If you can ignore the really bad special effects and the scenes that are supposed to be serious but actually made me laugh, the pilot is a lot better than I thought it would be.  The previews made me nervous, to be honest — somebody up at the CW was like “Let’s showcase the episode’s worst parts.  That sounds like a great idea!”

I’m expecting a few of the actors to grow into their parts — or at least the writers to get used to their actors’ strengths and weaknesses — but a few have already blown me away.

I’m tremendously impressed with Vicky.  She was a minor character in the books, set up to be an easy victim, but they’ve really worked on exploring her character in the show and her actress comes across as the most real of all the cast.  I’m even glad they made Matt (Elena’s pure-hearted ex) Vicky’s brother, as it means they’ll keep her around as a fixture.

I also like Matt’s actor — he fulfills the role of pining but kind football guy really well.  I’m glad they added the introduction to Stefan at the party, too.  It was a really defining moment for both characters in the book and I’m pleased to see it in the show, no matter how short.

I approve of Bonnie’s actress.  Though I’m skeptical of an ethnic gal inheriting powers from Salem witches, I guess it could happen, and they needed a new backstory for her powers since they couldn’t use the original (pure Irish druidic heritage).  Otherwise, she’s cool.

(I still think they should have included Meredith.   The Bonnie+Elena+Meredith trio had a vital chemistry in the books that I think even Bonnie’s actress can’t generate between herself and Elena — they need a third.  And no, that third is not Caroline.)

Lastly, I was pleasantly surprised by Stefan’s actor.  Yes, he might have a little too much of an Edward vibe, but he pulls it off well and I applaud him.  Mr. Actor, I’m sorry I called you pancake-faced.  You’re a perfectly decent vampire in a long line of heavy-browed brooding vampires.  (Yes, I’m referring to Angel.)

Hmmm, final thoughts.

Damon’s actor needs to make fewer facial expressions and never ever grin.  Damon smiles.  He’s amused and moody and sly.  He doesn’t grin.  He is too cool to grin.

The special effects are just something we’ll have to live with until or unless they get a better budget.  I won’t bash them because I re-watched Buffy’s first episode recently and holy crap the vampire makeup used to be so fake.

Cheesy factor is also something I hope they’ll grow out of, though I think most of it springs from the special effects.  Someone should really take care of fixing those.

Emo brother is emo, that’s fine, but emo Elena is going to get annoying fast.  Luckily, she’ll soon be busy worrying about murder and mayhem and her new boyfriend.