The Fourth Season of "The Vampire Diaries" Premieres Tonight on The CW

Photo Credit: The CW

The cliffhanger featured in the spring season finale, when Matt (Zach Roerig) and Elena (Nina Dobrev) were trapped inside a truck that had plunged into a lake, proves to be a game changer as The Vampire Diaries begins its fourth season tonight at 8:00pm ET, on The CW. What happens to Elena will cause the love triangle between her, Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan (Paul Wesley) to heat up considerably. While they are the lead characters, viewers may notice something interesting during the first two episodes, "Growing Pains" and "Memorial," as the entire cast play important roles when powerful new threats invade the town of Mystic Falls. What sets The Vampire Diaries apart from most other television series is its ability to keep the action moving all season long. In fact, the first two episodes of the fourth season seem like they could be finale episodes because so much is happening. Another reason the series works so well is the outstanding continuity and excellent use of history, especially the nods to former cast members, whether they are being spoken about or seen, in one form or another.

The new season features the arrival of at least two new characters, Connor (Todd Williams), a vampire hunter, and April (Grace Phipps), and old friend of Matt and Jeremy. Both play pivotal roles in the first two exciting, pulse pounding episodes. In addition, Caroline (Candace Accola) and Tyler (Michael Trevino) face obstacles in their path to happiness together, Bonnie (Kat Graham) makes a life changing decision and Matt has an important new role to play, which should keep his character front and center. If the first two episodes are any indication of what is to come, the fourth season of The Vampire Diaries may be the best one yet.