Faran
Apr 9, 2009 @ 11:16 am
From the Futon Critic
The plot in a nutshell: The new school year marks a new beginning for 17-year-old Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) of Mystic Falls, Virginia. “They will see that Elena is alive and well,” she writes in her diary. “And if I can convince them, then maybe, just maybe, I can believe it myself.” After all, it’s been a year since her parents died - a car wreck which only she survived - and she and her brother, Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen, “has an original take on grunge punk, nothing extreme”), have settled into a new domestic status quo with their aunt Jenna. And so, along with her best friends - Bonnie, the amateur psychic (”I predicted Obama, I predicted David Cook, Heath Ledger, Britney’s comeback and I still think Florida will break off and become little resort islands.”), and Caroline, the queen bee (Bonnie: “I say we both throw ourselves at him and whoever he picks gets him.” Caroline: “That’s the same as saying he’s mine.”) - Elena makes a go at resuming life as an ordinary teen girl. Not helping matters: things between Elena and her ex, football jock Matt, are awkward at best while Jeremy has dipped his toe into drug dealing.
That’s all about the change though with the arrival of transfer student Stefan Whitmore. In addition to his looks (”He’s a gloriously, amazingly, epic-ly beautiful young man,” explains the script), he also has a tragic past of his own - his parents passed away as well, leaving him with his great uncle Pete - and it’s not long before the two are exchanging longing glances in class. But there’s a lot more to Stefan than he lets on: the sunglasses he wears indoors aren’t really for his scratched retina, nor is his sensitivity to blood an act, it’s all to cover up the fact he’s… a vampire. “I never should have tried to enter her life,” he writes in his diary (hence the title). “What would she do if she ever learned the truth? About me…and why I’m really here.” Even worse, his arrival coincides with the disappearance/potential murder of a local couple. And if that wasn’t enough: Damon, Stefan’s arrogant, reckless brother, turns up, threatening to derail Stefan’s new life. Yes, it’s a new beginning for everyone.
The pilot is just shooting in Vancouver right now, but the buzz on the internet is already huge for this. And the best thing? Ian Somerhalder has been cast as Damon! Ian back on my TV on a regular basis? Oh Yeah! I've read a review from some guy who read the pilot script and in his opinion it's going to be awesome.
Once I heard about the show, I read the first 2 of the 4 books. I believe that they're targeted at a younger demographic than Twilight, but yet, to me, they seemed a lot darker, while still being more juvenile.
I can't wait to see the final product.
LaGinger
Apr 9, 2009 @ 5:01 pm
I would actually be intrigued by the prospect and watch, if only the CW hadn't cast Nina Dobrev as the lead. She is TERRIBLE on Degrassi. She will likely be worse than Shenae Grimes on 90210 (and many people thought Shenae was actually good on Degrassi, so imagine how much worse it could get). If they were going to cast Degrassi alumni, why not Deanna Casaluce or Cassie Steele, they're pretty too, and can actually act.
It's a shame too, those secondary characters actually sound interesting. I always like a good quirky secondary character. Also, Ian Somerhalder is very, very, very pretty. However, I have to actually like the protaganist, which is something that will not happen here.
Zengar
Apr 10, 2009 @ 12:11 am
I read about this CW new pilot a while ago. I've never heard of the books or the author, but the casting of Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, and that this is a show about two vampire brothers intrigues me. Being a sci-fi geek I will definitely check this out. I just hope this won't become another one-season wonder, which seems to be the fate of a lot of shows this year.
Between the two male leads, I thought Paul would play the older brother Damon. Interesting.
Raksha
Apr 10, 2009 @ 1:07 am
I am so ridiculously excited for this show, I cannot stand it. It's going to be so delightfully cheesy!
My best friend introduced me to LJ Smith's books when we were in high school and I love each and every one of them. Now, of course, I am a grown ass woman and I read tons of age appropriate things. But I won't lie. When my brain needs an afternoon vacation, I'll reread an LJ Smith book (or three. They frequently come in trilogies).
