'Katerina'- The Origins

What started as a whisper, slowly turned into a scream. Searching for an answer where the question is unseen. I don't know where you came from, and I don't know where you've gone.

Bulgaria 1490.

Katherine is giving birth to a baby girl in the Petrova family home. Immediately after delivery, her father orders the removal of the illegitimate baby. Labor pains do not mask Katherine's tears- she never held her only child.

Present day, Mystic Falls, the budding friendship between Bonnie and Jeremy continues in the parking lot of MFH. Jeremy shows himself the gentleman first by picking up Bonnie's fallen books, then by initiating an opportunity to spend more time together. "It's just you're Elena's brother." Although hesitant in this new territory, she accepts. She could use a friendly distraction, too. Soon, however, this distraction switches gears in the form of tall, dark, handsome, and mysterious. Jeremy greets Luka with a handshake and if Bonnie had, too, then we'd know the status of this new-comer. So far his only crime in Mystic Falls is taking Bonnie's breath away.

Unlike her peers, Elena's priority this morning is to tend to the incessant bad news at the Broodinghouse. Rose is there to explain to Elena the danger as a doppelgänger because the oldest vampire in existence is looking to sacrifice hers. Rose insists, Stefan denies, and Damon declares a "definite maybe" over the situation in hopes to ease Elena's fears. Last we saw of Elena she was bruised, frightened, and compelled. So the harshness of her tone when denying Stefan the opportunity to join her to class seems almost reasonable. "I know where it is."

"She's the only one who knows the truth about Klaus."

Making haste in the woods, Elena leads Caroline to the tomb. Resistant to let her friend confront her maniacal maker, she concedes only after Elena pulls out all the stops by enforcing the Girlfriend Code. Now, Caroline is bound to open the tomb blockade as well as distract Stefan while Elena tries to get information out of Katherine.

Katherine creeps out from the shadows, drained. It's just the two of them- a truer meaning to the term mirror opposites. Elena comes bearing gifts, for a price. "You have the Petrova fire." In exchange for the explanation on Klaus, she gives Katherine the Petrova book, a blanket, a lamp, and blood.

England 1492.

As a result to Katherine shaming her family, she was exiled to England. There she came into acquaintance with The Originals. Deliberate or happenstance, she didn't wait around to find out. With help from Trevor she ran to Rose for shelter. Rose, who is in complete fear of Klaus- a vampire who's tales precede him, wanted nothing to do with a Petrova. Especially since she stole Klaus's moonstone.

"What does the Petrova bloodline have to do with Klaus?" It was Petrova blood that bound the Aztec Shaman's spell, and it's the sacrifice of the Petrova doppelgänger that can break it. As we learned last week, Katherine is the first doppelgänger. Perhaps there was a different kind of shame brought on her family when she gave birth. She was supposed to be the end of the bloodline and sent to England under the context that this fact held true.

At nightfall, Rose prepared to return Katherine to Klaus, but noticed she's stabbed herself. Katherine needed to be in pristine condition, so Rose forced her blood into Katherine's mouth moments before Trevor returned. "I love her, Rose." While Rose and Trevor were in a confrontation over what to do with the woman who's writing their death sentence, Katherine hanged herself in the next room. Sealing her fate and their demise. "Better you die than I."

"You can trust me."

While Elena's getting a lesson in family history, Damon is plotting her survival. He seeks out "Rosebud" for assistance in accessing Klaus, and interrupts her weeping over her late friend, Trevor. She tells him that to reach Klaus, he has to go from the bottom up. In this case it's a vamp named Slater in Richmond, VA.

Upon arriving, Damon threatens Rose to not get on his bad side by attempting a set up. "I'll rip your heart out and shove it down your throat. Something I'm very good at." Quickly, Rose pulls rank and suggests he show her his good side because she's older and stronger. That's settled. They enter the UV resistant cafe to meet a very kind looking vampire. He greets Damon to no avail. "It's nice to meet you. Maybe." Then, inquires about Trevor and is taken aback by the news.

Slater's also shocked to learn that Elijah is "beyond dead" as Damon so smugly put it. Nonetheless, he shares the process of contacting The Originals. Well, well, well, how convenient: Craigslist. As a scholar, Slater has centuries of knowledge including the power of breaking the curse. That is, whether the vampire or the lycanthrope, whichever breaks the curse first, the other will be doomed to the curse forever.

During their conversation, there is a street musician playing his guitar. Elijah steps into view, drops a one hundred dollar bill in the case in exchange for mere quarters and nickels (He must like what he hears). Damon inquires about the possibility of neutralizing the curse in order to spare Elena's life. Just as Slater is negotiating day-walking capabilities before responding, Elijah effortlessly tosses the coins towards the cafe causing the UV protected glass to shatter. Rose and Slater shriek in agony as they begin to burn.

"You remind me of someone. My best friend, Lexi."

Back at MFH, Caroline catches Stefan heading off of campus. It's her duty to distract him, but she's not the best at lying, so she tells the truth. "[I] told Tyler I'm a vampire." Stefan indulges Caroline at the Grill by allowing her to eat and ramble, all the while having Elena's well-being on the forefront of his mind. But enough's enough, he demands she end the charade and tell him where Elena is. "Caroline you have two seconds to come clean...where's Elena?" She refuses to tell him where she is, but reassures that she is not in danger. Suddenly, Stefan's tone and mood change as his mind goes to his next fear- she's with Damon. (Oh! Poor guy!) Caroline doesn't let that thought marinade, but holds her ground to Elena's secret. Girlfriend Code.

The Grill is the after school hot spot. Bonnie's there to meet Jeremy, but finds Luka and his father, Dr. Jonas Martin from Louisiana instead. "It's lookin' up." Bonnie joins them and is instantly questioned by Dr. Martin about her lineage in Salem, MA. Wearily, she confirms and saved-by-the-bell joins Jeremy as he enters. As she says goodbye, she cordially embraces Luka's shoulder finally getting a read on the mystery man.

Bonnie and Jeremy begin to play pool and their smiles couldn't be more inviting. (Wait? Have I had a change of heart about this potential couple?) However, smiles fade as Luka comes in to play winner. Bonnie happily sits out. Soon, Bonnie and Jeremy are, once again, beaming! (Kat Graham looks gorgeous here.) They haven't had this energy in so long due to the events of their hometown- it's sweet. Of course it doesn't last long as Luka, once again, steps into the picture. This time he's ready to come clean. He proves to Bonnie that he is a warlock, and apologizes for his dad's rude interrogation.

Their conversation is rolling and Jeremy, witnessing, pulls the switch on his emotions for his relationship with Bonnie. Alone again...

"You don't want to die? There's another way out."

Jeremy's not the only one turning the switch on emotions, back at the Broodinghouse, Damon and Rose are doing the same. They cheers "to friendship" and surviving the cafe attack. But it's no secret that being a best friend only gets you...dead. Since caring for others is suicidal, they turn they're emotions for others off, and turn the affection on for each other.

Lying barely clothed under a blanket in the parlor, they receive a call from Slater. He's alive and reveals to them that they need a witch and the moonstone in order to break the spell. After hanging up with Rose, Slater turns to Elijah and asks how he's able be compelled by another vampire. Elijah responds that he is a "special vampire." Then uses that special gift to compel Slater to drive a stake through his heart. Dr. Jonas Martin, Warlock makes an entrance as part of Elijah's entourage. "It wont be long now."

