For fans navigating the intricate storylines of The Vampire Diaries, understanding each episode’s twists and turns is key to fully appreciating the series. Season 3, Episode 9, aptly titled “Homecoming,” is a pivotal installment packed with strategic maneuvers, emotional betrayals, and significant character developments. This guide aims to dissect the complexities of “Homecoming,” providing a clear and comprehensive overview of the episode’s events for English-speaking audiences.
Operation Lure Klaus: Setting the Stage
The episode kicks off with “Operation Lure Klaus Back,” a meticulously crafted plan spearheaded by Stefan. In a strategic move, Stefan contacts Klaus, who is occupied with creating hybrids in Portland, with news designed to draw him back to Mystic Falls: Mikael, the Original vampire hunter, has been neutralized.
The narrative flashes back to reveal the intricate planning session. Stefan, looking particularly sharp, details how the plan unfolded. The scheme involved using Elena as bait to lure Mikael. Mikael, in pursuit of Elena, was vervained by Stefan and Damon – a somewhat improbable scenario, yet crucial to the plot’s progression. They discovered Mikael possessed a dagger intended for Rebekah. In a swift decision, they used this dagger against Mikael himself.
To ensure Klaus’s belief in Mikael’s demise, Mikael himself orchestrated a convincing performance of being daggered. Understanding that Klaus would demand irrefutable proof, Mikael insisted on a charade that compelled Stefan to genuinely believe he had witnessed Mikael being daggered. Given that only a human can stake an Original without fatal consequences to themselves, Elena was tasked with the act. To guarantee Mikael’s revival when needed, he disclosed that only he knew the location of a stake crafted from the ancient white oak tree – the only weapon capable of permanently killing Klaus.
Klaus, ever cautious, demanded to speak with Rebekah to corroborate the events. Rebekah, playing her part convincingly, confirmed Mikael’s supposed daggaring. Expressing her unhappiness and longing to see him, she successfully baited Klaus, who declared his imminent return. The game was officially on, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
Mikael’s Resurrection and Rebekah’s Revelation
With Klaus lured back into their trap, Elena removes the dagger from Mikael. His revival is not instantaneous, allowing Rebekah, impeccably groomed even in captivity, to indulge in a leisurely pedicure while awaiting the unfolding drama. This scene underscores Rebekah’s characteristic blend of nonchalance and underlying tension.
The reunion between Rebekah and Mikael is far from amicable. Rebekah confronts Mikael, accusing him of intending to use the dagger on her. Mikael vehemently denies this, asserting that Klaus was his sole target. He reveals his motive: Klaus murdered their mother and manipulated Rebekah into believing otherwise. Rebekah, however, retorts that while she anticipates Klaus facing retribution for his actions, it was Mikael who initiated their family’s downfall by transforming them into vampires and instigating their violent legacy, effectively shifting the blame from Klaus to Mikael for the family’s tragic trajectory.
Homecoming Preparations and Shifting Alliances
Transitioning from familial discord to teenage normalcy, the scene shifts to homecoming preparations. Bonnie and Elena engage in a brief conversation that addresses the absence of Alaric and Jeremy. Alaric is occupied analyzing cave drawings, while Jeremy’s absence is subtly attributed to relationship dynamics with Bonnie and Caroline, suggesting underlying tensions and unspoken conflicts. The brevity of the conversation underscores Bonnie’s reluctance to discuss Jeremy, hinting at unresolved issues between them. Elena, as Jeremy’s sister, is portrayed as more forgiving, acknowledging Jeremy’s permanent presence in her life and implicitly advocating for understanding, contrasting with Bonnie’s capacity to hold grudges.
Elena is then depicted assisting Damon in preparing wolfsbane grenades, a domestic yet dangerous activity taking place in Damon’s bathroom. This scene provides a glimpse into their evolving dynamic and comfortable intimacy. Their conversation touches upon their distrust of Rebekah and Damon’s undisclosed contingency plan, adding layers of suspense and foreshadowing potential betrayals.