I see for the adaptation they dumped Meridith and made Elena's little sister into a brother and aged him up a bit. That doesn't bother me much, but for some reason I'm irritated that they changed Stefan and Damon's last name from Salvatore and had Stefan start keeping a diary. Ah, well. I'm not going to expect brilliance here.
Also: Ian Somerhalder? Fuck yes! I cannot wait for this silly show.
Kaboom
Apr 10, 2009 @ 6:36 am
Also: Ian Somerhalder? Fuck yes! I cannot wait for this silly show.
Me too! :) I read the books when I was in high school and admit to keeping them for a long time for re-reads. I won't quibble about the changes made for the tv show but I am irked that the brothers' last name has been changed. Boo!
And now for some reason (should even I spoil this??) I'm wondering who will be hired to portray
Klaus. Back in the day I had a thought of an actor I would like to see portray him that I would still like to see today.
Raksha
Apr 11, 2009 @ 1:49 am
I won't quibble about the changes made for the tv show but I am irked that the brothers' last name has been changed. Boo!
I know! I understand the other changes they made, like dropping Meridith or even having Stefan keep a diary, but why change the last name? Salvatore just wasn't WASP-y enough, I guess.
Who do you want to play
Klaus? I always kind of pictured him like Malcolm McDowell in
Tank Girl, but there's no way in hell that'll happen. But I totally think Laura Harris (Daisy from
Dead Like Me) would make a great
Katherine. And that seems doable.
Kaboom
Apr 11, 2009 @ 10:06 pm
I always kind of pictured him like Malcolm McDowell in Tank Girl, but there's no way in hell that'll happen.
Oohh, me likey Malcolm McDowell, good choice! Back in the day for some reason (since he was best known to me for Forever Knight) I thought Geraint Wyn Davies might have been an interesting choice.
It's been so long since I last read these books but I'm starting to recall scenes, events, etc. It's making me want to read the books again!
Raksha
Apr 12, 2009 @ 2:47 am
Geraint Wyn Davis would be awesome! What's he doing these days? I know he was a recurring character in S3 of ReGenesis, but that was a few years ago.
I'm totally going to reread the books this summer. Did you know that because of the series, LJ Smith is writing a sequel trilogy? The first one, "Nightfall" or something like that, is already out. I'm scared to read it because I'm afraid it won't be as good or it'll ruin the originals for me or something, but I know I'll break and read it eventually.
under the el
Apr 12, 2009 @ 11:03 pm
I can't stand most of the changes they've made, especially changing their name from Salvatore to Whitmore. But as a former 90's LJ Smith fan, I'll be watching. I'm not sure if I should spoil this, but does anyone think that since it seems that the brothers aren't Italian anymore, they may have been involved in the Civil War?
And re: Nightfall- no, just no. There are loads of negative reviews out there, but I read the first four chapters anyway, and then I just couldn't take it anymore- if any of it makes it into the TV series, it will be like those series finales where the writers decide that anything goes.
Raksha
Apr 13, 2009 @ 12:32 am
I'm not sure if I shoud spoil this, but does anyone think that since it seems that the brothers aren't Italian anymore, they may have been involved in the Civil War?
I doubt it. It would be too much of a direct
True Blood/Sookie Stackhouse Mysteries rip off. That show might be on HBO, but it still has a high enough profile that people would call bullshit, especially since that stuff wasn't in the original books.
Nightfall is that bad, eh? That's disappointing, but unsurprising. What made it so bad you had to stop, if you don't mind spoiling it?
Faran
Apr 14, 2009 @ 6:39 am
According to IMDB the release date for this is June! Wow, I'm so glad that I won't have to wait until the fall season. That is, if IMDB is correct - we all know its'
stellar track record, which it's already proving based on the fact that it currently says that Ian is only "rumoured" to have been cast. He's already finished shooting the pilot! I don't know how much more NOT rumoured that could possibly be.
