The passage of unhappiness.

Every so often in life, unhappiness falls upon us.

It may come in different forms, and often we do not know how or why it has happened. It sneaks in like a thief in the night and tears away our sense of rightness and reason in the world. Suddenly, our universe is altered. Misery replaces joy, grasping it so tight it is squeezed within an inch of its life. We are at the mercy then of our reckless feelings, which tear at the fabric of our heart and soul and leave jagged lines and gapes which were never meant to be there.

The loss of happiness can leave us confounded, stunned as though we have been caught in blinding headlights. Life begins to move in slow motion, and our sluggish movements are semblance to walking in quicksand. Try as we might, we cannot feel past the pain that soon engulfs us.

But at some point, we accept the unthinkable and are confronted with the reality of what has befallen us. We see the point ahead where we know the pain shall subside; though we are locked in a cage of confusion, mistrust and loathing. Loathing becomes how we cope. If we throw our energy into anger, there is little time left for suffering and self pity.

Perhaps in this time, a small stitch is made to mend a tear to our heart. Hope is not yet within reach, but it is visible on the horizon.

After our anger comes complacency: a dull medicine which numbs the emotion and brings us to a standstill. We reach a crossroads of sorts, a place where we can choose to better ourselves and move on, or choose to become indifferent to our predicament, or choose to falter and wallow in our misery.

This mountain looms in front of us. We are conflicted on all fronts. We know that to move on means to risk happiness again. We know that by risking happiness we may have it stolen again unawares. We know that while our thoughts are at war with themselves, our heart is also warring with the possibility of being broken again. Gradually, the mountain, in all its enormity, melds to something akin to a hill.

At this point, we invite acceptance into our mind. It may not reach our heart straight away, but it lingers in our tissues, softening the jagged edges and smoothing the frayed tears. It brings with it clarity - often in short bursts of knowledge about ourselves or the situation. Our blinded eyes are opened to the truth that 'maybe things will be alright again'. Once clarity revitalizes us, it gives way to hope.

Finally, we are at that horizon. The place where some hurts are forgotten, many are forgiven and others are given peace. While we, at first, feel as though our fragile bodies will flee in terror at any given moment, we stay because there is promise. There is the promise of a better day ahead; perhaps a challenge for our souls to endure, despite the torrent of abuse that was laid upon us. We are given the opportunity to start again.

It is no small step - for our memory becomes a ghost, designed to haunt the recesses of our hearts. But it begets the choice to move forward onto something better. Hope is our platform to live and love again. If we reach this stage, whether in months or years or minutes, then we have cause to try. A reflection inward would reveal healed hurts and mended tears.

We are wiser because of our scars, and stronger because we survived the unhappiness. We see the dawn of joy again - its promise beckons us and we move toward it, a renewed pace in our steps and a lightness in our hearts.

Breaking Dawn Part 1 & other Twilight-related rambles.

We have reached the first part of the beginning of the end for Twilight. I was fortunate enough to go see the midnight screening earlier today (1pm now and I am still recovering) with 4 of my gorgeous best friends and my other friend and her mum. And so I figured that I would especially enjoy reviewing a saga that (in more ways than one) has brought me into the crazy world of vampires.

If we look back to 2005 when Twilight first arrived on our shelves, not many people acknowledged its existence. For those who read it, it was either a novelty, a sham to all original vampire stories, or a classic romance with a vampiric twist. A friend of mine lent me the book in late 2008 and I was mesmerized - ergo making me the latter category. I was never much of a vampire fan before, but this book opened up a whole new world of fantasy to me - and besides, I was enraptured with Edward and Bella.

Fast-forward to the second, third and fourth books and you quickly discover how captivating this series can be. I read the 3 in quick succession; one after the other on the Topdeck bus that was taking myself & a group of 40 around Europe. I found myself feverish having to wait to read the fourth, and I kind of thank my lucky stars that I had read the books after they were all published, otherwise I would have been a madhouse.

The release of the first movie caused a ripple effect of criticism and controversy. Many said the movie missed key elements expressed in the book (which it did) and others were simply flabbergasted that it even made it to cinemas. I, like so many other twi-hards however, enjoyed the movie purely because it was bringing our favourite vampire-human couple to life.

(I like to think that despite their cold souls, critics really do feel something for the epic romance that is Twilight; they just have too much experience being critics to really appreciate the simple things in life anymore) Oh my. Did I just say that? ;) Let's continue.

The subsequent releases of New Moon and Eclipse had the same mixed reactions, but more and more people began to appreciate the hard work and effort that was going into making these movies (and the efforts of directors and screen writers alike to keep as much to the books as possible). Fans were delighted - to say the least - at how much detail was retained and at the casting choices for memorable characters such as Aro, Caius and Marcus. While nothing can compete with the books, these two movies were a significant improvement on the first installment and gained legions more respect by twi-hards worldwide.

But now we come to Breaking Dawn and the first part of a two-part tale that delves into the trickier moments of Edward, Bella and Jacob's journeys as our three main characters. Bella and Edward are getting married, Jacob is still stewing over Bella's choice to marry Edward, the Volturi's threat is still on the horizon and Bella's decision to become a vampire is weighing heavily on her heart and those around her. It is the beginning of the end, and truthfully, I found the movie more interesting than the book (in this circumstance).

Favourite scenes

• The wedding: by far the most anticipated portion of the entire saga. And frankly, I do not think it disappointed at all. Without spoiling too much, the wedding was what I imagine any fancy wedding to be - beautiful and tied in with a myriad of cute wedding-day memoirs that occur to most people on their special day (jitters, awkward family speeches, crazy dancing).

