Hooked on The Vampire Diaries show

Developed by: Kevin Williamson & Julie Plec
Based on the novels by: L.J. Smith

Starring: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Steven R. McQueen, Sara Canning, Katerina Graham, Candice Accola, Zach Roerig, Kayla Ewell, Michael Trevino, Matt Davis

Well, well, this is another series for me to get addicted with. I recently finished reading The Awakening by L.J. Smith. While I thought the book was okay, I couldn't help feeling curious about The Vampire Diaries TV show. Technically, I watched the pilot episode before reading the book. So I noticed some differences when I began reading.

The main character and heroine, Elena Gilbert is totally different in the book and TV show. In the book, she is a total drama queen and gets everything her way. She seems to have the perfect life, perfect clothes, perfect friends and even a perfect boy in love with her. To make things even more perfect than it already is, she meets the mysterious, broody Stefan Salvatore who dresses just as well too! But wait, he shows resistance and doesn't seem drawn toward Elena's charms.

However, in the TV show, wow, Stefan is immediately smitten by her. They first meet when they bumped into each other at the boys' toilet. Sparks flew! Elena didn't have to work hard to get Stefan's attention. Life's easier for Elena in the TV show. Hey, they even kiss in the second episode. How fast is that? In the book, we feel Elena getting desperate because Stefan keeps ignoring her!

Instead of having a little sister like in the book, TV Elena has a good-looking but stoned adoptive younger brother named Jeremy. He's in love with Elena's ex-boyfriend's sister, Vicki. These TV series sure like to make things complicated. The ex-bf, Matt, looks kind of constipated the whole time. I know he's hurt because Elena dumped him but they could have maintained his character as being best friends with her.

Let's move on to the vamp guys! Stefan is as described in the book. On TV, he just couldn't keep his eyes off Elena. And his brother Damon. Damon loves to taunt Stefan. But I felt his character was somewhat different from the book. He seems much more 'mature' in the book while on TV, it's no surprise if he stuck out his tongue at Stefan. Perhaps he believes in being young at heart despite being a century-year-old vampire.

The visual and sound effects were good. Damon in vampire form freaked me out. How I got startled when he appeared out of nowhere, with evil eyes and sharp, creepy fangs all out.

And wow, Elena's Aunt Jenna is young and beautiful. She could pass off as Elena's sister. Mr Tanner ain't that bad-looking too. I wonder how old he really is in the book.

Okay, enough chit-chat for now. I'm off to watch Episode 3. :)