Isobel returns to town and surprises Alaric with a new attitude and demands that he arrange for her to meet Elena. When the two finally meet, Isobel refuses to answer most of Elena’s questions, but instead reveals that she, too, is looking for the mysterious invention Johnathan Gilbert has been seeking.
As Stefan tries to come to terms with his past, he and Damon reveal pieces of their history to Elena, including the truth about how they were turned into vampires. Pearl and Jonathan Gilbert have an an ugly confrontation. Damon and Alaric attempt to track down a mysterious invention before Johnathan can find it. Jeremy and Anna’s relationship continues to grow.
At the Founder’s Day Gala, Elena and Caroline compete in the “Miss Mystic Fall” contest. Elena is very happy to have Bonnie back but Bonnie still has some issues to work. Meanwhile, John Gilbert tries unsuccessfully to intimidate Damon, and Damon discovers that Stefan is hiding a very dangerous secret. Episode will be up after it airs.
Stefan struggles to maintain control of his new circumstances, and Elena and Jeremy’s uncle, John Gilbert, unexpectedly shows up in Mystic Falls. Alaric and Elena have an awkward conversation about Isobel. Stefan exhibits some unusual behavior at the Founder’s Day event, and things turn ugly when Damon tries to find out why John Gilbert has returned. Matt and Tyler find themselves in conflict after an incident at the party, and the relationship between Matt and his mom reaches a new low point. Meanwhile, Elena is unable to comfort Jeremy, causing him to take action.
Stefan and Damon make a new enemy, which puts Stefan in a dangerous situation. Damon and Elena try to enlist Alaric’s assistance in helping Stefan. Matt hopes that his mother may finally be back for good. Caroline’s car breaks down during a storm, leading her to make a terrible discovery that shocks everyone in Mystic Falls.
Anna visits Damon and brings along an unexpected guest. Elena and Stefan endure an awkward double date with Caroline and Matt, but Stefan and Matt start to bond after realizing they share some common ground. Jenna reunites with her old friend Kelly, and Jeremy and Anna’s relationship moves in a new direction.
Matt and Caroline are surprised when Matt’s long-lost mother returns to Mystic Falls. Elena and Stefan are concerned about Damon’s new positive attitude, and Alaric makes some surprising discoveries about his past life. Meanwhile, Stefan and Jenna help Elena search for information about her birth mother.
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.