According to the very reputable source Urban Dictionary, “backwash” is defined as, “When liquid escapes the mouth during the process of drinking, though it can also be created intentionally by an act of spitting or purposely letting liquid fall from one’s mouth and back into the container.” Now what does this have to do with the show “The Vampire Diaries”? Well, it has everything to do with it because that is exactly what this show is: tainted, gross, and worse than the original source.

The original water I was referring to in my analogy is that of the movie (or the book) that kick started this vampire/werewolf phase a couple years ago. That movie is Twilight. Now, I absolutely can’t stand Twilight (because of terrible acting, lack of plot, and the whole team Jacob or Edward thing) but at least it was a fairly original twist on an old story. That is where the Vampire Diaries (VD) is completely lacking; not a single shred of originality. VD is a cheap, less creative carbon copy of the Twilight series. The Vampire Diaries inhibits the flaws of Twilight: poor character development, aimless posing/staring by characters, a male character who “feeds” on all creatures except humans, petty feuds, and “dream boys.”

In literature, VD actually preceded Twilight. So is Twilight the copycat? VD is based off a book series published in 1991, some 14 years before the Stephenie Meyer’s book hit bookshelves in 2005. I contend that Twilight is the OG (original gangsta) because it was the first to hit the big screen. A year or so later, The CW sought to cash in on the small screen by targeting prepubescent girls/guys and capitalize on the vampire craze and release a show that mimicked Twilight.

For what it is worth, this show has a redeeming factor to it from my perspective. VD has a great soundtrack to it. It pains me to say that it features great music throughout its runtime. VD somehow features some of my favorite artist like Band of Horses, Silversun Pickups, and even MGMT. Unfortunately for me and everyone watching, Band of Horses lead singer Ben Bridwell wasn’t attached to this show other than his music.

I acknowledge that this show is not for me at all. And I certainly don’t fit the target demographic. I am a 17 year old male who’s favorite cinematic works feature Quentin Tarantino directed films. Now, if you personally enjoy Twilight or cheesy supernatural love story hijinks this show is for you. If not, then stay well clear of this utter television backwash.

Final Score: Buffy the Vampire can put a stake through this series’ heart. Like a vampire, this one bites.