Can I have a collective “OMG!” after last night’s episode? Or is “HOLY HOTNESS BATMAN” better fitted for such an episode? Either way, Chicago was a magical, ripping city in the 1920′s. All curtesy of Mr. Stefan Salvatore. I don’t know if it was the hair, the tux, the snarky smirks and laughs, the biting, or the chemistry, but The End of the Affair has made my Top 5 favorite episodes of the whole series. I laughed, I cried, I was disturbed, and I OMG-ed. Ladies, grab your man’s ties… And fellas, hold on tight to your ladies hand, because Dapper Stefan takes us all on a ripping ride to the ’20s!
Previously on The Vampire Diaries: (Aw! JoMo has his first ‘Previously’ voiceover!) Carol thought it’d be okay to kidnap Caroline. Daddy Dearest shows up to ruin all our lives. Damon decides there is hope for Stefan. Klaus fails at making his vamp-puppy army of slaves. Stefan and Elena have a near-miss situation. And we all weeped.
AW. Katherine baby! Am I the only one who missed her? Yes? Okay. Whatever. She still loves Stefan, though. Always. Girl is determined to get her man! And honestly, I like Katherine and Stefan. They have so much sexual tension. And if worse comes to worse, us Stefan/Elena lovers can just imagine she’s Elena.
Klaus and Stefan have arrived in the Windy City! And Stefan has no clue of what might have happened in this town. Collective swoon right now for Klaus’ storytime voiceover!
AND let us all bask in the gorgeousness that is Dapper Stefan (or Tux Stefan), making girls moan in the backseat since 1920. He really has come a long way since 1864. Back then there was blood everywhere – all around his mouth, all over his chest and shirt – but not in the ’20s. Nope. The man is spotless. Wipes off tiny streams of blood from the side of his lip, hops out the car, adjusts his tux, and walks off to party like the BAMF he is.
Speakeasy’s! Flappers! Champagne flowing! (Line courtesy of Julie Plec 
). “Guess who my eyes have just spied ladies. Looking for a good time, Mr. Salvatore?” “Save me a dance, Gloria.” Oof, Stefan’s flirty with everyone. Where’d all that confidence go in present-day Stefan? (Blame Elena). Ahem. “Careful, Mr. Salvatore… You’re still wearing your date. She’s lovely.” Chemistry flowing everywhere! I’ll let you guys know, after this episode, I do not at all mind Stefan and Rebekah together. This scene was a wonderful introduction to a character I really hope to see more of!
Back in present-day Chicago, Stefan wants to know what in the heck does Klaus still want him around. His hybrid plan failed miserably, the man definitely does not like Klaus, and I’m sure, somewhere in that head of his, he wants to get back home, to Elena. So, Klaus, what gives?! Oh, and I really wouldn’t want to be Klaus’ favorite anything, to be honest.
Damon is a creep. He and Katherine need to stop creeping up in other people’s beds. And, again, being creepy with the panties. Lord. Let’s resurrect Rose or Andie for this man, please.
BABY GIRL. CARE. Crying out to her horrible, horrible daddy. He sucks. He’s lying to her! I wonder if he knows about Damon and Stefan being vamps and whether or not he’ll wonder about how they walk in the sun too. “Blood controls you, sweetheart. This is how I’m going to fix you.” Cue tears and reaches for tissue box. I cannot deal with anyone hurting Vampire Barbie. He’s currently on my list of people I need to track down and kill in Mystic Falls. He may be the only one it, actually, everyone else eventually dies.
Roadtrip bonding! Whoop-de-do. Although, I do like how Damon narrates Stefan’s 1920′s diary. How I’ve missed those diaries. (Ahem, you’d think they would have such things on a show called “The Vampire Diaries”). “*GASP* I’m shocked! Stefan’s not a virgin!” High five, Damon. And no, that is that sarcasm. 
Rebekah’s a fiesty one. And Stefan is sassy. Oh, Paul Wesley, you can have chemistry with any and all inanimate objects and everyone will swoon over you and side eye said objects.