In the first sequence, Katherine was emotional over her baby which leads us to believe she's had reason to become a manipulative bloodsucker, but as the events unfold, we see she's manipulative in general. "I was always looking out for myself." She used Trevor to run and Rose to turn. Now, she's in Mystic Falls to collect on her check list to barter her freedom: Moonstone, Doppelgänger (Elena), Werewolf (Tyler), Witch true to the spell (Bonnie), and Vampire (Caroline). Staring straight into her mirror, Kat says, "Be you die than I."

Stefan arrives to find Elena contemplating her day's lesson. He insists that Katherine is a liar and can't be trusted. But, she hasn't shared the best part of the story yet (Oh, there's more? Goody!)- she shares that "[Klaus] will get his vengeance." Just like he did on her family, slaughtered. In the tomb, Katherine is "the safest psychotic bitch in town." Stefan and Elena leave Katherine to read over the Petrova family history. Seeing images of her family, after 500 years, she cries over their sketches.

I listen to a whisper slowly drift away. Silence is loudest, parting word you'd ever say. I put your world into my veins. Now a voiceless sympathy is all that remains. Amen omen, will I see your face again?

Arriving at the Gilbert house, Stefan tries to comfort Elena. "Don't shut me out." Although his embrace is strong, Elena has come to the crumbling realization that she's the reason why everyone she loves is doomed. "It's because of me." Elena finally has the whole truth. Her life is no longer sideways, but completely upside down. Months ago she was saved from a car wreck to preserve a curse so that one day her life and her blood would become sacrifice.


Double, double toil 'n trouble. Mystic Falls not only has a set of doppelgangers, but a witch and a warlock to boot! How did you like the history lesson of Katerina? Do you think you'll pass the test? Or maybe pass out because there's two full weeks before 'Sacrifice'- Share your OMG moments below, then find me, Danielle DuCré on Twitter @msdanielley, we can discuss Diaries in 140 characters or less..

Photos: CW
Lyrics: Ben Harper "Amen Omen"

A Rose Always Has Its Thorns

Ruthless.

You can tell the villains are ruthless when they make a drop in broad daylight in highly suspicious shiny black vehicles.

In a quiet rural town, the kidnapper removes Elena from his trunk and places her inside the SUV. He's not a vampire, but the purchaser clearly is. As a result, now that his duty has been executed, so will he.

It's just the way things roll in this show.

"Please don't blame yourself."

It's the day after the Masquerade Ball and we find Jeremy Gilbert preparing for school. With every scene, Jeremy's character is solidifying his maturity. He has grown milestones from the brooding teenager he once was and there's no signs of retreat. Hollering at Elena, in brotherly fashion, he realizes that she never came home. After what happened last night at the Ball (being tortured due to a curse that linked her to Katherine), he assumes she probably wanted to sleep safely in the arms of Stefan. He'll consult the "heads up code" issue later.

Over at the Forbes residence, Caroline is giving Damon the rundown of Tyler's transformation. Matt and Sarah were compelled, Tyler snapped, and poof! werewolf. Damon questions her decision to let Tyler off the hook stating, "Guy's a tool," but she assures him that not turning Tyler in was in the best interest of all of them. Besides, she remembers how difficult it was during her own transformation, and she felt bad for the guy. Unfortunately her empathy doesn't bode well with Damon and he harasses her to keep their secret to herself. Then, calmly adds the location of Aimee's body to have passed to Sheriff Forbes to "save some time" in the search and rescue.

Arriving at Mystic Falls High, Tyler finds it booming with students. In most cases, if you see someone die before your eyes, it usually warrants you some time off- more so if it's at your hand. Tyler probably wishes he took that route as he makes his way through the students, the Missing Person (Aimee Bradley) signs, and a memorial in front of Sarah's locker. As Caroline walks by, he demands she share her knowledge. "How did you know?" Instead, she changes the conversation to less explosive topics, then walks off to class.

In contrast, the greeting between Stefan and Jeremy is more urgent. They realize that Elena is missing, and most likely in trouble.

"He's your worst nightmare."

Elena, tied at her wrists and ankles, is hauled in by the mysterious vampire in the SUV. She pleads with him to free her, but instead he proposes "just a taste." Leaning over Elena to satisfy his craving, he stops abruptly as a female vampire protests his hunger. Elena uses this as an opportunity to question their motives, as well as explain that she is not Katherine. Her persistence annoys the female vamp and like a pesky fly buzzing about, she is silenced by a swift, fierce SMACK! "I want you to be quiet."

After Elena comes to, she overhears her vampire captors bickering about their plans. Like Katherine, they, too, are on the run. Rose, the female vamp, wants to stay and end their feud once and for all, whereas Trevor wants to leave Elena, skip town, and call it good. But who are feuding with? As Elena slowly approaches them, she gains as much information as possible meanwhile looking for a way out. (Good for her not being a damsel in distress hugging her knees on the couch until her savior arrives.) She is discovered by Rose, and braves the question: Who is Elijah?

"The cliché of it all makes me itch."

Stefan wants to know how Elena is in danger if Katherine is trapped in the tomb. So, he goes to the number one source- Damon. "She's in the tomb. Period. End of story." Damon reveals that Katherine mentioned Elena needs to be protected, but doesn't want to go to Katherine for help because she'll conjure up a compromise for her release. Smart man. Rather, they seek out Bonnie to cast a locating spell.

Inside Alaric's class room, Bonnie uses Jeremy's blood to track Elena's general location. Stefan is on the move, but insists that Jeremy stay behind. Of course Stefan's not going to be the only hero. Enter Damon. "He's not."

Outside, the sun is about as peppy as Caroline's step. Until Tyler stops her in her tracks, cornering her once again. He is insistent upon her admitting she knows more about his curse than she's leading on. After all, she continues to show impeccable strength (Knocking Matt unconscious; pulling secret agent moves on Tyler, things like that). As she laughs when he's questioning her strength, I wonder if it's a disguise for: "Please, this isn't even the half of it." Nonetheless, he persists, "If you know something you gotta tell me. Because I can't handle this." Rejecting him again, he takes his frustration out on the garbage can. It goes flying for yards and lands with a crash. She is a witness to his struggle.

As for the Salvatore brothers, they are on their way. Road-tripping to save their girl. Stefan is encouraging Damon to open up and express his feelings, but Damon refuses. He doesn't want to have a road trip bonding moment with Stefan and share how he's upset that he has to take the backseat to this romance. He will, however, antagonize him. Much to his dismay, he can't one up his brother with this tactic either. Teasing him by offering him a sip from the blood bag, he learns that Stefan's been gaining tolerance by sampling Elena's blood daily. "How romantic." Questioning whether or not Elena would let the former wild Stefan sample her blood, and where is that fun spontaneous Stefan anyways? Stefan simply answers, "Guess he found something else to live for."

"I'm not invincible."

While Stefan and Damon drive the 300mi to rescue Elena, Jeremy and Bonnie return to the Gilbert house to restlessly await Elena's return. Jeremy confirms that they're in the clear because Alaric has taken Jenna somewhere in order to distract her.

Let us pause. This is what we call an ultimate fail on Alaric's part. What grown man allows kids to run around chasing vampires!? He just felt it best to call out from his classroom duties and his advisory role. Alas, the show must go on...

