're creating something that touches you so -- that reaches you, and ignites your fire.