Posted by | November 25, 2011, 11:06 (EST) | 45 Comments
Category: TV Series

Top 3 Moments of Vampire Diaries Season 3 (So Far): Dianne SylvanIf you’re anything like us, you live for the frenzy of Vampire Diaries recaps that emerges every Thursday night/Friday after the show airs. We decided it would be fun to ask some of our favorite Vampire Diaries recappers to share their top three moments of Season 3 so far – oh, and we were right! It is fun.

In this installment, Dianne Sylvan brings tears, fierceness, and pillow talk to the fave moments table. You can check out her TVD recaps on her blog here.
 
Check out previous Top 3 Moments: Thomas C. Galvin.

And don’t forget to vote in the Mid-Season Finale Poll: Your 3 Favorite Episodes of Season 3 (So Far)?

 
XX

“No, Stefan…it makes me strong.” (EP306 – Smells Like Teen Spirit)

I will be the first to admit that I’ve been lukewarm on Elena up until this season. As I’ve said a hundred times, nobody is that forgiving or accepting – especially not in high school. At some point, everybody breaks, and I’ve been waiting with faintly sadistic hope for the moment when Elena just loses her ever-loving mind and starts binge drinking, snorting coke off the backs of hybrids, or at least raising her voice once in a while.

Instead, TVD is giving us Warrior Princess Elena, and I have to say…I LOVE it. Elena has always had a spark, that “Petrova Fire” as Katherine called it, but it only seems to show up when she’s in mortal peril and there’s a conveniently located broomstick or chair leg to break.

To see her Buffy-Up and take responsibility for her own fate–not out of a sense of martyrdom as she did in Season 2, but with the fierceness of a young woman who finally gets just how screwed up her life has become–is really encouraging. A girl’s life does not begin and end in her boyfriend, and too much of teen fiction these days seems to suggest that it’s a girl’s duty to turn her beast into a prince no matter what. Elena seems to have finally gotten fed up with that nonsense. She hasn’t entirely given up on Stefan – she may be willing to let him go now, but she still believes he can be saved. She just doesn’t let that hope destroy her. In Smells Like Teen Spirit, after having watched Stefan’s transformation into an unrecognizable monster, she doesn’t lay down and mope; she picks up a stake and kicks his ass.
 

XX

Anna and Pearl (EP307 – Ghost World)

It’s very rare for anything to make me flat out burst into tears, but the scene at the end of Ghost World where Anna wanders the streets of Mystic Falls, resigned to an eternity of loneliness and uncertainty, only to look up and see her mother standing at the end of the street waiting for her made me bawl like a baby.

It was such a perfect moment for Anna’s character; from the first time we met her back in Season 1, she was a girl with one drive: to find her mother. She was willing to do whatever it took to free Pearl from the tomb, and when I realized that she was still looking for Pearl in the afterlife, my shriveled Scorpio heart grew three sizes. Seeing the two of them run into each other’s arms and then disappear into the Great Whatever was one of the few genuinely sweet, unvarnished moments of joy on this show. So much of the emotional ride on TVD is painful, and we all love it, but sometimes…sometimes we need just a hint that endings can be happy.
 

XX

Damon and Elena’s Pillow Talk (EP308 – Ordinary People)

I’m going to venture an unpopular opinion: I don’t really think Elena should “end up with” either Salvatore. I don’t think they’re capable of having a healthy adult relationship with the girl who looks just like the girl who tore them apart in 1864, and I don’t think Elena is old enough to make the kind of choices life with a vampire would force her into. Luckily Elena realized this herself back in The Last Day.

However, I love the dynamic between Elena and Damon. Elena and Stefan together have always been a little too goopy for me – I’ve never felt they had much sexual chemistry. Elena and Damon meet as equals; she doesn’t take his crap, and he doesn’t treat her like some idealized dream girl. They see the potential in each other. The level of trust that Elena has gained with him over the course of this season is amazing; just seeing the two of them lay face to face on her bed, Elena falling asleep right beside him without a trace of fear, shows how far they’ve come.

I also love that Elena understands that the real heart of the show, the reason all of this is happening and the driving force behind everything that will unfold, isn’t her romance with Stefan; it’s Stefan and Damon’s bond. It’s further evidence of how Elena’s character has grown since the beginning of the story. She knows it’s not all about her.

Of course, the runner-up for my favorite scene is the whole “The Sternum is Connected to the OMG” scene when Damon is “teaching” Elena how to stake a vampire. I had to retire to my Victorian fainting couch with smelling salts after that one.
 
 

Dianne Sylvan, who was a Vampire Diaries fangirl in the Ancient Days before the internet, is the author of the Queen of Shadows (Ace, 2010) and Shadowflame (Ace, 2011), novels of the Shadow World. She lives, writes, and drinks copious amounts of coffee in Austin, Texas.

