Daddy Issues aired on 2/3/11. And to be honest, it might be one of my favorite episodes yet. Possibly because this episode is one of those very few where all of the shows regulars are in. I don’t have much to say on certain scenes since some are so short, just a little fyi.
This recap is a little bit late being posted on the count of I’ve spent some time with my family this super bowl weekend.. ahem, Go Steelers. 
So, we start off with a bit of a season 1 Tyler, manhandling Caroline. Can I just say that I think Candice Accola is one of the most adorable human beings there is? Ok, moving on. She thinks Tyler’s there to talk about the kiss, but he’s obviously moved on from that. Tyler goes a bit psycho here. I get the guy is upset about his uncle being dead and the fact that there’s more vampires than just Caroline, but please control your wolf temper around one of my favorite characters, thanks buddy.
OMG, the shower scene. Yes, Damon is a sight for sore eyes, but I was one of those few who did not fangirl over Ian in the shower. This scene was pretty hot though, I gotta admit. Kevin, Julie, it’s time for a Stefan shower scene. Then I will fangirl. In other news, Daddy dearest is back in town. David Anders is one good Uncle John. But I still hate Uncle John. And I also looooove Aunt Jenna’s witty line here. “It’s okay I’m confused, right, because we were not expecting you like ever”. What a nice way to find out the guy you hate is actually your niece’s biological father.
I don’t have much to say about the Damon/Stefan bickering over how to keep Elena safe. Kill Klaus, save Elena, all that inspiring rah-rah, go team stuff.
I definitely do not, at all, care for Jules. I think Damon should rip her heart out and be done with it. But she’s right about the whole “werewolves and vampires are destined to be enemies” thing, hence moonstone/curse are linked. I just don’t like how she’s making it seem like Caroline is the bad guy, turning Tyler against Caroline, and trying to runaway with her and her wolfpack. The guy just triggered the curse, he’s been through one full moon, can he get a break for two seconds from the supernatural craziness.
Elena should wear a ponytail a bit more often, and from what I’ve seen, a lot of the fans agree. With werewolves and Originals after her and her family, she’s got to be ready for anything. Her usual straight hair down isn’t really supernatural fight ready. Anyway, Damon continues to care for Elena. I like how he genuinely asks if she’s okay. This Damon is one a really like, not the “brooding, boo-who I can’t have my brother’s girlfriend” Damon. Sometimes, it’s nice to see Damon and Elena on a good side, and on the same page about her daddy.
I could swear this is the first time Stefan and Tyler have actually had a conversation. I love vamped out Stefan. He’s quite the bamf when his red vamp eyes show. Then his vamp strength kicks in and his arms start flexing like they have a mind of it’s own… moving on!
We get to meet the infamous Brady, which I personally had not even heard about and somewhat forgot about until this episode aired. He’s quite the looker, but the fact that he’s with Jules makes me dislike him. I’m telling you, I do not like the girl. And I later found out how much I also hate him too. “I want the boy more than I want vengeance”. I worry for the boy.
Stefan, I don’t think threatening Tyler into trusting the guys who killed his uncle will actually work. Has it ever worked? Sorry Stefan, try to be less Damon-y on this one.
I’ve grown to absolutely love Jeremy, and his hair evolution. He kind of goes back to his season 1 emo, black nail polish, hairstyle, only this time, it looks better the second time around. Elena’s little brother has grown up. He’s also very political in warning Uncle John about his old “anti-vampire stuff”. You’re with the vampires and against them in this town. I’m pro-vamps, they have Stefan, it’s a win.
I very much so dislike how Jonas interrupted a Jeremy/Bonnie romantic stare. Aside from Jonas and Bonnie’s conversation about the whole “witch loyalty crap”, I need to know when Bonnie and Jeremy became all public with their snuggling, arm over Bonnie’s shoulder and walk away nonchalantly. I’ll be seriously pissed if they suddenly decided to hook up off screen like it’s all good. Pretty much all I really care about in that scene.
