Spoiler-Free Poll: The Vampire Diaries – Pilot (EP01)

Posted by Vee | September 10, 2009, 18:34 (EST) | 39 Comments
Category: TV Series

The Vampire Diaries cast has a message for you.

Amazon has last night’s episode up for FREE download. (Thanks, @mamadrama!)

MUSIC: Ever-growing list of songs identified in the pilot. Thanks to everyone who’s been emailing!

Welcome to the first-ever Spoiler-Free Poll! We’ll be throwing these up every Thursday night as the show begins airing in North America at 8 p.m. ET. Watch it and then swing by here to rate the episode. As the post headline suggests, we’d like to keep comments in general feedback territory. For spoiler-friendly discussion, head to the forum! (You’ll need to register, but it takes two seconds.)

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Tags: CW Network, episodes, Pilot, poll, Spoiler-Free Poll

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Ashurrii

EEEEEEE! -fangirls so hard-

I admittedly did NOT have high expectations for this cos. Image wise, it looked good but not GREAT or anything, and the changes and differences had me really wary but it definitely exceeded my expectations. O: WOW.

Ian = the PERFECT Damon. Seriously. He was all OOOOMF and I was all unnnggggh-fangirls- xDD

But, I really like it. And the preview of what I assume is the series to come? OH MY GOD. Wow! -flails- I canNOT wait. AAAAAAAAAHHHHH! Eeeeep. :3
http://twitter.com.anissaannalise Anissa

Srsly, all I can say is OMG! I expected a decent show but honestly, this was better than I expected. i actually liked the chemistry between Elena/Stefan better on the screen than I did in the actual books (I had a whole WOW moment over that, let me say).

Paul W. may not have been what most people expected/wanted but I think he did an excellent job in his portrayal of Stefan. I like Stefan a whole lot more now than I ever did in the books.

Nina D. brunette and all had given me an Elena that I’ll cheer for & care about. Frankly, that was sometimes hard for me to do in the books.

And my fave of faves, Ian S. as Damon, I couldn’t have asked for more & knew from the time it was annouced he was the one that he’d be my favorite. The Damon reveal was flawless & I must admit I was on edge waiting for it the whole ep (yes, I know the build up had to be thus, but still!)

With regard to the things changed for the tv version, I found it to be quite fine. I don’t care that Elena’s brunette, that it seems the brother’s ties are to the town or that Elena now has a younger bro instead of wee one sis. It’s based on & I’m not looking for word for word in my viewership. It was nice to see the things that did coincide with the books though & I’ll be on the lookout or more of that as we go along.

All in all, I’m totally hooked & can’t wait to see more! :D
Pravus

It was soooooo amaZing!!!!!!!!! Please let this show go on and on and on! I am already ready for a DVD of season 1!
Jessica

I just have to say the episode was great! I loved it! I read the books and was very excited about the show starting I couldn’t wait! And it was definitly more than what I was expecting! The actors are great! You guys did an awesome job!!
Carly

OMG!! I AM IN LOVE WITH THE SERIES AND THE CAST!! Nina is so pretty, Damon is HAWWT! And as Bonnie said, Paul Wesly is a HAWWTE!!!!! <3
http://www.outracoisa.com.br Tita Mirra

Love it! The cast is great and so was the episode… Not so sure about the soundtrack though. I think there’s too many songs for just one episode – most of them not really my taste but that’s ok – and the music was too loud most of time – listening to the dialogues was a hard duty. But I’ll definetely watch the series. And I can’t forget to mention: Ian rocks as Damon :)
http://www.vampirediariesau.com/ Marissa

I’m in Australia…I’m so insanely jealous right now…but, YAY! Its not getting bad reviews….More good then bad really.
http://melancholymusings.com Barbara

Ian is awesome as Damon. Thumbs up to a show that gets the hottie’s shirt off in the first episode.
http://wow nicole

vampir diaries , WOW, what a great show. I can’t wait to see more, i plan on watching all. thank for a great night of watching tv
Denise Stoltenberg

Thumbs up definitely!