I read the final 2 books Saturday afternoon. Not bad, but I thought the 4th book seemed like more of an afterthought. It really didn't fit in with the first 3 at all, IMO.
Nightfall is that bad, eh? That's disappointing, but unsurprising. What made it so bad you had to stop, if you don't mind spoiling it?
Yeah, I'd like to know that too.
Featherhat
Apr 14, 2009 @ 11:50 am
I think I read these when I was about 12, the girl in a love triangle with two vampire brothers sounds very familiar even if I can't remember the name of the books.
According to IMDB the release date for this is June! Wow, I'm so glad that I won't have to wait until the fall season. That is, if IMDB is correct - we all know its' stellar track record, which it's already proving based on the fact that it currently says that Ian is only "rumoured" to have been cast. He's already finished shooting the pilot! I don't know how much more NOT rumoured that could possibly be.
I'm pretty sure this will not air in June. It will be late August at the earliest, if it is picked up for series. And I think even if this is awful it will still be picked up, teen vampire romance is too much of a massive craze now for the CW don't to attempt to cash in on it.
Faran
Apr 16, 2009 @ 6:44 am
even if this is awful it will still be picked up,
Yeah, I completely agree, though I certainly hope that it won't be awful.
According to Marcos Siega (the director) they've just got two more days of shooting before he starts post-production. Regardless of what IMDB says, it sure seems like June would be far too early for a release - September seems more reasonable, so that they make the fall season. If they DO push it to June, I'd think that it'd be at the cost of a poor result. As much as I want to see this, I rather wait the 3 extra months and have a higher quality product.
Hehe, I saw some recent pictures of Ian at a party with Alice and Carlyle Cullen! How funny is that? Crossover much? I wonder if they compared blood sucking techniques?
Faran
Apr 24, 2009 @ 6:15 am
According to Media Week, the CW will have its presentation at Madison Square Garden Theatre on May 21, 2009, this should be the up-fronts for the new TV season including TVD.
MzLiz
Apr 24, 2009 @ 8:35 pm
I hope it's not like twilight, I hated those books. I love sci-fi stuff though and vampires stories are Ok (I loved Angel and Blood Ties).
I'll have to check it out though because it's got Zach Roerig and Ian Somerhalder in it. That alone makes it must see TV.
ehh311b
Apr 26, 2009 @ 8:11 am
I feel like this will be more like the former...in television form. They are more willing to ride the teen angst twilight angle since it's really popular.
decidedly
Apr 29, 2009 @ 12:59 am
I'm not sure if I shoud spoil this, but does anyone think that since it seems that the brothers aren't Italian anymore, they may have been involved in the Civil War?
I doubt it. It would be too much of a direct True Blood/Sookie Stackhouse Mysteries rip off. That show might be on HBO, but it still has a high enough profile that people would call bullshit, especially since that stuff wasn't in the original books.
You'd think, but it's looking more and more likely that that is indeed the direction they're going in. It's heavily implied in the pilot script that the Whitmore brothers
(and Katherine, who's only mentioned) are originally from Mystic Falls and that they're around 200-250 years old. Mr. Tanner is also focusing on the Civil War in his History class. To be fair, this isn't stated explicitly, but the signs seem to be pretty blatant.
And the Civil War is a huge player in the original series so I can see how it works from a certain standpoint, but the fact of the matter is that
True Blood got there first (on TV, anyway).
But the similarities don't really end there. Elena now has a younger brother named Jeremy
who's heavily into drugs and is having a secret affair with Vicki. Guess who is attacked near the end of the pilot, and guess who was the last person to see her and is a likely suspect? I'm really puzzled by the drug subtext running throughout the pilot. It has no basis in the books and serves no purpose other than to slap an "edgy" teen drama veneer on the story.
But yeah, the above similarities are leading more than a few fans of the books to call it
True Blood Lite. Which is a damn shame because the book series has plenty to offer and could be expanded upon in far more original and interesting ways.
