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The Worst Episodes of The Vampire Diaries

Every episode of The Vampire Diaries ranked from worst to best. Explore the Worst Episodes of The Vampire Diaries!

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The story of two vampire brothers obsessed with the same girl, who bears a striking resemblance to the beautiful but ruthless vampire they knew and loved in 1864.

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  1. #1 Worst Episode
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    The Vampire Diaries Season 7 Episode 4 - I Carry Your Heart with Me
    5.2/10(8 votes)

    #1 - I Carry Your Heart with Me

    S7:E4

    Just as Damon thinks he's gained the upper hand in his fight against Lily, an unexpected turn of events leaves him scrambling for a plan B. Elsewhere, when the fallout of Damon's actions gains the unwanted attention of Mary Louise and Nora, Stefan and Caroline are forced to spend the night distracting the girls at Whitmore College's Heaven & Hell ball. Finally, after suspecting that she's up to something, Enzo sets off on a mission to find out what Valerie is hiding, while a plan set by Alaric and Bonnie leaves their worlds turned upside down.

    Director:Jeffrey G. Hunt
    Writer:Neil Reynolds

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  2. The Vampire Diaries Season 7 Episode 8 - Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me
    5.3/10(8 votes)

    #2 - Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me

    S7:E8

    As Julian and Lily throw a party to celebrate Mary Louise and Nora's anniversary, Stefan and Damon set in motion a risky plan to eliminate a new threat posed by Julian. Meanwhile, following a major revelation uncovered by Valerie, Caroline is forced to face her new reality, even as it threatens to destroy her relationship with Stefan. Finally, determined to do what's best for her family, Lily makes the most difficult decision of her life.

    Director:Leslie Libman
    Writer:Brett Matthews

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  3. The Vampire Diaries Season 7 Episode 5 - Live Through This
    5.8/10(8 votes)

    #3 - Live Through This

    S7:E5

    After realizing the downward spiral he was on, Damon decides he’s going to turn over a new leaf and that his actions moving forward will do right by Elena. Lily prepares for the arrival of a special figure from her past, while Enzo stands by not sure what to expect. Elsewhere, at Caroline’s urging, Stefan comes face-to-face with Valerie and learns some upsetting details about her past, while Enzo and Bonnie find themselves at odds when they’re forced to fend off a violent threat. Finally, when Bonnie learns some disturbing information involving the Phoenix stone, she is forced to confront Alaric.

    Director:Kellie Cyrus
    Writer:Rebecca Sonnenshine

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  4. The Vampire Diaries Season 7 Episode 6 - Best Served Cold
    5.8/10(9 votes)

    #4 - Best Served Cold

    S7:E6

    After being reunited with her former love Julian, Lily hosts a dinner party to introduce him to Damon and Stefan and to declare peace between her family of Heretics and the residents of Mystic Falls. Damon and Stefan find themselves at an impasse when they realize they have differing views on how to handle Julian's arrival. At the party, Bonnie and Matt uncover a strange mystery involving some unsuspecting residents, while a devastating revelation causes Alaric to reach his breaking point.

    Director:Darren Genet
    Writer:Caroline Dries

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  5. The Vampire Diaries Season 3 Episode 3 - The End of the Affair
    6.0/10(13 votes)

    #5 - The End of the Affair

    S3:E3

    Klaus and Stefan arrive in Chicago, where Stefan is reunited with a vampire who hasn't really moved on from her interest in him decades earlier. In a flashback to Chicago in the 1920s, Stefan comes face-to-face with a shocking chapter from his wild past. After Damon gets a tip on Stefan and Klaus' whereabouts from an unexpected source, he and Elena follow their trail. Back in Mystic Falls, Tyler is concerned about Caroline and turns to Sheriff Forbes for help.

    Director:Chris Grismer
    Writer:Caroline Dries

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  6. The Vampire Diaries Season 7 Episode 15 - I Would for You
    6.1/10(8 votes)

    #6 - I Would for You

    S7:E15

    While Stefan and Valerie search for a magical herb that can keep him hidden from Rayna, Damon comes up with his own plan to take her down for good. However, while at The Armory, Bonnie makes a shocking discovery about Rayna that brings Damon’s plan to a screeching halt. Elsewhere, a conversation with Caroline leaves Stefan questioning their future together, while Matt decides it may be time to truly take a stand against the vampires of Mystic Falls. Finally, as the season’s middle chapter draws to a close, Damon’s desire to take himself out of the game ramps up as he races to complete unfinished business with Stefan and Bonnie.

