The Vampire Diaries Review: What Are You? (Season 8 Episode 12)

Emotions run high as Stefan faces an uncertain future… as a human!

On The Vampire Diaries Season 8 Episode 12, titled “What Are You?,” Stefan’s humanity comes rushing back metaphorically and physically after being forced the cure by Bonnie.

Stefan’s run-in with the police is not exactly the best way to begin his new life because his finger prints are connected to dozens of murders. Yeah, Ripper Stefan certainly didn’t waste any time murdering up a storm.

Luckily, Caroline shows up and compels everyone to let Stefan go. I was hoping the reunion between Stefan and Caroline would feel good, but watching them embrace each other just feels sad. How can they go on from here?

Their conversation in the woods while looking for the realtor’s body isn’t comfortable to watch at all. Stefan thinking all Caroline is worried about is the wedding isn’t fair or accurate.

It’s obvious Stefan doesn’t mean what he said. His lashing out is understandable considering he just became human again and is feeling guilty about everything he’s done.

After discovering the realtor didn’t die and finding her in the woods, she stabs Stefan out of fear. This is definitely not how Stefan would have wanted to spend his first day back as a human.

Due to the cure being in his system, Caroline is unable to give Stefan her blood. I totally forgot this was even a rule. There have been so many twists throughout the years on this show that it can be difficult to remember everything.

Stefan is saved, which somehow seems like the most far-fetched aspect of this episode. Why is he released from the hospital and not taken for internal injury tests? The wound seemed a lot more severe than needing some stitches and pain killers.

Anyway, Caroline sees no reason why they can’t make their future happen. Obviously their path going forward is murky. They can still get married, but sooner or later, Stefan will grow old before Caroline’s eyes. Will she be able to stand by and watch him die?

Elsewhere in the episode Matt is suffering from terrifying visions of witches burning back when the bell was created. With Alaric back in town, they induce Matt into a hypnotic state where he takes on the form of his ancestor who created the bell.

After the Sirens compromised the bell, the witches sacrificed themselves to save the town. More importantly, through this flash to the past, they all realize the answer to defeating Cade is in a journal written by the Maxwell ancestor.

Unfortunately, Damon swipes the journal in order to give to Cade so he won’t kill Stefan. Now that he is a human, Stefan is released from his contract with Cade.

Unfortunately, his soul is now Cade’s for the taking. Damon saves his brother’s soul, for now, by handing over the journal. As Cade tosses it into the fireplace, there goes the only answers they having for defeating him.

Luckily, Sybil had informed Damon of a back up plan for killing Cade. This leads Damon and Alaric back into the Armory’s vault where Damon finds a weapon created when Cade was killed.

Before they can break out the booze to celebrate, in strolls Kai. Wait, what?!

What the hell is he doing here? Not that I’m complaining, but how did he get here?

Kai was the only worthy successor to Klaus’s reign as the villain. He was plenty menacing while still making us chuckle.

However, there is the little matter that Kai is the reason Elena is sleeping and the reason Jo is dead. So yeah, I suspect Alaric and Damon are not too pleased to see his face right now.

Did Bonnie’s connection with the “bad place” open the door for Kai to return? Did opening the door allow for other previously dead characters to return?

Before being able to apologize to Bonnie, Stefan is tased by someone in a hoodie. Is this person also from the other side and taking advantage of the door being opened?

Lastly, I want to talk about the conversation Stefan and Damon have when they are reunited before Stefan is tased. Is this conversation supposed to warn us that there will be no happy ending for the Salvatore brothers?

Stefan asks Damon if they are still capable of redemption. Damon says yes, but in a way that you know he doesn’t believe a damn word he’s saying.

The only way I see these two making it out of the series alive is if Cade is defeated. But regardless, I don’t think their souls can ever be truly saved.

They have killed a ridiculous number of people over the years. Trying to be good can’t make up for the lives they stole. That’s just my moral take on the situation they have found themselves in.

Leftover Thoughts and Questions

• Bonnie’s grief is difficult to watch. Bonnie is the most deserving of a happy ending.
• As much as I would love to have Enzo back, I would rather him stay dead. I say this for two reasons: 1) Far too many characters die and then return rendering their heartbreaking deaths meaningless. 2) Bringing back Enzo could create severe consequences, like people like Kai making their way through.
• Bonnie’s mom returning is nice, but no joke, I totally didn’t even remember she was still alive!
• If Stefan’s first day as a human is any indication, I don’t think he will survive very long.
• Does Kai’s return set up Elena returning?

What did you think of this episode of The Vampire Diaries? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Vampire Diaries airs Fridays at 8/7c on The CW.

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