The Ties That Bind was a good episode, because let’s face it, there truly aren’t any bad episodes of TVD, but in my opinion it wasn’t one of the best. Though there were definitely some great moments, overall I just couldn’t seem to get into this episode as much as I usually do. But of course, it is The Vampire Diaries, so that means that even the worst episodes (and I’m not saying that this is a worst episode) are still way ahead of other t.v. shows.

We begin the episode with yet another prophetic Bonnie dream, which leads to her search for her long-lost mother, Abbey. With some help from Damon, Bonnie and Elena have Abbey’s address and set out to find her, sans Damon. Though he did protest Elena’s decision to go without him, he didn’t put up too big of a fight. And after Bonnie’s questioning what’s up with the two of them, with his signature smirk he makes the blunt comment that “we kissed and now it’s weird.” That’s what I love about Damon. He doesn’t beat around the bush or try to make decisions for people. He’s straight forward, not afraid to speak his mind and let’s Elena make her own decisions, trusting her judgement.

At Abbey’s house the girls meet Jamie, her “adoptive” son, who seems to be relatively normal. Elena goes outside to give Bonnie and her mom some privacy to talk and we finally get a glimpse of Bonnie’s family and history. We learn that Bonnie’s mom is the one who spelled Mikael into the tomb in Charlotte, to protect Elena no less, and that she lost her powers and never returned to Mystic Falls because she wanted a chance to start a new life. Can you say selfish much? I’m sorry, but I just don’t like Bonnie’s mom, nor do I trust her.

Outside, Elena runs into Stefan, who showed up at Abbey’s house despite Elena’s lying to him to keep him away. In the midst of their argument Jamie, who’s been compelled by one of Klaus’ minions, shoots Stefan with a wooden bullet and ties up Elena. Then to top it all off, Abbey proceeds to kidnap Bonnie and take her to meet said minion. Sure, she’s only doing it to protect Jamie, who’s been compelled to kill himself if Bonnie won’t give up the location of the coffins, but it still makes me dislike her even more.

Looks like Elena’s training is really paying off. She tricks the compelled Jamie into coming near enough for her to bust out of her restraints and knock him out with a blow to the head from the butt of the very gun he was holding just moments ago. YOU GO GIRL! As Stefan points out, she really has gotten stronger. She isn’t the fragile, helpless girl that she used to be, she’s changed into someone much tougher who’s capable of looking out for herself. Also during their heart to heart, Elena admits to Stefan that she kissed Damon. I was on the edge of my seat waiting for Stefan’s reaction because at this point, I had absolutely no idea what his reaction would be. Was he going to freak out and get mad? Was he going to make some detached comment about not caring? The answer is, none of the above. Stefan’s reaction was perfectly written and very well played by Paul Wesley. He simply gets up, and walks away. But the look on his face before he walks off says it all. What’s great about the way Elena handled the situation is that she doesn’t tell him out of guilt, she just tells him because she feels that he deserves to know. I also find it very interesting that she didn’t say, “Damon kissed me.” Instead she says, “I kissed Damon.” Very interesting Ms. Gilbert, very interesting indeed.

After giving him a moment alone, Elena rejoins Stefan at his car. He sincerely admits that he took it too far with the kidnapping and the bridge. I’m really proud of Stefan for admitting that he was wrong and from the looks of it, so is Elena. However, what he says next broke my heart. Elena tells Stefan that she never planned on kissing Damon, and Stefan responds by saying, “you’re better than him,” and with a sad but resigned look on his face he adds,  “you’re better than both of us.” Will Elena end up with Damon? Or will she end up with Stefan after all? Or, will she end up with neither of the Salvatore brothers? Only time will tell. All we can do is strap ourselves in for the ride and watch and see.

As per usual, the best moments happened in the last 5 minutes of the show. Klaus is setting up his recently obtained family’s coffins when out pops…….yep, you guessed it! ELIJAH! (who was un-daggered by Damon.) I’m overjoyed at his return to the show and hope that we’ll be seeing lots of him in the episodes to come. And the best part, was the look on Klaus’ face at his dear brother’s unexpected return. Priceless. 

Other Thoughts:

– Tyler really must love Caroline to be willing to go through all of that pain to get his freedom back. I still can’t stand Caroline’s dad, I know he’s trying to help and all, but I just don’t like the guy.

– Though Meredith’s reasoning for stealing Damon’s blood is understandable, admirable even, I’m still suspicious of her.

– Speaking of Meredith, I think Alaric is being way too open with her. Dude, you’ve known the girl for like 5 minutes, wait a while before you start divulging all of the family secrets!

– Welp, Klaus has his family back, save the mysterious un-openable coffin. WHO’S IN THERE?!

– Way to go Damon for bringing back Elijah!!!