For more information about Sylvan’s work, and her blog, visit: http://www.diannesylvan.com

 
 
Thanks to Vampire Diaries Web for the HQ screen captures!

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  • Rach

    I agree with you 100%! Those are definitely my top 3 moments as well, especially the Damon and Elena bed scene. It just shows how far they’ve come, and I love how comfortable they are with each other now. :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sonya-Penney/597936354 Sonya Penney via Facebook

    The phone call between Stephan and Elena on her birthday would also be a top moment.

  • Anonymous

    This is such a strong selection of moments, all very emotional in different ways.  And Dianne Sylvan presents each moment and the runner-up with great insight, spunk, and humor!  Love this!  Thanks also to the site runners and the recappers for doing the “Top 3 Moments” series.  It makes the hiatus bearable and fun :)

  • tina

    Completely agree with #2.  Anna and her mother’s scene was beautiful, cried my eye’s out.  I completely disagree with #1.  For me Elena and Stefan (my opinion) is and has always be the glue that holds the show together.  There relationship threw it all (ups and downs) have been very emotional and touching. Whether there kissing, making love or in a room making eye contact with each other gives me goosebumps.   Love there chemistry, very hot and sexy.

  • http://twitter.com/inlovewithdamon Del

    I was smiling and nodding as I was reading all of this lol

  • http://twitter.com/Londun Jane

    While I wouldn’t call all of those my top 3 moments, they were definitely up there and good ones. I agree with everything you’ve said about the characters though. I don’t think Elena should “end up with” either as well, but I definitely think she should have fun trying. The more she continues to grow as a character the more interesting she becomes. and I really want to see her “moving on” from Stefan in the coming episodes, I just hope she doesn’t make Damon her world either. Gonna be interesting 

  • Sonia

    I think that all three scenes are really good although again not sure if i would rate them as my top three.  Felt really sad and happy when Anna met her mum though.  Damon and Elena are progressing and it is the suspense of them getting together gradually which adds a bit of romance to the show at the moment.

  • Cherrie

    I agree with this! Especially number 1. A season or two ago Elena would have been freaked out & be scared if she saw Damon in her room. Now she’s comfortable with him being there & definitely trusts him. Also they definitely have a lot of chemistry. It’s unbelievable!  

    However, I do think that Stefan & Elena also have chemistry together but its just not as strong as Damon & Elena’s. That’s just my opinion. Moreover, I agree that the heart of the show is NOT Stefan & Elena’s romance or Damon & Elena’s; it is the bond between the two brothers. It’s obvious that they would do anything for each other & even though they might not want to admit that they care & love each other we all know they do. 

    Am I the only one that wants to see a Salvatore hug? LOL. In the present day of course! ♥

  • Amanda

    I found my TVD twin! These are exactly my top three moments and the reasons behind are the same as mine! YAY!!

  • Symo_Vampire24

    She’s just on #Delena … and I hate how fans made the producers make it almost happen … I’m terrified that one day my fav couple is gonna be history ;) But I hope it’s not gonna happen. Xoxo

  • http://twitter.com/LeighMariana Emily Stone

    I completely agreee with these choices and like you, I also loved the “way to a vampire’s heart” scene :)The Anna/Pearl scene made my cry so much. Despite not being keen on her at first, Anna quickly grew into one of my favourite characters. I glad she’s found her happy ending!
    I agree that Buffy Elena is SO much better than before - a real role model now!
    Of course the bed scene was amazing :) though I also loved the way she comforts Damon  and says “we’ll survive this….we’ll let him go” and they way she acts a bit jealous of Rebekah when he cleans her burn (this scene swiftly followed by “No Stefan…it makes my strong” was one of the most awesome TVD moments ever!
    Anyway, that was a long winded way of saying I agree with you 100%!

  • Annoyed

    No Stefan in The Reckoning? Wow, you are really Delena biased…

    Even the biggest hater of this couple should give a credit for a marvellous actors’ performances in this episode, especially to Paul for his ”Switching off” moment.

    But then again, I am (or was) Delena shipper, but this #1 scene was awfully ridiculus to me. It was forced and contrived and I didn’t see anything special in it. Actually, i think i’m getting off of this ship…i think i am starting to see what people see in SE… Delena is just a stare-at-a-lips couple and Stelena is much more.

    Back to topic: My #1 moment – Stefan switching off his humanity. To me that was the beast scene of the entire show! Bravo Paul!

  • Guest

    if this is majority’s number one moment – this show is doomed…

    there were way more moments this season way more impressive then number one moment…

    to me, even 3rd and 2nd top moment were more impressive then the first one.

  • Mairead

    The Anna and Pearl moment was nice, but wouldn’t rank with me.  If we’re choosing a moment without the leads, I’d have to go with Klaus and Mikael’s confrontation across the doorway. 