And how about that preview for next week?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVG_uGsj7jk
Shawn

LOL are you kidding me! This show is straight garbage. Give me a break. It reminds me a of Twilight in Melrose Place. This show will not last a full season for sure. Can’t believe people like this crap.
Tara

I was surprised to find myself waiting for Stefan’s accent. But I was also happily surprised to find myself impressed with Paul. YAY! I watched Elena with an open mind and despite everything I’ve ever said, the brunette really doesn’t matter–but the characterization does. Not Nina’s fault at all, *ahem writers* but that’s not the Elena Gilbert I know and love. I actually had a moment or two where I hated Elena. I can’t even believe I just typed that.

But I will definately keep watching.
http://www.salishna.net/damon Adia

Okay, I have to admit to being pleasantly surprised. It was a nice pilot, and seems to be a nice show. I think it has a lot of room to get better, but this is a far better start than I was originally expecting. A few thoughts?

- Damon is a really cheeky crow *luvs*

- Nina is so-so as Elena when she is on her own, but she really does shine when she is playing opposite Stefan. They have a really good chemistry and I’m cheering for Stefan/Elena – go figure!

- And Stefan has turned out a heck of a lot better than I was anticipating. Sorry Paul, for slamming you early on! :D

- Ian as Damon is also pleasantly surprising. He seems quite good balancing Damon’s…balance between charm and menace, so I am looking forward to seeing that develop.

- And despite the changes to the back story, the Damon/Stefan relationship and chemistry also appears to work quite well.

- The actresses playing Caroline and Bonnie are doing a rather good job. I rather like Caroline as not overly (stereotypical) bitchy and hope they keep that up.

- Tyler is kinda hot. And the guy playing Matt is pretty good as Matt.

I don’t care much for the Jeremy sub-plot (though his last few scenes were quite good), and actually skipped a bit of that. Vicki is rather …eh. Still not a fan of trading the Salvatore history for 1800s vampires, but I can deal with it…I guess.

So – Adia’s opinions – get Meredith in, and add some more bite to Elena. She needs a bit more OOMPH.
http://www.salishna.net/damon Adia

Just a suggestion on the Music from the Series page – it’d be nice if the tracks were either in the order they appear…or perhaps have a little note what was happening as they were playing. Just to make the list useful for folks that want to find specific tracks?
http://twitter.com/anissaannalise Anissa

Well, since you replied to my post, I’ll just say it… to each their own, dude.

In the vast landscape of visual entertainment, there’s variety enough for everyone to find something they like & plenty to hate (just about all reality tv ranks there for me but that’s a whole other thing). I certainly wouldn’t say TVD is the best thing I’ve seen on television but it’s quite far from the worst & for me, good enough for me to come off my usual cable watching weekly to see it.

At least you know you won’t be tuning in and subjecting yourself to it, so no probs for you there, really. :)
Carolkk94

Just two words LOVED IT! Oh and thanks for the music lineup. Just got 13 new songs on my ipod!
http://www.vampire-diaries.net/ Red

Well said. :)
http://www.vampire-diaries.net/ Red

Yeah, we’re going to organise that more. We just got an info rush last night. :)
nysiren

Overall, I liked it but didn’t love it. The acting fell flat, there was too much music, the part where Stefan fell to the ground after Damon threw him was painfully edited, and there was just general corniness all around. But I don’t expect much from pilots, and the scenes from the next ep. look good, so I’ll be tuning in next week. The good- the classroom scene with Bonnie being clueless and Stefan correcting the teacher, Stefan checking out Elena’s front step the first time he came to her house, Matt’s blue eyes, the use of a Bat For Lashes song, most of what Damon did (I almost expected him to give Stefan a fake ring).

I agree with whoever posted about the scene for next week with Damon kissing Elena’s hand- he looked too disheveled at the moment to pull that off, and its show-offy. And yes, I also thought of the orange.
killerchopsticks

The pilot wasn’t that great, but it’s not bad either. I’ve seen worse. Anyway, I was still entertained and the promo for the next episode looked good, so I cannot wait.

