One of the fall’s most anticipated returning shows is finally here. The Vampire Diaries is back with a lot of changes as well as some small surprises. (Including new guest star, David Gallagher.) Yet, after months on break and relaxing in the sun, they know to ease us back in gently.

“The Birthday” starts off with a violent bloody bang. And from there the mood just gets more and more emotional. Including, a scene near the end that has already made me cry. Yup, it looks like everything is different, and yet some things clearly haven’t changed, in our return to Mystic Falls.

Damon: There’s a reason they call him ‘The Ripper.’ Feeds so hard he blacks out, rips ‘em apart. But when he’s done, he feels remorse. It’s the damndest thing: He puts the bodies back together.

I miss Stefan. I just had to come right out and say it. Even though we saw plenty of him in tonight’s episode, it just wasn’t the same. I mean we know Paul Wesley can play the badboy, he’s done it on many different shows, but I miss the kind-hearted Stefan of old. The one who cared enough for his brother to give into Klaus and drink the blood that he knew would ruin him.

Which is probably why I found the last scene where Klaus told Stefan he still cared, and Stefan proved him right by calling Elena, to be so heartbreaking. Yes, there were tears from me. Klaus obviously knows Stefan hasn’t yet given himself completely over to the blood. (Wow, so that’s why they kill him The Ripper. And nice reference with Stefan saying, “Hello, brother.” Also, RIP Andie.) So, I expect Klaus to make things that much more difficult for Stefan in the episodes to come. He’ll make sure there’s not a trace of humanity left.

Elena: Stefan, if this is you, you’ll be okay. I love you, Stefan. Hold on to that. Never let that go.

Yet, I hope Elena’s love for him is what brings him back in the end. I feel like I’m one of the few people who doesn’t care for a Damon and Elena romance. Their scenes have always felt so contrived to me, and it was no different tonight. Damon finding Elena’s necklace, that Stefan gave her, and putting it on her was such a misstep. Though I did appreciate the sentiment. Don’t even get me started on the bubbles scene at the start of the episode. Luckily, Elena seemed just as squicked as me. Oh, Damon…

But even more than the Damon and Elena scenes, I was really bothered by the Caroline and Tyler scenes. I don’t mind them as a couple, but I just wasn’t feeling anything but lust between them. ‘We’re so horny because of our supernatural dispositions. I’m going to wallow and be jealous. Then, I’m going to get rid of the competition, and we’ll shag like bunnies.’ It was as ridiculous as it sounds. Sorry, I’m just full of unpopular opinions today.

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So yeah, I was missing Matt a lot by then. I’m glad he’s finally getting something to do this season, even if it is through Jeremy and his current problem. (OMG, Meremy/Jatt smoking a joint together.) Speaking of which, these appearances by Vicki and Anna are all kinds of creepy. We don’t get any closer to understanding or figuring out what’s going on with them, but we do hear Vicki say, “Help me.” Is it only Vicki asking for help? What does she need?

I also like that Alaric has his own arc happening, even if it’s really depressing right now. (Except, the Alaric/Damon bromance. It lives!) I’ve also heard some people saying Alaric shouldn’t have been staying with Elena and Jeremy at their house. Well, I disagree. Right now, Elena has no one left her in life. Alaric may not be blood, but he’s the closest the two of them have to a parental figure. And he may be even worse off than them right now, but it’s nothing compared to each of them alone. Everyone’s alone.

And what’s going on with Mrs. Lockwood shooting Caroline?

Next week:

Elena continues looking for Stefan, and everyone tells her not to again, while Klaus continues creating new comrades-in-arms.