1. Elena & Stefan Break Up
We’ve seen this play out before, but that was all a show for Katherine. This time, it was really for real — and it resulted in a super-weepy, unappealing Stefan (Paul Wesley) for most of the remaining season.
2. Elena & Damon Have Sex
Before the experience was ruined by news of the alleged sire bond, this was the show’s hottest hookup ever. Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Elena made that entire mansion their bitch, and an endless number of gifs were born.
Season 5 Scoop: It sounds like we can expect more hot Damon-Elena scenes in season five. Julie says “we’re going to be able to enjoy” the couple for a while.
3. Klaus Kills Tyler’s Mom
As if there wasn’t already a serious lack of parental guidance in Mystic Falls, Klaus (Joseph Morgan) drowned Tyler’s mom — and all to the tune of a delightful Christmas classic! Needless to say, Tyler (Michael Trevino) asked Santa for new parents this year.
4. Stefan & Rebekah Have Sex
When they weren’t boning, Stefan and Rebekah (Claire Holt) were basically living out an ’80s movie, and that was pretty terrific. … It’s all good now, though, as we all know she belongs with Matt.
Season 5 Scoop: Speaking of Matt, I spoke with Claire at the CW Upfront, and she told me that Matt and Caroline’s relationship was purposely left “open-ended.”
5. Silas Kills Jeremy
I’m glad Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) is back for good, but the initial shock of his death was like no other. Forget Elena, I felt like I lost my little brother. I’m kind of surprised his ghost wasn’t wearing his trademark tank top, but that’s fine.
6. Hayley Is Pregnant
This was the point of no return for The Originals, and the exact moment I knew the spin-off could truly become its own show. Hayley (Phoebe Tonkin) and Klaus may be having an “oops” baby, but that spawn will be genetically flawless.
7. Bonnie Kills… Herself
I feel like Bonnie’s (Kat Graham) days have been numbered since the show started, and her death also brought back Jeremy, so I was actually able to accept this death pretty easily. To me, the most surprising part is that Kat will be a regular in season 5 — as a ghost!
Season 5 Scoop: Julie says Bonnie — who will be sticking around as a ghost — will struggle to establish and maintain a “physical relationship” with Jeremy.
8. Katherine Takes The Cure
Well, she didn’t “take” the cure as much as Elena forced it down her throat during an intense cat fight. And it was the ultimate revenge for Elena, turning the tables and making her tormentor completely vulnerable.
Season 5 Scoop: Don’t worry, Katherine’s punishment is far from over. Julie says Kat will be “on the verge of getting her ass kicked every single episode.”
9. Elena Chooses Damon
Good things happen when Damon and Elena stand in front of the Salvatores’ fireplace. Not only did they bone there for the first time, but that’s also where Elena chose Damon over Stefan on the fourth season finale.
10. Stefan Is Silas’ Doppelganger
Speaking of Stefan, what the %#!\ was that ending? Stefan is Silas’ doppelgänger? That came out of nowhere, but that’s OK, because Stefan is going back to bad-ass mode.
Season 5 Scoop: Paul loves playing the bad guy, which is good, because Julie says Silas will turn to a “pretty enormous Plan B” to achieve his goals. (In other words, he’s terrifying and he’s desperate.)
WATCH: Claire Holt Talks Matt & Rebekah And ‘The Originals’
Which of these moments shocked you the most this season? Cast your vote below, then drop a comment with your review of season four. What would you have done different, and what do you hope to see in season five?
— Andy Swift Follow @AndySwift
More ‘Vampire Diaries’ On HollywoodLife.com:
- ‘Vampire Diaries’ Season Finale Recap: Stefan Makes A Dark Discovery
- Ian Somerhalder & Nina Dobrev Smolder On The CW Upfront Carpet
- ‘Vampire Diaries’ Season 5 Scoop: A ‘Shocking Salvatore Secret’ Revealed