Now, we met present-day Gloria. A very powerful witch who can slow down her aging process. Give up your secret spells! I’m sure there are a lot of people out there how want to know how to do that. All Klaus wants to know from Gloria is what’s going on with his hybrid puppy making. We, as an audience, already know that loophole has to do with Elena. But these fools don’t. Except for Stefan. And I giggle. Anyway, in order to know exactly what is wrong, they need the original witch who created such a spell… Rebekah. I may be starting to see why Klaus travels with so much extra luggage. His family must be very magical and very valuable. OH SNAP. There’s a twist! Stefan knew Klaus in 1920! And they look like lovers… ahem, brothers. Sorry.
It’s Sheriff Forbes! I’m going to wait to see if she does something relevant while actually ON camera. Anyway, she’s worried about baby Caroline and so is Tyler.
CARE! Seriously though, why does Caroline always get tortured. But daddy’s plan to fix her is the worst thing ever. I cannot watch this. He plans on fixing by associating her blood craving with pain. In time, the thought of human blood will make her lose any and all vampire instincts. Bill Forbes, you get my vote for worst parent in Mystic Falls. Actually, he may be tied with Guiseppe Salvatore. I haven’t full analyzed this and decided yet. But he’s up there!
Oh hey, there’s that webclip we got a few days ago. The one where Damon decides to hide out with Elena at Stefan’s old place. Yeah, that one brillant idea Damon had. Because he’s brillant. Oh, and there’s that super long list of people Stefan may or may not have ripped apart. Three giant columns, super tiny writing, Stefan really got around in his ripper days. “What were you doing in the 1920s? Paving the way for women’s liberation?” You go, Elena. Defend your man! And insult Damon in the process! High ten!
Stefan is mad, though. He’s giving Klaus that “What up wit that, man” arm move. Ya know, this one:
Look very closely on the right. Yup, it’s one of those.
Anyway, more of Klaus’ storytimes! HOLY HOTNESS BATMAN. Stefan and Rebekah! *Rewinds*. Elena’s necklace belonged to Rebekah! And it’s magical! (Is nothing sacred on this show?). OH. AND Rebekah is Klaus sister. Stefan hooked up with an original! Bet Elena can’t beat that!
Yes, that’s totally normal. Need your dead sister for a spell? Walk into the next room and pull out a dagger from her chest. Stay creepy, guys. I enjoy it.
“Any day now, Rebekah! She’s being dramatic.” Staying creepy and playful with dead sister, I see. She didn’t last long after her encounter with Stefan. Rebekah is still dressed in her 1920s speakeasy, flapper finest. If Klaus cares about family so much, why kill them? I don’t get that. But okay. Oh, it also worries me that Klaus picked up some of his favorite tricks from Stefan. The Ripper was not one to mess with.
Anyway, let us have more of Stefan in his dapperness, yes. Here, we learn that there were sides to pick within the family and Rebekah must have chose the right one, because she’s still alive and everyone else is dead (Poor Elijah). Stefan, sir! Stop being disturbing! In a way, this kind of intrigues me. He was an evil one, and Klaus enjoyed that. Stefan makes this poor, dopey man drink his own wife’s blood. He’s so classy about it, though! Everyone loves a psycho. I even still love him.
Stefan and Klaus are now going to his old apartment, in the present times. Ruh-Roh.
And Damon just missed his little bro and the big bad. He knows all the good witches. Let’s hope he doesn’t do to Gloria what he did to Bree for not spilling information.
The diary! The mentions of Lexi! Stefan voiceover! Excuse me while I find where my tissues are. Okay. It seems like Lexi is trying to get Stefan to drink animal blood and end his ripper days. And she tries to get him to laugh! Oh, my heart! I miss Lexi so much. (Yes, I still greatly dislike Damon for killing her). I didn’t know Elena had vampire hearing and speed. I thought that was only a vampire thing. OH GOD. OH GOD. OH GOD. YOU GUYS. MY HEART. HE SEES HER. SHE SEES HIM. THE LOOK OF HOPE. AND I almost thought Stefan was going to rat her out. Lord Jesus. They’re trying to kill me.
