Reeling from the death of her parents, 17-year-old Elena becomes interested in a handsome new student named Stefan, who's hiding a dark secret.

Elena goes to the Salvatore house to talk to Stefan, but finds Damon there instead, who reveals surprising information about Stefan's past. Vicki begins to remember the attack.

Elena invites Stefan and Bonnie to dinner, hoping that the two will bond, but the evening is disrupted by the unexpected and unwelcome arrival of Damon and Caroline.

Stefan escorts Elena to the town's Founder's Party. At the party, Damon tells Elena a story about the Salvatore family, leaving Elena with questions Stefan refuses to answer.

Stefan is hopeful of his plan to get rid of Damon, and decides to reveal parts of his past to Elena. Bonnie seeks advice from her grandmother.

In flashbacks, Stefan reveals to Elena the Salvatore family history, including how his rivalry with Damon began. In the present, Damon impulsively takes control of Vicki's future.

Bonnie's abilities surprise Damon. Elena asks Jeremy not to see Vicki. Matt takes Vicki to the high school Halloween dance, but the night takes a terrifying turn.

Stefen gets a surprise visit from old friend Lexi. Caroline tries to get Damon's Medallion back from Bonnie.

Jeremy gets a break from the mysterious new history teacher, Alaric Saltzman. Damon reveals to Stefan the stunning reason he returned to Mystic Falls.

When Sheriff Forbes tells Damon of another attack, he offers to track down the killer, learning startling information about the town's founding families.

Damon goes to Georgia to suprise an old flame, Bree, and enlist her help. Meanwhile, Stefan uncovers a startling clue to the past.

The Mystic Grill's Ben comes to Bonnie's aid. Damon and Stefan accompany Elena to a school dance with a 1950s theme. Alaric introduces himself to Damon.

Stefan and Damon recall the incidents that led to the rift in their relationship.

Jeremy asks Anna to a party in the woods. Stefan, Damon and Elena work with Bonnie and Grams to open the tomb, and are shocked by what they discover.

Recurring guest star Melinda Clarke appears as Kelly, Matt's long-lost mother. Sheriff Forbes asks Damon to be part of a fundraising bachelor auction.

Anna brings a surprising guest to pay a visit to Damon. Elena and Stefan go on an awkward date with Caroline and Matt. Melinda Clarke appears as Kelly.

Stefan is forced to make a frightening decision. Matt is hopeful that his mom, Kelly, will stay. And, after Caroline's car breaks down in a storm, she makes a horrific discovery that shocks everyone in town.

Stefan displays a rare party attitude and Damon's attempt to find out why Elena's uncle, John Gilbert has returned to town takes an ugly turn.

Elena and Caroline compete in a beauty pageant. Spencer Locke appears as one of the contestants. John Gilbert tries to scare Damon.

Elena learns what happened when Damon and Stefan were turned. Pearl has an ugly confrontation with John Gilbert. Jeremy and Anna get closer.

Isobel returns to town and stuns Alaric with her attitude and her demands that he arrange a meeting with Elena.

Damon and Alaric try to stop John Gilbert from setting a plan in motion to bring Founder's Day to an end amid chaos, destruction and death.