Also, Julie Plec posted on Twitter last week that Meredith will be part of the series if the pilot gets picked up. And Kevin Williamson backed it up a few nights ago. So that's at least something positive.
And I completely concur with under the el:
Nightfall is godawful. Don't waste your money or time. I was so horrified to see poor Katerina Graham reading a copy in her latest video diary. I hope to god Alloy didn't give it to the cast/crew/creators as a template for the show. If so, we are all in for a monumental crapfest.
starsforus
Apr 29, 2009 @ 11:06 pm
From what I have heard of this show so far, it sound interesting. I am willing to check it out. I liked Buffy and Twilight and Ian Somerhalder, is a hottie and as vamp to boot? count me in.
I checked on IMDb and it seems like they have a interesting and attractive cast. I hope this show is dark and I hope they do a good job of handleing the love triangle and dark themes of the books. I hope this show is more on the vein of Supernatural and Buffy then One Tree Hill or Gossip Girl.
under the el
May 1, 2009 @ 10:47 pm
Also, Julie Plec posted on Twitter last week that Meredith will be part of the series if the pilot gets picked up. And Kevin Williamson backed it up a few nights ago. So that's at least something positive.
This is good to hear. I wonder if she'll be a transfer student or a rival.
I just found out that there was a computer game of The Vampire Diaries back in the 90s. It is so, so hilariously dated.
Hand in a Flame
May 1, 2009 @ 11:06 pm
I just found out that there was a computer game of The Vampire Diaries back in the 90s. It is so, so hilariously dated.
Oh my god, really? Wow. How did I miss that? I loved these books when I was younger. Them and
The Forbidden Game.
decidedly
May 1, 2009 @ 11:13 pm
I just found out that there was a computer game of The Vampire Diaries back in the 90s. It is so, so hilariously dated.
Yeah, the game is indeed fantastic. :) Stefan as a nurse never fails to amuse. Or Damon's oh-so-nineties haircut.
Faran
May 12, 2009 @ 6:15 am
According to Variety
The CW is also expected to bite into the vampire genre by greenlighting drama “Vampire Diaries.”
And The Hollywood Reporter
Melrose Place and The Vampire Diaries are the CW Network’s front-runners for pick-up.
Great news!
decidedly
May 13, 2009 @ 2:30 am
It's pretty amazing how much momentum picked up when word got out about the screening last Tuesday. I'm almost 100% certain that they're just ironing out details now. Looks like Ian Somerhalder fans will have a reason to rejoice come Fall. :)
starsforus
May 13, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
This is actually one of the few shows I am looking forward to. It seems they have a decent cast and I have heard good stuff about it. I will be anxious to see if gets a pickup and what they will pair it with?
decidedly
May 13, 2009 @ 6:40 pm
I have a feeling they're going to give it Friday nights, which would be...not great. I wish they'd take a gamble and pair it with Supernatural. Two shows, two sets of brothers, two sets of hunters... I don't think I need to explain why this would be awesome.
starsforus
May 13, 2009 @ 11:29 pm
I wanted to see it as a lead in for Supernatural on Thurs becuase both shows go really well together but that may be a gamble. Supernatural is however too dark to be on at 7pm timeslot, although it could benifit to be in a better slot. Supernatural holds it own on 8PM and I doubt they feel Vampire Diaries can be a lead in for Supernatural or do well against the massive compitions Supernatural has face in the Thurs timeslot for 4 years.
However I guess they could take a gamble and pair Supernatural and The Vampire Diaries on Thus. I could see possibly moving Smallville and Reaper to Sunday's and pairing 90210 and Melrose place on Tues.
I just cannot see what else besides Supernatural could go with Vampire Diaries, Supernatural has proven it can do fine without Smallville so, I wish they would pair the show with something diffrent.
