12 Years Ago Today, TV’s Fan-Favorite Horror-Drama Series Shocked Fans With 100th Episode Twists (That Fueled the Series For Another 70 Episodes)

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It’s amazing to think it’s been 12 years since a pivotal episode of a popular horror-drama aired, dramatically changing the show’s direction. The series was already known for its complex backstory and actors playing multiple characters. In its 100th episode, a key character appeared to die, but a classic plot twist revealed this wasn’t the case, launching a new storyline that lasted until the show ended.

As a huge fan, I remember being so excited for the 100th episode of The Vampire Diaries! It aired on January 23, 2014 – Season 5, Episode 11, called “500 Years of Solitude.” The show really went all out to celebrate, bringing back a bunch of old faces which was awesome. Everyone was talking about a big cast change, but while that didn’t happen, the ending still totally shook things up for the story going forward.

The Vampire Diaries 100th Episode Story & Meaning, Explained

In the episode “500 Years of Solitude,” Katherine Petrova (Nina Dobrev) is rapidly aging and dying from heart failure because the spell that kept her immortal, known as “The Cure,” has worn off. The episode functions as a farewell to Katherine, featuring appearances from people she knew throughout her long life – either at her bedside, or through memories and visions as her life passes before her. Ultimately, Katherine’s daughter, Nadia (Olga Fonda), assists her in performing a spell that allows her to transfer her consciousness into another person’s body. The episode ends with a shocking twist: Katherine takes over the body of Elena Gilbert (also played by Dobrev), a kind-hearted woman who shares a supernatural connection with Katherine as one of her doppelgangers.

As a huge fan of The Vampire Diaries, I was so excited to see the guest list for the 100th episode! It was amazing to have David Anders back as John Gilbert, along with Sara Canning as Jenna Sommers, and even Matt Davis as Alaric Saltzman. Seeing familiar faces like Kayla Ewell (Vicki Donovan), Daniel Gillies and Claire Holt as the Mikaelson siblings Elijah and Rebekah, Bianca Lawson as Emily Bennett, and of course, Joseph Morgan as Klaus was a real treat. And naturally, Paul Wesley as Stefan and Ian Somerhalder as Damon were there, along with other recurring favorites like Jeremy Gilbert (Steven R. McQueen), Matt Donovan (Zach Roerig), Caroline Forbes (Candice Accola), and Bonnie Bennett (Kat Graham). It really felt like a celebration of everything I loved about the show!

The moment Katherine took over Elena’s body was a huge turning point in The Vampire Diaries. Elena, the show’s central character, started as an ordinary girl caught up in a supernatural world of vampires, witches, and hunters. While becoming a vampire at the end of Season 3 was a significant change, the middle of Season 5 brought another major twist. Actress Nina Dobrev moved away from playing two distinct characters and instead explored a storyline where Elena and Katherine battled for control of one body. Ultimately, Katherine wins, allowing Dobrev to fully embrace a storyline where she portrays the villain pretending to be the hero.

The 100th episode of The Vampire Diaries was a big hit, attracting almost 3 million viewers – a 25% increase and a strong result for The CW. Both fans and critics enjoyed the episode, noting it smartly streamlined the show by focusing solely on the villain Katherine and revealing more about her backstory. It also featured welcome cameos and successfully balanced celebrating the show’s history with setting up future storylines – everything you’d want in a milestone episode.

Watch The Vampire Diaries on Peacock, HBO Max, or Hulu. Share your favorite scenes and moments with other fans on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-23 21:19