In the early 90's a series of books by L.J. Smith called the Vampire Diaries were written. Although I never got around to reading them, somewhere in Connecticut Stephenie Meyer was under the covers with a flashlight filing away the info for her future tomes, which would be written off the backs of these before-their-time pop culture gems.

Now that the CW has weathered their intro season, managing to hook me (although I have a feeling it has more to do with Paul Wesley playing Stefan Salvatore) we figured it's an obvious choice for BF to cover the show, throw in our two-cents and hear from our readers.

For those of you who haven't watched yet, but plan to this season, you can either go online and watch the first and last three episodes or check out the cliff notes version below:

Stefan and Damon Salvatore are brothers, turned into vampires against their will by the lovely Katherine back in 1864. Katherine was killed in a fire--although there seems to be more to that story. Stefan is the good vampire and Damon, not so much--it's a toss up as to who's hotter, but I've already stated my preference. Both brothers want Elena, drawn by the fact that she's a dead-ringer (no pun intended) for Katherine.

Elena and Jeremy Gilbert lost their parents in a car accident and now live with their Aunt Jenna, who's conveniently absent most of the time. Jeremy is lusting after Vicki Donovan, a low level druggie with no self-esteem and Jeremy's first sexual experience. Vicki dates Tyler Lockwood, a total dick, but apparently his attitude is an angry response to his elitist parents. Vicki's brother, Matt, is Elena's sweet, all-American ex-boyfriend. Caroline Forbes is Elena's annoying, needy friend and Elena's BFF Bonnie Bennett, barely tolerates Caroline.

Now that you know the main players, here is the season in review:

Stefan gets Elena. Damon settles for Caroline, but she's so annoying he ends up just making her his bitch and feeding from her. Bonnie realizes she's a witch. Elena figures out what Stefan is and tearfully breaks up with him. Then she changes her mind. Then Stefan changes his mind. Then they have sex --but that's much later.

Poor Vicki keeps getting attacked in the woods (by Damon), you'd think she'd learn. Eventually Vicki and Damon end up hanging out. On a whim Damon turns Vicki. Vicki is now out of control with hunger. Stefan tries to prevent Vicki from drinking human blood, but she manages to eat Aunt Jenna's egotistic-ex and TV reporter, Logan. On Halloween night, at the school costume party, Vicki is able to rock the vampire look with no questions. Elena is dressed as a nurse, but we'll talk about the psychology of that another time. Vicki corners Jeremy, but Elena shows up in time and is attacked instead. Stefan stakes Vicki, Damon drags away her body and Jeremy stands there shocked.

Back at the house Stefan and Elena lament over what to do with Jeremy, Elena starts yet another break-up speech, when Damon shows up and does a solid by glamouring Jeremy to think Vicki went away and all is good. So now Jeremy lives in ignorant bliss, rather than tortured love. (Wouldn't that be nice). Things with Caroline and Matt seem to be heating up -- no doubt spurred by Matt's little head, because his big head seems confused as to why he would like someone so annoying.

A strange history teacher comes on the scene, although we're not sure what/who he really is. Logan manages to come back from the dead (at yet another night-time school function) and drives off with Caroline, who is chattering away, just before Logan slams her head into the window--we, the viewers, are silently thankful. Jeremy and Tyler are enemies (brought on by the whole vying for Vicki thing), but a run-in with Tyler's asshole father--who also happens to be the mayor--makes Jeremy realize that Tyler doesn't have it easy. Finding him sitting alone, Jeremy tries to be Tyler's BFF, but gets punched in the face instead. Asked what his problem is, Tyler responds "I don't know", while a full moon hangs ominously in the sky. Meanwhile, the history teacher finds Logan at his warehouse hide-out and stakes him.

Now back to the sex. Elena drives Stefan home after the eventful gathering at the school where Logan attacked Caroline and Jeremy and Tyler have started the bro-love brewing. Stefan explains that he's leaving for her (Elena's) own good and walks away. Not about to be the dumpee, Elena leaps from car and tells Stefan she loves him. All teary and doe-eyed Stefan goes to her and they end up in his bed. Tastefully shot (sadly) the two conclude their union and lay in post-coital bliss. Stefan, always the gentleman, gets up to get Elena something to drink. Where the rest of us would be resting up for round two, Elena, as usual, has to ruin the moment by snooping, finds the photo of Katherine and storms out. Really? A dead girl from 145 years ago, the reason two hot guys are lusting after you, causes you to storm out in a jealous rage; after what I can only imagine had to be the best sex of your short adult life. Grow up, Elena, or you'll find yourself back with your fumbling, quick-draw, high school farm boy.

The season ends with Elena driving home and hitting a mystery person. The car rolls, trapping Elena upside down as the figure peels itself off the road and walks toward her.

Now you're all caught up. New episodes January 21st. See you soon.