The last episode of the CW's hit drama, 'The Vampire Diaries,' had more than just Elena (Nina Dobrev) crying over the realization that Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) is truly dead. The emotional episode, entitled "Stand by Me," showed Dobrev's true acting skills as she traversed the fine line of denial, grief and ultimately pure emotionless.
The episode began as Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Elena bring back Jeremy's body back to Mystic Falls following his tragic encounter with Silas. Elena's clear denial over her brother's death worries not only Stefan, but her friend Caroline as well. The pair worry so much that they reach out to Dr. Fell (guest star Torrey DeVitto) and Elena's friend Matt (Zach Roerig) for help.
Meanwhile, Damon and Rebekah attempt to find out more information about what really happened to Silas and the missing cure, while they scour the island. Bonnie, who is also on the island, becomes entranced by Silas/Shane (guest star David Alpay). Damon brings her back to Mystic Falls, where she reveals the remaining part of Shane's plan, which involves killing 12 people to bring back all the mystical people back from the dead.
Elena finally comes to the realization that Jeremy is dead, which leads her to plan the cover up story for his death. The plan, to burn the Gilbert household, shocks everyone but Elena ultimately gets her way. However, the pain from her brother's death forces Damon to use the sire bond on her to make her shut off her humanity.
In the upcoming episode of 'Vampire Diaries,' entitled "Bring it On," Elena's new, no-humanity behavior has everyone a bit concerned, forcing Stefan and Damon to agree that she should probably head back to her normal high school routine. The decision leads Elena to rejoin the cheerleading squad, which surprises Caroline until she realizes that Elena is feeding on their competition.
Meanwhile, the CW teases that Damon and Rebekah will join forces to continue looking for the cure but Damon's "unwanted advice catches her off-guard." Rebekah's brother Klaus will be on a mission of his own and will try to use Hayley (guest star Phoebe Tonkin) to find out the information he's looking for. His quest will lead him to "an intriguing discovery," the CW teases.
As if she isn't getting into enough trouble on the cheerleading squad, Elena "throws a wild party and gets into an ugly fight."
'The Vampire Diaries' S4E16, "Bring it On," airs on Thursday, March 14 at 8 p.m. EST on the CW.
WATCH A PREVIEW FOR "BRING IT ON"