Stefan interrupts their preparations, requesting to borrow a tie, a seemingly mundane request that highlights the stark contrast between his current compelled state and his former self. Elena suggests Stefan forgo the homecoming dance altogether, but Stefan, bound by compulsion to protect Elena, insists on attending, anticipating potential dangers at the school event. This concern, however, seems incongruous given Elena’s involvement in grenade preparation, a more immediate threat. Elena expresses concern that Stefan might inadvertently jeopardize their plan when interacting with Klaus, but Stefan counters that their plans typically falter due to human emotional interference, suggesting his compelled state might ironically make him a more reliable element in their scheme. This foreshadows the pivotal role Stefan’s lack of humanity will play later in the episode. The seamless transition to the next scene, without a commercial break, accelerates the narrative pace, plunging viewers directly into the unfolding drama.
Tyler, Caroline, and Rebekah: Teenage Dynamics and Vampire Intrigues
The narrative then shifts to Tyler and Caroline, redecorating a van for the ’60s Decade Dance, the vaguely defined theme for the homecoming dance. This juxtaposition of mundane teenage activities with supernatural schemes underscores the show’s characteristic blend of high school drama and vampire lore.
Tyler suggests a snack break, revealing his inclination towards Rebekah’s influence and a taste for “fangbangers” – humans who willingly offer their blood to vampires. Caroline firmly rejects this, prioritizing her social standing with her mother and dismissing Rebekah as a negative influence. Tyler, undeterred, mentions Matt agreeing to escort Rebekah to the dance, citing Rebekah’s attractiveness, Matt’s dateless status, and his vervain consumption as justification. This ill-conceived plan immediately raises red flags, given Katherine’s past interest in Matt and Rebekah’s unpredictable nature, setting up potential conflicts and dangers.
Elena, Rebekah, and a Calculated Betrayal
A pivotal scene unfolds between Elena and Rebekah. Rebekah, dressed in the red dress Elena had previously selected, is preparing meticulously for her first high school dance. This vulnerability humanizes Rebekah, making her momentarily sympathetic and relatable. She expresses a complex mix of love and hatred for Klaus, revealing her internal conflict and emotional turmoil regarding her brother. Tears welling, she confesses her reluctance to be directly involved in staking him, preferring to leave the “dirty work” to Damon and Mikael, emphasizing her desire for a normal teenage experience, even amidst vampire conspiracies.
Rebekah’s vulnerability peaks as Elena compliments her appearance and notices the absence of her mother’s necklace. Elena retrieves the necklace and places it around Rebekah’s neck. This act of apparent kindness and empathy is laden with dramatic irony. Rebekah’s emotional response intensifies as she looks at her reflection, genuinely touched by Elena’s gesture. “Thank you,” she whispers, her eyes filled with emotion.
In a swift and brutal betrayal, Elena stabs Rebekah in the back with the dagger. This moment, while not as emotionally devastating as the Buffy and Angel scene referenced, is impactful in its own right. Elena’s apology, “I’m so sorry,” is juxtaposed with her ruthless pragmatism: “I can’t leave anything to chance either.” This scene exemplifies the show’s talent for eliciting empathy for characters moments before their downfall, showcasing Elena’s growing capacity for calculated ruthlessness when necessary. While Mikael’s character arc was intended to redeem him somewhat through his aversion to vampire bloodlust, his ultimate staking and burning elicit little sympathy, highlighting the episode’s focus on Rebekah’s more nuanced and emotionally resonant betrayal.
Damon’s Trustworthiness and Katherine’s Potential Role
Elena, grappling with guilt, rationalizes Rebekah’s sidelining as a necessary precaution due to her potential unreliability. Damon, arriving on the scene, quips, “Hey, I’m not judging you. It’s very Katherine of you.” While intended as a compliment, it underscores Elena’s increasing moral ambiguity and strategic ruthlessness, mirroring Katherine’s survival-driven tactics. Elena’s discomfort with the comparison highlights her internal struggle with her actions.
