Charles Van Eman

In flashbacks, Stefan and Damon recall the long-ago actions taken by townspeople — including their father, Guiseppe Salvatore (guest star James Remar - Dexter, Sex and the City), and Pearl (guest star Kelly Hu - Army Wives, Martial Law) — leading to the devastating events that caused the rift in their relationship. Back in the present, Bonnie's date with Ben (recurring guest star Sean Faris) takes a frightening turn. Elena helps Stefan as he and Damon race to find the missing journal that belonged to Elena's ancestor. Stefan learns the reason behind Alaric's (recurring guest star Matt Davis) interest in both the journal and the town's history. Damon discovers that an old acquaintance has returned to town with an agenda he understands.

Melinda finds a mother's lost spirit through electronic-voice phenomenon, then works to reconcile the woman with her teenage son.

While in a Panamanian prison, Michael must find a mysterious fellow-inmate hiding in the sewer system; Lincoln searches for Sara; troubling news about L.J.