Bonnie tells Jeremy that she can try to send a message to Elena. She writes a note informing that Stefan and Damon are on their way while he gathers the supplies: Elena's hairbrush and a candle. Holding the note in her hand over the heat of the candle, Bonnie fights through what looks like extreme discomfort to complete the spell. Dazed, nose bleeding she opens her eyes, and in a split second she falls unconscious. Blackout.

When Bonnie finally awakes, we learn that she's been practicing so much that it's beginning to take a toll on her. She's stretching herself even helping them find Elena, but she's to remain in the middle, after all. Although Bonnie and Jeremy are having a moment, it's nice to know that their history together allows them to be comfortable with each other, regardless if there's a love interest or not. (And personal vote is......let there not.) Jeremy agrees not to share her weakness to others, and questions, "Do you think it worked?" Bonnie's unsure, but we see Elena unfold a piece of paper giving her a new hope. Yes, Bonnie. It did.

Breaking from the Gilbert house, we arrive with Caroline at the Forbes residence. Caroline is hesitant because she senses someone is in the house! Tyler? Precisely. He's over getting the runaround and flat calls her out. "I'm not leaving here until you tell me the truth. You're a werewolf. Say it." (Out loud.) Twilight scene reincarnate causes Caroline to giggle. Tyler shows that he is not too happy with that response by pinning her against the wall. Caroline will have none of that, so she flips him so that he's pinned under raging strength and fangs.

She releases him and has no other choice but to explain to him what she has become. Alcohol always helps in times like this (Apparently the Sheriff is still on duty). Tyler inquires about the possibility of other vampires. Caroline denies, then quickly asks about the werewolf population. She's ready to tell him more, but she needs him to confirm his secrecy. With the loss of Mason, Tyler doesn't feel he has anyone he can confide in. "I'm scared." He cries. She embraces her friend. And it's beautiful.

"The blood of the doppelgänger."

Rose is still annoyed at Elena's endless inquiries, but indulges her. She explains that she and Trevor are just the "delivery service," and that it is Elijah, one of the original vampires, who is the true threat. They have a debt to him and that's why they've been running. They plan to use Katherine's doppelicious clone to settle their debt because she's the key. At Elena's death, the curse binding the vampires to the night is broken.

The time to relieve their debt is now. Elijah has arrived. Elena can see that Trevor is scared, will she use that? Rose leaves them to find someone looking more like a big city salesman in the door frame. Would an original really travel alone? He's here for business, so she quickly begins her explanation. Before handing over Elena, she requests her pardon. However, I'm not too sure she correctly requested Trevor's pardon. Still, the old one confirms, "You have my word that I will pardon you."

I begin to see his authority as his presence looms over Elena (that and Nina Dobrev is a fantastic actress giving him everything he needs to be a creep). Slowly bending down, he inhales the scent at her neck confirming she's human. "Hello there." In addition, his authority is not mistaken when he takes off Trevor's head with a backhanded hit. Of course this occurs after he grants him cordial forgiveness.

Elena begs for assistance from Rose, but is unmet. So, she bargains the whereabouts of the moonstone. Elijah has no interest in bargaining so he rips off her vervain necklace and compels her into telling him the location of both the moonstone- and Katherine.

By now, Damon and Stefan arrive with their no "better reason to die" attitude. As Elena's captors attempt to remove her from the house, the brothers distract. Damon pulls Rose out of sight, and Stefan, Elena. Elijah warns, "You can not beat me. I want the girl."

Slowly Elena appears from around the corner. She acts as if she is going to comply, but as Elijah approaches her she throws a vervain bomb at him. (Nice toy, Alaric!) Stefan then tussles with Elijah, but it's Damon who stakes him to the door.
(Really? I know our Salvatore brothers are a fantastic team, but I thought it be more difficult to get rid of an 'old one.')

As Damon turns and sees Elena coming down the stairs he has the biggest smile of relief on his face. Then, Stefan steps into view and gives her a you're-safe-now-my-love hug. Damon's lovestruck smile crumbles away with the beating of his heart. And, is swept away with Elena's unspoken "Thank you."

Finally, Elena returns home. She shares tears of relief from both Jeremy and a recovering Bonnie.

"Guess I just needed my brother."

In the parlor, the Salvatore brothers share a drink to calm the nerves of the day. If Katherine was right, they have to protect Elena, and they agree to do so. In order to assist the united front, Stefan apologizes to Damon for turning him 145 years ago. "I'm sorry. What I did was selfish. I didn't want to be alone." He leaves Damon to ponder this sincere confession.

Soon, Rose makes a visit. Fortunately, she's not there to cause trouble. Finding Stefan, she mentions that she knew Lexi. She doesn't come out and ask to join the Salvatore coven, but she barters that she can help them with Klaus.

Meanwhile, Damon has escaped to Elena's bedroom. Entering bruised and shaken she's hesitant, hoping it's not history repeating. Damon has her necklace, but doesn't give it to her until he confesses: "I love you, Elena. And, it's because I love you that I can't be selfish with you...I don't deserve you, but my brother does." With a tear in his eye, "God, I wish you didn't have to forget this. But you do." Then, he's gone. Elena alone with her necklace securely in place.

Oh my gosh! Heartbreaking! I hope he doesn't do anything harmful. It almost sounded like a suicide note. Ian Somerhalder steals my heart every episode!

On another note, we're back in the abandoned rural house where Elijah was left staked to the door. As an 'old one' they should've disposed of him more thoroughly, because he's not dead. Well, not entirely.

Oh dear.



Share your OMG moments below, then find me, Danielle DuCré on Twitter @msdanielley, we can discuss Diaries in 140 characters or less..

Photos: CW

Masquerade

"I'll rip this town apart until it rains blood."

Drinking already? Well, it's happy hour somewhere. Actually, the scene Caroline is recalling definitely deserves a double. Skipping the teen drama, she explains how while attempting to spy on Matt at the Grill, she was cornered by Katherine. Struggling to escape, she was unable to break free from Katherine's deadly grip. Only realizing her life was to be spared when she was ordered to deliver yet another message: Moonstone. Tonight. Masquerade Ball.

The Salvatore brothers have had enough of their triflin' ex and after 145 years they're ready to do something about it. "You're not going to kill her, because I am."

On the other side of town, we take our first look at Ms. Flowers (for those who've read the books, we can confirm that she does not have supernatural powers). This meek elder woman is carrying in several of Katherine's shopping bags. After setting them down and exiting the room, another woman comes into view. "Don't sneak up on a vampire." It's her witch friend, Lucy, who's been summoned for action.

"We're gonna kill Katherine."

It's good to see Matt with the family. Although it makes me slightly nervous due to the fact that he's under Katherine's compulsion. Back at the Gilbert residence, he, along with Elena and Jeremy, is gently guiding Aunt Jenna to the couch, easing her woes of running into a kitchen knife with laughter.

Jeremy follows Elena into the kitchen and begins to talk plan of action. But, Elena is too scared to try to go up against Katherine again and convinces herself that laying low will have an out of sight, out of mind effect. "You're just being naive and you know it."

Unsatisfied with Elena's approach, he heads over to where the real action is taking place- The Salvatore Broodinghouse. Alaric is giving the crew a crash course on 'How to Kill a Vampire 101'. It's an interesting dynamic to see all of these characters work together given their history (Damon seducing and feeding off of Caroline; killing both Alaric and Jeremy; attempted murder against Bonnie, to name a few). Nonetheless, Van Helsing has nothing on Alaric after he's done unveiling all of his tricks.

