I'm curious to find out how they're going to fill the void of The Originals. Alaric's been gone for awhile and when Klaus and Rebekah exit, there will be a dearth of compelling characters to care about.

I thought Caroline was being genuine with Klaus. They seemed to come to an understanding of one another. They were at least both aware that she was outright manipulating her relationship with Klaus in exchange for Tyler's safety. What's really surprising is how much she comes across as Klaus' equal. She may not be…

My favorite was Elijah drily admitting that he and none of his brothers are smart. If only the Salvatores could do the same.

There must be some kind of cosmic doppelganger balance to maintain so that if Katherine starts to turn a new leaf, Elena has to take her place as the resident bad girl. Or maybe it's all in the stilettos.

This definitely felt like a season 2 episode. They even kept the Damon/Elena/Stefan love drama to a minimum in favor of the much more interesting Elijah and Katherine.

I can see why Klaus can't find friends. When he's not murdering you and all your loved ones, he's name dropping Dickens and Magellan. I bet on the ride to Professor Shane's office he wouldn't stop talking about how Henry Ford gave him driving lessons.

Then I'm guessing last night's staking was not the kind you were hoping for.

I think Spike nailed the punk attitude and aesthetic, which was always a part of his character before the flashback episode. Damon just seemed liked he was in costume, keeping up with the times. He hasn't seemed dangerous or threatening in a long, long time, and it seems the writers weren't able to capture that aspect…

Klaus just seemed more resentful than anything towards Caroline for rescinding the idea that he is capable of being saved.  I actually loved their scenes because they are the set up for Caroline having to reevaluate how she feels about some of the more questionable decisions she and her group have made since vampires…

Part of me is hoping Klaus sensed Silas was there when he was talking to Caroline and said those things to her to get her out of there.

I have a feeling Damon was too pretty and well kept to be taken seriously by the other punk rockers (that was one pristine anarchy t-shirt/leather jacket combo). But I guess if the other clubbers questioned his credibility, he would just bite them.

Estate law is a breeze when you have compulsion on your side.

Ragnar has a body that just won't quit and it's legit.

Idk I see it being more of a Saracen arc. Both Matts pull at my heart strings the same way. Vampire problems aside, Matt Donovan has too much adult responsibility to shoulder by himself. He's just a kid dammit!

I don't think the power imbalance between them or Klaus offering her protection had anything to do with the sex at all. It kind of makes sense that they would be drawn together. They're both lonely and each want people they can't have. Maybe that's why I don't see the chemistry between Klaus and Hayley because…

At least this time around when Damon or Stefan try to control Elena  they are unable to because of her flipping her humanity off, which is beyond satisfying to watch her give everyone the brush off (except hurting Caroline, don't do that again Elena).

Poor Matt finally has a home but no bros to fill it with. 

That's a shame, that was all that was left to Matt in the will.

@avclub-7cbdf9bce9a6ebda0988f7c45702c176:disqus Elena's being selfish. Matt would have moved into her murder house in a heartbeat.

I know. Even Bonnie "we only need to kill 12 more people" Bennett is so easily manipulated by Shane and Silas. She needs to go rogue with her expression powers and escape the influence of Silas.