The best episode directed by Ian Somerhalder is "The Downward Spiral", rated 8.7/10 from 7 user votes. It was "written by N/A". "The Downward Spiral" aired on 3/12/2015 and is rated 0.7 point(s) higher than their second highest rated, "The Junkie Run of the Predator Gene".
After shutting off her humanity following the death of her mother, Caroline gives her friends an unexpected ultimatum. Not knowing how to handle the new Caroline, Stefan’s attempt to intervene sets off a dangerous chain of events, leaving him and Elena in a race against the clock. Meanwhile, after seeking answers from Kai about the prison world, Damon’s world is turned upside when he learns some devastating news about his mother Lily. Elsewhere, Enzo finds himself becoming increasingly intrigued by Sarah Salvatore, and Bonnie begins to struggle with the effects of being back in the real world.
Director: Ian Somerhalder
Writer: N/A
Luther's testimony rattles a few cages. Desmond and Amélie investigate an unsettling noise. Danika and Michael hit the town.
Director: Ian Somerhalder
Writer: Glenn Davis
Stefan and Damon attend an anger management support group looking for their next victim. Sybil is still alive and teaching a group of high school students who she’ll later use as leverage to get Caroline to locate a historical artifact that can be used against her. Meanwhile, Stefan and Damon continue their commitment to Cade as they test the morals of a young doctor, Tara.
Director: Ian Somerhalder
Writer: Matthew D'Ambrosio
In an attempt to make things right with his brother, Damon offers to have Stefan’s scar magically transferred to him, only to discover that doing so may come with some unexpected consequences. With time running out and Rayna closing in on Stefan, Valerie desperately attempts to reason with Damon before it’s too late. Elsewhere, after being framed for breaking Rayna out of The Armory, Enzo attempts to clear his name, but not before a violent run-in with Nora forces him to make an upsetting discovery.
Director: Ian Somerhalder
Writer: Melinda Hsu Taylor