Meanwhile, over on The Vampire Diaries, the Salvatore brothers saved Elena from some new vamps that kidnapped her, and as usual, Stefan got all the glory. (Though Damon did get a silent "thank you" from Elena while she was hugging Stefan to undeath.) Then later Damon came to Elena's room to return her vervain necklace, withholding it until he could say what he needed to say. Which was, wait for it..."I love you" (!)
Jaw, meet floor. Even though you knew it was coming, it was still impossible not to let out a gasp upon hearing Damon's confession. And you barely had time to recover from the initial shock before Damon was telling her that he doesn't deserve her...but his brother does (which is more brotherly affection we've seen from him in one and a half seasons). He kissed her on the forehead, told her "I wish you didn't have to forget this," and then came the clincher: A closeup of his piercing blue eye with a single tear streaming down as he used his vampire powers to wipe her memory of their entire exchange.What is it about bad boys showing their vulnerability that is so attractive? This has to be some kind of evolutionary flaw. In any case, I think that scene served as something of a last meal for fans of the Damon-Elena romance, (SPOILER ALERT!) since new vamp Rose (for whom the episode was named) is supposed to be a new love interest for Damon. Speaking for myself, I think that scene was hearty enough to sustain me until at least the end of the season. (You can watch or rewatch the scene here.)
As for which of these two scenes should win the most-replays-on-the-DVR award of the week, I'd say it's a tie. Either way, a big congratulations to The CW for surprising me once again with their deliciously entertaining television. Even if they did cancel Veronica Mars.