The second-to-last episode of every Vampire Diaries season has always been finale-worthy, but the May 3 episode was so much more than that. Not only did Matt Davis hit it out of the park with his gripping portrayal of “evil Alaric,” but fans also got the shock of the season when death paid a visit to Mystic Falls — and not to the person everyone was expecting.

My weekly barrage of baby heart attacks began earlier than usual this week when Alaric decided to play a fun game of “torture the pretty blonde girl” with Caroline (Candice Accola) at school — a game he’s, unfortunately, very good at playing. Elena (Nina Dobrev) was able to distract him with a little game of her own, but it wasn’t long before he had her up against a locker. And not in the hot kind of way.

Meanwhile, Bonnie (Kat Graham) and her merry band of Alaric-hunters crafted a plan: Stop Alaric’s heart by temporarily stopping Jeremy’s (Steven R. McQueen) heart. I have to admit I really don’t get how these spells work most of the time, and I was none too pleased to see my precious Jeremy allowing Bonnie to put his life in danger — again — but now I understand it was all for the best.

In a surprising display of intelligence, Elena deduced that Esther must have tied her life line to Alaric’s, which meant he would die if she killed herself. This led to a super-dramatic stand-off in which Elena started to cut herself in the middle of the hallway, and while it was admittedly very Darcy Edwards of her, I have to confess I was worried. That’s what this show has done to me. I honestly believe that anyone can die at any moment.

That’s why I was really worried when Klaus tried to kill Elena, but thankfully Tyler (Michael Trevino) swooped in to save the day. He gave Klaus a speech about how he’s not his “little bitch” anymore — I don’t know if I was supposed to find it hot, but I totally did — and distracted him while Stefan gave his heart the ol’ reach around. That’s when Bonnie worked her witchy juju and did the unthinkable: She stopped Klaus’ heart… and killed him!

Seriously, that’s it. He’s dead. For now. (I think.)

Cut to the Gilbert household, where Elena’s friends threw her a surprise “Klaus Is Finally Dead” party — and yes, Matt (Zach Roerig) was invited. When you’ve got tequila shots in Mystic Falls, you know Matt Donovan won’t be far behind.

Speaking of parties, Alaric channeled his inner Gossip Girl and called an emergency Council meeting — only to expose the hot moms of Mystic Falls! He told everyone about Liz’s (Marguerite McIntyre) daughter the vampire and Carol’s (Susan Walters) son the hybrid, and how they’d both been protecting them. (Great, now I’ve got two more people to be worried about!)

It should go without saying that the Elena-Salvatore love triangle was also a major focal point of this week’s episode, but surprisingly, neither side really emerged victorious. In fact, Elena literally gave the brothers a big speech about how she didn’t want to make a choice because she didn’t want to lose either of them. Thankfully, my girl Caroline was quick to remind her that she will eventually have to choose. (Come on, a girl can’t have her hot vampire cake and eat it too!)

But just for the sake of argument, let’s see how each team stacked up this week:

Elena and Stefan tell Jeremy they’re not back together. (-5 points) x Stefan tells Damon, “If she chooses you, I’ll leave town and let you two be happy.” (+5 points for being a good sport) xx  TOTAL: 0 points		Color me shocked, but there were literally no moments this week in which Damon and Elena were alone. No suggestive one-liners, no flirty glances. Nothing. x TOTAL: 0 points

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OK, we’ve got seven days left until the season finale, so let’s talk this out: Do you think Klaus is dead for good? Do you think the gang will find a way to reverse the spell on Alaric? Do you think Elena will ACTUALLY choose between Stefan and Damon? And most importantly — do you think we’ll get to see that shower Jeremy mentioned in the final scene? Hit up the comments section with your thoughts, your hopes and your theories!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Vampire Diaries Stories:

1. The CW Renews ‘Vampire Diaries,’ ’90210′ & More For Fall 2012
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Season Finale First Look: Why Is Elena Crying?
3. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Scoop: Will Bonnie Pick Jamie Over Jeremy?

Before I begin, let me make one thing clear: I love Alaric Saltzman (Matt Davis). I loved learning about his backstory in season one, I loved seeing him fall for Jenna (Sara Canning) in season two, and I loved watching him grow as Elena (Nina Dobrev) and Jeremy’s (Steven R. McQueen) guardian in season three. But as we approach the season’s final two episodes, I believe we’re seeing the best version of Alaric yet — and dare I say it, we’re seeing the best villain The Vampire Diaries has ever given us.

