Author Shawn Hill

Flashbacks. Why is this show on more solid ground whenever it does those?

Ugh. Gross.

Elena is sometimes a dope.

She's had blood dripping from her lips in every episode this season; she wasn't going to get off the hook that easily.

Finally, this season figures out what it's about and delivers a truly fresh episode.

This episode was curiously disjointed.

Who does she become if she turns off her humanity (in horror at herself)? Is she still Elena without any feelings at all?

The writers do like drownings, burials and deaths by fire.

If last episode felt full of endings and resolutions, this one is full of regrets and open questions.

Klaus tries to carry out his plan to leave town with Elena, but meets resistance from an unexpected new enemy.

Alaric receives guidance from someone unexpected as he navigates his dangerous new path, while Damon and Meredith try to determine the best course of action.

Is there any point in comparing this fun episode to Joseph Conrad’s canonical novella?

Damon and Stefan work on a new mission with the hope of bringing down Klaus, and they enlist the help of Caroline, Matt, and Elena.

Back in present day Mystic Falls, Damon reunites with Sage a century after their first meeting.

The recent murders in Mystic Falls remind Damon of a similar string of killings one hundred years ago.

Elena, already upset after learning of Damon's latest indiscretion, is frustrated when none of her friends agree with her on how to handle the Original family's power struggle.

Damon and Stefan accompany Elena to a formal ball being hosted at Klaus's newly renovated mansion.