The Ultimate Sacrifice

"Well, I'm naked so I'm gonna go."

Alaric welcomes us back after a heart wrenching two week hiatus with boxer briefs and a bowl of Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey. Although Elena is glad her aunt is in a positive relationship for once, she's definitely in an uncomfortable position standing in the hallway with barely clothed guardian figures. They say their goodnights and Elena hops back into bed moments after Dr. Evil (Dr. Jonas Martin) swipes hair from her brush, a framed picture, and other personal items.

In a complimenting contrast- Stefan in white, Damon in black- the Salvatores head to the tomb on a mission to obtain the moonstone from Katherine. She's game for some company if they're willing to step into the tomb to get it, but Damon makes it clear that this is nowhere near an option. "I'd rather poke my eyes out." So, she makes them an offer: her freedom for the moonstone.

"Err go...you live."

Taking this news back to Elena, the brothers expect her to have a little more enthusiasm over the fact that there's a way to save her life. But, she's not. Nor is she eager to rebuild her relationship with Stefan at the moment. Elena has understandably been worn down by the latest events in her life, but is she ready to give up?

She may be, but Damon and Stefan surely will fight til the death- well, final death. They set out to prepare for Operation Moonstone. Surely they will need a capable witch on their side to temporarily break the tombstone spell- Bonnie.

Currently, she is at MFH walking with Luka. A relief is washed over her as she takes comfort in being able to confide in him the difficulties and set backs of trying to strengthen her craft. "You need help...from nature, the elements." Luka also shows her how to channel another witch's power. Utilizing their jewelry as talismans, Luka is able to summon a wind that picks up like a Kansas storm. Autumn leaves funnel and the surrounding students begin to take cover. He releases the spell; they connected.

Witnessing the energy between Bonnie and Luka, Jeremy strolls up questioning on the weather. "Global Warming," are the wise words Luka shares before heading off to class. Then, receiving a text from Damon requesting her presence, Bonnie and Jeremy head to the Broodinghouse.

After a debriefing of the situation, Bonnie agrees to help by temporarily dismantling the tomb spell. In addition, she says that she will produce ash from an object of Katherine that will paralyze her as they grab the moonstone. It's been 146 years, but Stefan is able to produce something of Katherine's; the infamous picture of 1864. Worried that Bonnie is overexerting herself, Jeremy steps in to protest. However, Damon has no patience for teenage bravado and harshly questions the reason for his presence.

Using Katherine's framed photo, Bonnie creates a spell over the fire that is burning it to ash. (After 146 years, I wonder what the percentage of sentimental value was that Stefan gave up.) As she collects the remnants, Damon and Stefan prepare to leave for Operation Moonstone by loading up all of Alaric's toys, err, battle weapons. Once in the clear, Jeremy once again expresses his concern. Insisting that she's fine, he offers to help collect the ash. As she finds a container, Jeremy uses his school i.d. to shovel a portion of the ash into his hand. What'cha plannin' on using that for, buddy?

A suicide mission nonetheless.

Trying to be a hero, Jeremy rushes to the tomb alone to obtain the moonstone. Idiot! "Naive little Gilbert, if you want it you're gonna have to come here and get it." With that, he drops a stake from his right sleeve and fires into Katherine's abdomen. Then, releases the ash form his left hand, paralyzing her. "I figured you'd say that." Of course good deeds don't go unpunished, the moonstone is at the back of the cave! Jeremy grabs it and makes his way back out, but has a struggle with Katherine. He should've had a stake prepared! This is Mystic Falls 101! At least he's smart enough to throw out the stone before she sinks her teeth in him. Is this the finale for Elena's little bro?


Meanwhile, back at MFH, Matt apologizes to Tyler for his behavior at the Lockwood Mansion where he picked a fight. Clearly understanding the circumstances, Tyler is quick to forgive him. (Poor Matt is so sad! All the recent events in his life are eating him up inside. GIVE THIS GUY A BREAK ALREADY!) Leaving Tyler on the basketball court, he runs into Caroline. They share less than a moment and he moves on again, probably hoping not to break down.

Seeing Tyler, Caroline inquires about the "wolf thing." She extends her help, and although curious as to why she's being so considerate, he doesn't turn her down. (In the background we hear Kat Graham's version of 'Only Happy When It Rains'.)

"Unimaginable pain."

Taking a stroll through the woods, Tyler inquires about Caroline and Matt's relationship. Realizing her dilemma with the situation, he adds, "It's not really fair to be with someone and not really let them know who you are. I get it." He surely does. And he proves it to her by leading Caroline to the Lockwood cellar. While examining the bolts and chains, Caroline uncovers a journal. Tyler reads:

August 31
My body is changing...

It's Mason's journal. And, there's a computer chip inside. Rushing back to the Forbe's residence, they soon discover that Uncle Good Looking documented each transformation, including a video entry. It's good to see Taylor Kinney again, although the circumstances aren't so kind. The chip provides hours of footage of Mason's agonizing transformation. Tyler, understandably, is getting choked up watching his future. Again, he asks Caroline why she's helping him. They have a heart to heart about entering into the unknown and add another link to their growing friendship.

Doorbell.

It's Matt. Not sure what to say, he settles for honesty, "I miss you." Although Caroline is beaming, the sight of Tyler reinforces Matt's uncertainty and dims the hope right out of those baby blues.

