2.06 – Plan B

Bonnie, Why Can’t We Be Friends?

by Veronica on October 28, 2010

Photo: Guy D'Alema/The CW

Bonnie has been hurt by the entire vampire situation in Mystic Falls… but is it really necessary for her to punish Caroline and Elena as much as she has? In the first season, her grandmother passed away after a very grueling attempt at a spell to help Damon rescue Katherine from the tombs, only to find out later that Katherine didn’t need to be rescued. Bonnie may have felt that her grandmother died in vain, however, the viewers were given the slight impression that Grandma Bennett knew perfectly well what she was getting herself into and gave up her life for “the greater good,” (although Damon and Katherine being a part of the greater good is highly up for debate).

After this, Bonnie was gone for quite some time but upon her return she was very distant and cold towards Elena making her feelings about Stefan and Elena’s relationship with him pretty obvious. Time and time again Bonnie has reminded us that she isn’t exactly a fan of the vampires. After all, she blames them for the death of her grandmother and for the death of many others which is quite understandable. Although we can’t really blame her for her opinion, it seems as if Bonnie is taking her resentment out on her best friends.

Elena entered a relationship with Stefan not knowing he was a vampire. Elena could have chosen to stay away from Stefan after she found out yes, but Elena was in far too deep already… she had already fallen in love with Stefan and trusted him to keep her safe. After the passing of Bonnie’s grandmother, she told Elena she needed space from her even though Elena wasn’t what Bonnie was resenting. To blame Stefan for being a vampire is one thing, but to go as far as avoiding your best friend for dating one… doesn’t seem too fair. I mean I’m as guilty as the next girl for not approving of some of my best friend’s current beaus but if they’re my best friends I’m not going to give them the cold shoulder (although none of my best friends have ever dated a vampire). Elena had no idea that the spell would have the effect it had on her grandmother, and I’m pretty sure if she knew, she would have tried to find another way to save Damon and Stefan.

As for poor Caroline, she had no choice in the matter whatsoever in becoming a vampire. She could have abstained from drinking blood, but Bonnie can’t really blame her as Caroline was alone, with no recollection of being suffocated by Katherine (yet) and with no full understanding of the underlying consequences… not to mention that it was Bonnie’s fault in the first place!!!

By lying to Elena’s face and pretending to disable the Gilbert device, which could have killed Stefan and Damon who the device effected, could have killed Tyler, DID kill Mayor Lockwood, and since the device effected Tyler while he was driving, could have killed Matt and came pretty close to killing Caroline. Granted, Bonnie didn’t know that by attempting to eliminate the vampires, all the others would be affected as well, but she did know that Elena, her best friend, would be devastated to lose her boyfriend and her friend. And as we can all recall, it was Bonnie’s decision to have Caroline drink vampire blood.

Bonnie’s aversion to Elena is understandable, I get it, Stefan, as lovable as he is, is quite dangerous, and Damon, who Elena befriended is (was—depending on how you look at it) downright bad. But to make Caroline feel guilty for something that is out of her control seems a little childish. Stefan may be helping Caroline out by being her Jedi-master in the ways of the vampire, but Caroline needs a friend. She doesn’t have Matt, Elena is pre-occupied in the Katherine vs. Everybody battle, and Stefan wasn’t really good friends with Caroline pre-vampire. In the latest episode (Plan B) Bonnie seems a little hesitant but gives in to warming up a bit and hopefully by seeing how much Caroline has grown as a person, it will help to shed some light on Bonnie’s actions and will help her re-evaluate herself as friend… Maybe it will even help her vampire prejudices die down just a little and open up the path to new alliances and friendships. Bonnie could be very vital in the war against Katherine…

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Let’s Forget About It: Caroline and Liz

by Cathy on October 28, 2010

Photo Credit: http://black-celebration.net/caps/

One of the best scenes from last week episode, Plan B, was when Caroline was compelling her mother at the Salvatore house. Caroline and Liz have never had a good relationship. Liz is always busy with her work, trying to hunt down vampires. In return, Caroline feels ignored. She feels like her mother doesn’t care about her. Their relationship has always been rocky but Caroline and Liz had a chance to bond in last week episode. At least for a little while. I was hoping that Liz didn’t have to be compelled after the conversation she had with Caroline. But, if we learned anything from this show, it’s the fact that you can’t trust anyone. Caroline erased Liz’s memories and made her forget about everything that happened in the last few days, including the quality time they shared together that afternoon. A lot of people are questioning why Caroline said, “and your selfish little daughter went back to ignoring you,” while she was compelling her mother. I was asking the same question when I was watching the episode. Caroline could have just taken away the vampire related memories from Liz and they can go on to have a better relationship. After watching the episode for the second time, I understood why Caroline did what she did.

