9.3/1012 votes#1 - The Departed
Season 3 Episode 22 - Aired 5/10/2012
Determined to protect his sister, Jeremy makes a decision that will change everything. In the harsh reality of the present situation, Elena longs for simpler times when her parents, Grayson and Miranda, and Aunt Jenna were still alive and her biggest concern was her relationship with Matt. Stefan and Damon leave Mystic Falls together on a mission, but soon split up when Elena needs one of them. Caroline and Tyler are forced to make a life-changing decision. Finally, Bonnie makes a secret deal that has heartbreaking consequences.
Director: John Behring
Writer: Julie Plec
9.2/1011 votes#2 - When the Saints Go Marching In
Season 5 Episode 13 - Aired 8/1/2018
Intent on saving Hope's life, Klaus' plan will change the lives of the Mikaelson family forever.
Director: Lance Anderson
Writer: Julie Plec
9.0/103 votes#3 - Free To Be You And Me
Season 2 Episode 7 - Aired 7/23/2007
As Kyle and Amanda prepare for their first date, a cryptic warning about Tom Foss makes Kyle wonder whom he can trust. Meanwhile, Jessi chafes at Emily's restrictions.
Director: N/A
Writer: Julie Plec
9.0/101 votes#4 - Just Don't Be a Stranger, Okay?
Season 4 Episode 20 - Aired 6/16/2022
Hope, Lizzie, MG, Kaleb, Jed, Cleo and Alaric reflect on recent events and what comes next for each of them. Hope and Lizzie each find solace from unexpected yet welcome sources.
Director: Michael A. Allowitz
Writer: Julie Plec
8.9/1012 votes#5 - Klaus
Season 2 Episode 19 - Aired 4/21/2011
Stefan and Damon are furious when they discover that Elena has defied them both to make a new ally and take control of the plan to out-maneuver Klaus. Disagreement over how to protect Elena leads to growing tension between the Salvatore brothers. Meanwhile, Stefan has his hands full trying to keep a confused and frightened Jenna safe. Flashbacks to 1491 reveal Katherine’s introduction to Elijah and Klaus, along with the origin of the moonstone curse. Elena learns shocking new information about Klaus’ motives.
Director: Joshua Butler
Writer: Julie Plec
8.9/1015 votes#6 - I Was Feeling Epic
Season 8 Episode 16 - Aired 3/10/2017
With the fate of Mystic Falls at stake, Stefan and Damon must fight their greatest enemy for one last battle.
Director: Julie Plec
Writer: Julie Plec
8.8/107 votes#7 - The Tale of Two Wolves
Season 5 Episode 12 - Aired 7/25/2018
With Hope facing a life-threatening affliction and deteriorating quickly, Klaus travels to Mystic Falls to seek help from Caroline. Tasked with keeping Hope preoccupied in Mystic Falls, Elijah comes to a heartbreaking realization about his niece. Meanwhile, at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, a run-in with Alaric Saltzman throws a wrench into Klaus’ plan.
Director: Rudy Persico
Writer: Julie Plec
8.7/109 votes#8 - The Devil Is Damned
Season 2 Episode 13 - Aired 2/9/2015
Vincent joins forces with a figure from his past. Kaleb is forced to make a difficult life or death decision, and Elijah finds himself in the fight of his life. Hayley and Jackson become pawns in Vincent's dangerous plan.
Director: Lance Anderson
Writer: Julie Plec
8.6/1017 votes#9 - The Return
Season 2 Episode 1 - Aired 9/9/2010
The second season begins with Elena discovering her uncle John's bloody body and learning Jeremy's fate, and Damon realizing that Katherine has returned. Meanwhile, Caroline is taken to the hospital following a car accident, and Tyler's mysterious uncle Mason arrives in town.