    I have often thought (with dread) that the way the show will end is with the brothers walking off into the sunset together, and Elena moving on with her life.  Here is why this perfectly nice concept completely pisses me off:

    I am tired of this genre telling girls that you have two choices. 
    1) You can be a co-dependent doormat (yes, Bella, I am talking to you), and you will get the guy and live happily ever after.
    2) You can be strong and independent….and die alone.

    Haven’t we moved past that?  I honestly don’t care which brother she ends up with, I think the show is written well enough to justify either.  I just really would like to see Elena be strong, independent, AND GET THE GUY.  Whichever one it may be.

  • Sydney

    I agree with you about this theme in Hollywood – the whole “I choose me” scenario. However, this is Kevin Williamson, and at the end of the day, Joey Potter got her man AND remained awesome. As did Gale Weathers. So hopefully, Elena will continue to wise up, and get at least 20 more years of lovin’ out of one of the Salvatore bros before she is an old lady ;)

  • Anonymous

    I love these posts because this is such a subjective question…

    My top 3 moments thus far:

    1. Damon kills Alaric (and Alaric’s subsequent reaction)
    I love this relationship. And for me, the shock that Alaric felt was the same one that I felt. It also was the springboard for Alaric stepping up and finally recognizing that the human beings in this town need a leader that can actually lead (save/protect/look out for) them.

    2. Anna and Pearl
    I was surprised with how these “minor” characters and a plotline from Season 2 got me in that moment when they found each other. It was quick but unexpected. And I didn’t realize how much that closure was needed until we got it. Kudos to the writers! If you didn’t have a tear in your eye when they hugged, you just don’t have a soul. ;)

    3. Michael and Klaus 
    Even the most villaneous and oldest vampires were once people, with insecurities, longings, failings. What the TVD shows us is that our relationships define us…no matter if we are 17 years old or 1,000 years old.

    Still waiting for Elijah to be unstaked. But honorable mention for him being in Ordinary People. Yes, he was no more than a prop in the episode, but his hair was gorgeous. I mean, really…his hair should have its own website. ;)

  • http://twitter.com/PDubaddict claudia

    Well i do agree with number 2 anna and her mom made me cry and number 3 stefan and elena….but i think my number one favorite scene was when stefan calls elena in 3×01 even though stefan doesnt talk his face made me tear up and how elena told him to be strong goes to show how strong their relationship really is 

  • Bronxbomarella

    love this idea of fan fav recappers posting favorite moments! i COMPLETELY agree with this list stop the shipper hate! everyone is allowed to have an opinion damon and elena this eason have a very compelling dynamic people are allowed to like it get over it folks

  • Anonymous

    i have always loved Damon and Elena whether she is strong or weak Damon has always been attracted to elena ! 

  • Nio

    I completely agree. Paul was absolutely amazing!

  • Stephanie

    Loved the number 1 moment :)

  • Mairead

    I hope you’re right!  And I LOVED that Joey ended up with Pacey.  I thought it was the brave (and TOTALLY RIGHT) choice.

  • guest

    You don’t have to call her Delena biased just cause she likes that scene.. she even said she doesn’t want Elena to end up with either Salvatore, so she’s not just supporting a ship.

    Anyway, if anything, it sounds more like you’re being Stefan biased and defensive.. Just saying. The Stefan “switching off” scene was already mentioned in the previous post about top moments, no one’s refusing to give it credit or anything. 

    I don’t mean to argue, it’s just that this is a post about this person’s top moments, and each person is entitled to whichever favorite they’ve got. 

  • Anonymous

    mine was Stefan’s character transformation…gotta admit Paul Wesley was amazing this season…!!!

  • Charlie

    I don’t know how I would pick just three moments..I would change my mind everytime someone mentioned another great scene!  I love the ones you picked – I cried like a two year old at Anna and Pearl – the only ghosts I cared about!
    Even though i’m not fussed which Salvatore Elena is with…I will be reaaallly gutted if she doesn’t end up with one of them. Not sure how it could work…but it would suck if she ended up with Matt and moved to the suburbs and bought a lawnmower.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Hathor-Dendera/100003057566272 Hathor Dendera via Facebook

    1. When Elena ask Damon where he was and Damon promises to never leave her again.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Hathor-Dendera/100003057566272 Hathor Dendera via Facebook

    2. When Damon teaches Elena the way to a Vampire’s heart (after the Buffy comment). That was very seductive (HaHaHa!!!!)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Hathor-Dendera/100003057566272 Hathor Dendera via Facebook

    3. When Damon and Elena agrees to let Stephan go.

  • Anonymous

    Whoaaa Diane, you’re no. 1 was my no. 1, too:) I loved that scene….as a matter of fact, I think that moment was the first time in a long time that Elena finally showed an understanding of herself, an understanding of Damon and an understanding of the brotherly bond. Elena’s words were so wise and I was so proud of her I could have hugged her:)

    As to the other two, I was glad Anna & Pearl managed to find each other, but it wasn’t one of my top moments…but I love Elena the warrior princess….and you’re right, she is getting stronger. I also have seen absolutely zero chemistry between Stefan & Elena, but that’s not coming from a shipping stand point, it’s coming from someone who loves this show and how, now that those two aren’t together, both of the characters are much more interesting:) Elena is coming into her own and Stefan is finally owning up to who he is….and all I can say to the latter is that it’s about time:)

    There have been so many wonderful moments this season, it has to be hard to pick just three….