Vampires sure are loud. Wait, did Damon go shopping for her? What… Never mind. “I had an hour to realize what a bad idea it was to leave you here alone, process it, and move on.” I am loving his one liners in this episode. Seriously, be like that more often… But away from Elena. Like in season 1. Yes.
Oh. Stefan used to want to be Klaus’ wingman. And the dude is complimenting him and giving pep talks in the ’20s. Sharing laughs and drinks. And vice versa. “You know, you’re a good friend, Nik. I’m glad I met you.” We’ve all entered an alternate universe where Stefan was once buddies with the big bad. I don’t know how I feel about this, I just know they all look wonderful and hot, so I’m going to move on. Okay.
GAH. More Caroline torture. Baby girl has had a rough year. They’re trying to show us that Bill Forbes has a heart but I don’t believe it. “Why are you trying to fix me?” “So I don’t have to kill you!” Father of the year, I tell ya. Someone stake him, then shoot him. OH YAY. Mama Forbes to the rescue! And Tyler! Aw, such a cute scene. Is this foreshadowing by any chance? Because I really would not mind these two as endgame. I’m sorry, I’ve abandoned the Matty/Care ship and have gone on to Forwood… *hides*.
“If we were such great friends, why do I only know you as the hybrid dick, who sacrificed my girlfriend on an alter of fire?” Saucy Stefan! I like!
Sassy, sexy dancing between Stefan and Rebekah. Aaaannd, there goes the all flapper fun. “He’s here.” And everyone on twitter goes “WHO?” all at once. Then, just as Stefan was about to pick up the necklace Rebekah dropped, Klaus swoops in and compels him to forget everything. So, who is Klaus running from?
Let me sum this part up really quick so I can get to my fangirling and tears: Damon doesn’t understand what “Stop stalking me” is. Stefan is mad. Damon can’t do anything about that because he’s whipped. Elena, Elena, Elena. Everyone needs to go home. And Elena. My Heart!
Never call Klaus “honey” ever again, Damon. That is too weird.
The witty banter between these two are wonderful anyway. Give me more of these scenes where Damon does stupid things and Klaus gets really annoyed. It’s so cute.
MY HEART. They’re talking this time! She’s touching him! LOOK. AT. HIS. FACE. WHILE. SHE. HUGS. HIM. Oh. Stefan, no! Bad Stefan! Bad! Stefan! Elena, just grab him, tie him to the roof of your car, and travel as far as possible. Head for the freaking moon if you need to! GO BE TOGETHER!
Oh hey, Damon torture. And Klaus is using an umbrella toothpick! I laugh! . “You want a partner in crime? Forget Stefan. I’m so much more fun!” And then, I loved him again. Although, I wouldn’t mind the staking… maybe in the stomach a few times, at least! Dang it, Gloria! “Not in my bar! You take it outside!” You’re a wonderful badass witch, aren’t you? “You won’t have to negotiate your brother’s freedom. When I’m done with him, he won’t want to go back.” Bad Klaus! No! I do not approve!
Oh, my little Stefan/Elena heart. Now, they’re arguing. “I’ve left bodies scattered, from Florida to Tennessee. Innocent people. Humans.” “Lexi found you like this before, in the ’20s, and… and she saved you.” “And you know what I did? After that? I spent 30 years trying to pull myself together! To a vampire, that’s nothing. To you, that’s half your life.” “I can’t give up on you, Stefan!” “Yes, you can. It’s done. That part of my life is done. I don’t want to see you. I don’t want to be with you. I just want you to go.” Guys, I’ve been emotional and depressed ever since last night and all through today. I might be like this all weekend. But take a look at Stefan’s face while he walks away. He’s teary eyed. He still loves her. He wants to be with her. He wishes he can just stake Klaus and be done with it. He wishes he had the strength to get through his thirst quick and be happy, like it was before. But he knows it can’t ever be like before. It’s all changed now. Everything’s different. He’s tasted blood again and he’s on the edge of breaking, and he knows it. But even if he can’t be with her, he wants her safe. He wants her to move on and have a life he so greatly desires for her. So he does what he can and breaks up with her. As much as it hurts him, and I know it still hurts him like hell, it’s the best thing he can do in his situation.