• On that note, Bella's dress: I had supremely high expectations for this dress. I had pictured a dress that was both elegant but classic, classy but sexy, and princess-like rather than modern. What the movie delivered was both elegant and vintage, but more Kate Middleton- worthy than Cinderella-style. After time to think about it, I really loved the design; the train and veil. Lovely.

• Jacob's arrival at the wedding: Truly touching moment between him and Bella. Taylor Lautner is becoming quite the savvy little actor. I'm impressed.

• The honeymoon and the time leading up to Isle Esme: Robert Pattinson usually takes my breath away, but somehow, seeing his portrayal of Edward "in happy honeymoon bliss" sent my heart into overdrive. I don't think I wiped the grin off my face for the entire sequence leading up to Isle Esme - the dancing in Rio, the power boat ride, the traditional sweeping-the-bride-off-her-feet-and-carrying-her-over-the-threshold. His adoring gaze kept me captivated.

• Moments on the island: there was a waterfall scene that was particularly gorgeous, and some chess games that were both soulful and adorable. I will leave it at that.

• The sex: we were discussing this after the movie (great car conversation ;)) and came to the conclusion that while the fire was there, there still wasn't enough passion. Still, seeing the headboard break? Totally worth the wait.

• Rosalie and her obsession with 'demon baby': as soon as Bella told Rosalie about baby, Rosalie took to protective lioness like a charm. The entire second half of the movie I was in love with Nikki Reed's portrayal of Rose's obsession. Perfection.

• Bella's nightmares: always a treat. This time, they were especially terrifying. An American Horror Story would be proud.

• Leah Clearwater: just brilliant. Julia Jones? Just gorgeous. She took that broken heart and threw her all into it. I hope there's more of her in Part 2.

• The wolf-pack's reaction to 'demon baby': while I'll get to the ridiculousness of the voice-overs, I have to say I enjoyed the tension and reactions of the wolf pack when they found out about the 'abomination'. It gave us what the book was lacking - more intensity.

• The scene where Jacob thinks Bella is dead: no words can express how depressed I felt for him in this moment. Kudos Taylor. Just kudos.

• The sickly-looking Bella: my congratulations to the entire production team for portraying the way Renesmee was tearing apart Bella's body. The gaunt, hallowed look that slowly overcame Bella's features; the deathly paleness - thrilling. And then the way she 'recovered' - it wasn't rushed and it was believable that the blood was helping. Kristen Stewart shone in this part; by far the best I have seen her across all 4 movies.

• When Edward 'hears' Renesmee: if looks could move the earth, surely Edward's would have created the entire Grand Canyon. The adorable couply/first baby air that washed over Bella and Edward in this moment captured my heart. Beautiful and simple and touching.

• The maid's reaction to Bella's pregnancy: done according to the book. I have no qualms.

• Funny quips by Jasper and Emmett: always a treat.

• Charlie and his fatherly instincts: I love Charlie. He was adorable in the books, and Billy Burke has improved his character in leaps and bounds.

• Alice: never anything bad to say about her. Ashley Greene you are delightful.

• Carlisle is still a dish: Peter Fanchelli is such a delicious daddy. Just saying.

• The flashbacks during Bella's transformation: a touching way to remind us about everything that's happened throughout the first 3 movies. I adored it.

Not-so-favourite moments

I had many favourite moments but I also had a few moments I wished were done differently or left out altogether. (Suppose I'm having a critics moment! Eep)

• The wolf pack's 'physic link': I nearly went into spasms of laughter from the sheer idiocy of this. As something that should have been addressed 2 movies ago, the link of thoughts between the wolves came across tacky and a pathetic attempt to right some wrong of leaving it out. Voice-overs were shocking. Sorry, but you will see what I mean once you see it.

• The gore: I think it was too much - purely based on the fact that the other movies were hardly gory at all. IF the saga was to be done again I would definitely LOVE a darker undertone, with 'evil' actually feeling 'evil'.

• The birthing scene: just as disgusting in the book, if not worse. I suppose I'm slightly impressed with the more vampiric nature of Edward in this part, but still grose.

• Stephenie Meyer's cameo: words can't express how truly annoyed this made me. Stupid and dumb all rolled into one.

• The slight Spiderman-feel that came with 'a changing heart': shots of the venom shooting through Bella's veins - just reminded me of Peter Parker in Spiderman when he was bitten. A little too CGI, a little too much (once again, I think from the very different nature of this movie compared to the first 3).

• Bella's not-so-awesome attempt at being angry at Edward: the morning-after buzz was ruined, and Bella hardly made a move. I wanted angry Bella. That is all.

• The imprinting thing: still weird. Will never be used to that.

• Bella's red eyes: I could only laugh. Wait and see.

• Irina's spack at the wedding: just a minor note. While I love Maggie Grace with my whole heart, that little mental she had was a tad annoying.

What I missed most

• Eggs for breakfast: nearly died when I realised this wasn't included. One of the cutest parts about Edward and Bella's honeymoon. Oh well.

• The dog bowl commentary between Rose and Jacob: while there were a few funny snaps between the two about 'dogs', I seriously missed this moment. Rosalie throwing that dog bowl at Jacob's head was one of the funniest moments in the book.

• Bella's car: most people wouldn't have noticed, but right at the start of Breaking Dawn Stephenie Meyer makes a huge deal over the car Edward gave Bella - a Mercedes Guardian. Ridiculous, and I know it was made-up, but I love cars. I just wanted a silly armor-plated car that Bella could drive. I'll just leave that now.

• More Jacob-related side of things: an entire chunk of the book was dedicated to how Jacob felt and from his side of things. Perhaps I was expecting too much, but I NEEDED to see more of Jacob's pain. Foolish, yes.

