This review may contain spoilers.

About three things I am absolutely positive. First, this is a show about vampires. Second, it doesn't shy away from thrills and scares of the horror genre. And third, fans of "Twilight" will be unconditionally and irrevocably in love with it.

Basking in the success of "Twilight," "The Vampire Diaries" follows a relatively similar story without treading on the same ground that other teenage vampire tales tend to follow. Unlike "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," the emotional resonance of the series comes in the form of a flurry of adolescent romance rather than the undead, bizarre or the truly weird.

The cast is almost too good looking to be believed; Elena (Nina Dobrev) is instantly more accessible than "Twilight's" Bella, Stefan (Paul Wesley) has an almost "Pattinson" quality that will have teenage girls squealing for more, and Damon is role Ian Somerhaulder was born to play, creating an atmosphere of shouldering dangerousness to the sleepy town of Mystic Falls.

In contrast to "Twilight," the romance between Elena and Stefan is allowed to evolve at a very natural pace (mostly due to the nature of the show as a serialized story) and the consequences of the nosferatau presence in Mystic Falls can be experienced firsthand, creating a feeling of genuine danger. It is this very clear danger that prevents the romantic overtures from crossing over into insipidness.

Despite being a romance first, the frights in "Night Of The Comet" are incredibly strong -- and almost of horror-movie caliber -- through time old techniques of concealment and tension. Attacks in the forest are shrouded in darkness, leaving the real events to the viewers imagination, and the scare at the Salvatore household is expertly executed through a long pause of dialogue and the complete lack of any kind of sound.

What Worked

While on "Lost," Ian Somerhaulder developed quite a following (partially thanks to his padewan status for the ever mysterious John Locke) but here is a role he was simply born to play. As Damon, he is unhinged and slightly deranged and is becoming the very antithesis of Stefan's tenderness.

The first kiss between Stefan and Elena was touching -- nicely highlighted by some fantastic choice of music -- and has a wonderfully twisted contrast to Damon's nightly activities and he expresses himself in a more physical manner before feasting on his conquest. The difference between the two is startling, and one of the joys offered by the series will be exploration of how the two came to be so different.

What Didn't Work

On other vampire-themed shows, the specific mythology adopted for the ancient mythological creatures is usually the first to be outlined (specifically, how to kill them) but after two episodes, the rules of these vampires has still to be explained. How sunlight affect these creatures (there are definitely no diamond sparkles in Mystic Falls) hasn't even been considered yet, and the limitations of the glamour was given only a fleeting mention.

Also, Bonnie (Katerina Graham) as a character is completely forgettable, but thankfully not nearly so as Elana's other gal-pal, Caroline (Candice Accola). Maybe as a snack to Damon she'll serve some kind of purpose.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"The Vampire Diaries" stars Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Michael Trevino, Kayla Ewell, Zach Roerig , Katerina Graham, Steven R. McQueen and Sara Canning. "Night Of The Comet" was written by Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson. The episode was directed by Marcos Siega.