The mission is clear and the plan is ready for execution. Gathered together the crew confirms their commitment to the cause. Including the usually reluctant Bonnie, who agrees to perform a spell to conceal Katherine away from the innocents, and help as long as no one gets hurt. Damon interjects, "Except Katherine. Tonight Katherine gets a stake through her heart."


The festivities have commenced. And the people of Mystic Falls are dressed to the nines. Let's just hope their charitable egos don't get the best of them this evening.

Carol Lockwood prepares her son, Tyler, for the spectacle that is to take place. It was her late husband's favorite event, after all, and the show must go on. Tyler inquires about Mason's whereabouts (RIP Uncle Good Looking!), but much to his dismay doesn't not receive a satisfying response. "It's natural to feel abandoned. I just don't want you to feel alone." The dashing mother and son put on their masks with contrived smiles.

"God you're hot. Now go away."

The masquerade ball is mystical and grand. The crew is trying to trap Katherine by diverting her attention, but so far she's able to maneuver around at her leisure. It's her playground.

First, she confirms Matt's task with compulsion- he is to get Tyler drunk, start a fight with him, and continue fighting until Tyler gets angry and kills him. Then, during a slow dance with Stefan, she proves that she can not be played by demonstrating how many easy kills can be done throughout the night if she doesn't get the moonstone. Poor Amiee is exhibit A. Katherine kills her without breaking a sweat, and lets her limp body fall into Stefan's arms. "The moonstone, Stefan. Tick-tock." Ruthless!

After this experience, Damon has to shake the confidence back into Stefan because he's mumbling crazy thoughts of aborting the mission. "We can do this together. I got your back." Regaining focus, the mission continues. It's Jeremy's turn.

Jeremy and Bonnie have prepared an upstairs bedroom for the confinement spell. "I don't particularly enjoy any of this in case you haven't noticed." Oh, he's noticed all right. All night he's been stealing subtle gazes at Bonnie, even when she confronted the foreign woman giving off a vibe. In fact, he marveled at her then. Now, shares in casual conversation until he receives the "Go" from Damon. At once, Jeremy's off to stand face to face with Katherine.

"I'm not afraid of you." Jeremy holds his own as he suggests Katherine go meet Damon and Stefan near the lake. Of course, she's not going to settle for that, nor for Jeremy having the last words. "How's John, by the way? Were they able to sew his fingers back on?"

Caroline's turn.

Making eye contact with Matt as he's laughing and walking by with Tyler and Sarah, she receives her "go" message. Once again, she's cornered by Katherine, only this time the force is a little more desperate. Katherine questions Caroline on the Salvatore brother's plot, applying more pressure every time there is hesitation or is given a false statement. Either Caroline is really sticking to her guns right now, or she's about to crack- because Katherine is being brutal!

Leading Katherine up to the spelled room where supposedly Bonnie and the moonstone await, she exchanges her tears for giggles once she's successfully completed her task. "I really didn't think I'd be able to fool you, but I did it."


Meanwhile, Elena is curious as to why she is being avoided this evening. Jenna is recovering on the couch, Alaric is in the kitchen opening up a bottle of wine, and she learns that Jeremy is at the ball. "What are you hiding, Ric?" Unable to lie to Elena, Alaric spills the beans. Unable to hold his liquor, he falls asleep. This allows Elena to sneak out of the house and catch Jeremy just as he's finishing his chat with Katherine.

Bonnie and Jeremy quickly fill Elena in on what's going on. Taking everything with a grain of salt, she protests their plan. She doesn't want anyone else's injury to be on her hands, but doesn't realize that it's become inclusive. "It's not just you anymore, Elena. She's messed with all of us. She has to be stopped." (OK, I think this new sense of ownership and direction in Jeremy's life is the best thing that's every happened to him, aside from his haircut. Julie, Kevin-thank you!)

"The three of us together just like old times."

Stefan's turn.

"Hello, Stefan." Stake in hand, Stefan presents himself to Katherine in the sealed room. She's skeptical about the his confidence in the outcome of this rendezvous, because to her that stake looks like a flimsy piece of paper-maché.

Damon's turn.

Hoisting the air compressor gun, he fires right into Katherine's back. Elena's back? Katherine's back. They're tied. Everything Katherine feels, Elena suffers from, also. Fortunately, Bonnie and Jeremy realize the link enabling Jeremy to stop the heavy fight between Katherine and the Salvatores just as Damon begins the motion of driving a stake through Katherine's heart.

Katherine saved by the spell of a witch, and love of two brothers, begins her demands. The moonstone. She diverts Stefan's inquiries about her reasoning for possessing the moonstone by antagonizing Damon with the three's past love. Or, as Damon prefers to recall it: "An evil slut vampire who only loved herself." That sounds about right. However, she does mouth an 'I love you' to Stefan.

"Have I mentioned how inconvenient your obsession with me has been?"/"You and me both." The two continue to jab, but Stefan keeps his detective hat on uncovering her relationship with George Lockwood in 1864. He repeats, "Who are you running from, Katherine."

Although the physical war between the Salvatores and Katherine has ebbed, Elena is still in pain. So, Bonnie finds Lucy to cease the spell over Elena; however, is in turn convinced to give her the moonstone. "You can trust me." Lucy takes the moonstone to Katherine and confirms her debit is clear before handing it over. "I said done. Give it." Easy, Katherine. Be careful what you wish for...

The moment the stone is placed in Katherine's hand she begins to convulse and gasp for air. It's like life is being sucked out of her. "She's a Bennett witch, but I'm sure you knew that."

Lucy is high-tailing it out of Dodge, but not before sharing a few insights with Bonnie, her distant cousin. Bonnie is pleading to know how to better understand what's going on with her abilities, and how to not get trapped between the imposing forces. "The middle of it is exactly where you need to be."

"If Matt fails I can't."

Matt has been encouraging Tyler to get liquored up all night. In the late mayor's study, he begins to pour vodka on the ground. We've heard of "pouring it out for the homies," but this is disrespectful. Matt under compulsion- non c'est bon. Despite Tyler's protests, he proceeds to share his drink with the "jerk" father in the picture frame. Soon enough pushing and punching ensues.

Caroline overhears the commotion and comes in to cease the fight. (She's becoming a regular crime fighter. Apparently she has more in common with her mom than she thought.) Matt won't let up! So she elbows him in the face knocking him unconscious. She's such a natural at fighting! I wonder if she took karate in her mortal life.

As Caroline checks on Matt, ol' Sarah reveals that she, too, is under compulsion. Using a letter opener she stabs Tyler. He's been trying so hard to stay calm through all of this, but the pain of that incision triggered a reflex that sent Sarah flying into the edge of the desk. She's dead. And the transformation begins.

After witnessing the curse take over Tyler, Caroline explains to Carol Lockwood the short version of Sarah's death. Tyler is going through a whirlwind of emotions right now, but Caroline is able to calm him down by expressing to him her deeper knowledge of the situation. "Has your wound healed?" (Love Candice Accola's delivery in this scene-perfect!)

"Death would've been too kind."

Stefan finds Elena. The excruciating pain is waning, but reminds her that she needs to stay focused on her family versus being selfishly in love. It's still over between her and Stefan.

Katherine is in the tomb. "I thought you would've learned your lesson by now messing with a Bennett witch." (Bonnie is gaining a lot of power in this episode, even if it's just spoken.) Damon is ready to finally put his love for Katherine to rest. She begs him to release her, even proposing that Elena is in danger as the doppelgänger. "Then I'll protect her while you rot in hell."