Overall I was impressed with the nature of Breaking Dawn Part 1. I believe it stayed true to the book and ergo pleased millions of fans across the world. I believe the production team took on board feedback from fans and created a movie that is both appealing, intoxicating and delightful. While it still lacks the 'scary' side of things, it takes us through the impossible journey of Bella, Edward and Jacob and only leaves one hanging for more. Outstanding performances by Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson, and gutting portrayals by Kristen Stewart and Julia Jones. I will definitely be taking the time to see this movie again in cinemas. Maybe a few times. And I look forward to Part 2 - drat those 12 months of waiting!

There you go lovelies. Tell me what you thought of the movie. I am all ears.

A letter of all letters.

Dear Joseph,

It is a testament to your exquisite skills as an actor and my uncanny need to write that I am here, writing this letter – the first I have ever written to a celebrity before (by actually putting words to physical form!).

It is difficult to know where to start! How I think your acting blows me away? How seeing you on the screen, you astound and amaze me? How I can't help but feel every emotion with your character? How your face makes my heart flutter? Or how I have eons of respect for a man for supports such a wonderful organisation like Positive Women? Too many avenues to take. I am torn between filling pages and pages with my adoration for you, or choosing to keep it simple (for your sake I will take the latter optionJ)

I remember seeing you in Alexander and thinking briefly “he’s cute”. I remember seeing you in Mansfield Park and marvelling at your versatility. And I remember seeing you in Ben Hur and wondering how someone’s voice could sound so much like sex. But it wasn’t until you were welcomed into my favourite TV show The Vampire Diaries that I truly began to appreciate you as an actor and as more than just a delicious face.

You have taken us on a journey with Klaus that I don’t feel any other actor could have accomplished in such a dedicated, polished and flawless way. Small features of your own personality leech through into this complex character and make him the Original we all love and adore. You are gifted and brilliant; demonstrated through Klaus’ character development and through your love for this show.

It will be a sad, sad day when Klaus leaves The Vampire Diaries (though who knows? He may stay – Julie and Kevin may see to that ;)) but I have no doubt that you will go on to do many fantastic things (testified by those of your fang fans who have already seen Immortals) and will become one of the “greats”. I will be ready and waiting in front of the TV with a glass of champagne - ready to toast you - when you receive an Academy Award.

As a more recent fang fan I may not have the standing that your ‘original’ followers do – but I still have a dedication that will see you through to the end of your acting career. You have captured me heart and soul Joseph Morgan, and this fan love will never die.

Til the day I meet you and ask for a hug.

Fang-fan-fully yours,

Jayne Balke

The Vampire Diaries never disappoints.

I didn't think The Vampire Diaries could get any better. I thought it was inevitable that the show would start to go downhill, as most shows do when they hit the third season. How ecstatically happy I am that my assumptions have been proven wrong. Because surely, a show isn't supposed to be this epic with every new episode. Surely the characters are not meant to become so intriguing and complex that you feel remorse for even the 'bad' ones. And yet - here we stand. Episode 9 of season 3 - in a whirlwind of trouble; where nothing is sane and no one is safe. Titled "Homecoming", this episode brought us originals, original ideas, original plans - and boy, was it a homecoming to remember.

It was the perfect start - Joseph Morgan did the voice over for 'previously on The Vampire Diaries' again and I swooned. The episode began with Mikael's threat hovering over everyone; issuing Stefan to call Klaus and tell him that his father is dead and dagger-ed. Stefan, Elena and Damon have come up with a plan to lure Klaus back to Mystic Falls, and it requires Mikael's 'death' (oh Sebastian Roche - I automatically react with "om nom nom nom" when he appears on screen).

Klaus is dubious (as you would be) and tells Stefan he wants to hear from Rebekah that Mikael is dead, and when she tells him (albeit painfully) that is the pin that tips the scale - Klaus is coming back. Damon makes his witty quips to lighten the mood ("Now, was that easy or what?") while everybody is wondering whether this plan is actually going to work. Mikael seems pretty confident - at least until Rebekah tells him exactly what she thinks - that he turned them into killers and destroyed their family, not Klaus. [sad face]

Bonnie (a bit cute) tries to get Elena to stay away from homecoming, but secretly she is paining over Jeremy. She tells Elena that she can't be mad at Jeremy like she is - and it's true, Elena couldn't know what she's feeling (how awkward is that situation?). Damon and Elena share a sweet bonding moment while making wolfsbane grenades, and Stefan wanders in asking about ties.

"My luck and you'll go and get yourself murdered by the homecoming queen," - oh Rippah, you are sexy. Stefan basically tells Elena that he won't screw the plan up (ha!) but the person with the most humanity will - meaning Elena herself. Tyler is back to being his douche-bag self, and it's a bit irritating (you NEVER tell your girlfriend that you think another girl that she thinks you're crushing on is hot. Fool. Oh, and then telling her you're 'sired' to her - not exactly nice). Hence why I loved Caroline's response so much: "Quit hanging out with Rebekah, the evil blood slut". Seriously, who wouldn't want to marry her? I would.

Elena and Rebekah share some beautiful moments this episode, which is why I was so SHOCKED to see Elena stake her in the back! I cried. Claire Holt looks all wrong as a pasty grey corpse - especially while wearing that super sexy red dress. Elena - you're a bit of a backstabbing bitch (eerily Katherine-like). Not cool Elena, not cool. Of course, Damon is the only one who understands and "keeps it real". We all know that Damon doesn't trust anybody, and he above all else he wants to keep Elena safe. Seeing Elena trust him implicitly - my heart flutters a few million times over.

We jump to homecoming, and Caroline has an adorable tantrum over the gym being flooded out. The party is moved to Tyler's (especially odd), while Matt is given a "back-up date"; to which I am going to be honest about - I did not pick it to be Katherine. That was a pure shocker for me. Tyler tells Stefan "it's not a party, it's a wake" (I knew it was all a bit fishy) and I inwardly cringe (though my heart did start pounding as soon as Joseph Morgan was on the screen). Everyone is keeping Caroline in the dark, and Klaus tells Stefan that he's going to reunite his entire family (interesting, no?). I enjoy snarky Rippah Stefan - standing up to Klaus a lot more than he used to, and bargaining his freedom in order for Klaus to see staked Mikael.