Mother Knows Best:
If Caroline and Liz went on to having a closer relationship, there is no way Caroline can keep her secret from Liz. After all, Liz is a vampire hunter. If they spend more time together, Liz would find out what her daughter really is. Mothers always know what their children are up to. What’s going to happen when Liz finds out again that Caroline is a vampire? Is Caroline going to have to compel her mother again? How many times is she going to have to do that? This isn’t an ideal situation.

It’s a Threat to Liz’s Life:
There is a crazy, psychopath vampire named Katherine, who loves threatening people to get what she wants. If Caroline becomes close to her mother, Liz would be added to Katherine’s list of people she can threaten. If Caroline ignores her mother, she wouldn’t be seen as an important person in Caroline’s life.

So yes, it was necessary for the relationship between Caroline and her mother to go back to the way it was. It’s a small sacrifice for the greater good. Caroline did what she did to protect her mother. At least now, Liz will know that her daughter loves her, no matter what.

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Rest in peace, Uncle Mason – a farewell to Mason Lockwood

by Stefi on October 27, 2010

Photo Credit: The CW

Dear Mason,

I get it. I know. You had to go. To be honest, you brought it on yourself. Shacking with Katherine? Ratting on Stefan and Damon? Threatening to snap Elena’s neck? What did you think? Damon would just let it slide? So I get it. You just needed to go. From the moment you told Sheriff Forbes about the Salvatore, we all knew you’re gone. And I know, after Damon was done with his poking and “I’ve been where you are” thing, you wanted to die.

You know, I hated you for a while. It was that love/hate thing most of us usually do with Damon. First there was love. When you came with your big truck and we were all so glad Tyler finally has someone to look up to. A cool guy, not a cold dictator like his father, who will help him get over that rage, kind of show him that he doesn’t have to be angry at the world and there is a way to keep it together even if you are that unfortunate to have some wolf gene you didn’t even ask for. And, honestly, I kind of thought that’s your purpose: explain the werewolf thing to Tyler, and after things heat up a little bit and clashing with Damon a few times, you will join “destroy Katherine” team.

Boy was I wrong! And with finding out how wrong I was, came hate. I’m glad Caroline kicked your but! You were such an idiot, ratting on the brothers and grabbing Elena!

I know you were in love. We’ve all been there, doing some stupid thing just because that special someone wants you too. And I know you didn’t trust her. But, did you really have to be that naïve? Did you really think it’s a coincidence Jimmy attacked you over nothing? Did you really think Kat will lift the curse with the moonstone? That was why she wanted it so much? I guess you didn’t, you wouldn’t hide the stone if you did. But still.

You should have known better. You should have thought of Tyler. You should have asked around. Find out why she doesn’t want you to mess with the Salvatore brothers. You should have done so many things. But you didn’t, and we are where we are.

Asking Jeremy to help Tyler and believing so hard Kat loved you, it was so sad to see. Or you just wanted to believe it, so you could believe she really will take the curse off. Well, I guess it doesn’t really matter now.

I’m sorry, Mason. I know Damon hurt you in more ways than one. I know he ripped your heart even before he actually ripped it physically. He was right, you know. She didn’t love you. You were doomed the minute you met Katherine Pierce. So, try not to haunt him, ok?

That guy who’s body you took, Kinney? He’s saying some “Mason might come back” and “you never know with the supernatural” things. But you’re not coming back, are you. Not even to help Tyler, or to haunt that backstabbing b**** Katherine. I’m sorry. We all are.

So, rest in peace, Mason Lockwood.

I’ll miss you.

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The Quality of Mercy – Commentary on TVD, Episode 2.06 “Plan B”

by Bonnie on October 26, 2010

We have seen the end of Mason Lockwood. To some, it seems that Damon Salvatore killed Mason in order to protect Elena, or out of jealousy, revenge, or because of the natural antipathy between vampires and werewolves. As Damon says to Jeremy “It’s kill or be killed.”

Consider, however, that while one or all of these may have been Damon’s initial motives, ultimately, Damon killed Mason as an act of mercy.

Vampires and werewolves are natural adversaries – a werewolf bite is fatal to a vampire. Damon and Mason have already taken shots at each other. Now Damon’s mission is to find Katherine, learn why she has returned to Mystic Falls, and what she wants with the moonstone. Once he has the information, Mason is history.

He captures and binds Mason, demonstrates that lack of cooperation will be unpleasant, and then begins the inquiry.

There is not much emotion behind the torture and inquisition – he’s just fact finding.

At first.

He wants to know where Katherine is, what she’s up to and what she wants with the moonstone. Despite the prodding with a red hot poker, Mason is not forthcoming with any information.

Enter Jeremy with wolfsbane – a new torture tool. A light application on Mason’s cheek demonstrates that this is a potent plant.