Until now, the show has followed a pretty basic blueprint in terms of introducing its major villains. Just look at the way Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and Katherine were presented to us: We heard about them, we feared them, we met them, we hated them… then we learned more about them, and slowly began to love them. Suddenly they became antiheroes, rather than full-blown villains, which left the show without any one character for the Mystic Falls’ gang to focus their fear on.

But Alaric becoming an evil vampire — Mystic Falls’ most powerful evil vampire, in fact — is a major departure from all that. A character we know and love is suddenly in the opposite position, and I’ve never been so full of emotions. On one hand, I really want to see him get killed. We know there’s no good left in him, and letting him live will only allow him to wreak more havoc. On the other hand… it’s Alaric!

So not only do we finally have a big bad who’s out for blood, but we also have a gripping story line with built-in potential for tears. So many tears.

On top of all that, Matt Davis is at his best when he’s given intense material to work with. His acting was on-point when Alaric was possessed by Klaus last season, and the past few episodes have undeniably been his finest yet. If we do end up losing Alaric this season, at least he’ll go out on top.

Watch a clip from tonight’s episode below, then cast your vote: Is Alaric The Vampire Diaries‘ best villain yet?

Click here to view the embedded video.

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Vampire Diaries Stories:

1. The CW Renews ‘Vampire Diaries,’ ’90210′ & More For Fall 2012
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Season Finale First Look: Why Is Elena Crying?
3. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Scoop: Will Bonnie Pick Jamie Over Jeremy?

So, how are your eyes doing? Red? Puffy? I thought so. The April 26 episode of The Vampire Diaries more than made up for this season’s uneven quality by delivering an incredible hour that took everything to the next level. Not only did Elena’s (Nina Dobrev) love triangle become pointier than ever, but we’ve got ourselves a new Big Bad in Mystic Falls — and I’m kind of terrified to see how it all plays out.

For starters, we learned there’s way more to Alaric’s (Matt Davis) split-personality disorder than what we’ve seen so far. Esther, who gave up Rebekah’s (Claire Holt) body and returned to her own, explained that she communicated with Alaric every time he died while wearing the ring — from the other side. (OoOoOoOoh!) She planned to turn him into an Original-level vampire, but got a nasty little surprise when he knifed her from behind. (Bye, bitch!)

Sadly, Alaric decided not to complete the transition, which cued up one of the biggest sob-fests in the show’s history as all of the (non-vampire) characters gathered outside Alaric’s tomb to say their last goodbye. There were tears, there were candles, and there were more emotions than every season of Oprah combined. But wait… Just when we thought we’d seen the last of Alaric, Bonnie (Kat Graham) was visited by Esther in a dream, then hauled her ass to Alaric’s tomb to feed him her blood. So there you go, folks. Alaric isn’t dead. He’s not even a vampire. He’s the freakin’ ultimate vampire — and he’s got his eyes on Elena.

In less horrifically depressing news, this week’s episode also served up a big “f–k you” to all the “Klaroline” shippers out there. “It doesn’t matter how many times I dance with him,” Caroline (Candice Accola) told Tyler (Michael Trevino) after she and Klaus (Joseph Morgan) did the Charleston or whatever. “I love you.” Candice already disqualified the legitimacy of “Klaroline” in one of our recent interviews, but hearing the words actually come out of Caroline’s mouth made them stick.

Also, can someone please hand me a shovel? Because I’m totally digging Bonnie and Jamie (Robert Ri’chard) together. I was among those viewers who thought Bonnie and Jeremy made the perfect couple, but now that I’ve seen the alternative, I’m definitely on board. He’s a human who’s willing to stand by her side, and as far as I can tell, he doesn’t have too much emotional baggage to carry around. He’s definitely a keeper.

But what would an episode of The Vampire Diaries be without a little tension between Elena and her two favorite Salvatores? Whereas last week’s episode was all about Damon (Ian Somerhalder), this week’s tipped the scales dramatically in Stefan’s (Paul Wesley) favor. Not only did Stefan apologize for everything he’s done to Elena (again), but he reminded her she’s not alone in the world. “You have me,” he said after she cried about having no one to look out for her.