I particularly love scenes with Sebastian Roche, but this one was most enjoyable: Mikael and Damon have a chat about why he drinks vampires (Damon staying true to his usual badass attitude) - and then Mikael wooshes over and drinks Stefan to unconsciousness. Truly an interesting twist - the plan was getting more complex and I liked it. (Damon didn't like Stefan being "drunk" much eep!)

Klaus tells Tyler that there are hybrids everywhere (who spotted Kimberley Drummond? Excited to see her on TVD! :)); and Tyler snaps and vervains Caroline to "save her" (it's kind of a weird way to save her, don't you think Ty? Oh crap, I'm gonna be told to kill her later so I'd better jab a needle in my girl's neck and hoik her off - seriously Ty? You fail at life today).

I should have picked up on the fact that "Elena" wasn't Elena when Klaus showed up in front of her. I found myself staring at Joseph Morgan's mouth in this part, so I had to replay the same bit over and over to fully understand it: "Well I'll get straight to the point then shall I love? People have been after me for a thousand years, and I am always one step ahead. So whatever it is that you're thinking of trying, go for it. Give it your best shot. You won't succeed" (oh how the plot thickens!)

Damon makes a classic Damon entrance by RSVP'ing with a ripped out heart (bye bye doorman hybrid), then he goes and has a biff with Tyler. Annoyingly he tried to stake him, but Bonnie saved the day with her witchy migrain thingy. We realise that Damon has the proper 'originals' stake, and Kim-hybrid tells Klaus that Mikael is here - and all hell breaks loose.

Herein comes the most intense 5 minutes of TVD that I have ever witnessed. Mikael and Klaus face-off, and Klaus threatens Mikael with his juiced-up, I-obey-all-commands hybrids, while Mikael threatens Klaus with killing 'Elena'. Then Mikael tells Klaus he has nobody anymore - and Joseph Morgan cries and my little heart breaks in a million pieces (SO SAD). Then, quick as a flash, Damon tries to stake Klaus but can't quite get it in, and 'Elena' (Katherine) jumps up (shocking everyone) and wolfbane grendades all the hybrids, before Stefan knocks Damon off Klaus (HORROR) and then Klaus stabs Mikael and he burns up in flames and we're all sitting here gasping and going "OMG OMG OMG".

(cue my moment to pause and breathe) Klaus releases Stefan from his compulsion - which is possibly the only good thing that came of the destroyed plan (except that Klaus is still alive and ergo, Joseph Morgan is still in the show, yay). Tyler tries to explain to Caroline that he's happier now because he's not controlled by the full moon - but Caroline can't stay with him now (nooo FORWOOD. Devastation).

We move back to the Salvatore house and Damon is having a mental about the fact that his flawless plan didn't work. So in true Delena-style (<3), Elena grabs his face in her hands (HEART THUDS; ELECTRICITY) and tells him that: "we'll survive this. We always surive". She tells him that they have to let Stefan go - and then Katherine ruins the moment with a phonecall (why are cute moments always interrupted by phone calls? Irks me).

Then - MORE shockers. Stefan is with Katherine, and he tells Katherine that Damon doesn't need to know why the plan went wrong. We find out that by killing Klaus, Damon would have died. Ergo, Stefan chose his love for Damon over his need for Klaus to be dead. I've always believed that Katherine truly loved Stefan and Damon, and she basically confirms that by reiterating it to Stefan. Stefan tells her he can't let all his humanity back in - and amazingly, Katherine looks like the one who will bring it out of him! By - drum roll please - taking REVENGE.

The last few moments are so tense that I was as wound up as a spring: "I wonder Klaus, as someone who's been one step ahead for a thousand years, were you prepared for this?" [dies] and we are left hanging with the horrible hiatus in front of us!

So there you have it! A very long recap but I felt this episode deserved it! What did everyone else think? Were you waving an "I told you so" flag like me when Katherine came back? (that girl won't ever die) Were your hearts thudding when Elena touched Damon's face? Were you irked at Tyler too, and devastated about Forwood? Did Joseph Morgan crying make you cry? What were your favorite moments? SO MANY QUESTIONS. Tweet me @jayneymoo or sound off in the comments below! :)

"If you wake Mikael then we are all doomed."

This episode gave me tingles and shivers - not to mention that my brain is literally exploding with questions and overwhelmed with the information we've learned.

On that note, let's dive right into this recap.

"And I think this piece goes here.. oh no oops, over there."

Ric and Elena are wandering through the caves muttering about bats (ironic?), and then Damon gives Elena a heart-attack (super hilarious) before telling Elena the old Lockwoods must have hated vampires too. Elena and Ric head into the part of the cave Damon can't enter and they look at the stick figures - oh sorry, cave paintings - and Ric does an all-powerful assessment and says it's Viking script and there's the names of their 3 fav originals. Klaus, Rebekah and Elijah. (Elena nearly passes out, she's so shocked).

So it takes us back in time to when Klaus and Rebekah are carving their names on the walls. It's a bit cute; for brother and sister they seem very close. We learn that Mikael is 'papa original' [jaws drop] and thus it mustn't have been made up cave drawings by Klaus.

Sebastian Roche. Om nom nom nom.

Damon is still teaching Elena how to fight (does anybody else not focus on what they're saying when Damon and Elena are touching?) and Elena believes that asking Rebekah is the best way to find out more information. She heads off to speak to her and it doesn't start out well - "If you wake Mikael then we are all doomed. Sounds super ominous. Smeh, bring on Sebastian Roche I say.

