GOODBYE, MYSTIC FALLS — In the aftermath of Alaric (Matt Davis) and Jo’s (guest star Jodi Lyn O’Keefe) powerful nuptials, things take a dramatic turn when an uninvited guest shows up, leaving Elena (Nina Dobrev) in terrible jeopardy.  Despite Matt’s (Zach Roerig) advice to leave town to protect herself, a defiant Bonnie (Kat Graham) takes matters into her own hands after finding herself on the receiving end of a twisted plan.  As Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Caroline (Candice Accola) reach an emotional crossroad in their relationship, a reunion with Liv (guest star Penelope Mitchell) leaves Tyler (Michael Trevino) faced with a decision that could change his life forever.  Meanwhile, Lily’s (guest star Annie Wersching) reckless actions cause Stefan to realize the lengths to which his mother will go to reunite with her “family.”  Finally, after a devastating chain of events, Damon (Ian Somerhalder) is forced to make the most difficult decision of his life.  Michael Malarkey also stars.  Chris Grismer directed the episode written by Julie Plec & Caroline Dries (#622).  Original airdate 5/14/2015.

Question: Longtime reader here. Now that Nina Dobrev is leaving The Vampire Diaries, does that mean Elena will be taking the vampire cure? Thanks! — Kristen
Ausiello: It certainly seems like Elena’s jonesing to take the cure, doesn’t it, Kristen? (Especially after that clip we posted with her dreaming of having children with Damon.) We can’t confirm that Elena will end her run as a human or a vampire, but know this: Damon’s decision to share the cure with her (or not) will result in a “massive fallout” — not just for Elena, but for everyone on the show, according to executive producer Caroline Dries. Source TV Line

ALARIC AND JO’S BIG DAY — It’s Alaric (Matt Davis) and Jo’s (guest star Jodi Lyn O’Keefe) wedding day and Elena (Nina Dobrev) and Bonnie (Kat Graham) do their best to help a stressed out Jo with the last minute preparations. After uncovering some life-changing news that Damon (Ian Somerhalder) has been keeping from him, Stefan (Paul Wesley) takes his brother on a road trip to give him some perspective on his future with Elena. Elsewhere, when Caroline (Candice Accola) returns to Mystic Falls after dealing with the fallout of her humanity-free rampage, she begins making amends with her friends and comes to a realization about her and Stefan’s prospects of being together. Finally, when Bonnie begins having vivid nightmares that Lily (guest star Annie
Wersching) is coming after her, she enlists Matt’s (Zach Roerig) help in taking Lily down. Michael Trevino and Michael Malarkey also star. Michael Allowitz directed the episode written by Brian Young (#621). Original airdate 5/7/2015.

Do you have any scoop on how Elena exits The Vampire Diaries? — Tej
TPTB are staying very tightlipped on how that’s going down, but when I asked for a non-Elena spoiler for the season finale, I got a very interesting response: “The season ends with a flash forward,” executive producer Julie Plec tells me. “The show’s not cut yet, so by the time I’m done with it, it might not, but currently it does.” Dun. Dun. Duuuuun. Source EW

One of the big elements of the show right now is Nina Dobrev’s upcoming exit. Without spoiling how she leaves, what were your thoughts about her decision?

She wants to move on and do films and do other stuff. She’s still young, and I think it’s the right decision for her to go right now. It’s something she had decided she wanted to do ages ago. She knew she had a time on [her run on the show]. There’s been a lot of speculation about why she’s done it, but I know it’s just for the same reason any actor would want to leave a show: To move on and do other work. The best thing about our job is we get to live in different characters, in different worlds, and meet new people. That’s exciting. For someone who’s in her position, she’s still young, she’s entitled to do that. We’re going to miss her, but I think it’s the right thing for her. Source THR