"The doppelgänger is alive and she's ready to surrender."

We last saw Elena upset at the fact that all of her loved ones are preparing to risk their life to save hers. When the Broodinghouse is clear of her protectors, Elena finds Rose and gives her an ultimatum. If Rose introduces her to Slater, who will then get her into contact with Klaus, Elena will supply Rose with a day-walking ring. "You owe me." Hesitant at first, Rose agrees; and they set out so that Elena can make the ultimate sacrifice.

Arriving at Slater's home in Richmond, they are greeted with the sight of a stake through Slater's heart and a crying human girlfriend, Alex. (Although it was sad to see such a nice character go, Slater was like an Encyclopedia. He probably held the Guinness World Record for accurate Wikipedia entries. He lived a fulfilling life.) Unable to log into Slater's PC, Elena asks Alex if she knows the password. Alex is baffled by Elena's gall. "I understand that. Do you know his password?"

To speed things up a bit, Elena blackmails Alex into believing that if she cooperates, Rose will grant her her deepest desire- to turn. Slater who? Alex is on the phone with his most prominent contact, Cody Webber. "I'm getting Klaus's attention." Elena is definitely channeling her Petrova genes! She's been taking charge all day, but, it's her next line that distinguishes her as Elena Gilbert: "It's either me or my family." Unlike Katherine, Elena is willing to sacrifice her life before endangering another.

Rose doesn't agree with Elena's plans, so she calls on Damon to diffuse the situation. He arrives with no focus on baring his love for Elena, but showing tough love to save her. "Get your ass out the door before I throw you over my shoulder and carry you out myself." She attempts to punch him- attempts being being the operative word. "I don't want to be saved."

Apparently Damon wasn't the only one summoned. Dr. Evil and Elijah used the stolen items from Elena's room to perform a locating spell. Elijah falls right in behind Cody and Crew as they break down the door to Slater's home, and attempt to haul Elena off and become legends. Noticing Elijah, the Crew is in awe, so he uses their reaction to reach inside each of their chests and rip out their unbeating hearts. Sorry Elijah, Damon's not impressed- he does this all the time, you know.

"Safe."

At the tomb, Operation Moonstone is underway. Damon didn't leave word as to where he was going, so Bonnie and Stefan begin on their own. Descending the stone steps, they notice that the moonstone is out-but, Jeremy is in. This fuel's Bonnie urge to summon the spell and she does so with the help of Luka, as she still carries his talisman. It was a spell that spared no energy from both her and Grams, and this is no different. Through Jeremy's protests, Bonnie continues though her body is breaking down. Unbeknownst to her, across town Luka is experiencing the same energies. Turning from Dr. Evil to a concerned father, Jonas Martin places his hands on Luka's temples and says a bond breaking spell. Bonnie and Luka blackout.

Jeremy is still shouting his concern as Bonnie comes to. Stefan is caught between a disabled witch and the youngest Gilbert being held hostage by his maniacal ex. Katherine gives a grandeur impression that she's going to bite Jeremy's neck, purposely to get Stefan's attention. And she succeeds. Stefan jumps into the spell sealed tomb, throws Jeremy out, and is welcomed by Katherine's innocent school girl smile. There's a four letter word that no doubt entered Stefan's mind at this moment of revelation.

Bonnie takes Jeremy home and he protests the need for a babysitter. Feeling foolish over the situation, he admits to Bonnie, "I didn't want you to get hurt." Then, tries to convince her that there's something between them and she can't deny it. But thank God (and the writers, of course) she does. Her mind is definitely on the possibility of a relationship with Luka. But, how will she feel once she learns the pain she caused him?

At the Martin residence, Luka is resting, but Dr. Evil has put his hat back on. He listens as Elijah explains the days events. He left Elena alive because, like Katherine, he knew she'd be protected. Wanting her "safe," however, gives the ol' doctor concern. Perhaps he owes a debt to Elijah, and the only way to move on is by assisting in the doppelgänger mission.

"Of all the idiot plans, Stefan."

As Bonnie leaves through the backdoor of the Gilbert house, Elena and Damon arrive at the front. Damon reiterates the foolishness of Elena's actions as the audacity of her pulling such a stunt is unfathomable. "You shouldn't question why I would try to save all of you." The door opens and a roughed up Jeremy mutters the word that sends Damon and Elena flying to the tomb. "Stefan."

Upon arrival, frustration still fuels their power struggle. Damon won't let Elena near the tomb in anticipation that she'll run right in. At this state, I wouldn't put it past her, so he's right not to offer leniency. Elena gives up and retreats leaving Damon to have a moment with Stefan. Indeed he felt that Stefan being in the tomb was an annoying set back, but he only shows concern. He even addresses him by his name, and not the tantalizing "brother" nic-name. Damon vows to get him out, and agrees to Stefan's request to keep Elena away from the tomb.

Leaving Stefan behind in the sealed tomb, it's Damon who has to take the reigns of this operation into his own hands. Does he still have a team? Bonnie's weak, as is Jeremy; Alaric's on an ice cream binge; and Elena's on a suicide watch.

It may take some time and his vow to Stefan amuses Katherine. Damon spending enough time with Elena to keep her safe and away from the tomb- "That right there was the biggest mistake you've ever made."

Oh dear.


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Photo courtesy: CW