    Director:Mike Karasick
    Writer:Brian Young

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  7. The Vampire Diaries Season 8 Episode 2 - Today Will Be Different
    6.2/10(13 votes)

    #7 - Today Will Be Different

    S8:E2

    After learning that someone from Stefan’s past may be Damon and Enzo’s next target, Stefan, Bonnie and Caroline head to North Carolina. There, Bonnie takes drastic measures in an attempt to break Enzo free of whatever has a hold over him. At the Armory, Alaric and Georgie stumble upon a mysterious symbol that may be related to the supernatural force controlling Damon and Enzo. Finally, Caroline gets an unexpected surprise from Stefan.

    Director:Pascal Verschooris
    Writer:Melinda Hsu Taylor

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  8. The Vampire Diaries Season 8 Episode 5 - Coming Home Was a Mistake
    6.2/10(11 votes)

    #8 - Coming Home Was a Mistake

    S8:E5

    Spiraling down a dangerous path of self-destruction, Damon’s latest actions prove he may be beyond the point of return. Unwilling to give up on his brother, Stefan is forced to make a gut-wrenching decision that threatens to change their relationship forever. Elsewhere, Bonnie gets advice from Caroline on how to break through to Enzo, while Matt attempts to decipher a mysterious box of messages that he’s received. Finally, after tragedy strikes close to home, Stefan and the others are forced to remember what matters most to them.

    Director:James L. Thompson III
    Writer:Céline Geiger

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  9. The Vampire Diaries Season 3 Episode 4 - Disturbing Behavior
    6.3/10(13 votes)

    #9 - Disturbing Behavior

    S3:E4

    Still in Chicago, Klaus uses Gloria, a witch he knew long ago, to help him track down missing information that will explain why his plan isn’t working. Gloria’s spells reveal intriguing glimpses of the truth, but she soon realizes she needs Stefan’s knowledge to complete the puzzle. When Stefan suddenly finds himself in danger, help comes from a surprising ally. Back in Mystic Falls, a frustrating new enemy pushes Damon over the brink and he lashes out in a way that will have lasting consequences. Caroline struggles with her own emotional issues, even as she tries to help Elena face her feelings. Jeremy makes a brief but disturbing breakthrough with one of his ghostly visitors, leaving him more confused than ever. Finally, Bonnie has a strange encounter that will affect everyone.

    Director:Wendey Stanzler
    Writer:Brian Young

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  10. The Vampire Diaries Season 7 Episode 16 - Days of Future Past
    6.3/10(9 votes)

    #10 - Days of Future Past

    S7:E16

    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

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  11. The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Episode 3 - Friday Night Bites
    6.6/10(28 votes)

    #11 - Friday Night Bites

    S1:E3

    As Elena tries to ignore Bonnie's warnings about Stefan, Tyler tries to embarrass Stefan by throwing a ball at him. However, his effortless catch and football skills impress everyone, leading Mr. Tanner to let him join the football team. Meanwhile, Elena invites Stefan and Bonnie to dinner in order to try to get the two to know each other, but the night ends up backfiring. Finally, the town is shocked by an act of violence.

    Director:John Dahl
    Writers:Barbie Kligman, Bryan M. Holdman

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  12. The Vampire Diaries Season 7 Episode 18 - One Way or Another
    6.6/10(6 votes)

    #12 - One Way or Another

    S7:E18

    Determined to capture an escaped vampire named Ambrose, who may be the key to getting Stefan back safely, Damon heads to Memphis with Alaric in tow. However, reluctant to step back into his former vampire hunting ways, Alaric makes his unwillingness to participate clear, while revealing the truth about the past three Damon-less years of his life. Meanwhile, in the psych ward, Bonnie meets a young woman named Virginia, who provides her with some valuable information about why The Armory may be after her. Finally, Enzo takes matters into his own hands when he learns some devastating news from Rayna.

    Director:Rashaad Ernesto Green
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. The Vampire Diaries Season 7 Episode 19 - Somebody That I Used to Know
    6.6/10(6 votes)

    #13 - Somebody That I Used to Know

    S7:E19

    When Enzo’s efforts to protect Bonnie end up putting her life in jeopardy, they learn that Rayna may hold the key to her survival. With time running out and Rayna at the reins, Enzo and Bonnie reluctantly team up with Damon, who is desperate to save Bonnie’s life and to repair their broken friendship. Elsewhere, when Stefan travels to Dallas and comes face to face with Alaric, tensions escalate and they are forced to confront the fallout from Stefan’s absence in Caroline’s life. Finally, Enzo learns The Armory’s true motives behind their search for Bonnie.

