The Vampire Diaries Round Table: "Memorial"

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We said hello (to one hunter) and goodbye (to another) on this week's outstanding Vampire Diaries episode.

Now, in the latest edition of the TV Fanatic Round Table, senior staff members Matt Richenthal, Eric Hochberger and Steve Marsi break down "Memorial," paying tribute to all who have departed the series and naming our Hero of the Week...

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What was your favorite scene from the episode?
Matt: I could go on and on about the concluding few moments, but I'll simply link to this Vampire Diaries quote and warn readers: grab a Kleenex.

Eric: I was a sucker for Matt Davis' small cameo as the show's ultimate bromance, Dalaric, enjoed a reunion. Alaric is the only ghost I'll ever forgive for an appearance on this show. And he'll probably get a tear out of me every time.

Steve: The memorial service, with various characters literally in the crosshairs and absolutely no clue how it would play out. The tension was ridiculously palpable.

React to the introduction of Connor.
Matt: I was shocked: an African-American character who is NOT a witch?!? Actually, maybe it's too soon to make such a statement. But seriously, folks, I'm all in on Connor. His appearance raises numerous questions, from his connection to the Council to what the heck this quasi-tattooed guy actually is.

Eric: Meh. Dude has got to get some better weapons. You can draw all the cool icons you want on your bullets and wear the most stylish vervain gloves, but if they can't take down Tyler or Damon, what shot do you have? Guy has to kill at least one vampire before I even see a threat.

Steve: He didn't waste any time, did he? Connor may not have claimed any vampire lives, but he established himself as a force of nature. Of what nature, I can't even say. With the mystery ink only Jer sees and his emergence out of nowhere, he's as cloaked in mystery as he is dangerous. One suggestion, though: Go in for the bro-hug or the friendly back slap instead of the handshake, man. Less formal and likely more effective.

Would you be angry if your girlfriend drank from the blood of your brother?
Matt: Well... is she a vampire? Because, if not, I'd be more grossed out than angry. The relationship would be over faster than Klaus' 40-year dash time.

Eric: Definitely. You know, once I get over the fact she never admitted she was a vampire to me. Man, so many things are beginning to make sense now. Never going out in the sun. Her heightened emotions. Leaving empty blood bags around the house. Oh, anyways, yeah, totally jealous. Blood drinking is the worst form of cheating I can think of. And with my own brother?!?

Steve: You know, it's funny, I always wanted a brother growing up... until last night made me glad I don't have to worry about this sort of thing. Thanks, mom and dad!

More heroic this week: Matt, Tyler or Caroline?
Matt: Tyler. Taking a bullet will always win out over letting a hot girl suck on your neck and simply telling your BFF to take a chill pill in order to embrace her compelling new nature.

Eric: Please, Tyler had nothing to fear after taking way more bullets from Connor the first round. Matt gets no hero points now that I've learned how sexual it is to give your blood. Slut. The real hero this week? Caroline in her fight against Lyme disease and other Tick-borne illnesses.

Steve: Gotta give it to Matt for taking Stefan's advice to heart. Instead of moping around serving drinks and being useless, he "earned" his second chance at life by usefully serving Elena the most important drink she's ever had. Points for courage and execution - how he didn't writhe in pain and blow his cover is beyond me.

Which of the mourned characters do you miss the most?
Matt: Lexie. And not just because she was cool and fun and hot. But because her departure from TVD eventually led to her appearance on 90210, which is just depressing. That show is terrible.

Eric: I think this question was meant to read how much do you miss Alaric? On a scale of 1-10? 11. But, come on, did anyone else completely forget so many of those characters even existed until the list was read? Totes forgot the boys even had an uncle at the start.  Meanwhile, my lanterns are still on order from Amazon...

Steve: Were the words "besides Alaric" supposed to be inserted into this question? Is it even a question after that cameo? What I will say is that I enjoyed the reminder of how many key family members and friends the show has actually dispatched over three-plus seasons. The "wow, that's right" response to that scene made their mournfulness even more authentic. I'm also a sucker for those lanterns ever since we performed a similar ritual here at TVF for our favorite canceled shows last spring. RIP Secret Circle. RIP.

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The Vampire Diaries Season 4 Episode 2 Quotes

You better hope she's not a fan of Bambi.

Damon [on Elena]

I'm going to pretend like there's someone there because the alternative is too damn depressing.

Damon