[s3e1] — The Birthday

: While Elena celebrates turning 18, it is a bittersweet milestone given her immortal surroundings. On the Road: The Ripper Returns

The episode " The Birthday " (Season 3, Episode 1) , marks a dark shift in the series as it celebrates Elena Gilbert's 18th birthday while Stefan Salvatore is off on a blood-soaked rampage with Klaus Mikaelson. The Dark Celebration: Elena’s 18th [S3E1] The Birthday

: Jeremy begins seeing the ghosts of Vicki and Anna, a haunting complication to his attempt at a normal life. VAMPIRE DIARIES SEASON 3 EPISODE 1 “THE BIRTHDAY” : While Elena celebrates turning 18, it is

Despite the grim circumstances, Caroline Forbes insists on throwing Elena a massive 18th birthday party. Elena, however, is struggling to move on and spends much of the night searching for any sign that Stefan is still alive. VAMPIRE DIARIES SEASON 3 EPISODE 1 “THE BIRTHDAY”

: Damon returns the necklace Stefan gave her, which she had lost, as a symbol of hope—only for her to later discover he has been secretly tracking Stefan's trail of bodies all summer.

: Fans have often noted a bizarre moment where Klaus adopts a faux "Southern" accent to manipulate two women in Tennessee, a choice that remains a frequent topic of humor in the Vampire Diaries community .