Damon reassures her, “It was a compliment. Sort of,” acknowledging the morally grey nature of their actions. Elena expresses concern that her emotional response might be the weak link in their plan, fearing she might be succumbing to human sentimentality. Recognizing the unreliability of both Mikael and the compelled Stefan, she questions the efficacy of their current strategy.
Damon, in a significant moment of character development, asserts he has a solution but requires Elena’s complete trust, excluding her from the immediate execution of the plan. This exchange marks a significant shift in their relationship, highlighting Damon’s ascension to the most trustworthy figure in Elena’s life. The narrative subtly hints at Damon’s plan involving Katherine, a possibility initially dismissed due to Katherine’s apparent absence since Mikael’s attack in Charlotte and the inherent risk of involving someone as unpredictable as Katherine. However, in retrospect, Katherine emerges as Damon’s most viable, albeit risky, option. The subtle detail of Elena’s meticulously styled hair further hints at Katherine’s impending impersonation, as Katherine is known for her more voluminous hairstyle.
Homecoming Hijacked and Katherine’s Deception
The homecoming dance is unexpectedly relocated to Tyler’s house due to a flooded gym. This plot contrivance, while highlighting Mystic Falls High’s perpetual security issues, is somewhat justified by the assumption that Tyler, or possibly Caroline, compelled security personnel. Matt arrives at the Salvatore mansion to escort Rebekah, only to be informed by Elena of a “minor issue” with his date, presenting Katherine as a last-minute replacement.
Caroline, upon arriving at Tyler’s house, is visibly upset by Tyler’s superior party planning, a humorous interlude amidst the high stakes drama. Matt and “Elena” (Katherine in disguise) arrive, and the awkwardness is initially attributed to their past relationship, masking the true deception. Katherine secures alone time with Matt, an ironic and somewhat amusing development given their history. Caroline reveals Tyler’s party is hosted on Klaus’s behalf, prompting “Elena” (Katherine) to seek out Bonnie, while Matt heads for a drink, understandably overwhelmed by the evening’s surreal circumstances.
Klaus’s Family Reunion and Stefan’s Calculated Deception
Klaus reconnects with Stefan amidst the poorly choreographed dancing extras. Klaus reveals his intention to reunite his family upon confirming Mikael’s demise, explaining his past daggaring of his siblings as a preemptive measure against Mikael’s manipulations regarding their mother’s death. Klaus realizes Rebekah’s absence from the party signifies something amiss. He questions Stefan about her whereabouts. Stefan, kept deliberately uninformed about this aspect of the plan by Elena and Damon, can honestly profess ignorance.
Stefan attempts to lure Klaus away to witness Mikael’s “body,” but Klaus demands Stefan bring Mikael to him, showcasing his cautious nature and control. Stefan agrees, motivated by the promise of regaining his freedom from Klaus’s compulsion. Klaus agrees to release Stefan upon verification of Mikael’s death and destruction of the white oak stake. This promise, laden with dramatic irony, foreshadows its imminent significance.
Stefan returns to the Salvatore mansion to relay Klaus’s demand to Mikael and Damon. In a swift and brutal act, Mikael drains Stefan, effectively sidelining him from the unfolding events. This reinforces the pervasive distrust among the characters and the ever-shifting alliances. The narrative subtly reveals that Katherine had previously informed Damon about Mikael’s preference for vampire blood “on the rocks,” a detail easily missed amidst the rapid plot developments. This detail, however, becomes crucial in retrospect, hinting at Katherine’s deeper involvement and knowledge.
Later, at the party, Katherine, impersonating Elena, exhibits a level of nervousness and vulnerability when interacting with Klaus, subtly betraying her true identity. Elena, even with her internal conflicts, is now portrayed as too resolute to display such overt vulnerability to Klaus, further indicating Katherine’s impersonation.