Again, Damon asks – “Where is Katherine? What does she want with the moonstone? What is she up to? She can’t compel you because you’re supernatural– what is Katherine doing in Mystic Falls?”

Then Mason touches a nerve – “She’s with me – Jealous?”

We see this remark touches a nerve with Damon, and into Mason’s offensive mouth goes the wolfsbane.

And as he spits and coughs up the inside of his mouth and throat, Mason finally explains – Katherine wants the moonstone in order to lift Mason’s curse. Damon is skeptical (naturally) – why would a vampire help a werewolf?

Mason – “Because she loves me.”

And with that revelation, everything changes.

Damon’s gut reaction reveals itself in his eyes. Damon pities Mason – because he knows exactly how Mason feels – because Damon felt the same way once, about the very same woman.

He sees himself in Mason – a young man in love, and totally unaware that the woman he has fallen for is merely using him for her own selfish purposes. Not only is she using him, she has no feelings for him at all.

Under the cynical, sarcastic personality of Damon Salvatore, there is the memory of a hopeful, innocent heart – a young man who was so enthralled with his first love that he let her turn him into a vampire. He loved her so much he believed it when she told him she wanted to be with him forever.

The sting of Katherine’s betrayal and rejection are recent. All those years of waiting for her – longing for her – are the basis for Damon’s cynicism and sarcasm. He’s endured over one hundred and seventy years of emotional pain and longing, and damaged his relationship with his brother – only to be told it was all for nothing. Katherine didn’t care – she could have come for him at any time, and she didn’t – because she didn’t care.

When Damon says to Mason “you’re stupid”, he is reflecting on himself as well (as in “How could I have been so stupid?”) and we know he’s been beating himself up over it since he learned the truth about Katherine.

Mason begs Jeremy not to let his curse happen to Tyler. And we see the pain of the curse in Mason’s eyes and hear it in his voice. And Damon tells Jeremy “He wants me to kill him – to release the curse”. And we know it’s true.

But what curse does Mason now want to be released from? The curse of the werewolf? Or the curse of loving a woman so seductive but so evil?

Then Damon reveals what we already know – that he sees himself in Mason. Sure, he says it through the veil of his ever-present sarcasm, but he speaks the truth. Then…

Mason – “I love her”.

Damon – “I know”.

And he really does know. Katherine was Damon’s first love – she is probably Mason’s first love too.

And Mason now knows that Katherine betrayed him and never intended to remove his curse – and Mason just can’t live with the curse.

In the end, Damon does what is merciful. He puts an end to Mason’s pain. The pain of the curse of the werewolf, and the pain of love’s betrayal.

And after he rips out Mason’s heart, Damon’s face does not reflect the look of one who has just vanquished a mortal enemy. We see the resignation of having done what had to be done - and perhaps the wish that someone had been as merciful to him.

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Episode #35: Mind Control Is A Necessary Evil

by Angela on October 22, 2010

Plan B was an explosive episode and we had plenty to say…and even were able to poke fun at the episode a little. Listen as we discuss The Vampire Diaries episode 2.06 – Plan B.

Bite On This: A Vampire Diaries Podcast
Episode #35: Mind Control Is A Necessary Evil
October 22, 2010

Opening:
* Ratings:
* Changes to the website we have a bunch of really great writers.
* Win A Vistor’s Guide To Mystic Falls edited by Vee and Red at vampire-diaries.net.
* Contact information: www.biteonthis.net, e-mail: podcast@biteonthis.net, voicemail: 484-324-8348, follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/vampdiariescast

Poll of the week:
Last week’s poll:
Is it too soon for Katherine to die?

This week’s poll:
Is there room from a Damon and Elena now that she’s done with Stefan?
Yes. This is the big moment.
Maybe. It could cause serious problems.
No. She’s going to go back to Stefan.

Music From Mystic Falls:
1. The Script “This = Love”
2. The Black Keys “Tighten Up”
3. The Temper Trap “Science Of Fear”
4. Athlete “Wires”

What Happened In Mystic Falls: 2.06 – Plan B:

First Bite:
Did you like episode 2.06 – Plan B?

Episode Commentary:

I Love You Mom

Jeremy Wants To Help

Why Can’t We Be Friends

Vervain In The Membrane

To Kill A Werewolf

Plan B, C, and D

Closing:

* 2.07- Masquerade:
* Contact information: www.biteonthis.net, e-mail: podcast@biteonthis.net, voicemail: 484-324-8348, follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/vampdiariescast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:24 — 52.8MB)

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There’s Always A Plan B, C, and D – The Recap

by Cathy on October 22, 2010

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Previously on the Vampire Diaries: Damon and Stefan almost died, Jeremy and Tyler bonded, Mason finally revealed how he triggered the curse, and we learned that Mason was Katherine’s new boy toy.