Nina Dobrev was okay. She did feel flat sometimes. But maybe it was the way Elena was written? Because I wasn’t that interested in her.

I really did like Paul Wesley as Stefan. He has this gorgeous smoldering looking. But did they really have to pull the “pop out of no where” thing? I understand with the graveyard (since it was said that he came from there, he probably was saying the truth that he had family).

Damon. Ian Somerhalder was the highlight of the pilot. Charming, menacing and really creepy. And we have more of him next week!

Bonnie was really likable. I thought she was cute. I liked how they developed Caroline at the end though I wish she wasn’t so ditzy (as shown in the beginning).
SmeaGollum888

The show was exactly what i was expecting, Stefan the brooding Angel, and I knew I’d prefer Elena in the show to the books, book Elena too shallow & Nina is adorable – you can see why all the nice guys like her (& the bad ones too ;o))

I found Bonnie a lil meh, but I didnt love her in the book either so meh.

I knew Ian would just be perfect, he’s sexy, charming, could lead a nun down a dark alley! And the menace, he just nailed it. Wasn’t too fond of the hair tho…minor thing, but prefer it messier, the way he’s been sporting it in all the promo interviews.

I was surprised by Jeremy. Those puppy dog eyes, so adorable, just wanted to pinch his cute little cheeks. A good substitute for a cherubic baby sis, and I guess allows the writer’s to explore material more relevant to the target audience than a 5 year old would be.

In summary double thumbs up :o). Now I gotta watch the preview!
Joy

I guess I’m too biased. I read this series 16years ago the first time and a few months ago.

Elena was a blonde bad ass not his mopey girl.
Elena had a sister named MArgaret, I can do without junkie Jeremy.

You’re supposed to pity Vicki but why make her Matt’s sister? I wonder if she’ll still strip in front of the whole school.

Damon has cause all the attacks so far… I guess there won’t be a Vampire Katherine?

I think Damon was cast well though (my 1 kudos)

WHERE IS MEREDITH??? I loved her in the books.

No Batty Mrs. Flowers *sigh* She’s been replaced by Uncle Zac? hmmmm

Well L Jane Smith did say to give the show a chance because I admire her so much I will but… I still think that they should have made the series into a movie. Not happy I hafta watch the CW (although I kinda liked the KAte Bush cover I heard)
Roman

It was so excited, there was a lot of new noTVD stuff but anyway I had felt the true TVD magic just like in books, I think you know what I’m talking about ;)))))

I am sure this show will kick ass to all the critics, I love the scene on the cemetery with Stefan, Elena<3 & fog&crow&smiley Damon))), the brothers rivalry, “it’s just a beginning”? “Vampire” lol I can’t describe all my feelings now))))
It’s a great moment in fans life I’m very happy now)))))))
Creators had worked hard for this, the tension book scenes became softer and back? this show is so fresh! I hope they will get what they want just like I did.

PS can’t wait for s1e02)))
Shelly

Ok, I was thinking this wasn’t going to measure up. But I have to say it was GREAT !!!!! Like the story line, love the characters, action scenes were good. I will definitely be watching this one. I am a True Blood fan and that season ends this weekend, but glad to know there is something else I can watch which will be just fine.
Amber

I thought it was very good. when paul and nina look at eachother i can actually feel something between them. of course all pilot episodes aren’t great cos’ it’s the introduction. the first 10 mins. of the show my sister already liked it. but i do agree they’re were too many songs for the episode,though i barely was paying attention to the music. everyone did a very good job! can’t wait for the next episode
http://www.vampire-diaries.net/ Red

Just want to say sorry that your comments keep going to moderation – I don’t think WordPress likes your email address and thinks you’re a spammer.
Miss M

