The Vampire Diaries Review: Day One of Twenty-Two Thousand, Give or Take (Season 7 Episode 1)

Okay. Let me say one thing.

It’s been nerve wracking thinking about this season of The Vampire Diaries ever since the finale of Season 6. Not because I loved Elena, because I didn’t. She wasn’t my favorite character, and I found myself rolling my eyes a lot when she was on screen. But because this story, had always felt like it was hers. 

Sure, at comic-cons and press releases, it was sold as “a story of the Salvatore brothers.” But it isn’t — because their stories are so entwined with the doppelganger, that not having Elena could have been a huge set back — because everyone became so used to having her as the main point of the plot.

But once again, this show has proved me wrong, and I am actually so thankful.

The Season 7 premiere, entitled “Day One of Twenty-Two Thousand, Give or Take,”  is one of the freshest-feeling, best episodes of this show. Ever. It feels like a new start. It feels like a new show, with the same, more mature, characters. It feels absolutely riveting.

We were told that this season would be over the course of seven years, so we get to see some present day drama, and three years into the future as well. The premiere sets up so much for the series this season, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out.

Lets start off with the incredibly badass Heretics. They’re absolutely insane! One thing The Vampire Diaries does really well is its portrayal of villains. I fell in love with Klaus the moment Katherine whimpered his name back in season 2, and I fell in love with Kai as soon as he tried to kill Bonnie in season 6. Because they’re good looking and confident — even when they’re committing monstrosities.

Every villain on this show has a rich story to back up every single thing act they commit. And I definitely believe they will do the same for Lilly’s family.

Speaking of Lilly’s family (the real, related one), Damon starts off in Europe this week! With Alaric and Bonnie. (Can we have some webisodes about there escapades please?) Seven minutes into the episode, you can see Alaric is trying to get Joe back (from the dead), and Damon is just a mess. Which, of course he is!

But what makes me giddy, is that even with Damon spewing out hate and anger and resentment towards Bonnie — he’s still calling her Bon. One of my favorite scenes is seeing Damon declare that she’s his best friend.

Character development anyone?

Bamon is apparently a very large part of the books, and the idea of them being together has only been entertaining for the show has been since they were stuck in their prison world. There is definitely a chemistry there, and right now, they just need each other- in a friendship capacity; to get through losing Elena, and giving each other strength. And if this show has taught us anything, it’s that slow burns are awesome, and probably lead to a long lasting relationship. Just look at Stefan and Caroline.

No really. Look at them. See how far they’ve come!

This week’s episode made my #Steroline heart grow three times larger. There’s awkward conversation and cute eye gazing, and they are both so forthcoming about their feelings! While I know that it can’t be all rainbows and sunshine for the couple — with Stefan bleeding out as he wakes Damon up in the three years later flash forward — I can’t help but hope that everything works out for them.

All in all, this episode is a great way to start off a revamped show, and — I mean this as a huge compliment– I didn’t think of Elena Gilbert once. For the first time since Nina Dobrev’s announcement of leaving, I’m feeling like The Vampire Diaries could really hold it’s own. And I’m already looking forward to stories it’s started to tell again.

What did you think of the Season 7 premiere? Tell us in the comments below!

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The Vampire Diaries airs Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW.