Jason Roach

With help from Elena and Bonnie, Alaric tries to decipher the meaning behind his recent discovery. Elena and Rebekah (recurring guest star Claire Holt) engage in a mean-girl power struggle, until Rebekah finally reveals some of her family’s ancient secrets and the violent past she shares with Klaus and Elijah (recurring guest star Daniel Gillies). Damon tries a reckless new approach to make a breakthrough with Stefan, and they’re both surprised by an unlikely ally.

Stefan has hidden the coffins containing the bodies of Klaus’ family, and Klaus quickly turns to violence to convince Damon and Elena that no one will be safe until he finds Stefan and gets his family back. Tyler continues to make the most of his new abilities as a hybrid, but he has to face the disturbing consequences of his actions as well. After a terrifying incident, Elena and Alaric grow increasingly concerned about Jeremy’s attitude and, ultimately, his safety. Alaric meets the beautiful Dr. Fell (recurring guest star Torrey DeVitto – Pretty Little Liars), who is intrigued with his amazing ability to heal. While trying to strike a deal with Klaus, Elena delivers news that truly shocks him. Also in the episode, Internet personality Justine Ezarik appears as a bartender.

The present-day murders in Mystic Falls remind Damon of a similar crime spree a century earlier. In flashbacks to 1912, Damon recalls a beautiful vampire, Sage (recurring guest star Cassidy Freeman – Smallville), who showed him a whole new way to exist. Sheriff Forbes (recurring guest star Marguerite MacIntyre) warns Damon not to get involved in her investigation, but Damon is convinced she’s going after the wrong suspect. Elena and Matt resort to breaking and entering in their search for evidence to prove Dr. Fell (recurring guest star Torrey DeVitto) is a murderer. Additionally, Elena comes to a new understanding of the path her life has taken, and Damon makes an emotional confession to Stefan. Plus, for reasons known only to her, Rebekah (recurring guest star Claire Holt), becomes interested in locating one of the town’s oldest landmarks.

On the night of the Homecoming dance, Rebekah (recurring guest star Claire Holt) opens up to Elena about why the evening is so important to her, leaving Elena with conflicting emotions. Caroline and Matt are both shocked at Tyler’s behavior throughout the evening. The night takes a surreal turn when Klaus puts his latest plan into action. Determined to outsmart Klaus, Damon enters into a dangerous partnership, leading to a terrifying turn of events. The band My Morning Jacket performs in the party scenes.

Elena is surprised to receive an invitation to a formal ball, and when Damon and Stefan hear the party is being hosted at Klaus’ newly renovated mansion, they both insist on attending the event with her. Caroline and Matt also receive invitations to the ball from unexpected admirers. At the elegant party, Elena learns of a horrifying plan that could lead to numerous deaths and she must decide who she can trust with her new information. Caroline discovers a side of Klaus no one would have suspected. Finally, after an evening of violence and dashed hopes, Damon finds a new way to cope.

Alaric finds an unexpected ally to guide him on his dangerous new path, while Damon and Meredith (recurring guest star Torrey DeVitto) try to figure out what their next move should be. At the school’s 1920s Decade Dance, Bonnie asks Jamie (recurring guest star Robert Ri’chard) to go with her and, at Caroline’s suggestion, Elena asks Stefan to be her date. Caroline is pleasantly surprised when Tyler shows up at the dance determined to sweep her off her feet, but Klaus does his best to come between them. The dance takes a deadly turn when Damon and Stefan realize they need the help of Matt, Jeremy and especially Bonnie to undo a spell that could prove devastating for everyone.