Tonight episode, Plan B, took me on an emotional roller coaster. I was happy one minute, terrified the next, and heart broken in the end. I would even go out on a limb and say that this is the best episode so far this season. Get ready for a jaw-dropping-heart-breaking hour of television. Grab a tissue box. You’re going to need it.

Jeremy Gilbert, Mystic Falls’ Very Own Indiana Jones:
Jeremy is seizing his destiny of becoming a vampire hunter. Well, at least for this week, he’s hunting a werewolf. He offers to help Damon. This says a lot about Jeremy’s character. Yes, he’s a Gilbert and he’s trying to keep his family legacy but he’s also helping the vampire who killed him. Jeremy and Elena are a lot more alike than they seem.

Jeremy teams up with Damon and Alaric to find the answers about the moonstone. Even though he joins the big boys club, Jeremy’s still a kid. He couldn’t look at Mason, who was being tortured by Damon. You can see it on his face that he knows what Damon doing is wrong. I’m glad Damon told Jeremy to “take a walk,” so he wouldn’t have to see the rest. Jeremy’s still a kid and all of this is probably too much for him to handle now, but I wouldn’t underestimate this kid. When he promised Elena that Katherine will pay for what she did, I believed him. This kid would do anything to protect his family, even if it means that he’s going to have to man up and take on more responsibilities. Yeah, I guess Uncle John was right. Being a Gilbert comes with responsibilities.

Stefan’s Near Death Experience, the Sequel:
Ok, writers, I know that a lot of the fans are rooting for Damon and Elena but what are you trying to do to Stefan? You almost killed him… two episodes in a row! Caroline saves the day again. This girl is amazing. Ok, I know what you’re thinking. Elena is the one who goes down the well and saves Stefan, but Elena would have never be able to do what she did without the help of Caroline. Caroline rocks as a vampire.

Here’s something I don’t really understand. Vampires have strong senses. They can hear things from far away. Shouldn’t they be able to smell things from far away as well? Why couldn’t Stefan smell the vervain inside the well before he jumped down?

Goodbye, Mason:
Mason’s death doesn’t come as a surprise to me. After what he did the previous week, we all know that Damon was going to kill him the first chance he gets. Damon didn’t kill Sheriff Forbes because she was his friend. Mason was never a friend of Damon. Like I said in my previous recap, strike three and you’re out, Mason.

Although, I have to admit I felt bad for Mason at the end. He loved Katherine. He fell victim to Katherine’s game. Isobel told Elena in the episode 121 that, as long as she has a Salvatore on each arm, she’s doomed. I think the truth is as long as you have Katherine on your arm, you’re doomed. She will play you and use you to get what she wants. All you’ll get is death. Just look at Stefan and Damon.

Mother-Daughter Bonding:
I love that Caroline and Sheriff Forbes had a chance to bond. I was hoping that now that Liz sees how Caroline was changed for the better, she can see pass the word, “vampire”. She does, and tells Caroline that she would keep her secret. But Caroline is right. Liz would never trust Damon and Stefan knowing that they are vampires. It’s better that her memory is erased and she can go back to being Caroline’s too-busy-to-care-about-her-daughter mom and Damon’s friend.

Katherine’s Plan B:
When Damon ripped out the heart of Katherine’s plan A, she set her plan B in motion. Apparently, Katherine’s been compelling Jenna and having her spy on Elena and Stefan. I said it before and I’ll say it again. Katherine is always one step ahead of everyone. We all thought that she was only using Caroline to spy on Elena and Stefan. We didn’t think she could be using Jenna, too.

Here’s what I want to know. How does Katherine compel Jenna over the phone to stab herself in the stomach? I thought vampires can only compel humans with their eyes. Is this some new trick that Katherine learned over the years?

Katherine’s Plan C:
Oh no, Matt! Who forgot to give this kid some vervain? I’m scared for his life. Katherine says she needs a werewolf. Why? What is her plan? Mason said the moonstone can breaks the full moon curse. But why would Katherine want it? Why does she need a werewolf? Aw Matt, next week would probably be the last we see of him.

Now for the moment that left me heartbroken:

Stefan and Elena broke up: This time is for real. They are not acting. Katherine hurting Jenna is the last straw for Elena. She has to surrender. Let Katherine win. I admit, I had tears in my eyes while I was watching this scene. I thought after the last episode, Stefan and Elena are going to be stronger than ever. I was wrong. Katherine is evil and in the end, she got what she wanted. Katherine destroys people’s lives. Why is she doing all of this for? For love? Is that even real? Does she ever really love Stefan?

Next week is the masquerade ball. I hope Tyler can keep his anger in check and not kill Matt. Matt fans, start saying your prayers.

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