The Best Episodes Written By Julie Plec

Episode Rankings

1. #1 Fan Favorite
   

   9.2/10(14 votes)

   #1 - Graduation

   S4:E235/16/2013

   On Graduation Day, Mystic Falls is overrun with ghosts intent on settling old scores and fulfilling their supernatural destinies. Damon’s life is in danger after a ghostly encounter, while Matt and Rebekah join forces to battle a ghost determined to find the cure. As everyone gathers for the graduation ceremony and the ghosts converge, help comes from an unlikely hero. Caroline receives a touching and unexpected graduation present, and Bonnie’s plan leads to the closing of the veil. Elena makes a decision about the Salvatore brothers and faces an epic confrontation with Katherine. Finally, Stefan discovers a horrifying clue to the mystery surrounding Silas.

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   Writer:Julie Plec

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2. 

   9.1/10(12 votes)

   #2 - When the Saints Go Marching In

   S5:E138/1/2018

   Intent on saving Hope's life, Klaus' plan will change the lives of the Mikaelson family forever.

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   Writer:Julie Plec

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3. 

   9.0/10(8 votes)

   #3 - I'm Thinking of You All the While

   S6:E225/14/2015

   In the aftermath of Alaric and Jo’s powerful nuptials, things take a dramatic turn when an uninvited guest shows up, leaving Elena in terrible jeopardy. Despite Matt’s advice to leave town to protect herself, a defiant Bonnie takes matters into her own hands after finding herself on the receiving end of a twisted plan. As Stefan and Caroline reach an emotional crossroad in their relationship, a reunion with Liv leaves Tyler faced with a decision that could change his life forever. Meanwhile, Lily's reckless actions cause Stefan to realize the lengths to which his mother will go to reunite with her “family.” Finally, after a devastating chain of events, Damon is forced to make the most difficult decision of his life.

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   Writer:Julie Plec

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4. 

   9.0/10(1 votes)

   #4 - Just Don't Be a Stranger, Okay?

   S4:E206/16/2022

   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.

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   Writer:Julie Plec

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5. 

   9.0/10(3 votes)

   #5 - Free To Be You And Me

   S2:E77/23/2007

   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.

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   Writer:Julie Plec

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6. 

   8.8/10(14 votes)

   #6 - Klaus

   S2:E194/21/2011

   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.

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   Writer:Julie Plec

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7. 

   8.8/10(9 votes)

   #7 - The Tale of Two Wolves

   S5:E127/25/2018

   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.

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   Writer:Julie Plec

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8. 

   8.8/10(11 votes)

   #8 - The Devil Is Damned

   S2:E132/9/2015

   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.

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   Writer:Julie Plec

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   Writer:Julie Plec
9. 

   8.7/10(13 votes)

   #9 - The Departed

   S3:E225/10/2012

   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.

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   Writer:Julie Plec

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10. 

    8.6/10(19 votes)

    #10 - The Return

    S2:E19/9/2010

    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.

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    Writer:Julie Plec

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11. 

    8.5/10(14 votes)

    #11 - 500 Years of Solitude

    S5:E111/23/2014

    Katherine recalls the traumatic night in 1490 when she gave birth to a daughter who was immediately taken from her. Meanwhile, Nadia creates a frightening plan to protect her mother; and Caroline indulges in some scandalous behavior.

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    Writer:Julie Plec

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12. 

    8.5/10(9 votes)

    #12 - Stand by Me

    S4:E152/21/2013

    When Stefan arrives back in Mystic Falls with Elena and Jeremy, Caroline is immediately worried about Elena’s state of mind. Stefan reaches out to Dr. Fell and Matt for help. Still on the island, Damon relays somber news to Rebekah, and is surprised at her reaction. Together, Damon and Rebekah learn an unexpected bit of recent history from Vaughn. Everyone is horrified when Bonnie reveals the rest of Shane’s plan. Finally, after Damon does his best to help her, Elena comes up with a plan of her own.

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    Writer:Julie Plec

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13. 