Plus Ian Somerhalder, Jensen and Jared all on one night, with 2 cool supernatural shows, both darker in feel and tone, then any of the other shows, would be awesome.
However it could be a summer show and get a 9 episode pickup and if it does well it could be a mid seaon replacement in Jan or put on Friday's or Sunday's.
minneapple
May 14, 2009 @ 1:05 pm
I hated the ball of suck that was Twilight, I'm tired of vampires, I'm mildly annoyed that a Vampire Diaries pickup might mean there's no Gossip Girl spinoff, and yet I'm so watching this show. I'm kind of a sucker like that.
Don't know about the timeslot. I would say that the CW likely isn't moving Smallville or Supernatural at this point, but who knows? Friday nights, maybe? Or maybe a 13-episode order for Monday nights after Gossip Girl in the fall, since One Tree Hill (and Privileged) will probably only get 13 episodes as well?
decidedly
May 18, 2009 @ 12:41 am
Danie84
May 18, 2009 @ 1:26 pm
Wow, I just saw this on imdb. I'm 25 and I grew up on these books. This is a must-see despite the horrible lead actress. Couldn't they get Alex Johnson, or somebody better?
As, for Twilight, I finally read the first book and couldn't believe people was making such a big deal about this fluff.
Sidebar, I'm surprise nobody has thought of turning R.L. Stine's Fear Street into a show.
Faran
May 19, 2009 @ 6:37 am
"Vampire Diaries" is the first CW series to land a pickup for fall.
This is fantastic news! As much as I love summer, now I can't wait until fall.
Supernatural and TVD seem like a no-brainer pairing. The strength of Supernatural would certainly help to guarantee the success of TVD, though with Ian Somerhalder in it, IDK if it really needs any other assistance.
starsforus
May 19, 2009 @ 10:01 pm
This is the only show, to me that has promise. I read the books in school and loved them.
I was thrilled to see Ian was cast as Damon. However the actor cast as Stefan, is a drag becuase he was on SV and I was never a fan. I imagined honestly someone cuter and younger to be honest.
The one casting I am weary about is Nina Dobrev as Elena. She is so young and looks not a thing like the book Elena who was blonde. I am concerned about that.
I wanted Laura Ramsey as Elena as she looks older and seems to fit the description of the book Elena better.
Laura RamseyI am glade to hear the pilot is good and surprisingly dark. I still hope they may consider pairing it with SPN.
decidedly
May 19, 2009 @ 10:10 pm
I am glade to hear the pilot is good and surprisingly dark.
May I ask where you heard it was surprisingly dark? That has me intrigued.
starsforus
May 19, 2009 @ 11:42 pm
I read it from a poster on the E message board, who saw a screening of it. I am hoping come Thrus we get some kind of preview for the show.
decidedly
May 20, 2009 @ 12:39 am
Just found the post you were referring to and I am definitely intrigued and a tad hopeful. Seems like they could move Smallville wherever they wanted and it would be relatively stable (it's the Energizer Bunny of CW's shows), ratings-wise. They would impress the hell out of me if they paired it with Supernatural. I can't imagine there not being someone looking long and hard at the possibilities.
Featherhat
May 20, 2009 @ 5:16 am
I read it from a poster on the E message board, who saw a screening of it. I am hoping come Thrus we get some kind of preview for the show.
Well the script for this was absolutely attrocious the worst of Kevin Williamson's dialogue and a pile of incredibly bad cliches, so I hope it's either rewritten or amazingly acted for Ian Summerhalder's sake.
minneapple
May 20, 2009 @ 10:29 am
I read somewhere (Ausiello? Korbi?) that the show was picked up partly on the strength of the pilot script. I hope that version is true.
In any case, since Fox is putting Fringe in the Thursday 9 p.m. timeslot, the CW may want to consider moving Supernatural. They may have to juggle around the schedule a lot. I imagine Gossip Girl will stay in its timeslot; same deal with 90210, unless one of the new shows is a breakout hit and a possibility to move into one of those timeslots.
