Damon arrives at Alaric's loft. Alaric goes to his bookshelf to retrieve the stake, and removes a handful of books. Damon mocks Alaric's hiding spot, pointing out that at least his own firewood hiding spot was clever. Alaric doesn't respond, because the shelf is bare. They guys look behind other books. Alaric says it couldn't have vanished into thin air. Damon asks Alaric who else he's told about the stake.

Alaric: I'm the only one who knew about it, Damon.

Damon: No. Are you telling me that your vampire-hating alter-ego has a stake that could kill an entire line of vampires -- POSSIBLY MINE?

Alaric: That's exactly what I'm telling you.

Now that is an episode of The Vampire Diaries. Welcome back, show. You had me worried for a couple of weeks. Of course, now we're left hanging on the edge of this cliff, until April 19, 2012. I don't mind the break, except for how I completely do.

I'll be back April 20, 2012 with coverage of episode 3-19, "Heart Of Darkness." In the meantime, please grade the episode up top and join us in the forum, where I cannot look you in the eye and deny my feelings for Damon.