    8.4/10(9 votes)

    #13 - Let Her Go

    S6:E152/19/2015

    After assigning tasks to each of her friends, Caroline attempts to deal with her current situation as reality begins to set in around her. While spending the day with Caroline, Elena grows concerned when she starts noticing a strange change in her behavior. Meanwhile, Alaric becomes wary when Kai, who has begun experiencing unexpected consequences from the merge, turns to Jo, desperate for her help. Elsewhere, while Bonnie finds herself in an unfamiliar situation, Matt and Tyler contemplate a major life change. And when Damon offers Caroline advice on how to cope with everything going on around her, it forces him to revisit painful memories involving his own mother.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Julie Plec

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14. 

    8.4/10(13 votes)

    #14 - O Come, All Ye Faithful

    S4:E912/13/2012

    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.

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    Writer:Julie Plec

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15. 

    8.3/10(18 votes)

    #15 - I Was Feeling Epic

    S8:E163/10/2017

    With the fate of Mystic Falls at stake, Stefan and Damon must fight their greatest enemy for one last battle.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Julie Plec

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16. 

    8.3/10(18 votes)

    #16 - Let the Right One In

    S1:E174/8/2010

    When Stefan and Damon make a dangerous new enemy, Stefan suddenly finds himself in a perilous situation. Damon and Elena try to convince Alaric to work with them to help Stefan. Matt is hopeful that his mom, Kelly, may be back to stay. After her car breaks down in a storm, Caroline make a horrific discovery that shocks everyone in town.

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    Writer:Julie Plec

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17. 

    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #17 - Memorial

    S4:E210/18/2012

    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:N/A

    Writer:Julie Plec

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18. 

    8.2/10(11 votes)

    #18 - The Originals

    S4:E204/25/2013

    Acting on a mysterious tip that a plot is brewing against him in New Orleans, Klaus makes a trip to the town he and his family helped build. Klaus’ questions lead him to a reunion with his former protégé, Marcel, a charismatic vampire who has total control over the human and supernatural inhabitants of New Orleans. Determined to help his brother find redemption, Elijah follows Klaus and soon learns that Hayley has also come to the French Quarter searching for clues to her family history, and has fallen into the hands of a powerful witch named Sophie. Meanwhile, in Mystic Falls, Damon and Stefan continue with their plan for Elena, while Katherine reveals a surprising vulnerability to Rebekah and asks her to deliver a message.

    Director:N/A

    Writer:Julie Plec

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19. 

    8.2/10(10 votes)

    #19 - Rebirth

    S2:E110/6/2014

    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.

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    Writer:Julie Plec

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20. 

    8.2/10(10 votes)

    #20 - The Map of Moments

    S2:E912/8/2014

    Rebekah persuades Klaus and Elijah to take part in a family tradition from their childhood.

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    Writer:Julie Plec

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21. 

    8.1/10(20 votes)

    #21 - Sinners and Saints

    S1:E510/29/2013

    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.

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    Writer:Julie Plec

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22. 

    8.1/10(14 votes)

    #22 - A Closer Walk with Thee

    S1:E204/29/2014

    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.

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    Writer:Julie Plec

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23. 

    8.0/10(17 votes)

    #23 - Bloodlines

    S1:E111/21/2010

    Damon takes a trip to Georgia, where he surprises an old flame, Bree and enlists her help to figure out how to open the tomb. In the process, Damon comes face to face with someone who is determined to make him pay for past wrongs. Stefan opens up to Grams in his effort to help Bonnie overcome her fears and accept her powers. While researching his history paper in the public library, Jeremy meets a cute-but-geeky girl named Anna who has her own theories on the folklore of Mystic Falls. When Damon returns from Georgia, Stefan is waiting with news that will change their world.

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    Writer:Julie Plec

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24. 

    8.0/10(13 votes)

    #24 - Hello, Brother

    S8:E110/21/2016

    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:N/A

    Writer:Julie Plec

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25. 

    8.0/10(15 votes)

    #25 - Crescent City

    S1:E132/4/2014

    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:N/A

    Writer:Julie Plec

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