Now things are starting to pick up.  With the looming presence of Claus, the oldest vampire in the world, and new characters infiltrating our small screen, The Vampire Diaries is getting back to what it once was: scary mary.  We see now that the first chunk of season two was a chance for the characters to morph into whatever they needed to be in order for this “curse” to be broken.  Now, Caroline is a vampire (we like her better this way), and Tyler is a werewolf.  Katherine is a selfish wench who resembled something from The Ring when she stumbled out of the tomb (BTW, nice touch with the lighting) to tell Elena that her very existence has f*cked over many an innocent people.  So, do this mean you’ll get back together with Stefan?

Meanwhile, in a lonely manor at the edge of town, Damon‘s new distraction picked up immediately that he pines after Elena. “Being in love with your brother’s girlfriend must be difficult.” ZING! 50 points for Rose.  But all is forgiven once Damon saves Rose from the unbearable lightness of, um, light.  They soon decide that the sexual tension is too much, and consummate their vampire attraction.  Go get some, Damon.  Just, don’t think of Elena while it’s happening, please.

Young love takes its toll on Jeremy as Luca the warlock swoops in to steal Bonnie away from him.  Hark! What is this new twist? All the while Bonnie and Luca are deep in conversation, Jonas is conspiring with He-Just-Won’t-Die Elijah to do something rotten.  This will make for one excellent season finale.  I just wish Bonnie would fall in love with Jeremy.  He needs a break and is looking so handsome these days.

Things I’m over: Stefan swearing that he’ll protect Elena and that nothing bad will happen to them.  Come on, Stefan.  You’re a young vampire whose strength won’t match who you are fighting.  And Elena’s human, so she’s screwed.  Stop trying to be a hero.  You’ll find a loophole to keep Claus away from the sad-sack mortals, but don’t tell Elena that she has nothing to worry about.  That’s just insulting.

Images via CW Network