Director: J. Miller Tobin
Writer: Julie Plec
8.4/1011 votes#10 - O Come, All Ye Faithful
Season 4 Episode 9 - Aired 12/13/2012
As a Winter Wonderland-themed party fills the streets of Mystic Falls, Stefan and Caroline find themselves at odds with Tyler over his plans for Klaus and his hybrids. When Caroline proposes a solution to their problem, Hayley finds a dramatic way to make it clear that she is not on board. Later, Klaus makes a discovery that leads to chaos and violence. Meanwhile, Elena and Damon retreat to the Gilbert Lake House to help Jeremy conquer some dangerous inner demons with the help of Bonnie and Professor Shane, who reveals a piece of ancient history that leaves them all speechless.
Director: N/A
Writer: Julie Plec
8.3/1010 votes#11 - Memorial
Season 4 Episode 2 - Aired 10/18/2012
Elena tries to cope with the extreme highs and lows that are part of becoming a vampire, and Stefan and Damon almost come to blows while arguing about what is best for her. Damon decides to help Elena in his own way and asks her not to tell Stefan. A stranger, Connor Jordan, arrives in town and begins questioning Sheriff Forbes and Mayor Lockwood. Connor’s actions quickly convince Stefan that they are dealing with a dangerous vampire hunter. Jeremy and Matt are surprised to see a girl they used to know, April, has returned to town and is enrolling at Mystic Falls High. At a town gathering, Elena comes close to losing control until Caroline steps in to help her. Finally, Damon confides his feelings to an unexpected friend.
Director: Rob Hardy
Writer: Julie Plec
8.1/109 votes#12 - We All Go a Little Mad Sometimes
Season 4 Episode 6 - Aired 11/15/2012
Terrifying hallucinations leave Elena shaken and confused, causing her to make a dangerous mistake. After giving Stefan some very disturbing news about Elena, Klaus takes matters into his own hands. Professor Shane reveals a story of ancient witchcraft to Damon and Bonnie. With help from Klaus and Stefan, Jeremy begins a new chapter in his life. Finally, Elena makes a painful personal confession to Stefan, and Matt gives Damon startling new information about Professor Shane.
Director: Wendey Stanzler
Writer: Julie Plec
8.1/109 votes#13 - Rebirth
Season 2 Episode 1 - Aired 10/6/2014
Hayley struggles with her powers. Marcel sides with Klaus and gets revenge over the wolves. Esther is busy plotting her own plans. Everyone wants control over the city.
Director: Lance Anderson
Writer: Julie Plec
8.1/109 votes#14 - The Map of Moments
Season 2 Episode 9 - Aired 12/8/2014
Rebekah persuades Klaus and Elijah to take part in a family tradition from their childhood.
Director: Leslie Libman
Writer: Julie Plec
8.0/102 votes#15 - I've Had the Time of My Life
Season 2 Episode 23 - Aired 3/17/2008
The teens scramble to make their prom night as perfect as possible, and Jessi makes a surprise announcement regarding her relationship with Sarah.
Director: Michael Robison
Writer: Julie Plec
8.0/1013 votes#16 - Hello, Brother
Season 8 Episode 1 - Aired 10/21/2016
Months after Damon and Enzo mysteriously vanished from the Armory vault, Stefan tirelessly pushes forward with their search, while Bonnie struggles holding onto hope that they will be found. Meanwhile, a dangerous encounter with an unexpected visitor leaves Caroline and Alaric fearing that someone – or something – may be targeting their family. Finally, after following some mysterious clues, Stefan realizes that whatever has a hold of his brother may have a more damaging grip over him than he could have ever imagined.
Director: Michael A. Allowitz
Writer: Julie Plec
8.0/1016 votes#17 - Sinners and Saints
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 10/29/2013
Klaus becomes angry over recent events involving the safety of his unborn baby and demands answers from Sophie. Meanwhile, gruesome remains are discovered in the bayou; and Davina reveals some shocking information about the witches.
