The Vampire Diaries Review: This Woman’s Work (Season 7 Episode 13)

Finally.

Things are finally starting to make sense.

Sure, we can’t really be too worried about our characters, because as the flash-forwards have told us, they are all alive — but we can be happy about the fact that bits of the puzzle are finally falling into place; like why Stefan seemed to be on the run, and just exactly how he got that weird X on his chest.

This week’s episode of The Vampire Diaries, entitled “This Woman’s Work” gives us a lot of background information about the huntress. The problem is, I’m still not very scared of her. I think she’s pretty, and I hate her for what she does to Stefan, but compared to Klaus, and Katherine, and even the heretics at one point — her villainous ways seem to fall short.

But I mean, she seems to be pretty badass in the future; you know, with getting Matt on her side, and using Caroline to get to Stefan. So, I’m hoping that we get to see Rayna develop into a better vampire hunter.

I also want a Buffy-esque relationship… with someone. How great would it be if Rayna falls in love with a vampire? Sure, Buffy didn’t have shaman’s kill themselves for her, and sure, an evil vampire didn’t make her kill her own father (wtf Julian), but it would still be pretty epic.

Just saying.

And I’m sure if you felt sorry for Julian last week as he met his demise, you quickly learned how misguided they were this week. He just seemed to be a horrible person in general, with zero redeeming qualities. Actually, it’s one of the reason’s why I never liked Julian as the ‘big bad’ this season; because we never really understood him; never really got to know his backstory. Each villain we met in previous season of The Vampire Diaries, we felt sympathy for. Even Klaus, after he killed Jenna. But Julian came in, abusive and spiteful, and I could never really care about him, because I did not know.

At least with Rayna, I can see why she hates vampires so much; although, the activist in me is saying she’s showing a lot of prejudice to the entire species of vampires.

Speaking of villains I like, Damon meets a series of unfortunate events this week. Thinking Elena’s dead obviously has sent him into a downward spiral, and for the first time, Stefan just doesn’t seem to care.

I can understand that.

Stefan will probably always love Elena, even platonically, in some capacity. So he has a right to be angry. But it’s bittersweet to see Stefan still worry about his brother when he realizes the danger Damon has put himself in. He may be incredibly angry at Damon, but he never wants him to die- or even get hurt.

So of course, while doing the noble thing, Stefan gets hurt instead. It amazes me that after getting stabbed, literally the only person he can think about is Caroline. That say so much about his feelings for her. One thing I don’t understand is why getting stabbed made Stefan feel like he had to run. Sure, he was marked, but hasn’t already spent time in the phoenix stone? Shouldn’t the stone already have marked him in some way? But, even then, Stefan’s heartbreaking “I’ll see you, brother,” has me wiping away my tears.

These brothers will always save each other. Remember when Stefan became the Ripper for Klaus’ blood? Remember when Damon went to the other side to save Stefan and then got trapped there? Remember when Damon turned Abby so Stefan had one less thing to worry about? So of course Stefan would save Damon. It just seems like shitty timing. His girlfriend just gave birth after a scary c-section, and he wasn’t able to be there.

Actually, Stefan hasn’t been around much at all for Caroline, because of Damon’s antics, which makes me think this is why Steroline is estranged in the future. Speaking of, Damon vowed to kill the huntress, but as we saw- he was laying in a coffin, not wanting be woken up for 60 years.

So… what happened? Does he think he kills her, or does he give up?

Either way, this episode is very well done, but ultimately serves as a set up for next week’s crossover with The Originals. Hopefully that will start to kick everything into gear, and we’ll get to spend a whole episode in the future soon!

Things to think about:

• How sweet of Stefan to bring Care fries in her head! He usually bring me pie
• If Bamon were to happen, Damon would never again be in a love triangle. Just saying,
• How sweet is it that Alaric named his babies Jo and Elizabeth? So sweet, right?!
• Can we have a play date with Liz, Jo and Hope? Pretty please?

What did you think of “This Woman’s Work”? Tell us in the comments below!

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The Vampire Diaries airs Fridays at 8/7c on The CW.