The background of the Masquerade Ball is mystical and grand. The mission has been successful despite two deaths and a new werewolf. And, the humble people of Mystic Falls can continue to revel in their spirited festivals and charities. Katherine will no long be an issue for them. But as two of the best writer's have revealed to us before, there's always a danger. There's always a threat. And right now it's this masked man trailing Elena. Kidnapped.

With or without Stefan, Elena, you will always be in danger.


God, I love this show!

Were you lost in the sea of masks, or did you find your way through the festival with ease? Do you think that Damon will really leave Katherine to rot til her death? Share your OMG moments below, then find me, Danielle DuCre on Twitter @msdanielley, we can discuss Diaries in 140 characters or less..

Photos: CW

Plan B

"You're staring."/"I'm gazing."/"It's creepy."

Good Morning, Sunshine.

For a change, it's a bright sunny day in Mystic Falls; and love is in the air. Well, love and agenda. Under one roof, Elena and Stefan are having a secret rendezvous. Under another, Katherine is tossing about with Mason. Although these lucky ladies (let's be real, lucky Nina Dobrev) have two of the hottest guys in Mystic Falls in their beds, their minds are elsewhere! Elena is worrying about the faux-fight being discovered by Katherine; and Katherine is inquiring about the whereabouts of the moonstone. Focus, ladies.

Of course it wouldn't be a good morning without a morning hit. Elena willingly offers her blood to Stefan. Katherine just takes.

At the Lockwood Mansion, all the good citizens of Mystic Falls are volunteering to prep for the Masquerade Ball charity event. Including Aunt Jenna and wait... was that Matt?! Jenna more distinctively spots Stefan and casually invites him over to join them for dinner. He declines giving her a half-hearted explanation of his and Elena's breakup. "That's not what it sounded like this morning." Busted.

Outside, Bonnie and Elena finally face each other. It's been an estranged friendship since Caroline turned, but they're able to put hesitations aside and talk it out. "Let's go for a walk." Unfortunately, Bonnie is still keeping her guard up. Her decisions about vampires will not waver even though one of her best friends falls into this category. She expresses to Elena her discord toward the fact that their friendship has been put on the back burner. "I know where I stand, Elena. And, I know where you stand. But, where do we stand."

"It's because of you that I'm in this in the first place."

Apparently Mystic Falls not only harbors vampires and werewolves, but ghosts as well. At least this is the expression on Mason's face as he walks by Stefan unloading decorations. "Hey Stefan. Wasn't expecting you here, or anywhere." Quickly inquiring about the status of Sheriff Forbes, Stefan assures him that she is well. He also assures him that he'd better handle his own dirty work next time. Shaken up and on edge, Mason turns right into Bonnie as he's making his getaway. This encounter causes Bonnie to pause mid stride because she's having a supernatural vision. Concerned, Stefan inquires about the image, but he can't believe what he's hearing. Elena and Mason kissing? No. Of course not Elena. But, Katherine.

Meanwhile, the broodinghouse is full of visitors. Down in the holding cell, Sheriff Forbes is still undergoing rehab. Seeing as she's disowned her daughter for becoming a vampire (because, of course, she had a choice in the matter), she spends her day sulking, brooding, and contemplating life. Caroline checks on her only to find that her mother is not only foregoing meals, but conversation as well. "Are you really going to pretend that I don't exist?" As she leaves her mother, Caroline states how her struggles never being of any importance is a reoccurring factor in their relationship. Alive or undead. This sparks an inquisitive nerve in her mother, who bravely asks, "Are you really dead?" Clearly she's still in shock over the whole matter because everything she knew about the enemy is being thrown out the window.

Upstairs, Jeremy is looking to get in on the werewolf action. Damon tries to leave Elena's eager younger brother at the doorstep, but Jeremy has leverage- he knows the whereabouts of the moonstone. Looks like someone's been doing their research. Well, he is a Gilbert, he just can't help himself... Damon takes this opportunity to rally up his partner in crime, Alaric. Although shocked to see Jeremy with the likes of Damon, he goes onto explain that the moonstone may be used to break the curse. Mission: Get possession of the moonstone.

"Werewolf thing aside, the guy is a surfer."

In order to fulfill the mission, they have to track down Tyler who they believe is keeping the moonstone. Of course he is among the good citizens setting up for the charity event, so their destination is the Lockwood residence. Jeremy, much to Elena's dismay, finds Tyler to try to hustle him for the stone. Meanwhile, Damon finds Stefan to fill him in. After Stefan is updated, he debriefs Damon on the relationship between Katherine and Mason which leaves Damon shocked and appalled at Katherine's chosen relationship. Then, he joins the crowd of disappointment upon learning that Jeremy is involved. "He's playing Indiana Jones, he involved himself!"

Is it time for Plan B? Jeremy discovers that Tyler no longer has the moonstone (Oh, no. Is he going to get kicked out of the crime fighting club for failing his first mission? Three is a crowd...). Overhearing this news, Stefan and Damon seek Bonnie's assistance in learning more about Mason and Katherine's relationship. They convince Bonnie that it is for the best of the town, and more importantly, Elena. "But you, witch, are gonna get over yourself and help us." She's reluctant, but agrees to help. Meanwhile, her estranged best friend is blowing her "breakup" cover by calling Stefan; worried as she watches the plotting go down from afar.

Mason is on his way out, perhaps to retrieve the moonstone. However, he diverts to assist a damsel in distress- Bonnie who is attempting to unload a table from a truck. As he approaches she strikes him with a brain aneurysm, but doesn't enjoy it as much as she does when Damon's on the receiving end. (Although Mason is in cahoots with Katherine, he is a very sweet guy.) In pain, Mason is down on his knees. Then, Damon comes in with a swift swing of the knee knocking him out completely. They load him into his truck and take off to the Interrogation Headquarters.

"When life gives you lemons."

Caroline is still discussing her new life to her mother. Thankfully, this is not a one way conversation, and her descriptions of what it truly means to be a vampire is not falling on deaf ears. Finally, they are bonding. Upstairs, however, the situation isn't as promising. Damon and Bonnie bring in an unconscious Mason, tying him up, and preparing to torture. Bonnie takes the less violent route and tries to read Mason's mind- and she does. The location of the moonstone is revealed: a well. Mason's reflexes grab Bonnie's wrist, giving her the cue to bow out. "Hey Judgey, thank you."

Bonnie jets, but is stopped by Caroline who shyly tries to build a conversation with the best friend who's disowned her. In an awkward moment, Bonnie has a choice of either agreeing to her vampire friend's company on the journey to find the well, or to continue to ignore her. Recalling Elena's plea to give Caroline a chance, Bonnie agrees. Hearing Bonnie's change of heart, Caroline beams from this reward. This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Poor Matt. Seriously, I'm waiting for him to catch a break. All day he's been sulking over his relationship woes. According to Tyler, he has to take the good with the bad. But, he's become so distressed that he even asks Elena if Caroline is seeing someone! She reassures him that he is not contending with anyone else. Noticing that Elena has her own relationship qualms, he drops the subject.

Stefan steps into the picture but quickly leaves once he receives a text message from Bonnie with an update. For a vampire, Stefan has really bad hearing. He doesn't notice Elena followed him until she was standing right next to him at the well. Nonetheless, she's there as he takes a plunge...

Into vervain.