Director: Chris Grismer
Writer: Julie Plec
8.0/109 votes#18 - God's Gonna Trouble the Water
Season 5 Episode 7 - Aired 6/6/2018
Ivy reveals some startling news to Klaus about the dark magic that’s been keeping him away from his family. Elijah turns to some unexpected allies to save Antoinette’s life.
Director: Carl Seaton
Writer: Julie Plec
8.0/105 votes#19 - I'll Never Give Up Hope
Season 2 Episode 1 - Aired 10/10/2019
Hope becomes more determined than ever to find her way back to Mystic Falls. Alaric continues looking into the mysterious night Malivore was destroyed. As the students leave for summer vacation, Landon stays behind to keep an eye on Rafael.
Director: Julie Plec
Writer: Julie Plec
7.9/1014 votes#20 - The River in Reverse
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 11/26/2013
In the war between Klaus and Marcel, Rebecca stands against her own brother Klaus. The chemistry between Elijah and Hayley gets stronger. Klaus accuses his siblings of distrust and betrayal.
Director: Jesse Warn
Writer: Julie Plec
7.9/1012 votes#21 - Crescent City
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 2/4/2014
Marcel and Rebekah fret over whether secrets hidden for nearly a century are about to be exposed. Father Kieran deals with a witch from his past. Hayley and her werewolf clan enjoy a party. Sophie discovers something shocking at the cemetery. Klaus takes some dangerous measures that will affect everybody.
Director: Chris Grismer
Writer: Julie Plec
7.9/1013 votes#22 - Masquerade
Season 2 Episode 7 - Aired 10/28/2010
Stefan and Damon decide on a new plan to deal with Katherine at the Lockwood’s masquerade ball. Katherine calls on an old friend, Lucy, to attend the ball with her. Bonnie, Jeremy and Alaric all do what they can to help Stefan and Damon, but Katherine has a surprise planned that none of them could foresee. Things take an ugly turn when Matt and Tyler start doing shots with their friends.
Director: Charles Beeson
Writer: Julie Plec
7.9/1011 votes#23 - Daddy Issues
Season 2 Episode 13 - Aired 2/3/2011
Johnathan Gilbert’s return to Mystic Falls comes as an unhappy surprise to Elena, Jenna and Damon. Caroline lets Stefan know about her conversation with Tyler, and Stefan does his best to reach out to a confused and conflicted Tyler. Jeremy comforts Bonnie after her disturbing conversation with Jonas... When Jules takes a hostage, the situation quickly escalates into a violent confrontation.
Director: Joshua Butler
Writer: Julie Plec
7.9/1013 votes#24 - The Birthday
Season 3 Episode 1 - Aired 9/15/2011
On the morning of Elena’s 18th birthday, Caroline is busy planning a party, but Elena is focused on searching for any clues that might help her discover where Stefan is. Damon is also searching for Stefan, while trying to protect Elena and keep her from doing anything that would draw Klaus’ attention. Meanwhile, Klaus and Stefan are busy trailing a werewolf named Ray Sutton. Now working at the Mystic Grill along with Matt, Jeremy is struggling to understand why he keeps seeing the ghosts of Vicki and Anna since he was brought back to life by Bonnie’s magic. Meanwhile, Alaric does his best to watch over Elena and Jeremy, while dealing with his grief over Jenna’s death. Finally, Caroline and Tyler face a new and unexpected challenge.
Director: John Behring
Writer: Julie Plec
7.9/1010 votes#25 - A Closer Walk with Thee
Season 1 Episode 20 - Aired 4/29/2014
A surprising enemy is confronted by Hayley. Klaus has some nightmares about his father and is forced to examine his own relationship with his adoptive son.
Director: Sylvain White
Writer: Julie Plec
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Julie Plec Ratings Summary
"The Departed" is the best rated episode written by Julie Plec. It scored 9.3/10 based on 12 votes. It was directed by John Behring. It aired on 5/10/2012 and is rated 0.1 points higher than their second-best episode, "When the Saints Go Marching In".