The Decade Dance turned out to be more of a masquerade with so many people hiding their true intent behind a mask of illusion. We had Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan (Paul Wesley) pretending to be Elena’s (Nina Dobrev) escorts to the dance, when in fact they were bodyguards in hunt of the vampire stalking Elena. There was Noah (Dillon Casey), Anna (Malese Jow) and Ben (Sean Faris) all pretending to be average teenagers, hiding their true identities and intentions. And there was Alaric (Matt Davis) pretending to just be a history teacher, when he too had many secrets to keep. Perhaps only Bonnie (Katerina Graham), Matt (Zach Roerig), Caroline (Candace Accola) and Jenna (Sara Canning) were the only ones really not hiding what they were up to. They were all just looking for love. Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) was also just a bit clueless, but he too seemed sincere in his actions. Is nothing what it seems in Mystic Falls?

So in another blast from the past, we saw our fearless crew embark on another adventure. With so many hidden agendas, it is a wonder that anything was accomplished at all. But, astoundingly, they did unmask the vampire stalking Elena and a few more villains revealed themselves as well. Apparently everyone really wants to open that blasted crypt. Don’t they know that they should be careful what they wish for? For surely unleashing 26 hungry and vengeful vampires is a risky venture and will lead to all kinds of unfathomable complications.

What Worked

There were a lot of “Scream” nostalgic moments in this episode, including when Noah stalked Elena in her own home while she was on her cellphone and later as he chased her through the school hallways. When Elena asked Stefan why this particular vampire was so intent on pursuing her, Stefan tried to explain by stating, “It’s because we’re predators … we hunt, we stalk. It’s often as exciting as a kill.” In mock-exasperation Elena asked, “Shouldn’t you guys be able to sense each other or something?” To which Stefan was forced to admit, “No, it doesn’t work that way.” But he did the next best thing and gave her the Gilbert compass so she would always know if there was a vampire around. Gotta love a guy who so willingly shows off his strong protective side: he has not only given her a vervain-filled necklace and the compass, he also made vervain-infused necklaces and bracelets for all of Elena’s friends and family to protect them as well. Chivalry at its finest.

It was also great that Elena stood up for herself and fought back when Noah came after her. Her ingenuity in using a pencil to stab him and then breaking a nearby broom handle was reminiscent of a scene from “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer.” It was a classic Joss Whedon technique and a nice nod to a fellow genre. As Elena said, “I fought back tonight. It felt good.” Go girl-power!

Another cool example of self-empowerment was demonstrated when Bonnie stood up to Damon and taunted him by saying, “You know I can start fires with my mind, right? And fire kills vampires — so stay the hell away from me.” The look on Damon’s face as he processed her threat was priceless. It was also rather funny and endearing to see how hard Damon tries to hold onto his pretend-youth and to fit in. Plus, his attempts to ask each of the girls to dance was pretty darn funny — especially since they all so richly shot him down.

And kudos to Caroline for calling Matt on his ridiculous reservations about taking their relationship to the next level. She is a strong girl who is not afraid to embrace a new relationship, even with a guy who is admittedly still hung up on Elena. She was still willing to give it a try. I am constantly surprised at how much chemistry there is between Caroline and Matt; whether it be when they were playfully painting together or confronting each other at the grill. They are a believable couple, so it is great that the show is letting their relationship evolve.

Loved, loved, loved the reveal that Alaric’s wife, Isobel (Mia Kirshner), is Elena’s mother. Who saw THAT coming?! It was a nice puzzle-piece that helped put together the underlying motivation behind Alaric’s move to Mystic Falls. It also makes us wonder whether he knows that Elena is Isobel’s daughter.

And who didn’t love the eye-popping reveal that sweet and innocent-looking Anna from the library is a vampire? My heart nearly stopped when she nearly gave herself away when her eyes changed in front of Jeremy at the dance. I am seriously thinking that they all should be carrying their own vampire-detecting compass as it surely is a “must have” item in Mystic Falls. It was also particularly fun and illuminating when Anna warned Noah, “Leave the girl alone” (referring to Elena), and he simply replied, “I like her. She looks like Katherine.” To which Anna sharply said, “She’s not Katherine!” But Noah in his own dense and sadistic way said, “I know, but until we open that tomb, I’ve got her to play with.” Oh foolish vampire, you certainly had a death-wish.

Jeremy also had a fine moment of clarity when he said to Anna using some distinctly “Dawson”-esque dialogue, “You’re doing that thing again.” To which Anna innocently asked, “What thing?” Jeremy then said, “Where you pretend we’re dating even though we’re not.” And Anna impishly replied, “You mean stalking.” Who knew how true these words were — especially after we found out that Anna is a vampire, and she IS stalking him?!

What Didn’t Work

I am not so sure about Bonnie being so brazen as to openly hit on an older bartender — particularly when she now knows that there are dangerous supernatural beings living in Mystic Falls. You would think she would have some kind of witch-test with which to screen potential suitors in order to make sure they are not vampires or something worse.

And surely Alaric would have known better than to approach Damon at the dance and ask so many questions as to tip his hand. Does he really want Damon wondering why he was asking?! Let’s not invite the vampire to look too closely, shall we? And I am still wondering how the heck Damon did not hear Alaric when he stumbled across Damon eating his wife, Isobel. Surely Damon’s super-human hearing would have heard Alaric come in. That bit is a puzzler and it does not fit.

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