    Director:Chris Grismer
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. The Vampire Diaries Season 8 Episode 7 - The Next Time I Hurt Somebody, It Could Be You
    6.6/10(9 votes)

    #14 - The Next Time I Hurt Somebody, It Could Be You

    S8:E7

    Faced with the fallout from his interaction with Cade, Stefan is determined to have one thing go right – Christmas Eve with Caroline. However, when Damon and Sybil crash their Christmas Eve dinner, which had been joined by Alaric, Matt and Peter, things quickly take a dark and twisted turn. Meanwhile, in a series of flashbacks to Stefan’s past, Cade’s attempt to entice him with his mysterious agenda leaves Stefan faced with an unimaginable decision.

    Director:Tanya Hamilton
    Writer:Shukree Hassan Tilghman

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  15. The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Episode 13 - Children of the Damned
    6.7/10(18 votes)

    #15 - Children of the Damned

    S1:E13

    In flashbacks, Stefan and Damon recall the long-ago actions taken by townspeople including their father, Guiseppe Salvatore, and Pearl, leading to the devastating events that caused the rift in their relationship. In the present, Bonnie's date with Ben 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 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.

    Director:Marcos Siega
    Writers:Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec

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  16. The Vampire Diaries Season 3 Episode 17 - Break On Through
    6.7/10(15 votes)

    #16 - Break On Through

    S3:E17

    A century after their first encounter, Damon and Sage meet again at the ceremony to kick-off the restoration of Wickery Bridge. Damon is surprised to learn the reason Sage has returned, and pleased when she devises an unusual method to help him figure out what Rebekah is up to. Abby is having a hard time adjusting to her new reality, despite Bonnie and Caroline’s efforts to help. When Damon informs Elena of Stefan’s latest struggles, she reaches out to Stefan to help her save a friend in danger, in hopes that it will help bring Stefan even closer to his humanity. Finally, when Damon discovers a new secret weapon, he lets Stefan in on the news.

    Director:Lance Anderson
    Writer:Rebecca Sonnenshine

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  17. The Vampire Diaries Season 5 Episode 12 - The Devil Inside
    6.7/10(10 votes)

    #17 - The Devil Inside

    S5:E12

    Damon tries to get back together with Elena, however, Katherine has a plan and attempts to take Elena's body permanently. Tyler is upset with Caroline and Matt is used by Katherine. Enzo finds Damon and they decide to become a team again.

    Director:Kellie Cyrus
    Writers:Brett Matthews, Sonny Postiglione

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  18. The Vampire Diaries Season 7 Episode 1 - Day One of Twenty-Two Thousand, Give or Take
    6.7/10(13 votes)

    #18 - Day One of Twenty-Two Thousand, Give or Take

    S7:E1

    After a twisted plan left the life of his girlfriend Elena linked to that of his best friend Bonnie, Damon is forced to navigate his new reality without the love of his life. A newly empowered Bonnie has decided that she will be Damon's moral compass and keeps a close eye on him as he, in turn, cautiously keeps tabs on Alaric, following the loss of his fiancée Jo. Meanwhile, as he waits for Caroline to sort out her emotions, Stefan takes an active role in protecting the town from Lily and her family of Heretics, who have wasted no time wreaking havoc in Mystic Falls. Elsewhere, Enzo struggles to find his place in Lily's new life, and is quickly forced to decide where his true loyalties lie. Finally, with the stakes higher than ever, Matt, who has recently completed his deputy training program, teams up with Stefan and Caroline to put a stop to the Heretics, but an unexpected turn of events leaves one of them in a dangerous position.

    Director:Pascal Verschooris
    Writer:Caroline Dries

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  19. The Vampire Diaries Season 7 Episode 3 - Age of Innocence
    6.7/10(7 votes)

    #19 - Age of Innocence

    S7:E3

    In the aftermath of a clever plan orchestrated by Lily, Damon sets off on a road trip with Bonnie and Alaric in search of leverage they can use against his mother. Meanwhile, Caroline, who is being held hostage by the Heretics, learns some shocking information about Valerie’s past, while Stefan learns a few unexpected details about his own past from Lily. Finally, Alaric turns to Bonnie for her help after coming clean about a secret he’s been keeping.