Rebekah flashes back to a play fight between Elijah and Klaus (little brother Henrik is there - and I wonder where the other original brothers and sisters are). We find out that Mikael was not all cute and fluffy - he was a bit of a tyrant and had it out for Klaus. Her story is interrupted by a concerned Damon who calls Elena while he is headed to see tied-up Rippah Stefan.

In the cell, Stefan's all like: "Elena's plans never work out" and Damon's like: "Yeah I know bro, so I'm gonna release ya and we're gonna go drink people and whiskey". (And apparently - that plan worked). Rebekah invites Elena over for a fashion show.. and I am instantly in love with her (not that I wasn't before - but she shows how sassy and strong, but also vulnerable and caring she can be). Claire Holt is incredible. Anyway.

Ric invites Bonnie over and asks her to bring the necklace, and in return he offers some great advice about Gilbert men: "Trust me, we learn eventually", I hope so, for Jeremy's sake. We discover that Ric has been playing puzzle and has worked out that the symbol of the necklace means 'witch' which I didn't get meant 'original witch' and 'original mother' - [cue my brain going into overdrive].

Too sad for a witty caption. Love these two.

Rebekah tells Elena about the werewolves and how they lived together in peace for 20 years... until Henrik was killed because of them (and Klaus who was a naughty boy and snuck them out on a full moon). Damon calls Elena in the midst of all this and of course, she hears Stefan in the background and Damon tells her he's "got it". Then we all enjoy more of Rippah Stefan as he talks about his "bunny diet" and flips coins into a glass (how does he DO that?!). It was kind of eerie, the two of them are too similar at the moment. Except until Damon shows his "humanity" later...

Anyway Elena is given a bit of a low-down on vampires by Rebekah, claiming that they are predators and don't care - but Elena is smarter and coys her into talking more (Elena's satisfied smirk.. love). We find out that vampirism was created as 'protection' rather than a 'curse'. It was pride that got them there too.. and they were warned that this magic would breed consequence. Esther and Mikael were told that it would be the makings of a 'plague' and right she was [Ayeanna?]. But Mikael is having none of it - and BAM Esther created the curse in her 'original-witch-ness' (more jaw dropping).

I liked the way Rebekah explained how Esther turned them, "calling upon the sun for life and the ancient White Oak tree (one of nature's eternal objects) for immortality" (her voice gave me shivers). And then - Mikael gave them wine laced with blood and drove his sword through their hearts (I jumped).

"Help me pick a prom dress bitch!"

Flashback again and we find out that Mikael forced Rebekah to drink blood to complete the ritual, and Klaus tried to stop him but failed. Rebekah explains that for "every strength there would be a weakness"; people could now keep them out; the flowers at the base of the White Oak burned and prevented compulsion and the spell decreed that the tree that gave them life could also take it away. But the darkest consequence was the hunger for blood.. OVERLOAD ON INFORMATION MUCH? I don't think I breathed through her entire spiel. Just saying.

Claire Holt is brilliant.

We jump back to present day and Stefan is snacking on Callie in front of everyone. He asks Damon: "What's the point of the jailbreak?" to which Damon replies: "Because I thought you needed a hug Stefan" (lol). And then suddenly - MIKAEL is there! In all of Sebastian Roche's gloriousness. Epic.

Rebekah continues her story. We find out that Esther turned her back on Klaus, and Mikael went on a rampage and killed half the village. But shocker - Rebekah thinks that Mikael killed her mother, but actually it was Klaus - and he's been lying to her this entire time because he didn't want to be alone (naww.... ugh? I am torn).

Then there's this super sweet family moment between Elijah, Rebekah and Klaus (linking hands, together forever). Rebekah explains to Elena that she still loves Klaus, because "he's her brother and I'm immortal". She shouldn't spend an eternity alone! No no no.

[side note: Elena - you might want Klaus dead, but I surely don't]

And now Elena has Rebekah's threat hovering over her - except that might change, with the revelation of Klaus' lie.

Damon almost gets his heart ripped out by Mikael, except apparently Stefan can still care - since he saves Damon's life AGAIN. And Mikael threatens Stefan with his own life if he doesn't lure Klaus back to Mystic Falls.. Dum dum dum.

Ric, Bonnie and Elena are in the caves mulling over the stick figures, and then Elena pieces together the puzzle of Esther's death.. and goes to tell Rebekah. (cue my heart breaking for her.. she looked so upset and lost).

"Yeah, I know I should have hugged her Damon."

P.S. Elena should have hugged her. Her whole world was just ripped apart. Why not give her a little cuddle? Tiny, minuscule even? Just saying.

Stefan tells Damon that he didn't have a breakthrough, but I'm sorry Stefan - you did. And I would so punch Stefan after that statement too. Loved Paul Wesley laying on the ground gasping and chuckling though.

And then - my favourite part of the episode: the famous end Delena scene. Damon just doesn't move from her bed, and I love that Elena gave up and climbed into bed next to him. They share a little moment where Elena talks about the "bond of family". Elena: "I'm not mad at you for letting him out Damon. I think that you're gonna be the one to save him for himself." [soft sigh, pause] "It won't be because he loves me, it'll be because he loves you." Naww. Think on that Damon.

Cue soft loving looks at Elena as she falls asleep. And that's another episode wrapped!

My questions

• What's the deal with Klaus? Why did he feel the need to kill his own mother I wonder?
• What will happen now that Rebekah knows about Klaus? Will she go onto Delena/Ric's team or stay sided with brother-dearest?
• Damon and Elena are all kinds of adorable. And I think that their romance will happen, despite the screams of Stelena fans. I just think that the writers have to explore that option.. what does everyone else think?
• Is anyone else literally in LOVE with Claire Holt after this episode? Cos I surely am.
• I'm wondering whether Mikael is all that bad... I mean, Klaus did kill his wife. Hmm.

