Gilbert Gables. Wait. Look, I've got to take a different approach. This episode depressed the hell out of me the first time I saw it, and it's not getting any better upon re-watch. I just marked the tenth anniversary of my Dad's death. I don't know if it's that, or the weather, or if despite this season's best efforts, I still root for and feel for Elena, but I can't wallow in this episode's pain -- for my own sake, I just can't do it. I won't do it. I'm glad for the mini-hiatus to come, I tell you what.

I've seen some people criticizing "Stand By Me" for being a poor man's version of "The Body." The similarities were certainly in my mind when I quoted Anya's "fruit punch" speech in my recaplet. I know that Julie Plec is a Buffy fan, and I'm sure others on the writing staff are as well. That said, comparing TVD to BtVS is, vampires aside, not all that different than comparing apples to oranges. Sure, there are vampires and love triangles, but TVD doesn't have the heart that Buffy does, and I don't think it means to. BtVS is has a strong moral sensibility. The characters commit immoral acts all the time, but its sense of right and wrong oozes off of every frame. TVDis more nihilistic. I guess I'm only going into this for two reasons. First, I'm admittedly trying to avoid delving into the coming pain. Second, despite some fandom sentiment, I don't think "Stand By Me" in any way rips off "The Body." I'm not even sure I'd call it an homage to "The Body." It's a hat tip. The similarities are there, and are likely on purpose, but at most, the younger show is tipping its hat in the direction of its the cool, older cousin to which is has always looked up. TVD is like me in comparison to my cousin Maureen, whom none of you know, so that isn't useful, but just go with it.