Quickly turning into a burn victim, he would've been gone for good had Caroline not heard Elena's screams. In a blur, she arrives as their personal 911 service. Lowering Elena down into the well, she first lifts Stefan out. Then, Elena and a small box containing the moonstone. With the help of Bonnie, who arrived shortly before Elena's decent, both Stefan and Elena are free from the well. Still, the rescue isn't over. Stefan lay burned, paralyzed, and unconscious. So, without any hesitation Elena cuts her hand to give him blood. (I hope the small daily doses will prevent him from going mad.)

Earlier Mason Lockwood expressed that he didn't trust anyone. He proved this by placing the moonstone in such a toxic location. His love for Katherine didn't even prevent him from protecting his opportunity to be rid of the curse.

"Just help Tyler. Don't let this happen to him."

Back at the Interrogation Headquarters, torture is underway. Damon has slapped, burned, and stabbed Mason, but he's still not talking. "I have all day." Jeremy enters taken aback at the scene, but proceeds to show Damon his latest discovery. A toxic herb to weaken werewolves. Making the decision to test it potency, Damon drags the wolfsbane across Mason's cheek. It sizzles. Then, he continues to interrogate Mason on his relationship with Katherine and why she's in Mystic Falls. "She's here with me. Jealous?" (Dirty mouth? Clean it up! Wolfsbane afterwash.)

Apparently Katherine is going to use the moonstone to lift the curse off Mason so that they can live happily everafter. "Now I get it. You're just stupid." Since Damon knows the feeling of being under Katherine's spell, he takes it into his own hands to rid Mason of his heartache.

Literally. He pulls a repeat offense by reaching into Mason's chest and removing his heart. Cue the melancholy music, the bagpipes, and the rifles because a day without Uncle Good Looking is indeed a day of mourning. RIP Uncle Mason. (Taylor Kinney- you will be missed! Great work!)

"Do you honestly believe that I don't have a Plan B?"

Caroline and Stefan arrive to the Salvatore residence. Caroline excitedly recalls her heroic adventure with her mother. Seeing how confident and lively her daughter has become since turning, the sheriff confides in Caroline that she will keep her secret. Although ecstatic about the possibility of their recent bond growing stronger, Caroline knows that her mom will never fully trust Damon and Stefan. So, through tears she compels her. "And all is right in the world."

Stefan finds Damon 'cleaning up' in the parlor, and shows him the moonstone. Then, Damon uncovers Mason's cell phone and uses it to text a farewell to Carol Lockwood. Noticing the last number called must have been to Katherine, he presses redial and makes a smug comment upon her answer. "Did I put a kink in your master plan?" Danger. Now you've just pissed her off. Before telling him to send her love to Stefan (Rude!), she confirms that although Mason's death may have been a bump in the road towards her goal, she is prepared to unleash every vicious backup plan if necessary.

Starting with Plan B.

Jenna and Alaric are at the Gilbert residence preparing family dinner when Elena walks in. The phone rings. And, while Jenna is chatting, Alaric attempts to debrief Elena on the events of the day. He is interrupted because Jenna passes the phone to Elena. It's Katherine.

She explains to Elena that she's very disappointed that she and Stefan have been sneaking around. Also, that she confiscated Jenna's vervain in order to use her as a spy. "When I suggested that the world would be a much better place..." Elena steals a look at her aunt just in time to watch her raise a knife and stab it into her abdomen. "Well, you get the idea."

Jenna is rushed to the hospital. Fortunately, she got lucky. (I hope CPS doesn't deem her as unfit!) In the waiting area, Jeremy consoles Elena who is showing remorse and defeat for the first time. "She's gonna pay, Elena."

The following scene is very powerful and emotional. (Wow. Just watch it.) Stefan is crying by the fireplace fearing Elena's next words. She blames their carelessness for Jenna's incident, and refuses to put her family in danger any longer. "It's over." Heartbroken, Stefan can't contest the truth. As Elena tries to leave, she is stopped by Damon who tries to take the blame for provoking Katherine. "It doesn't matter, Damon. She won. Katherine won."

Katherine's tactics are relentless and vicious. She wasn't lying when she said she'll kill everyone Elena cares for, first with Jenna and now...Matt!? (Ok Katherine, this is where I draw the line. Matt is off limits!) She's compelling Matt to pick a fight with Tyler because she needs a werewolf. "I'm going to go after Tyler Lockwood...and I'm not going to stop...until he kills me."


Whoa Nelly! Let's see what Katherine has in store for her doppelgänger at the Masquerade Ball. Share your predictions below, or tweet me your comments @msdanielley.

Kill. Or...Be Killed

"Any death on your hands and you’ll have a lifetime of this."

One year ago, Uncle Good Looking steps out of a bar in Florida. The cool breeze and the warm summer night couldn't have been more misleading. This was going to be a night that he would never forget. It was the night he triggered the Lockwood curse.

A good friend of his, Jimmy, was aggressively confronting Mason about movin' in on his girl. Despite Mason's pleas of innocence, Jimmy wouldn't let up. Matter of fact, his persistence resembled someone under compulsion. What gives, Jimmy? Just like a Lockwood, Mason starts getting angry as he's defending himself. The fight persists until Jimmy is lifted and body slammed onto the concrete. Mason calls after his friend with a slight nervous chuckle, and then realizes he killed him.

After reliving this story for Tyler, Mason once again asks for the moonstone. However, Tyler continues to mislead him about his whereabouts because he wants to know the true reason as to why it's so important. His uncle will not discuss further than the fact that it's sentimental, and to give one parting caution as even an accidental death at his hand could trigger the curse.

"I can't do this anymore, Elena."/"Fine, Stefan. Whatever."

At the Gilbert house, Elena is preparing to meet Caroline at the Historical Society Volunteer Picnic. She informs Jeremy about the Lockwoods, but insists that he stays out of all of the paranormal activity. (Good luck with that.) Stefan sneaks up on her for a quick play by play of the day. Noticing that Elena is uneasy about it all, Stefan initiates a code phrase that will reassure her of his love for her. And, Elena recites one as a reply to mean: I love you, too.

It's a perfect day for a picnic in the park. All sorts of community members are out and about spreading their volunteer cheer, including Mason Lockwood. Stefan, as the "nice" brother, takes this opportunity to propose a truce between the Salvatores and Lockwoods, but seeing as Mason already tried this with Damon, he won't accept. "He turned it down with a knife." Their manly bravado concludes this conversation with each of them warning the other to watch their back. Apparently Stefan's peace offering is void. So much for Opposite Day.

"No. Damon Salvatore is my friend."

Mason seeks after Sheriff Liz (uniform or not, she's always working) and doesn't hesitate to drop the bomb about the Salvatores. As a result to her budding friendship with Damon, her assumed only friend in Mystic Falls, she doesn't believe him. But, Mason promises he'll prove it.

The Sheriff is clearly left flustered. First, her daughter, with or without the vamp curse, is "in a mood." Second, her strongest relationship is in question. After witnessing, Damon decides to make her conversation with Mason his business, so he swoops in to check on the situation. Noticing her weariness, which she pawns off on her relationship with her daughter, he relives Good Cop with Caroline. Of course Caroline doesn't pay him any mind when he questions her actions towards the Mother of the Year contestant. "Don't worry about it."

Soon, longing stares force Elena to break the space between she and Stefan. Although they are rattling through their argument for show, I still find Elena's question about her resemblance to Katherine very wise. Let's see if this becomes an issue in later episodes, but for the time being it's "fine, Stefan. Whatever."