Alright my dears, have fun reading and sound off in comments! You can tweet me on @jayneymoo or just chat to me in general :D I love your thoughts!

Leave your 'unfinished business' at peace please.

Okay firstly: wow. Just wow. We were promised ghosts, drama, and more ghosts - and that's what this episode delivered. TVD certainly does not disappoint.

The opening scene is eerily deja vu, as Damon put it. Here sits our hunk, Mas- oh. It's Damon skewered to a chair, while Mason watches in the background. Damon thinks it's Stefan who's playing a "twisted ripper game", but no. It's ghost Mason - out for revenge! (Or so we think at first ;))

We are introduced to Night of Illumination day, another founder's celebration. Jeremy is chilling with Alaric and looking oh-so-hot, as usual. Oh but wait, there's more. Ghost Anna is there and she's happy to give ghostly quips and clasp Jeremy's hand, while Ric and Elena stand there oblivious. Kinda creepy?

Bonnie and Caroline are having a D'n'M over Jeremy seeing Anna, and it's obvious Bonnie is hurting (can you blame her? I mean, she freaking brings Jeremy BACK TO LIFE and he's enjoying the spoils of life after death? Terrible boyfriend I tell you).

Damon rolls up in his Chevy looking gorgeously pissed off . I always chuckle at Damon's witty remarks, but these few are going in the favourites vault: "Greetings blondie, witchy." [cue Caroline and Bonnie's rolling eyes]. "Yeah well I don't have time for vengeful Lockwood - when I kill someone, they're supposed to stay dead." [Caroline and Bonnie are miffed].

Elena, Ric and Jeremy are talking about "the other side" and Elena deems that Lexi is the only way to reach Stefan. Little Anna watches on (albeit very sad-looking). Matt promises he hasn't seen Vicki, and wants no part of the ghostly business. Bonnie's grimoire blows open to a spell that "reveals veiled matter": basically code for "ghosts" (hoo boy). Back at the Grill table, Rippah Stefan rocks up and is sexier than ever. "Besides there's going to be people everywhere tonight. So there's going to be lots to eat". LOL.

Bonnie and Caroline are on a mission to do the 'revelation' spell, but before I go into that:

JANNA MOMENT: Jeremy decides before it's all over, he's gonna pucker up and kiss Anna (he kissed a ghost? A DEAD ghost? I suppose I shouldn't be grosed out, considering Elena's been macking out with dead people since the beginning). Actually it was a super sweet moment. Lots of heart flutters. Steven McQueen is delicious.

Damon tries to convince Ric that Mason is back for revenge, and Ric's still a tad angry at Damon for snapping his neck. Herein comes my favorite part of the episode: "Grams?" BAM. "Lexi?" SNAP. "God I miss whisky." HELLO. "Told ya." YEP.

Lexi is back and she's BADASS. I actually yelped out loud when I saw her - and I was super excited that she was going to try bringing Stefan's humanity back (though let's face it... that wasn't gonna happen).

Grams tells Bonnie she's upset the balance of nature and she needs to set it right by destroying Elena's necklace. Elena is crazy pissed at Anna and Jeremy for kissing, and rightly so. But that's going to have to wait - Lexi grabs Elena and takes her on a "ripper detox 101: crash course".

Mason tells Damon (shocker!) he doesn't want revenge, just an apology. And in order to get information about how to kill Klaus that's just what Damon has to do (which he does... awkwardly). Mason accepts the apology with a laugh, and tells Damon to meet him at the old Lockwood Cellar with a shovel (curious?).

We cut to the old jail, where Stefan is tied to a chair and Lexi warns Elena that dragging Stefan's humanity out of the depths of his soul won't be pretty (funny that). Then she does some weird mind-control thing whereby Stefan's veins start to pop out of his skin and he gargles in pain.

Meanwhile Damon joins Mason in the Lockwood cellar, and the two smash through a wall to "un-bury secrets". Damon wonders if Mason is leading him into a trap, and I'll admit - I thought he was too.

Lexi is still torturing Stefan and his snarky Rippah side is showing (as well as a cruel jab at Elena; UGH I cringed for her). Lexi reacts and tortures him further and explains to Elena that she "has to make him see past the blood". Elena doesn't take it so well, and has to bail.

Caroline is forced to tell Bonnie that Jeremy kissed Anna, but (always amazing) she steps up and tells Bonnie to power on!

Then MORE SHOCKERS. Some of the tomb vampires are back, and they are DEFINITELY out for revenge! The illumination lights are switched on and looky here - Tobias Fell has been strung to a tree, his guts spilling everywhere (yuck). Cue mad panic.

[note: I'm really hating on this 'unfinished business' crap. I wish ghosts would just find peace and leave]

After Elena comes up for air, she walks right into the middle of the madness (amazing shot here by the way - lights flashing behind Elena's head. Brilliant cinematography in this show). Bonnie and Caroline still can't find the necklace, and Caroline blames Anna (rightly so!). Jeremy believes her puppy dog eyes and Caroline tells him to wake up before he loses everything (damn straight!).

We jump back to Damon and Mason wandering through the caves and Damon gets a little more than poker-stabbed as chooses the opposite route to Mason's suggestion (no my poor baby!). It appears as though Mason has left him and my heart literally stopped (who was gonna save him?!).

Back at the town square, Elena tries to snap some sense into Jeremy and lo and behold, Anna produces the necklace (yeah, I saw that coming).

Wonderfully, Mason is back and chops Damon free, and Damon can't understand why. Mason tells him that all they do on the other side is watch people and regret decisions they've made (redemption not revenge!) and you can see that Damon is a tiny bit baffled (hopefully that draws some more of Damon's soulful side out).