    My no 2 would have to be the scene in The Reckoning, ya’ll know which one, the “TURN. IT. OFF.”…..I just loved JoMo’s performance in that scene, hell, I love him as Klaus….I think he adds the extra juice the show needs to keep it interesting:)

    I had a couple of notable mentions in the previous post, so I won’t repeat them again.

    I can’t wait for 1/5/2012…the roller coaster will then start again:) But in the mean time….how about a couple of synopsis…maybe some preview pics….just to keep us occupied until then?

  • Dwilson250

    I don’t think Elena should end up with Damon or Stefan either! I’m not alone.

  • eve

    For me, the most memorable scenes of this season so far. 1) When Stefan called Elena…the desperation in her  voice for Stefan to hang on and not give up…and the tears in Stefan’s eye’s… he needed so badly to hear her voice and all he could do is listen and nod his head…so emotional…yes, I cried.  2) When Klaus threw Stefan against the wall, while shouting turn it off…wow…that scene blew me away.  The look on  Stefan’s face.  It was as if he’d been punched so hard in the stomach he couldn’t breath.

  • Anonymous

    I also would like Elena not to end up with either brother.  But unlike most I don’t think that Elena should end up alone, message to Elena and Bella – there are other men in the world, I am sure sure Elena can find one.  I would like Damon and Stefan to make the decision that their family is more important. 

  • shapocika

    I am already tired of waiting for Damon and Elena to kiss properly, like a normal kiss….and this will beat all the moments….. until then the bed scene is just wonderful….

  • Sasha

    These are interesting thoughts. Portraying the “I am a strong modern woman who is independent and self-sufficient” can be tricky.  We see many books and movies that have faltered in striking the balance between being independent and being in a stable relationship. It gets even harder to portray this when the relationship is between a vampire and a human. It’s such an inherently unequal partnership because the underlying relationship is a predator-prey relationship.  I have yet to see any medium believably portray a vampire-human relationship that seems like it could endure.  If any show can do it though, it’s TVD!    

  • Annemoore

    Great reading your thoughts. completely agree with Number 1. Couldn´t have said it better than you did.
    Number 2:
    Well, I have to say, the whole Anna and Pearl thing? Personally I thought it was soooooooo cheesy!!! I didn´t cry I did yell at the writers for being soooo obvious. But to defend myself a bit, I didn´t like the whole ghost storyline in the first place. Except for the Bonnie+Jer breakup it really led nowhere important or interesting for me…
    Number 3:
    I liked that scene a lot and I like Miss Warrier Elena too, but it wouldn´t make my Top 3. Although I think your “Elena shouldnt end up with any Salvatore” thought great. We don´t know what´ll happen on this show. In the next some seasons they coul manage to let Elena become a Vampire, let Vampires become humans again or something entirely else noone ever imagined. So looking at it now, I totally agree with your statement. But I´m keeping my fingers crossed that this journey will lead somewhere where Elena is capable of being with the Salvatore Boys, cause then she will have to choose :-)

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  • Emeri

    I totally agree with your #1. It’s an amazing scene, not just for Damon/Elena fans, but in general. The level of emotion and sincerity blew me away when I first watched it.

  • vampylady11

    Yes! Dawson was her first love, but Pacey is her true love!! There are parallels between the Stefan/Damon/Elena relationship and the Dawson/Joey/Pacey relationship. It is Kevin Williamson for heaven’s sake!

  • guest

    Fans made the producers do it? That is really unfair to the writers and producers.

  • Anonymous

    I realize it’s a little late to be chiming in with a comment, but after re-reading your comments I just want to say that the very fact that so many can pick moments that have touched them, and many can pick other moments that have touched them, says a lot about how good TVD really is!  There are enough different “moments” that everyone can be delighted and moved.

  • EverMoore

    it’s soooo funny everyone is saying bout delena and don’t get me wrong, i am team delena allllllllllllllllll the way 4eva bout i equally team forwood, wat bout there scenes?

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  • Natsu

    Oh, how lovely it is to see somebody appreciate numbers 2 and 3. Those were two amazing things that I loved, and number 2 had me bawling in my mind and leaking silently (while grinning stupidly) IRL. Ah. :)



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