Elena attends a formal ball at Klaus' newly renovated mansion and learns of a horrifying plan that could lead to numerous deaths
Klaus hosts a dinner party and an unexpected guest arrives; Sheriff Forbes shares upsetting news with Alaric and Elena about a weapon used in a murder
Plot:Bonnie believes her dreams she's been having about Klaus's coffins will help her figure out how he can be killed. The recurring dreams also lead Bonnie to a reunion with her mother, Abby, whom Bonnie hasn't seen for 15 years. When they visit Abby's farmhouse, Bonnie and Elena meet Jamie, a young man Abby took in years earlier. Though Bonnie's sudden appearance catches Abby off-guard, she does her best to explain the past. Tyler turns to an unexpected ally as he works to regain his free will. Damon is intrigued by Dr. Fell, and Klaus and Stefan continue their violent negotiations over control of the coffins containing Klaus's family members.
Plot:Elena, Bonnie and Matt throw a surprise party for Caroline's 18th birthday. When Stefan and Damon can't agree on how to deal with Klaus, Stefan decides to test out his plan. Elena tells Bonnie that Jeremy's leaving town. Alaric runs into Dr. Fell at a Founder's meeting. Tyler is surprised when Klaus doesn't object at his refusal to go along with Klaus' latest demand.
Plot:Because Stefan has hidden the coffins containing the bodies of Klaus' family, Klaus threatens violence to convince Damon and Elena that no one will be safe until he finds Stefan and gets his family back. Tyler continues to take advantage of his new hybrid powers, but he must also deal with unsettling consequences of his actions. After a terrifying incident, Elena and Alaric become concerned about Jeremy's attitude and his safety. Alaric meets Dr. Fell, who is intrigued with his impressive ability to heal. While trying to work out a deal with Klaus, Elena gives him some news that truly surprises him.
Plot:Elena is uneasy and confused after Rebekah tells her why the night of the Homecoming dance is so significant. Tyler's actions during the evening leave Matt and Caroline shaken. Things turn bizarre when Klaus decides to activate his latest plan and, while trying to outsmart him, Damon forms a risky liaison which gives rise to a horrifying unforeseen development.
Ordinary People
Elena and Rebekah engage in a power struggle, until Rebekah reveals her family's ancient secrets and violent past with Klaus. Meanwhile, Damon tries a reckless new approach to make a breakthrough with Stefan.
Ghost World
Mystic Falls is invaded by spirits of the dead during the town's Illumination Night, and Damon encounters an angry ghost with surprising power. Meanwhile, Elena persuades Jeremy to use his connection to the spirit world to help find Stefan.
Smells Like Teen Spirit
Elena, Caroline, Bonnie and Matt begin their senior year of high school. Meanwhile, Damon becomes annoyed with a new house guest, and everyone is surprised by a new arrival in Alaric's history class.
The Reckoning
Despite all that has happened, Caroline (Candice Accola) is determined to see that Elena (Nina Dobrev), Bonnie (Kat Graham), Matt (Zach Roerig) and Tyler (Michael Trevino) all enjoy a traditional Senior Prank Night before the school year begins at Mystic Falls High School.
Disturbing Behavior
Klaus contacts a witch from his past to see why his plan isn't working. Meanwhile, Damon faces a new enemy and lashes out in a way that brings about lasting consequences; Jeremy makes a breakthrough with one of his ghostly visitors
The End of the Affair
Klaus and Stefan travel to Chicago, where Stefan is reunited with a vampire who was in love with him decades earlier. Meanwhile, Damon and Elena follow Stefan's trail; and Tyler worries about Caroline and turns to her mom for help.
The Hybrid
Klaus puts a plan in motion that will give him even more power, but even with the unwilling participation of werewolf Ray Sutton, things don’t go exactly as Klaus had planned.
The Birthday
The third season begins with Elena and Damon searching for Stefan, who is with Klaus tracking a werewolf. Meanwhile, Caroline plans a party for Elena's 18th birthday, and Jeremy sees the ghosts of his late girlfriends Vicki and Anna.