Caroline is on FIRE this episode. Rescuing Mrs Lockwood as well as keeping Bonnie together. What a babe.

Anna and Jeremy share a super-sad moment where Anna confesses she hasn't been able to find her mum, and then she hands over the necklace. Meanwhile Lexi realises she's almost out of time and tries to use the necklace as a way to lure Stefan's humanity out. Stefan: "ironic then that it's about to get blown into pieces" - isn't it just?

Bonnie and Grams team up and cast their spell to destroy the necklace - and all the ghosts begin to disappear. The tomb vampires are the first to go, then Mason (before he gets to deliver an important message to Damon ARGH!), then Lexi (who passes on her fight to Elena), and then, saddest of them all - Anna. But not before she reunites with Pearl, and tears out-pour all around the world. Before Grams leaves she tells Bonnie she's "the strongest of them all" and we are left with a sense that maybe everybody can move on now that all this 'unfinished business' has been taken care of (well... almost all of it).

Damon brings Ric into the cellar and expresses his trust towards him, and we all leave with a sense that their bromance is closer to being solved than it was before. I mean, could you really keep on hating that face? Really?

Elena tells Stefan she still hasn't given up hope and that he can break through the compulsion if he fights for it - otherwise she'll be gone forever (really love the use of "I won't love a ghost for the rest of my life"; completely fitting and beautifully tragic).

And then - SHOCK OF ALL SHOCKS: that necklace is alive! And Ric has walked in on a cave of - stick men? Huh? Oh wait, turns out it's stories of the originals. Which we will find out about NEXT WEEK.

Once again, TVD delivers on a fabulous episode. My only qualms? No Delena moments, and Aunt Jenna didn't come back [mega sad face]. What does everyone else think? Good episode? Favourite moments? Sound off below! :)

Mini rant (I had to do it, I'm SORRY!)

Ok. Was anyone else as irked with Jeremy this episode as I was? Granted, the Janna scenes were AH-mazing, but seriously? Bonnie was right- Matt gave up his SISTER (though I don't blame him, Vicki was physcho) STILL. And it must be said.... JENNA SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THIS EPISODE. Phew. Yes okay I know you all know my love for Sara Canning.. but c'mon, neither Elena or Jeremy decided to think of Jenna? Really? It's not like all her business was finished and she'd found peace.. she died a freaking vampire, staked to death by Klaus! You so don't find peace after that. You haunt the shit out of that town! You hang around your niece and nephew like a hawk! And apparently we're so moved on from her death that we don't even consider asking her to come round?

Okay. Breathe. End that rant. Comments please :D Or tweet me @jayneymoo

Once Upon A Time [there was a man known as] Grimm.

As far as fairytales go, these two shows certainly steer away from the norm.

Once Upon A Time

I was initially drawn to the pilot episode of Once Upon A Time purely based on the fact that Ginnifer Goodwin stars in it (I figure anything with her is bound to be good). So I took the time and sat down to watch this intriguing looking show and was quickly entranced. Once Upon A Time follows the journey of Snow White, her Prince, the Evil Queen and a host of other fairytale characters after Snow White and the Prince get married and are threatened to lose everything they hold dear by the Evil Queen. It's your typical story (I was reminded of Disney's Enchanted) until it flips to present day and you meet Emma Swan: an unhappy bail bondsman and bounty hunter (though seriously sexy in a hot pink dress). As it turns out, Emma is Snow White & Prince Charming's daughter, and 'present day' is set 28 years after the Evil Queen places her curse on the kingdom. The curse is such that all the fairytale characters are trapped in 'our world' (a place with no happy endings) in a town called Storybrooke where time stands still and none of the characters can remember who they are or how they got here.

Here's a quick rundown of the key characters and why I love them so far:

• Ginnifer Goodwin plays two characters, the first being our classic Snow White and the second being Mary Margaret Blanchard, a kindly, gentle school teacher who albeit seems (understandably) lost. I love her portrayal of the teacher more than her version of Snow White, because it falls more into what Ginnifer is good at (the type of character she normally plays). Plus, it's difficult to watch anyone play a cartoon character and not think it's just a tiny bit cheesy.

• Joshua Dallas is Prince Charming and John Doe, named so because he was hurt in his own world by the Evil Queen's guards and left in a coma in our world. I adore Josh; there is very little I can say that's bad about him. When he cradled baby Emma I felt a little whoosh of admiration move through my body. He's adorable. Anyway, he plays Prince Charming rather well, and is especially convincing as he tells his wife to hide out in the special wardrobe to protect her and her child (sadly that backfired for Snow White, but still saved Emma). However as John Doe in a coma there's not much he can do in our world. It'll be interesting to see more of him in the weeks to come.

• Jennifer Morrison plays Emma Swan, and is the 'ultimate key' to breaking the curse on the Enchanted Forest and its inhabitants. She is approached by the son she gave up (Henry) and told about a book detailing the stories of each fairytale character and her role in saving them. Hesitant to believe him at first, it takes a few meaningful moments between the two before she decides to give Henry what he asked for - to stay a week in Storybrooke with him.

• Speaking of Henry, Jared Gilmore plays this character and he does a fantastic job of it. I always admire child stars, but Jared (I have a feeling) is going to be a superstar. I loved him in Mad Men, loved him in The Back-up Plan (YES I actually remember him from that) and I already love him in this. I think if I ever gave a kid up for adoption and he decided to track me down - I'd want him to be like Henry. He's so bold, but obviously holds a lot of secrets close to his chest. And we find out that he's kind of a loner; and his foster mum is actually Evil Queen who apparently KNOWS who she is and isn't too happy to see him bonding with Emma.

