I'm running late with my review, but loved this episode and am excited to discuss it! Season 7 is, for the most part, very promising and enjoyable. I have a few caveats, mainly related to the Heretics being underwhelming as big bads, and this season doesn't have the confidence getting off the ground that Season 6 had. That's only natural after losing the leading lady and transitioning from one of the greatest villains the show ever had. For every little hiccup, there's more than ample fun to be had with the fascinating flash-forwards to three years in the future, "Bamon" awesomeness, and Alaric's dark and ominous subplot.
Caroline's flash-forward: Wow, it was so exciting to see Caroline in her future career working in television and putting those type A skills to good use! Not only was Caroline being fabulously sassy as always, but she also spilled some major gossip by mentioning that she's engaged...but clearly not to Stefan, whose name she never wants to hear again (!). However, Stefan is calling her, and it sounds like her fiancé (who is it?!) wants her to return to Mystic Falls. We have several mysteries surrounding Caroline's future and I cannot wait to find out all about it.
Alaric's quest: Having obtained the red gem, Ric is determined to use its powers to resurrect Jo, despite Bonnie's serious warnings that the gem is full of dark magic and ought to be destroyed immediately. At the level of desperation Alaric has recently hit, there's just no way common sense hesitations (about potentially unleashing new terror on the community or bringing Jo back and having her be a scary zombie or something) were going to stop him. Time will tell what the consequences will be of his decision to experiment with this new MacGuffin, and I'm impressed with the intensity of this storyline, finally giving Ric something serious to do in his role.
Enzo's confession: Enzo let Lily know that he's moving into la casa de Heretics not to be one of her children, but because he has a crush on her. Um. If you have to precede letting someone know your romantic intentions by first explaining that you have no desire to be their child, there's something about the burgeoning relationship which should give you pause. Ew!
It's odd to have Enzo, who clearly has feelings for Caroline, agreeing to kidnap her and allow her to be tortured to please the other woman he has feelings for. I don't know where this is going, but it continues to be true that Caroline and Enzo's interactions are the most interesting scenes Enzo has going for him, aside from his fleeting encounters with Damon (we did get one this week, which was a fun novelty).
Meanwhile, Lily's shy expression and flutter of interest after Enzo walked away was an interesting mix of strange, creepy, and kind of cute. She's such an unpredictable character and so well acted that most of the Heretics pale in comparison when it comes to really being intimidating or scene-stealing in any way.
Damon's trying to find a new purpose in his life without Elena, but aside from his friendship with Bonnie and brotherly bond with Stefan, he seems confused about what to even do with himself. It will be fascinating to see how he continues to tackle this issue and why he eventually decides to return to his coffin to await Elena's return.
What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts in the comments, and be sure to catch an all-new The Vampire Diaries, Thursday at 8/7c on the CW.