I really hope they’ll let Jenna in on what’s going on in this town, or in her own family. Her life kind of sucks. And Alaric needs a better poker face, he looked constipated at one point.
Sidenote: There is something seriously wrong going on with David Anders’ accent.
Tyler should really see that Stefan is trying to help him. At the end of the day, Jules can hurt a whole lot of people they care about over “the boy” and getting vengeance. Although, still waiting a little bit for Stefan to apologize for killing his uncle over a stupid rock needed to break some supernatural curse. You’re leaving out that one itty bitty minor detail in this “get Tyler to trust the vamps” discussion.
There are times I really like Damon, and times he really scares me. Talking that close would possibly scare me a bit. But he does have wonderful persuasion techniques. “So if you know something, you better start talking or I will kill you in your sleep.” Very subtle. My favorite line. I hope we’re closer to bringing the old Damon back.
IT’S MATT. I looove Matt. The writers don’t give him very good lines, they’re very plain and boring. But since it’s Zach Roerig, he makes the most bland lines sound more alive with that half smile, blushing thing. Everyone’s all for Forwood, but with the Stefan/Damon/Elena triangle, we have enough drama and angst, it’s nice to have Matt and Caroline just be a normal teenage couple, cuddling up to watch old black and white movies with popcorn. Caroline really needs some of that.
Jules again. With the many wolf qualities that she has, makes me wonder how long she’s been a wolf for. Because apparently she can sniff pretty much anything out within a 5 mile radius, including a lie. And that vervain spray… that’s actually pretty smart. Why hasn’t anyone in this town thought of that yet? Then, Brady pops out of nowhere and shoots Caroline in the head. He is officially on my list of people to kill visiting or in Mystic Falls. My initial reaction to this was to throw anything in arms length at my television, which after that my mom came rushing in, it was bad. You just don’t do anything to vampire barbie.
Ok, Caroline actually going in and fishing out that bullet from her forehead, pretty disturbing. Grossed me out a bit. “I see you got the bullet out. That was nasty. I’ve got lots of wooden bullets. Other toys. It’s going to be a long night, sweet pea.” Brady, you need to go. Now. How many times do I have to say this: you just DON’T hurt Caroline. The MVP award definitely goes to Candice Accola again, I’m pretty sure I gave it to her last week too. She shows us how real her pain is, and we can feel the trauma she goes through. She’s amazing. I hand her the trophy early on this one.
“I came back to this town because I wanted a life. I wanted to exist where I have friends and where I can build a family.” It’s kind of late for building a family don’t you think Stefan? Katherine pretty much ruined that part for ya. But man, Tyler, you really screwed up. Can you not tell by Stefan’s eyebrows yet? It’s pretty obvious my man.
Here comes Damon’s new girlfriend! Andie Star. The news lady. This scene wasn’t very interesting to me. Just one of those scenes they add in to introduce certain people and make it seem like Elena is creeping in the background, watching the two interact, as if she longs for Damon. I wonder why Elena cares so much for Tyler, when they barely have any interactions, let alone any scenes in the same room. It’s nice to see her pull the “It’s Elena” card on Damon. And he calls her out on using it too. “You need to stop…. assuming that I’ll play the good guy because it’s you who’s asking.”
Highly pissed off at Brady. I literally could not take anymore. I don’t even care how cute he is, he needs to go. He was such a jerk.
When Katherine is locked up, Elena is the BAMF. Uncle John trying to reason with her a bit, get her on his side with all this, saying “You and I, we’re family.” She counterattacks with “You don’t get to use that word, that word is off limits to you!” I am loving ponytail Elena, don’t you think?
This upcoming vampire vs. werewolf battle has to be the best, epic fight scene on television I’ve seen. My favorite 5 minutes in a while. “My brother, the peacemaker. Since Stefan got here before me, I’m going to let him try it this way before I resort to my way, which is a little bloodier.” When episodes are written by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, we really have some great lines. And Jules has her own little surprise for the boys, bringing out the wolfpack. Damon and Stefan are complete BAMFs in this fight. Damon rips our hearts mid-air and Stefan catching stakes mid flight to then stab wolves. The Salvatores are some duo.