Let’s break down the episode and see just how each side fared:

Elena ends up asking Stefan to the dance anyway. He accepts. (+10 points) x Elena tells Stefan he looks “dapper,” and he tells her she looks “very beautiful.” (+15 points) x Stefan talks about Elena finding her way back to him: “After everything I put you through, I’m just honored to be your date tonight.” (+10 points) x Stefan told Elena he regrets ever turning off his feelings, and thanks Elena for always sticking by his side. (+20 points) x Stefan tells Elena she’s not alone, because she has him, and she sobs into his arms. (+35 points) x  TOTAL: 80 points		“I can’t ask Stefan on a date,” Elena said. “I just made out with his brother!” (+5) x I wasn’t sure if I should even count that last one — you know, since Elena ended up going to the dance with Stefan — but I decided to throw Damon a bone. Admit it: It was pretty ridiculous that last week’s huge hook up was barely addressed. Since when does Damon pass up on opportunities to rub his conquests in Stefan’s face? x TOTAL: 5 points

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What did you think of this week’s episode? Did you ugly cry when you thought Alaric was dead? And now that he’s not, which character are you most concerned about? As for Elena, what did you think of her big moments with Stefan? Hit up the comments section with your opinions on tonight’s episode, and your theories about what’s to come!

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

After what felt like the longest month of my life, The Vampire Diaries returned with a new episode March 15 — and it was so full of mystery solving that I half-expected the Scooby Gang to roll into town. It was also full of flashbacks to 1912, which helped Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan (Paul Wesley) solve the most crucial mystery of all: the identity of the Mystic Falls serial killer!

In a massive twist I definitely didn’t see coming, the stab-happy murderer turned out to be none other than Alaric (Matt Davis), who is apparently being driven mad after being brought back to life by his enchanted ring so many times. The same thing happened to a nice crazy lady by the name of Samantha Gilbert back in 1912. (Unrelated thought: I miss Jeremy.)

Unaware that Alaric was actually guilty of his crimes, Elena (Nina Dobrev) and Matt (Zach Roerig) teamed up to prove his innocence, which involved them breaking into Meredith’s (Torrey DeVitto) house to steal the old Gilbert journal. She caught them, but it was all good, because she knew all about his little condition and was actually trying to protect him. (But do we really trust her? I mean, I don’t, but do you?)

This week’s episode also was also like an Easter basket full of goodies for the Elena-Matt shippers out there. Not only did the duo share a jog, but they also had a seven-minutes-in-heaven moment while rooting through Meredith’s closet. And then there was the sympathetic ear he lent her at the end, while she droned on and on (and on) about her Salvatore drama. Matt claims he’s human, but I’m still waiting for the story line that reveals he’s actually a genetically (and emotionally) perfect android of friendship and romance.

Now let’s talk about that Salvatore drama, shall we? Elena told Matt she still has idealistic thoughts about Stefan actually giving up blood and returning to the cuddly vampire she knew and loved — but that Damon is occupying her thoughts more right now. ”Damon sort of snuck up on me,” she said. “He got under my skin, and no matter what I do, I can’t shake him.”

“Once you fall in love with someone, I don’t know if you can ever shake them,” Matt told her — which is so, so true.

So which brother is winning this eternal tug-of-war? Well, the fact that Elena actually caught Stefan nomming on a human — even if it was part of Damon’s sick twisted plan to recover his brother’s humanity — certainly didn’t earn him any points with her this week.

Lastly, we also met Sage (Cassidy Freeman) this week, who’s basically responsible for teaching Damon that ladies are play things. So I guess we all have her to thank for Damon being the snarky womanizer he is today! The next time we see her will be in present-day Mystic Falls, but you might have trouble recognizing her — you know, without any of her clothes on.

God, I missed this show!

What did you think of this week’s major revelations? Do you think Alaric’s condition will lead to his highly speculated death? Do you think Meredith’s days are also numbered? And which Salvatore brother do YOU think is winning in the ongoing fight for Elena? Hit up the comments section with your thoughts!

— Andy Swift

Follow Andy on Twitter for more Vampire Diaries updates

While last week’s season premiere of The Vampire Diaries was basically an hour-long love letter to fans of Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Elena’s (Nina Dobrev) rocky romance, the Sept. 22 episode was definitely more of a treat for those fans pining for her connection with Damon (Ian Somerhalder). She may gave “given up” on Damon this week, but we all know that was really just a lead-in for their intense final bedroom scene.