Hybrid Loyalties and Tyler’s Dilemma
With Stefan neutralized, Klaus engages in conversation with Tyler, acknowledging the unfamiliar faces at the party, attributing them to his hybrid entourage. This detail addresses a common viewer question about the sudden influx of extras, providing a narrative justification. Klaus reveals he has invited dozens of hybrids, including Mindy from Kansas and Tony from North Dakota, to serve as his protectors, emphasizing their unwavering loyalty to him. Klaus subtly instructs Tyler to warn his friends, hinting at impending conflict.
Tyler confronts Caroline, who genuinely remains unaware of the plan to attack Klaus. In a shocking move, Tyler vervains Caroline, a brutal action seemingly motivated by disbelief and a desire to thwart any assault on Klaus. This action initially paints Tyler in a negative light, seemingly betraying Caroline and aligning with Klaus. However, Tyler later clarifies to Matt that his actions were motivated by a desire to protect Caroline. Unable to overcome his hybrid loyalty to Klaus, Tyler explains he had to remove Caroline from harm’s way before the inevitable confrontation, showcasing a twisted form of protectiveness born from his sire bond. He enlists Matt to take Caroline home, further highlighting his conflicted loyalties and desperate attempts to mitigate the fallout.
Damon’s Assault and Mikael’s Downfall
Damon finally arrives at the party, met by a hybrid bouncer enforcing “invite only, vampire” policy. Damon’s visceral response, ripping out the hybrid’s heart, underscores his ruthless determination and violent efficiency, a classic Damon Salvatore moment. Damon encounters Tyler, who attempts to dissuade him from his mission, warning of Klaus’s preparedness and the potential for widespread carnage. Damon, however, is dismissive, engaging in a physical altercation with Tyler. As Damon is about to stake Tyler, Bonnie intervenes, unleashing a “witchy migraine” to incapacitate them both. Bonnie’s intention was merely to neutralize Tyler, but Damon’s impulsive actions and possession of Mikael’s Klaus-killing stake escalate the situation.
Mindy, one of Klaus’s hybrids, interrupts Klaus’s beer pong game to announce Mikael’s arrival. Klaus instructs his hybrids to move to the back, preparing for a confrontation while attempting an escape route. He meets Mikael at the front door, leveraging the threshold’s protection against Mikael’s entry. Klaus initially believes he holds the upper hand, revealing his plan to command his hybrids to attack Mikael upon a signal, intending to use them as a diversion for his escape.
Mikael, however, reveals his counter-strategy: hybrids, being part vampire, are also susceptible to Original compulsion. Mindy presents “Elena” (Katherine) to Mikael. Mikael threatens to kill “Elena,” eliminating Klaus’s ability to create more hybrids, unless Klaus confronts him directly. This scene marks a pinnacle of Joseph Morgan’s performance, showcasing Klaus’s internal turmoil and vulnerability as he faces his abusive father figure. Tears streaming down his face, Klaus calls Mikael’s bluff, declaring that killing Elena would remove Mikael’s leverage. Mikael, indifferent, stabs “Elena,” who collapses. As Mikael laughs triumphantly, Damon speeds in and stakes Mikael. However, Klaus turns at the last moment, causing Damon to miss his heart, a near-fatal error. Mikael, realizing Katherine’s deception, is momentarily stunned.
The hybrids, compelled by Mikael yet instinctively driven to protect Klaus, advance slowly towards the house, their internal conflict hindering their vampire speed. Katherine seizes the opportunity, throwing wolfsbane grenades at the hybrids. The “ba boom!” effect, however, is marred by subpar special effects, a rare misstep in a show typically praised for its action sequences.
