Lex Shontz

In the fourth season premiere, Elena awakens on the morning after the accident to find the thing she dreaded most has come true — she died with vampire blood in her system and now must go through the terrible transition to become a vampire … or face certain death. Stefan promises Elena that he and Bonnie will exhaust every possible way out of the situation, but Damon is furious with his brother for letting Elena die in the first place. Bonnie pays a terrible price for her attempt to change Elena’s fate, while Damon takes out his frustration and rage on Matt. In a rare moment of empathy, Rebekah (recurring guest star Claire Holt) is deeply touched by Stefan and Elena’s devotion to one another. Finally, Pastor Young (guest star Michael Reilly Burke – Revenge) and the Town Council members begin rounding up the vampires and their supporters, leading to an unexpected tragedy.

With Victoria in control and David Clarke in the headlines, Emily works on a new strategy to reunite with her father.

Daniel decides to confront Emily about the secrets she has kept; things get hotter between Margaux and Louise.

Emily worries that Charlotte cannot be saved from her worsening downward spiral; Nolan and David reunite.

A shooting and its aftermath drastically change the life of a member of the team.