    Director:Michael A. Allowitz
    Writers:Holly Brix, Melinda Hsu Taylor

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  20. The Vampire Diaries Season 3 Episode 13 - Bringing Out the Dead
    6.8/10(12 votes)

    #20 - Bringing Out the Dead

    S3:E13

    Sheriff Forbes delivers some disturbing news to Alaric and Elena about the weapon used in a recent murder. In the Salvatore brothers’ escalating quest to kill Klaus, Stefan turns to Bonnie and Abby, while Damon reaches out to an old acquaintance for help in setting up an elaborate plan. Intent on a plan of his own, Klaus hosts a strange dinner party, where he reveals another story from his family’s violent past until an unexpected guest brings the party to an end. Meanwhile, Caroline is heartbroken when she is unable to stop a tragedy from unfolding.

    Director:Jeffrey G. Hunt
    Writers:Alfredo Septién, Turi Meyer

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  21. The Vampire Diaries Season 7 Episode 14 - Moonlight on the Bayou (I)
    6.8/10(9 votes)

    #21 - Moonlight on the Bayou (I)

    S7:E14

    In order to lure a vengeful vampire hunter named Rayna Cruz away from his friends in Mystic Falls, Stefan heads to New Orleans, where Valerie has learned of a safe house that can protect him. Once there, he comes face to face with Klaus Mikaelson, who soon becomes suspicious of his old friend's unexpected arrival in his city. Meanwhile, Enzo, who is working on behalf of a mysterious organization called The Armory, approaches Damon and Bonnie with a plan that could protect Stefan from Rayna. Finally, after learning that Alaric has decided to leave for Dallas with the twins immediately, Caroline offers to accompany them on the trip and finds herself contemplating her own future in Mystic Falls. The crossover continues on The Originals S03E14 A Streetcar Named Desire (II).

    Director:Jeffrey G. Hunt
    Writers:Brett Matthews, Caroline Dries

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  22. The Vampire Diaries Season 8 Episode 14 - It’s Been a Hell of a Ride
    6.8/10(8 votes)

    #22 - It’s Been a Hell of a Ride

    S8:E14

    Damon and Stefan must join forces against Cade in order to save Elena’s casket. Meanwhile, Caroline and Alaric deal with their daughters’ burgeoning magical powers.

    Director:Pascal Verschooris
    Writers:Brett Matthews, Shukree Hassan Tilghman

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  23. The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Episode 20 - Blood Brothers
    6.9/10(19 votes)

    #23 - Blood Brothers

    S1:E20

    While Stefan struggles to come to terms with his past, both he and Damon reveal parts of their history to Elena, until she finally learns the truth about how they became vampires. Pearl has an ugly confrontation with Johnathan Gilbert. Damon and Alaric try to find a mysterious invention before Johnathan does. The friendship and flirtation between Jeremy and Anna continues to grow.

    Director:Liz Friedlander
    Writers:Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec

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  24. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 5 - Kill or Be Killed
    7.0/10(15 votes)

    #24 - Kill or Be Killed

    S2:E5

    Tyler learns more about the Lockwood family curse from Mason. Stefan and Damon argue over how to handle Mason. Elena tries to keep Jeremy from becoming more involved with the Lockwood mystery, but Jeremy makes an effort to hang out with Tyler. Mason gives Sheriff Lockwood some startling information, leading to a night of violence, confession and heartbreak.

    Director:Jeff Woolnough
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. The Vampire Diaries Season 2 Episode 11 - By the Light of the Moon
    7.0/10(14 votes)

    #25 - By the Light of the Moon

    S2:E11

    As the full moon approaches, Caroline helps Tyler prepare for the transformation he is powerless to stop. While Stefan and Katherine play mind games on one another, Damon and Alaric are suspicious when a stranger named Jules shows up in Mystic Falls, searching for her missing friend, Mason. Elena is frustrated at the lengths Jeremy and her friends have gone to in order to keep her safe. Bonnie and Luca work together on a spell, while still keeping secrets from one another. Finally, Elijah makes an unexpected appearance with an offer that could change everything.

    Director:Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum
    Writer:Unknown

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Worst Episodes Summary

"I Carry Your Heart with Me" is the worst rated episode of "The Vampire Diaries". It scored 5.2/10 based on 8 votes. Directed by Jeffrey G. Hunt and written by Neil Reynolds, it aired on 10/29/2015. This episode scored 0.1 points lower than the second lowest rated, "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me".