This week, Elena’s search for Stefan led her — along with Alaric (Matt Davis) and Damon — to the Tennessee mountains, where they encountered everyone’s favorite preacher’s kid-turned-werewolf-turned-hybrid, Ray Sutton (David Gallagher)! Unfortunately, when Ray was turned by Klaus (Joseph Morgan) he also went a little cray-cray, so he wasn’t exactly a sight for sore eyes. After biting Stefan, he went after Damon, who was ultimately saved by his little brother when he ripped Ray’s heart out — Mason-style.

Now, back to that whole “giving up” on Damon thing: When Elena first learned of Stefan’s whereabouts, Alaric tried to deter her from putting herself in harm’s way. But as Elena said, Stefan wouldn’t give up on her, so she had to save him. Now let’s fast forward to Ray’s attack on Damon: When Alaric told Elena it was too dangerous to stay on the mountain, she hesitated for a minute, but ultimately agreed and left Damon behind.

So did she totally give up on him?

Well, yes and no. Damon confronted Elena in her bedroom later that night — God, I love those scenes — and she said she only left the mountain because she didn’t want to see him get hurt. “I worry about you,” she told him. “Why do you even have to hear me say it?”

Those two — you just gotta love ‘em.

In other relationship news, Tyler (Michael Trevino) came clean to his crazy mom about being a werewolf after she told him he couldn’t date Caroline (Candice Accola), because she was a “monster.” And while I’m surprised she had absolutely no idea about his furrier side, I suppose moms have the uncanny ability to overlook anything that would make their kid seem less than perfect.

Unfortunately for Tyler, his confession might not have been enough to save Caroline, who he also explained is “not a prostitute.” She’s still chained up in a basement, and about to be killed by a highly unlikely new foe — her dad, Bill (Jack Coleman, sans the horn-rimmed glasses)!

And how ’bout them ghosts? Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) told Matt (Zach Roerig) about Vicki’s (Kayla Ewell) plea for help, just as she visited him again and told him “I can come back.” But wait, Anna (Malese Jow) also came back and told Jeremy not to trust Vicki! So who should Jeremy trust — his dead vampire ex-girlfriend or his other dead vampire ex-girlfriend?

And where the heck is his live non-vampire girlfriend, Bonnie (Kat Graham)?

— Andy Swift

Follow Andy on Twitter for all things Vampire Diaries

Considering Stefan (Paul Wesley) is now in full-on Ripper mode, I was sure the third season of The Vampire Diaries would be all about Elena (Nina Dobrev) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) giving into their sweet, nasty passions. But man, was I wrong! The Sept. 15 season premiere was loaded with enough Stefan-Elena moments to convert my Delena-shipping heart. Well… almost.

The episode began, as expected, with Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and his new bestie Stefan literally killing their way up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Apparently they don’t call Stefan “the Ripper” for nothing. He straight-up rips people’s body parts off, then feels guilty and tries to re-assemble them like they’re freakin’ Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas. It’s kind of hot.

Back in Mystic Falls, Caroline (Candice Accola) threw Elena a bitchin’ 18th birthday kegger to help get her mind off of her M.I.A. boyfriend. But sweet baby vamp Caroline had her own relationship drama to deal with, as her feelings for Tyler (Michael Trevino) were intensifying, and Matt (Zach Roerig) continued to pine for her from a distance.

Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) — who appears to have spent all summer at the gym — remained haunted by the ghosts of Anna (Malese Jow) and Vicki (Kayla Ewell), who we heard utter “help me” before a clueless Matt entered the frame and sat on her. But when Jeremy wasn’t playing Ghost Whisperer — move the eff over, Jennifer Love Hewitt – he was getting stoned with his new BFF. (And honestly, even if you’ve never smoked a joint once in your life, don’t tell me you wouldn’t love to light one up with Matt and Jeremy.)

While the Mystic Falls gang got its party on, Klaus and Stefan played a nasty game of darts with a werewolf named Ray Sutton (David Gallagher) so he would tell them the whereabouts of his pack. When he refused to comply, Klaus forced Ray to nom on his blood, then killed him, effectively turning him into — you guessed it — a hybrid! (Seriously, was anyone else totally disturbed watching Simon Camden bleeding and tied to a pool table? Happy have mercy on us all!)