Featherhat
May 20, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
I'm assuming that most will stay where they are. I can see them doing GG/VD on Mondays, or paired with SV or SPN if one of them does move. [b]Something[/i] is going to have to move. I assume their show about models will be after ANTM.
I read somewhere (Ausiello? Korbi?) that the show was picked up partly on the strength of the pilot script. I hope that version is true.
Maybe, and it's possible there were a lot of rewrites (they would need a hell of a lot), although TBH, this show was picked up mainly on the strength of "Twilight" even the script was great. Ostroff isn't keen on sci-fi/fantasy and seems mostly to adore rich teen shows.
First cast pic if anyone is interested.
http://uk.eonline.com/photos/gallery.jsp?g...UUID=1216#34918
Last Time Lord
May 20, 2009 @ 4:02 pm
The brothers look too much a like to me.
I'm going to have a hard time telling them a part.
Big news from
Ausiello:It's true: Vampire Diaries WILL replace Smallville on Thursday. Clark & co. wing it to Friday. Thoughts?
I'm kind of shocked about this.
minneapple
May 20, 2009 @ 4:08 pm
Wow, the timeslot is a bit shocking. So Vampire Diaries at 8 and Supernatural at 9? I guess since season 5 is probably SPN's last, it's not that big of a deal.
And the brothers look a LOT alike. Isn't Elena supposed to be blond? Are they keeping her hair dark?
ScrappyTheOwl
May 21, 2009 @ 1:28 am
There's a preview for Vampire Diaries up
here (select Vampire Diaries on the right). Just a couple scenes - my favorite is easily the last one, with the two vampire brothers. Great dynamic between the two of them. :D
Last Time Lord
May 21, 2009 @ 2:10 am
Oh, words cannot describe how much I loved the last scene and the evil brother.
GummyBear19
May 21, 2009 @ 4:09 am
I am loving Ian Somerhalder as Damon!
Kaboom
May 21, 2009 @ 6:29 am
There's a preview for Vampire Diaries up here
Thanks for the link! Elena's non-blondness is a bit jarring but Ian is totally going to steal the show as Damon.
decidedly
May 21, 2009 @ 6:35 am
Faran
May 21, 2009 @ 6:39 am
Well the script for this was absolutely attrocious the worst
Do you have a link to it? I'd love to read it.
And the brothers look a LOT alike.
You really think so? I don't see it at all. Stefan's bone structure is far more coarse than Damon's.
I think the lead in time slot to SPN is great, it's a natural pairing and should really go a long way to insuring TVD's success.
Man,
Ian looks fantastic!
obtabius
May 21, 2009 @ 9:27 am
I'm just stoked Zack Roerig is back on tv - hurray!
Buffy11bnl
May 21, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
WTF? Elena is *not* a blonde.....and Bonnie is a black chick?????? Uh a really big part of the plot was that Bonnie was a bubbly *RED* headed Scottish girl who is just discovering her heritage.....bah. I really want this to be good but at this point I'm just hoping it's not a total train wreck.
minneapple
May 21, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
So I wonder how *evil* the evil brother is going to be. Is it, like, post-pilot Chuck Bass? Kind of evil but not really? Or is he really full-on, human-blood-drinking evil?
Last Time Lord
May 21, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
Julie Plec confirms to vampire-diaries.net on Twitter that the brothers' names will officially be Salvatore, not Whitmore.
Julie Plec? As in former showrunner of
Kyle XY, Julie Plec?
So. Friggen. Excited.
Kaboom
May 21, 2009 @ 8:16 pm
Julie Plec confirms to vampire-diaries.net on Twitter that the brothers' names will officially be Salvatore, not Whitmore.
Thank goodness. They have made enough changes to this series already, the brothers' last name being changed to Whitmore was the one I did not like at all. Elena being a brunette is also bugging me.
Having said that, I'm getting excited about the premiere! :)
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