"Bad day. Bad Month."

Meanwhile, Tyler and Jeremy share another bonding moment at the Grill. They decide to take this moment and two girls back to the Lockwood Mansion where there are alcoholic beverages to be consumed. Ami apologizes for being a lush towards Tyler at the last party, but Sarah decides it's probably the best tactic to hook up with Jeremy (seeing as he's gotten so cute and all). She begins by flirting with the eyes and then by going through his sketch book. Apparently Jeremy's had wolf on the brain since Matt got attacked in the woods (revealing that he was lied to because it was Caroline who bit him), or since this morning when Elena told him about the Lockwood curse, because his book was animated with wolf sketches.

Well, now, let's not leave Tyler out of showcasing his work. He asks Jeremy to help him look for his sketch pad in the other room, however, what he really is looking for is answers. Pining him up against the wall by the neck, he demands to know why Jeremy's drawing werewolves (that's one way to do it). "Because I know." Jeremy goes on to educate Tyler about the Gilbert journal, and, in turn, Tyler shares how to trigger the curse. Whether or not anything will surprise Jeremy ever again ("Then again I always did believe in the crazy stuff."), at least now he and Tyler have someone to confide in. Still, one thing is for certain. Uncle Mason has returned for the moonstone.

"We need to put him down."

There's no way Damon will let well enough alone, it's not in his character! So he tracks down Mason at the lemonade stand. Conversation is quick because neither can stand the sight of the other. Although they do manage to agree upon the fact that nice is overrated. Now, the camera work here is making me nervous. What does this little girl have to do with anything?

Stefan's nervous that Damon said the wrong thing to Mason, but Damon brushes off his qualms by redirecting the subject to Stefan and Elena's "faux-drama." But, of course, Stefan's not going to dish on his plan of diversion. So, Damon takes a cup of lemonade to cheers to good health. Vervain! It's Vervain! And, with a key witness- Sheriff Forbes!

As Elena and Caroline are having a friendly, but guarded, discussion about Katherine's effect on their lives, Caroline sees her mom storming off from the park. She's rounding up the council squad- it's a V5! (Poor woman can't get a day off!) Caroline senses that something is wrong and she's in pursuit of an answer. A curious Elena follows closely.

Struggling to recover, Damon notices Mason on trash duty headed into the woods, so he and Stefan follow. They should've skipped the small talk because shots are being fired and I'm pretty sure the bullets are wooden. The Sheriff's back on duty and she's injecting them with vervain. The only thing saving them now is the fact that Caroline overheard all of this. But, will she risk exposing herself to her mother?

Mason leads Sheriff Forbes and deputies to the ol' slave quarters so that they can kill the Salvatores. Before departing he warns, "Don't take any chances." As he walks towards the park, he finds Caroline and Elena discovering the battle scene. Using Elena as a hostage, he taunts Caroline about exposing her to her mom. No c'est bon! Caroline drop kicks Mason Lockwood like she's been brawling all her life! (Love this fight scene! Caroline as a vamp rocks!)

"Hi Mom."

Caroline is hesitant about going into the underground quarters. Since turning she's been avoiding close contact with her mother in order not to expose herself. However, she knows what the Salvatores and Elena have done for her. So, as the guns are raised and pointed at a helpless Damon and a lifeless Stefan, she causes mayhem.

Scurrying about, the Sheriff and her deputies are confused. In one second, there is only Elena, who is at a standstill as she pleads for the brothers' survival. Then in the next second, Caroline is digging into a deputy's neck forcing the other to open fire! Dropping to him to the ground like a heavy load, she does the best horror movie approach out of the darkness. She stops just past the the light that breaches her bloody mouth to utter two words: "Hi Mom." (Classic! Thank you director, Jeff Woolnough, for this scene!)

The meaning of "You are my friend" is spoken in emphasis here. Damon is not one to salvage lives, for anything, but he does with Liz. That's a turning point. So, he takes her to the broodinghouse cell to let the vervain pass through her so that she can be compelled. Now, the Salvatores need to power up. Damon drained the deputies (although I'm surprised they didn't consume vervain being on the council and all), and Stefan went back to his normal diet. "Got some bunny in ya?" (Hilarious that this can be such a casual conversation between Caroline and Stefan. I bet that was fun for them to play).

"My daughter's gone."

After speaking with her job to disguise her whereabouts, Sheriff Forbes asks Damon to keep Caroline away. She doesn't know that she's disowning her daughter in earshot. It will be words she'll be haunted by even after being compelled. As Elena chases after Caroline to console her, she finds Stefan reaching for the hard stuff. He wants to consume a little human blood everyday to build his immunity in order to fight future attacks; and Katherine. Elena walks away, choosing not even to entertain the idea.

Elena reaches Caroline who is clearly upset over more than her mother. After she apologizes to Elena for being a bad friend, she confesses that Katherine has threatened to hurt Matt if she didn't comply. "Why is she doing this? What does she want?" Elena wants to go home, but is convinced to stay after Damon explains that Stefan didn't partake in the blood, but needs to. So, she finds Stefan and with all the trust in the world, slices her palm. She will provide his daily drop of blood so that he can build up his tolerance. "It's you and me, Stefan. Always."

Back at the Lockwood Mansion, Tyler is venting to Mason about the careless party they had at the house earlier in the day which caused a drunk Sarah to fall down the stairs. At that moment his life must have flashed before his eyes. Thankfully, however, her drunken state allowed the fall to have minimal effect on her. Tyler's over playing games and making mistakes, but this next move may be his biggest mistake yet. He hands over the moonstone to his uncle who he does not trust. (No!)

"I've been waiting."

One year ago, outside a bar in Florida, on a cool breezy summer's night Mason Lockwood killed his friend Jimmy. Katherine had compelled Jimmy to start a fight with Mason to trigger the curse, and she was there to console the heartbroken and confused Mason thereafter. She had a greater plan-to attain the moonstone- and has been using Mason to get it (Perhaps the late Mayor did know about the curse and significance of the moonstone).

Escaping to a black car in the woods, Mason finds Katherine who's a little disappointed about his rally with the Salvatores earlier in the day. She wants him to focus on attaining the moonstone without distractions. With a smirking smile and puppy dog eyes, he says, "I got it." And with that, he's rewarded with a kiss so deep it would make any dog's tail wag.



Mason clearly knows the resemblance between Elena and Katherine, his knowledge about Mystic Falls must go further than his infatuation with Katherine. Thoughts? Share your OMG moments below! Then, find me, Danielle DuCré, on Twitter @msdanielley, we can discuss Diaries in 140 characters or less..

Photo Credit: Bob Mahoney/The CW

Memory Lane

It hurts doesn't it.

It's 1864 and Katherine shares an elegant, yet playful, dance with her chosen Salvatore brother. Suddenly, a familiar laugh comes from the corner of the room. Stefan breaks his stare from his beloved Katherine to watch as Damon escorts Elena into present day Mystic Grill. He calls after Elena, but she doesn't wait for him. Instead, she's snuggled up to Damon sharing a pool stick and a few passionate kisses. Stefan, in a bewildered state, can only watch.