• Lana Parrilla is the Evil Queen herself, and alias foster mum and Storybrooke's mayor Regina Mills. She is dark and beautiful as the Evil Queen, but just as icy and sexy as Henry's adoptive mother. I did wonder whether she would know who everyone in the town is meant to be; and then her dangerous glare into the mirror while she clutched the story book confirmed it. Lana is impressive, to say the least. I look forward to seeing more layers of her character.

• The final character I absolutely HAVE to mention is Rumpelstiltskin/Mr Gold, played byRobert Carlyle. As if Robert himself wasn't fantastic, the characters of Rumpelstiltskin and Mr Gold are equally great. We haven't seen much of Mr Gold yet, the prospective 'owner' of the entire town of Storybrooke, but it looks like he might be in on the Evil Queen's plan more than first thought. But as Rumpelstiltskin - wow. Carlyle delivers a downright scary performance as the evil character who knows the future and demands to find out Emma's name from Snow White at the beginning. He fits the character perfectly; and why shouldn't he? After the other movies we have seen him in. Can't wait to see more.

I think at this stage this show could go either way. There has only been the pilot, so I don't want to jump to any conclusions, but if it keeps the same zeal and intrigue as this week's episode I think it will do well. The characters are interesting at best, but there are elements of their personalities I look forward to being shown more of. Hidden layers of mystery reside in Storybrooke and in the Enchanted Forest, and only time will tell how much of an influence the past and present have had on each other.

Grimm

Now to talk about NBC's new show Grimm! Another fabulous-looking fantasy show, Grimm takes us on a journey of crime and horror, coupled with a Supernatural-like need to "destroy evil". Set in Portland, it follows homicide detective Nick Burkhardt who is unaware he is descended from a long line of hunters (this is where the Supernatural side of things comes in) known as 'Grimms'. These hunters can see evil creatures somehow in flickers of their vulnerability, and this lets them know who is human and who is not. Nick is approached by his [aunt?] Marie and told that staying with his girlfriend Juliette is a bad idea because he's about to go all mojo on monsters in the town (as she is dying and the task will pass on to him). Now granted I am a HUGE fantasy fan, so I was already hooked at the sight of evil monsters and any amount of mysterious crimes going on, but the actors in Grimm are appealing at best and wondrous at worst - so I'd definitely recommend checking out the first episode.

The cast:

• David Guintoli plays the homicide detective and future Grimm-hunter Nick Burckhardt. I haven't seen him in many shows before, but (at least in looks) he reminds me of Zachary Quinto so I liked him immediately. Nick is as dumbfounded as you would be, being told by a woman you lived with when you were younger that "your parents didn't crash, they were killed" and "there's so much you don't know about our family". In Secret Circle-esque style, Nick is forced to find out about his family through whatever means possible - including a monster known as 'Eddie'. He does well though, considering the circumstances!

• Silas Weir Mitchell plays Eddie Monroe, a reformed monster who has decided he doesn't kill people anymore. I love Mitchell because he was Charles in Prison Break (a show that had so much potential for more) and in Grimm he doesn't disappoint either. He does 'trippy' better than anyone I know. Eddie assists Nick with seeking out another monster who had captured a little girl and had been killing people in Hansel and Gretal fashion (played by Tim Bagley). I think it'll be fun to see how much of a part Eddie plays in helping Nick discover his destiny as a hunter.

• Kate Burton plays Marie, Nick's [aunt] (I'm going to use Aunt tentatively because I can't quite remember) and former Grimm hunter. She is sick enough to the point that her 'abilities' are passing onto Nick, and she has the mother-load of all weapons in her trailer, along with a mysterious necklace she passes onto Nick and tells him to guard with his life. The necklace turns into some kind of key; but to open what, we are yet to find out. Burton is a star in all respects; I know her best from Grey's Anatomy and I do hope she survives long enough to give us more of a glimpse of her fantastic acting skills.

• Other characters include Juliette Silverton, played by Bitsie Tulloch and Hank Griffin, played by Russell Hornsby. Juliette is Nick's soon-to-be fiance, and a bit of a background character at the moment I feel. Perhaps we will see more of her in future episodes, but I am not sure her character will develop as much as we might like. However, I will accept it if I am wrong! Hank Griffin, on the other hand, is Nick's partner and has a much more prominent role in the show thus far. He helped Nick rescue the little girl at the end and I wouldn't be surprised if Nick decided to confide in him. He plays your typical 'cop' but there is definite potential for more character growth.

• And lastly I will mention Captain Renard, portrayed by Sasha Roiz and Sergent Wu, played by Reggie Lee. Captain Renard we find out is actually a monster of some kind, and is planning to kill Marie at the most opportune moment. He is in an ideal position to 'keep an eye on things' while enacting his master plan (what that is, I am sure we will find out). Sergent Wu is a background character at this stage as well, but Lee is one of my favourite actors so I hope he becomes a more integral part of this show.

Overall I am enjoying Grimm so far (all one episode of it!) because it has an intensity that leaves you a little breathless and hanging out for more. What I love about these two shows is that they challenge the traditional notion (or should I say, the Disney version) of what a 'fairytale' should be. I was never much of a Brothers Grimm fan (Supernatural was the only show that even remotely captured my interest in that story) but this version of the Grimm tale is by far the most interesting I have come across. I truly enjoy a good scare, and Tim Bagley delivers an extra nice touch as the evil postman. More please :)

And there you have it folks. Make of it what you will, but I definitely recommend watching the pilots of these two shows when you have a chance. Grimm airs on NBC Channel on Fridays (or you can stream it online if you don't live where it airs!) and ABC's Once Upon A Time airs on Sundays on ABC Channel. Watch them now :)

For those of you who have seem them - what did you think? Do you agree with my thoughts? Are you liking them so far? Sound off in the comments or tweet me: @jayneymoo I'd love to hear from you!