TYLER! What is going on with you? The hesitation before letting Caroline out her doggy cage and just standing there watching Jules put yet another gun to her head. The girl practically went through your whole wolfed out transformation, you know when you almost bit her and she could have died, and being pretty calm in the morning while being manhandled. Get your act together, and like Stefan said, stop being a dick to her.
Jesus Jonas comes to save the day! “Elijah made a promise to Elena. I’m here to see it’s upheld. You need to go.” Elijah is really going through some trouble to keep everyone safe, going above and beyond his call of duty. I really like the guy now that I pretty much know who’s side he’s on. But Jesus Jonas here, not too sure about him and junior.
I absolutely love Stefan and Caroline scenes just because they are both so adorable, and their chemistry is amazing. I would love to be able to see Paul Wesley and Candice Accola while filming a scene. “You don’t have to pretend with me.” I’m glad Stefan has a friend to be there for him, and Caroline too. “I’m not girly little Caroline anymore. I can handle myself.” Yes you sure can. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say Caroline has become a more 3-dimensional character and we all love it.
Uncle John knows how to kill an original now. A special stake, which must be dipped in white ash from an old oak tree and plunged into the heart of an Original. From what the books say, and from what I’ve heard, each original dies a different way. I guess white ash is how to kill Klaus..? And is Isobel planning on killing Klaus? What is she up to anyway?
Horrible lie Caroline. Just horrible. The guy works at the only hot spot for people to hang out. Horrible lie. And Tyler, I’m Team Caroline. Sorry buddy but after all that she went through for you, practically holding you together during your transformation, and you just STAND there while she’s stuck in that doggy cage getting sprayed with vervain from a mini water gun and whatnot, I’ve lost all sympathy for you in this episode.
I’m glad Elena is even annoyed by the fact that everyone is pretty much on Team Save Elena, because it’s all we’ve been seeing lately. It’s getting so hard not to believe Uncle John in this scene. His speech.. “Miranda and Grayson were your parents, Elena. And I know I’m nothing to you. You have no reason to believe me or trust me. I’ve done so many horrible things, but when you lost your parents, I lost my brother. My family. I lost my way. I’m probably never going to make things right with you, I know that, But I’m going to do everything I can to protect you and protect this family.” Touched my little heart a bit. Ahem, also dying for more flashbacks, back in the days where Elena had her parents and all was right in the world.
Please Jenna, lock the door. This is way everyone seems to come inside, hide and attack. But this time you got lucky, it was just Stefan. I love the way they look at each other, then run into each other’s arms. And that hug, that hug, it looks like heaven. Nina Dobrev, you are one lucky girl. “I could use your help.” Oh gosh, Stefan is actually letting Elena in on one of Stefan’s master plans?
Tyler, I’m done with you. You apologize to Caroline for what went down at that damn RV, then go back to apologize and just drop the moonstone in their face, chill and drink. Way to play Benedict Arnold in this one Tyler. I can’t even… I’m done with you boy. I can’t believe you after everything that happened. Team Caroline.
Stefan is the best boyfriend in the entire world! The best friend ever! He is everything! Why don’t people like him again? What he did here for Caroline, the most considerate thing I have ever seen anyone do. He organized a girl’s night slumber party! Girl’s night slumber party! God, I’m in love with a fictional character. “We’re going to slumber it.” The look on Caroline’s face when Elena walked in, then Bonnie. And the subtle way Stefan and Elena mouth “I love you.” Sweetest thing ever. Ever.
Brooding Damon. I don’t care. Sorry.
Katherine! Working with Uncle John, I see. I’ve actually missed that BAMF. I want her out too. But, she’s been stuck in there for weeks, shouldn’t she look way worse? Oh, tv magic makeup. I’ll just say that Nina is such an amazing actress to play two such different roles.
Next week: Stefan and Elena take a vacay to Dawson’s Creek. I’m so giddy for “Crying Wolf.” We get Stelena scenes.
