(S01E04) "How do I fight the monster without becoming one myself?" - Stefan

I know The Vampire Diaries has been taking a beating from some TV reviewers, but I'm actually loving it so far. A lot of it has to do with bad-vamp Damon, played so deliciously evil by Ian Somerhalder. He's manipulative and just plain scuzzy, but he's also really cute. That's a bad combo for impressionable girls.

At this point, it's hard to imagine that Elena would fall for any of Damon's tricks. Then again, he did get her to believe that Stefan was actually the manipulative one, dating back to when the two brothers sparred over Katherine. Elena is either really, really stupid or she's being played by a master manipulator in Damon. Maybe a little of both.

And there's no telling what sorts of shenanigans Damon can cause with his ability to get inside his brother's head. Hopefully, now that Stefan's given him some of the bad stuff by way of Caroline's blood, Damon will be a little more laid back. Ok, not likely. I'm sure it'll just make him more evil, and mad about being locked up in the basement. Hey, that's what you get for stabbing your brother and making a creepy play for his girlfriend who looks just like the woman you used to fight over a century and a half earlier.

So I was watching this episode thinking, ok, it's a little cheesy and pat, but then it got to the ending, with the little group meeting with the Sheriff and Logan et al, and the discussion about getting the Gilbert watch because "we're gonna need it," says the Sheriff. "Five bodies, all drained of blood."

And then Logan saying, "They've come back." Yeah, so the vampires are back and need to be dealt with. And Logan is going to get close to Jenna to help facilitate things. Run, Jenna, run! He's no good for you!

Other bewitching stuff:

• Damon manipulating Caroline to ask him to the Founder's Party.
• Bonnie getting all witchy with the candles.
• What's so special about the watch? And...
• What's so special about the "very important crystal" that Damon stole (back) at the Founder's Party?
• I LOVE the vamp's house - so dark and antiquey.
• How bitchy is Mrs. Lockwood?

Your thoughts on this episode?