Episode: 2x22 (Season 2 Episode #22)
Aired: May 12, 2011
As I Lay Dying
Plot: Mystic Falls screens "Gone with The Wind" in the town square, and Damon's memories of Katherine in 1864 mix with the reality of present-day Elena. Stefan pays a steep price after trying to prevent a tragedy, and Sheriff Forbes makes a dangerous mistake while trying to keep everyone safe. Multiple lives hang in the balance as the consequences of the sacrifice ritual play out to a horrifying conclusion.
Episode: 2x21 (Season 2 Episode #21)
Aired: May 5, 2011
The Sun Also Rises
Plot: With the arrival of the full moon, Elena attempts to get ready for whatever Klaus has in store for her, and Tyler faces his second transformation. The dangerous events quickly escalate out of control, despite an unexpected act of courage. Damon reveals the truth to Stefan about a terrible new development they now face.
Episode: 2x20 (Season 2 Episode #20)
Aired: April 28, 2011
The Last Day
Plot: Damon is willing to take extreme measures to prevent Klaus from harming Elena. His actions pit Damon and Stefan against one another, and the tension that started brewing between the two over their differing opinions of how to protect Elena turns into a full-scale conflict. Tyler receives a concerning phone call and returns to Mystic Falls. With the full moon marking the arrival of the sacrifice ritual, Stefan and Elena spend a romantic day together, worried that it might be their last.
Episode: 2x19 (Season 2 Episode #19)
Aired: April 21, 2011
Klaus
Plot: Damon and Stefan are furious when they learn that Elena has gone against their wishes and formed a new alliance in attempt to out-maneuver Klaus. Tension between Damon and Stefan grows as they disagree over how best to protect Elena. Meanwhile, Stefan has his hands full as he tries to protect a confused and frightened Jenna. Flashbacks to 1491 reveal Katherine's initial meeting of Elijah and Klaus, along with the origin of the moonstone curse. Elena discovers some surprising new information about Klaus' intentions.
Episode: 2x18 (Season 2 Episode #18)
Aired: April 14, 2011
The Last Dance
Plot: The high school gets ready for a 1960s-themed dance and begins receiving alarming messages from Klaus via an unusual source. Bonnie tries to convince Jeremy that she has enough strength to help Elena, but Jeremy, concerned, goes to Stefan for advice. Caroline convinces talks Matt to take her to the dance. Damon and Alaric attend the dance as chaperons, expecting Klaus to show up, but Klaus is playing a complicated game that keeps them guessing. Eventually, Damon comes up with a new plan that surprises and upsets everyone.
Episode: 2x17 (Season 2 Episode #17)
Aired: April 7, 2011
Know Thy Enemy
Plot: Elena and Alaric are upset with John after Isobel's unexpected arrival devastates Jenna. Damon, Jeremy, and Bonnie search for the spell they'll need to harness the power of Bonnie's ancestors. Caroline, heartbroken, doesn't know how to handle the situation with Matt. Damon and Stefan realize they have a new secret weapon.
Episode: 2x16 (Season 2 Episode #16)
Aired: February 24, 2011
The House Guest
Plot: Even though Elena, Damon, and Stefan are tired of Katherine's constant mind games, they realize that Katherine's knowledge of Mystic Falls history will help them survive. Caroline finds a new way to get Matt's attention after feeling frustrated with their relationship. Alaric reveals some shocking information to Jenna, and Katherine makes a different kind of confession to Damon. Stefan and Bonnie try to convince Jonas and Luka that they should all be working together, but Jonas' lack of trust leads to a violent and intense confrontation.
Episode: 2x15 (Season 2 Episode #15)
Aired: February 17, 2011
The Dinner Party
Plot: Stefan tells Elena about a dark time from his past and the unexpected person who changed everything for him. Jonas gets the truth out of Luka and makes his feelings clear to Bonnie and Jeremy. Damon schedules a dinner party with Alaric, Jenna, and Andie in attempt to catch Elijah off-guard, but some last-minute information disrupts Damon's plan.