Poor Elena. All she has left is that necklace and any pictures ever taken of them together. Let me go find my tissue box again. It’s somewhere in my flood of tears.
My baby Caroline is home safe and sound! YAY! I’m so glad that Mama Forbes has accepted her daughter so much better now. She’s even helping out with the blood bags. I guess second time around’s the charm, huh. And Tyler comes in. I’m so proud of that boy. Not even hesitating to save Caroline. Being there for her when she’s a mess and she needs it. Consoling her in her breakdowns. And Candice Accola does a phenomenal job with these breakdowns. I cannot imagine anyone better for Care!
Hide and Seek with dead sissy! “Rebekah! It’s your big brother! Come out, come out, wherever you are.” BAM. Dagger in the heart!
Wait… didn’t all of the dancing, licking, human drinking, story telling, and drinking all happen in one night? How is Rebekah so in love with Stefan? This all happened in one night! Well, Klaus did say she doesn’t do anything half speed. Oof, sorry for you, Rebekah. It’s either Klaus’ way, or the highway.
“Don’t pout. You knew it wouldn’t kill me.” “No, but I was hoping it would hurt more.” I understand, Rebekah. I always hope these things kill him. Klaus presents Stefan as a peace offering, and compels him to remember EVERYTHING. “Rebekah?” “Stefan,” Klaus says. “I remember you. We were friends.” “We are friends.” Oh, Stefan. This scene was so beautifully done. The compulsion. The mini-episodes of flashbacks in Stefan’s mind. The flashback to Klaus and Stefan taking a picture together. The music. Paul’s acting. All of it was great. And then all hell breaks loose over this magical necklace. Again, look at Stefan. While Klaus and Rebekah are arguing over where the necklace is and why she doesn’t have it, Stefan knows. And even though he’s been compelled to remember everything that has happened between the three of them, he does not, at any moment, tell them Elena is alive and she has the necklace. He obviously looks suspicious, to us, but he doesn’t say a word. He would never. He just watches them go crazy.
Katherine again! I really missed her. She looks so great. One last flashback! Damn, Nina Dobrev can really pull anything off. When Katherine told us she watched Stefan over the years, she really wasn’t kidding. GUYS. IT’S BALTHAZAR. (No, it’s actually Sebastian Roche but I like to call him Balthazar). I’m thinking he’s Papa Original. Not quite sure, though. Oh, Katherine. The stalking continues. She’s in Chicago, y’all.
Okay, MVP goes to a few people this week. First off, Candice Accola. She was absolutely incredible with her torture scenes and being super emotional. Candice brings Caroline to life. Then there’s, Joseph Morgan. He brings Klaus to life! Seriously, Joseph’s charm and smirks can make anyone agree to Klaus’ evil plans. Claire Holt gets a small MVP mention for having awesome chemistry with Paul Wesley. And Paul Wesley gets a major MVP notice for being an awesome, dapper, ripper. The man does evil, angst, snarky, saucy, dapper, vampire, and anything else os so very well. Lord knows how excited he was for this season and we all know why. “The End of the Affair” is his favorite so far this season and I even heard the ratings raised 8% than last week!
Next week: Bonnie is back!!! Stefan and Katherine meet up. Stefan gets tortured. More Tyler and Caroline sex! Damon bites someone and throws a tantrum… again.
Thanks to vampirediariesweb for screencaps.
Lovely recap. I agree with everything you said <333