'The Vampire Diaries' Recap: Elena Slaps Stefan And (Finally) Kisses Damon

Elena made her feelings about both Salvatore brothers pretty clear on the midseason premiere of 'The Vampire Diaries.' But will they last? Let me begin by saying this, my friends: No, your eyes were not deceiving you during that last scene on the Jan. 5 episode of The Vampire Diaries. Damon (Ian Somerhalder) really did go in for the kiss, and yes, Elena (Nina Dobrev) really did kiss him right back. And it was super hot. The kiss was preceded by one of Damon's legendary speeches, this time about how he feels so guilty for wanting his brother's girlfriend. Thankfully he got over that pretty quickly, and decided that if he was going to feel guilty, he might as well have something to feel guilty about. Cue the kiss.

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But this episode was about more than just long-awaited lip-locks — it was also about some pretty important information coming to light. For starters, Stefan (Paul Wesley) finally admitted that he only stopped Damon from killing Klaus (Joseph Morgan) in order to save him, and Damon did not receive this news too well. Unlike “Stelena” fans, Damon doesn’t appreciate his brother’s noble nature.

I’m not going to lie, I’m loving Stefan’s new bad-ass persona. I was worried that once he was free of Klaus’ compulsion, he’d revert back to being a vampire Peep, but no. He’s a total bad-ass.

I also, however, have to admit I feel really bad for Stefan. When Elena slapped him and told him to go to hell, the “Team Damon”-er inside of me wanted to enjoy it — but I couldn’t. Without knowing the whole truth, Elena’s anger was super misguided.

Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) and Tyler (Michael Trevino) spent quite a bit of time together this week, but like most bromances on the show, it ended in disaster. It turns out Klaus’ newest hybrid was only hanging out with Jeremy so he could ween him off vervain, which would allow Klaus to compel him. And compel him Klaus did! He made Jeremy stand in front of an oncoming car — driven by one of his henchmen, of course — and Alaric (Matt Davis) had to jump in the way to save him.

This led Alaric straight into the waiting arms of Dr. Fell (Torrey DeVitto), who was more than a little curious about how Alaric healed so quickly. Like every role she plays — even the bats**t crazy ones — Torrey is adorable as Dr. Fell. She gives off a major Hart of Dixie vibe, which I dig.

Jeremy’s little scare was a wake-up call for Elena, who realized Klaus would stop at nothing to get what he wants. She and Alaric asked Damon to compel Jeremy to leave Mystic Falls and never look back — the classic Simba routine. I’ll admit it was heartbreaking watching Elena cry at the thought of her brother leaving town, but honestly, how often do people really stay away from Mystic Falls? Jeremy will be back soon… and probably hotter than ever.

As a last bit of good news, Bonnie (Kat Graham) finally got some juicy material this week. She’s been having a recurring dream about coffins, and her investigation led her straight to Stefan, who explained to her that the dead witches are keeping the coffins hidden from Klaus’ sight.

Klaus did, however, get Rebekah (Claire Holt) back — but just as I was starting to worry that she’d wake up and go straight after Elena, Klaus stuck the dagger back into her! He’s got plans, that one. And I don’t like ’em.

OK, tell me what you thought about that kiss: Is it the start of a long, glorious romance for Damon and Elena — or will she go right back to Stefan as soon as they reunite? Hit up the comments section with your thoughts on the most epic lip-lock yet!

— Andy Swift

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