As Damon attempts to stake Klaus properly, Stefan intervenes, knocking the stake away and subduing Damon. Klaus retrieves the stake and plunges it into Mikael’s chest. The stake ignites, consuming Mikael’s body in flames, marking the definitive end of Mikael. “What the hell did you do?” Damon demands of Stefan. “He’s earned his freedom,” Klaus declares, as dramatic music swells. “Thank you, my friend,” Klaus says to a teary-eyed Stefan. “You no longer have to do as I say. You’re free.” Stefan looks down at Damon, who has already vanished, leaving Stefan to grapple with the ramifications of his actions.
Aftermath and Lingering Questions
Caroline awakens to Tyler’s apologetic explanation: “I’m sorry I stabbed you.” Tyler elaborates that vervaining her was the only way to ensure her safety, as she would not have willingly left knowing her friends were targeting Klaus. Caroline’s sarcastic retort highlights the absurdity of Tyler’s drastic measure. Despite the unconventional apology, Tyler’s underlying concern for Caroline is evident.
Tyler explains his rationale for aligning with Klaus. Accepting Klaus’s apparent invincibility and his own unfixable hybrid nature, Tyler chooses to embrace his hybridity, focusing on the relief from the agonizing werewolf transformations. He is willing to be sired to Klaus to escape the full moon’s torment, a decision born from understandable self-preservation, albeit morally questionable. Caroline, however, recognizes the inherent weakness and moral compromise in Tyler’s decision to side with Klaus, particularly given Klaus’s predatory nature. Caroline’s departure signifies her inability to reconcile Tyler’s choices with her own moral compass and loyalty to her friends.
Damon, grappling with his failure to kill Klaus, is on the verge of self-destructive despair. Elena, in a role reversal, calms Damon, urging him to trust her, reassuring him of their resilience. Their intimate moment, while devoid of a kiss, signifies a deepening emotional bond and mutual reliance. Elena acknowledges the irreversible loss of Stefan, accepting his defection. “Then we’ll let him go,” she says, a poignant moment of acceptance and resignation.
Katherine calls Damon, commending his plan, a rare acknowledgment of approval from her. She reveals her intention to return to hiding. Their exchange, tinged with mutual respect, suggests a temporary alliance forged against a common enemy, now dissolved.
The episode concludes with a revelation: Stefan is in the car with Katherine. Katherine questions Stefan’s understanding of his downfall, hinting at her manipulative influence. While initially ambiguous, it becomes clear Katherine is not joining forces with Stefan but rather facilitating his next move. A flashback reveals Katherine waking Stefan and informing him of Klaus’s orders to his hybrids to kill Damon if Klaus were to die. Katherine intervened to save Damon and Stefan, manipulating Stefan into preventing Klaus’s death and ensuring Mikael’s demise instead.
Katherine reveals her motivations to Stefan: to save both Damon and Stefan. She preferred the “old Stefan,” implying her actions were also driven by a desire to see Stefan reclaim his humanity, at least partially. Stefan admits he cannot fully revert to his former self but acknowledges a resurgence of feeling, enough to compel him to save Damon. Katherine emphasizes the inherent pull of humanity, even for vampires, suggesting her own occasional lapses into sentimentality. Katherine’s manipulation of Stefan is presented as a complex blend of self-preservation, strategic calculation, and perhaps, a twisted form of affection for the Salvatore brothers.
Katherine’s final instruction to Stefan is to “GET MAD,” setting the stage for Stefan’s vengeful trajectory. Klaus, oblivious to the unfolding betrayal, leaves a message for Rebekah, anticipating a family reunion now that Mikael is gone. Stefan calls Klaus, feigning gratitude for his freedom but revealing his true intentions: revenge. He informs Klaus he has taken his siblings, using them as leverage. Stefan’s final question to Klaus, “Were you prepared for this?” leaves Klaus speechless and sets up a dramatic cliffhanger for the season’s second half, shifting the power dynamic and promising a vengeful Klaus seeking retribution.
“Homecoming” concludes with numerous unresolved questions and cliffhangers, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the season’s continuation. The episode masterfully blends intricate plot twists, character development, and emotional betrayals, solidifying its status as a pivotal and compelling installment in The Vampire Diaries.
