By Emily Mitchell
I know what you are thinking … “Another vampire show? Honest to Pete!” I was thinking the same thing. Don’t we already have Twilight? And True Blood? Vampire culture has developed a cult following, much like Harry Potter. So here we are, with another vampire series.
But before you rush to judgment like I did, take note.
The Vampire Diaries is filmed in the South, specifically in Georgia (True Blood is filmed in Louisiana), and is based on the books of L.J. Smith (not Stephenie Meyer like Twilight.)
Although there are many similarities between The Vampire Diaries and other vampire-themed shows and movies, it brings new things to the table.
The drama of The Vampire Diaries focuses on 17-year-old Elena Gilbert (played by Nina Dobrev of Degrassi: The Next Generation fame), whose parents were recently killed in a car accident. She resembles a former love of vampire Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley), who has started school at Mystic Falls High in Mystic Falls, Va., after rejecting his legacy of hunting humans. Not helping his case is his brother, Damon (Ian Somerhalder), whom Stefan has not seen for 15 years. Damon is a vampire through-and-through, and causes chaos after attacking locals. And by attacking, I mean killing.
The plot focuses on Stefan and Elena’s relationship, but also shows more high-school drama and interaction between the brothers Salvatore. In other words, it’s not simply a Bella and Edward storyline.
An interesting character on the show is Elena’s younger brother Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen), who has been on an unstable and self-destructive path since his parents’ death. It is obvious to viewers that he is struggling. His outlets of escape are unlike those of his sister, who journals. It will be interesting to see how his character develops.
The Vampire Diaries is entertaining. It’s scary! It is sure to have a following because of its vampire theme, and also among those looking for a thrilling drama.
The Vampire Diaries premieres tonight, Thursday, Sept. 10 at 8pm ET on The CW.