Now here’s the part that really got to me: In an attempt to shake Damon off their backs, Klaus and Stefan returned to Mystic Falls and compelled ace reporter Andie Star (Dawn Olivieri) to jump off a high platform at the local news studio. Damon helplessly watched as his fake/compelled girlfriend lept to her untimely death. Honestly, I’m mostly pissed that she’s dead because now I won’t be able to pretend Damon talks to me through the TV. (He says “Andie,” but I hear “Andy.”)

While Damon broke some chairs in a fit of rage, a super-emotional Stefan decided to give Elena a call. But he couldn’t bring himself to talk to her, so he was forced to stand there while she poured her heart out to the silence. She cried, he cried, and you know what? I almost did, too. “Stelena” fans, this season is still yours — for now!

The episode ended, just as last season premiere’s did, with a tweet-worthy twist: When Caroline tried to sneak out of Chez Lockwood — apparently vampires are also familiar with the walk of shame — she was confronted by Tyler’s mom (Susan Walters), who shot her with tranquilizer darts! Possibly filled with vervain! Damn you Carol Lockwood and your beautiful blue eyes of death!

P.S. Where the heck was Bonnie (Kat Graham)?

OK, now YOU talk: What did you think of tonight’s big premiere? Was that heart-wrenching moment between Elena and Stefan enough to make you think they actually belong together?

— Andy Swift

Follow Andy on Twitter for more Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries fans’ long, smolder-less summer has finally come to an end — but something tells me Stefan (Paul Wesley) isn’t quite as excited about the big return as we are. In this new preview video from tonight’s season premiere, Stefan is still on the loose with his new bloody buddy Klaus (Joseph Morgan) — and his soapy, naked brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder) isn’t exactly busting his butt to find him.

But Elena (Nina Dobrev) is still hot on her boyfriend’s trail, and a new clue from Sheriff “Terrible Aim” Forbes leads Alaric (Matt Davis)  to Memphis, Tenn.

Back in Mystic Falls, Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) has his hands full with his ghostly ex-girlfriends Vicki (Kayla Ewell) and Anna (Malese Jow.) And Tyler (Michael Trevino) appears to be working on getting a girlfriend of his very own. Hmm… I wonder who that could be?

Watch the preview video of tonight’s premiere, “The Birthday,” below — including commentary from Executive Producer Julie Plec – then cast your vote: Do you think Stefan will ever be back to normal?

Click here to view the embedded video.

— Andy Swift

Follow Andy on Twitter for more Vampire Diaries

We’ve still got two weeks to go until Elena (Nina Dobrev), Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and the rest of Mystic Falls’ finest return for the third season of The Vampire Diaries — but thanks to SpoilerTV, we don’t have to wait to find out what kind of supernatural shenanigans they’ll all be up to. Read on for the latest scoop on season three, and don’t say I didn’t warn you!

OK, here we go. In what should come as a surprise to absolutely no one, Elena doesn’t give up on finding Stefan (Paul Wesley.) In fact, on the season’s second episode — ominously titled “Hybrid” — Elena actually enlists Damon and Alaric’s (Matt Davis) help! But as is the case with most of Elena’s plans, Damon ends up in hot water, this time engaging in “a dangerous fight with a new enemy.” (Seriously, why do they keep letting Elena come up with plans? I love her, but she kind of sucks at it.)

Meanwhile, Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) asks for Matt’s (Zach Roerig) help as he tries to figure out why he’s being haunted by the ghosts of Vicki (Kayla Ewell) and Anna (Malese Jow.)

And the family drama continues over at the Lockwood mansion, as Tyler (Michael Trevino) and his super-hot mom (Susan Walters) clash in what’s promised to be “an emotional confrontation.”

And finally, David Gallagher‘s new werewolf character, Ray Sutton, will factor heavily into Klaus’ (Joseph Morgan) plan to “give him even more power.” Unfortunately for the big-bad hybrid, “things don’t go exactly as Klaus had planned.” (What a pity.)

OK, let’s start talking. Do you hope Damon and Elena find Stefan right away, or do you think they deserve a little more alone time? And will Jeremy soon replace Tyler as Matt’s best friend? I guess we’ll find out in 14 days!

— Andy Swift

Follow Andy on Twitter for more Vampire Diaries