Katherine's back and she's in bed- with Stefan. Using his lifestyle choice against him, she manipulates his dreams. Awakening, he holds her close and mumbles something about a bad dream. Two beats later and his eyes shoot open as he realizes his nightmare is in his bed. "You have to admit I'm getting better at this." She's here to try to weasel her way back into his life by insisting that he admit his everlasting love for her. She even inquires why he never burned her 1864 portrait moons ago, and, of course, he has no reply. So, she just dangles it in his face.

Why Stefan is entertaining this woman is beyond me. Granted she'll stay where she sees fit, but he even offers her Damon's private stash. Of course he wants answers, but he's being too kind! Indeed, it's been said that it takes two to tango, and Stefan's getting ready to dance. Pulling himself right up to Katherine he embraces her in a near kiss (if this man kisses her I will never watch this show again!) "What is it about you that makes me still care?" She's puddy in his arms, then... vervain dart. Right into her back. (Thank goodness, I can still watch this show!) Stefan takes the drugged vamp to the basement cell where he shackles her to a chair.

"That's weird. 'Cus I'm a dick."

Barbeque at the Gilbert house has rallied up the adults for more than just a walk down H.S. memory lane. Finally, we get to see Jenna's disgust over "Elena" and Damon's kiss on the porch verbally played out. "[I'll] be nice when Damon learns to keep his paws off you." He may not be able to sweet talk his way out of this one so easily, but he'll try. Peach cobbler, Aunt Jenna?

I would've loved to see the dynamics with Jeremy in this scene. Would he have been Damon's sidekick during this shin dig? But, alas, he's off contemplating life somewhere. Nonetheless, Damon and Uncle Good Looking (aka Mason) are rallying innuendos. Damon's drawing a tutu-wearing dog during a game of Pictionary, and Mason refers to Damon's role in relationships as a lady killer. Meanwhile, Jenna and Alaric take a back seat to all of this. Partially because Jenna's intoxicated ("I want her to like me."), and Alaric is being an academic and surveying the situation.

Now the true test. Silver serving knife in the pie. Damon offers Mason to take the first slice, and he does so by scooping his piece with his hand "I apologize; I'm an animal." Take this moment to exhale because we know that silver is as serious to werewolves as vervain is to vampires. However, since he didn't utilize the silver utensil, who was actually offering the test? Perhaps Mason used this opportunity to test Damon. We'll soon find out...

"He hates that you're a constant temptation."

During all of this adult bonding time, Elena and Caroline hash out their own realities. As a result to Katherine occupying Stefan's bed, err time, Elena hasn't been able to touch base with him. She's concerned, but gets guilt tripped by Caroline who insists she's overreacting. Soon, after the Damon and Mason pie showdown, Elena concludes that she needs to go check on him. Being that Caroline has Elena's best interest at heart, she offers to drive her. Which of course is the sweetest thing to do since she's breaking the tire plug on her own car in order to further delay Elena from reaching Stefan. See, sweet.

Still, Elena knows something's up when Caroline continues to hound on the fact vampires and humans can not have lasting relationships. She goes so far as to remind Elena that she will never have his children (Is she not hip to the fact that Elena's adopted?). The confrontation is interrupted when AAA shows up. Elena decides to walk the remainder despite Caroline's protests. "Don't leave me alone." Perhaps this is code for: the tow guy is a dead man!

"Now you've made an enemy."Clearly handshakes aren't what they used to be. Damon wasn't planning to keep the peace with Mason, and he shows this by stabbing Mason with Grandma Sommers's silver knife. Due to it having a minor effect on the cursed Lockwood, we uncover a fact about the lycanthrope- they created the myth about the harm from silver. Upset that he's not able to catch last call, Mason heads home to confront Tyler who's been hounding him all day about the supernatural shift. Fact #2: to trigger the curse, a human life must be taken. Fact #3, as learned from Katherine and Stefan's torture confessional: The moonstone was given to the Lockwoods by Katherine. Go figure.

"I never compelled your love. It was real and so was mine."

Katherine has been reminiscing about 1864 all day; meanwhile, being tortured with vervain and shackled to a chair that's probably been around as long as the boardinghouse itself. She doesn't indulge Stefan in any profound details about her return to Mystic Falls, but she does question his motives for returning. Including his relationship with Elena.

Stefan learns that, once upon a time, he did in fact love Katherine without compulsion, and that she genuinely was taken aback at this discovery "I look at you and I see an angel." Someone so malicious being referred to as an angel, I can see why. She also reveals that she worked with George Lockwood to plan the attack on the vampires which she used to disguise her own death "I practically lit the match." By working with him, they insured that both their supernatural curses remained in secret.

Although these details cause him to become further disgusted with Katherine, Stefan doesn't buy into all of the reasoning to the story. He figures she was running from something in 1864 (we're going to be left in suspense on this one, huh Ms. Plec?), but has returned to Mystic Falls for another reason entirely. So, for the sixth time, he asks for the reason of her return. "I want what I want, Stefan." Now defensive, she's ready to discuss more important things like what she plans to do if she doesn't get what she wants. "I will snap her neck like a twig and you know it."

Dems fightin' words- Stefan is hot! Aggravated by Katherine's continuous commands forbidding him to see Elena, he comes after her with a stake to prove his loyalty doesn't reside with her. Katherine, in turn, decides she's had enough of this interrogation and clearly shows him where her loyalty lies. With great force she shoves an unsuspecting Stefan landing him flat on his back. Then, breaking free her wrists and ankles from the chains, she casually walks over to a shocked Stefan (Paul Wesley's expression, although completely believable, was hilarious!). "I just wanted to spend some time with you." Apparently vervain doesn't affect Katherine because she's been sippin' on it for the last 145 years- this earns her a whole new level of badass.

A voice is heard upstairs and Katherine hurries to officially meet Elena, but not before driving a wooden stake through Stefan's leg. This meeting is of epic proportions. Katherine ingests Elena with every sense. "How do we look exactly alike?" Slithering her way around Elena, Katherine only replies that that is the wrong question to be asking. Then, she vanishes as an injured Stefan appears. (Nina Dobrev has won me over this episode. She plays one bad vampire!)

"I've already killed you once."

Cornering Caroline in the ladies' room at the Grill, Katherine lets her know how disappointed she is in her failed attempt to occupy Elena for the day. Apparently having "fun" with Katherine is non existent when your eternal life is on the line. Soon thereafter, Stefan and Elena enter the grill. Elena receives profuse apologies from Caroline, then joins Stefan. "If Katherine had her way we'd be breaking up right now." Elena insists that Stefan is giving his ex far too much power over their relationship. However, according to Stefan, Katherine always gets her way and it's too late for Elena to extinguish the inevitable. Defeated, Elena leaves. Cue Caroline. Cue Damon.

Katherine may have had a bad day, but Damon has had a bad century. He stalks out of the Grill to find Katherine lurking in the shadows. She warns him not to be the hero as it will be his demise. "Been there, done that. At least this time it'll be worth it." The Salvatore brothers have resisted Katherine thus far, but what will Damon do with this new information about Stefan and Elena's split?

Especially when he finds out it was staged. Stefan meets Elena in her bedroom for an embrace to overcome the fight. They decide to hide the truth from everyone, although it will definitely be difficult. They have to do this in order to find out what it is Katherine wants.

What was Katherine running from in 1864? She's insured her survival, what will be her weakness? Will she manipulate the Salvatore's, like she did to Stefan, to get what she wants? Your turn- Share your OMG moments below! Find me, Danielle DuCre on Twitter @msdanielley, we can discuss Diaries in 140 characters or less..

Photos: vampirediariesweb