Unless LJ Smith changed the storylines completely with the newly released versions, the pilot was nothing at ALL like the books I read in 1991-92 when I was in high school (which yes that means I’m in my 30′s now, people!). These books are one my most beloved book series in my collection. Watching the pilot was heartbreaking to see so many unnecessary changes and it did not keep the original storyline really intact. I will keep watching, mind you, but for now I am very disappointed. Don’t make me come down to CA and write this series myself! They had a chance to make something really awesome and set itself apart from the vampire craze going on, but for now it resembles a broke down Twilight at best. I hope it gets better and soon. Boo Hiss.
Shadowkiss13

I actually quite liked it. I thought that the acting was great and although it differs quite a bit a bit from the books I’ve grown up loving I can’t wait to see the next epsiode and I thought that Ian and Paul did my favourite vampires justice.
Miss M

Well said!!! :) My thoughts exactly….I hate it when Hollywood takes one of my favorite childhood things and screws it up royally or changes it so much that I can’t even recognize it anymore….
Roman

2 Red

OK. I’m sorry, I didn’t think before writing some facts in my last comment. I solemnly promise be more wise next time.)))
http://www.vampire-diaries.net/ Red

Thanks. ;)
fallenxangel

I Love the books. The TV series is good but I was disappointed to see all the changes they made in the story. I wasn’t how I pictured the movie/series. I still like the new series but I would like them more if they were closer to the actual story.
http://www.salishna.net/damon Adia

Hee! I know! Goodness it is hard to keep track of what is happening – so much news! I saw you guys posted for help for the LJ community, which will make things easier for you. Will try to hang around the forum more so I can help out there. <333
http://www.vampire-diaries.net/ Vee

This!
http://www.vampire-diaries.net/ Vee

Any and all help is so appreciated, darlin’, you have NO idea. We’re looking to start an honest-to-goodness staff STAT. Running this site was already a full-time job and now it’s like – oh, god.
HannahLynn

Thank you, well said! I agree, even though i’ve read the newly released versions (which i’m guessing aren’t different from what you read). I’m glad to know that i’m not alone in feeling this way. I think one of the only good things about it was Damon, in my opinion they did a pretty good job with him, although he might need to get a bit more serious in upcoming episodes.
Becca

wow…i usually hate when fans jump on the bandwagon when a show/movie/book/artist make it big. Before the show i never considered Vampire Diaries, i thought of it as just another way Vampire’s where taking over the world. I’ve never felt like a bigger douche. I loved the pilot, watched three times, and can’t wait to see more of the show. Of course i will go out and buy the books, which i will not compare to the show. For all you true fans who’ve been reading this book over the years, I’m only sorry i haven’t join you sooner :(
Kayjee

Being realistic, how many “based on” tv shows or movies have you ever seen that are true to the book? The changes weren’t exactly a surprise after seeing that they cast a brunette Elena, so I blew off expectations and just watched. And was entertained.

The show’s Elena was kinda bland at first, but showed some backbone when dealing with her brother’s problems. That bodes well for future episodes – especially when she has to deal with Damon. ;)

Their Stefan did a pretty good job. They guy can definately act, and actually looked smoldering during their classroom scene, which was a big bonus (not like the scene in a certain movie where the vampire-actor just looked like he had a bad stomach ache). I hope they lighten up on the wimpy Stefan thing though, since that was my only dislike with the way L J wrote him.

Damon was great; the right amount of menace, the right amount of humor, the lightning changes in mood – they did a good job. Now just inject some of book-Damon’s suave and he’ll have it all. I mean, that last scene where he was smiling at Caroline was a little forced and not at all the smooth ladykiller (literally) we all love. But, just the pilot, right?

I think Kevin Williamson has done a great job of setting things up, and given his track-record, I believe that it will only get better.

And hey, people who are disappointed that it wasn’t like the books, at least this will probably lead to more people reading the originals and a greater appreciation for our fave author!
Simona

I havent read the books yet, so iam really impressed about the pilot. i especially love the atmosphere. and iam really looking forward to next episodes. damon is so great villain!

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