New angle, and the pace was well kept. The alpha predator concept kept moving from humans to vampires and back again which made it more realistic, if realism were a concept in fantasy. I mean that humans might lose initially a few but they have everything on their side except sharp teeth, the vampires don't have any resources bar their teeth. So I look forward to the next season to see how they will manage to fight on even footing.
Initially I admit I watched it because of Somerhalder. But he isn't as dreamy as Luther so that left the show itself.