The Vampire Diaries Season 4 Episode 16: Elena’s Dangerous Return to Cheerleading and Explosive Spoilers for “Bring It On”

As The Vampire Diaries gears up for its dramatic return on March 14th with the highly anticipated episode “Bring It On,” fans are bracing themselves for a thrilling and potentially terrifying new chapter. The emotional fallout from Jeremy Gilbert’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through Mystic Falls, profoundly impacting Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev). While the community, and her loved ones, expected Elena to undergo significant changes, her decision to rejoin the Mystic Falls High School cheerleading squad has raised more than a few eyebrows. This isn’t merely a nostalgic return to normalcy; it appears to be a desperate and misguided attempt to cope, one that threatens to pull her further into darkness rather than guide her towards recovery. This pivotal episode promises to delve deep into Elena’s fractured psyche, exploring the dangerous manifestations of her grief and newly amplified vampire instincts.

The thought of Elena, still reeling from the loss of her brother, donning her pom-poms again might initially seem like a step towards healing. However, as the episode unfolds, it quickly becomes clear that her renewed involvement in cheerleading is anything but innocent. Caroline Forbes (Candice Accola), ever the voice of reason and concern amongst her friends, is quick to realize the gravity of the situation. Her initial pleasure at seeing Elena attempt to embrace some semblance of her former life swiftly transforms into alarm as Elena’s behavior takes an unexpected and perilous turn. The CW’s official description for “Bring It On” chillingly states that Caroline’s “pleasure turns to shock when Elena’s behavior proves dangerous.” This ominous warning suggests that Elena’s grief-fueled vampire impulses are far from under control, hinting at a series of events that could put herself and those around her in grave peril.

Elena’s return to the squad is not an isolated decision; it’s an integral part of an elaborate plan concocted by the Salvatore brothers, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder). Their ultimate goal is to “normalize” the increasingly erratic doppelganger, believing that a return to familiar routines and responsibilities might help her regain a sense of self and control after the traumatic events of the past few weeks. Both brothers have been struggling to find effective ways to help Elena cope with her humanity switch and the overwhelming pain of Jeremy’s death. Stefan, always advocating for a path of emotional honesty and gradual recovery, likely sees cheerleading as a way for Elena to reconnect with her past and find a sense of purpose. Damon, ever the pragmatist with a penchant for quick fixes, probably hopes that the distraction and physical exertion will keep her darker impulses at bay. However, as viewers of The Vampire Diaries know all too well, the best-laid plans of the Salvatore brothers often go awry. Their attempts to manage Elena’s grief and newfound vampire nature have rarely gone smoothly, and this instance appears to be no exception, as her dangerous actions quickly dismantle their fragile hopes for her recovery.

The episode “Bring It On” is poised to be a pivotal moment not just for Elena, but for several other key characters, offering a cascade of revelations and escalating conflicts. The intricate web of relationships and supernatural challenges that define Mystic Falls continues to tighten, setting the stage for significant developments across the board. Here’s a deeper dive into three more major spoilers from The Vampire Diaries Season 4, Episode 16, that promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Three More Explosive Spoilers from ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Season 4, Episode 16

1. Damon Salvatore and Rebekah Mikaelson (Claire Holt) find themselves continuing their unlikely alliance in the relentless search for the highly coveted cure for vampirism. This quest, which has driven much of the fourth season, continues to be a central storyline, captivating both characters with the promise of a return to humanity. However, their partnership is, as always, fraught with tension and underlying agendas. Damon, with his characteristic wit and often unsolicited opinions, delivers some “unwanted advice” that catches Rebekah completely off-guard. The nature of this advice is ripe for speculation, but given Damon’s protective instincts towards Stefan and his complicated feelings for Elena, it’s highly probable that his counsel is a thinly veiled warning: “Stay away from Stefan.” Rebekah, who has developed a complex and tumultuous relationship with Stefan throughout their shared past and present, would undoubtedly react strongly to such a suggestion. This advice could be motivated by Damon’s desire to keep Stefan from being swayed by Rebekah’s charm or her potentially manipulative tendencies, especially if finding the cure could lead Stefan back to a human life – and perhaps away from Elena. Damon’s interference could ignite a fresh wave of animosity between the two, or perhaps even a deeper, albeit reluctant, understanding as they navigate the treacherous path to the cure, each with their own desperate hopes and hidden motives.

The search for the cure itself represents different things to Damon and Rebekah. For Rebekah, it’s a chance to reclaim the human life that was stolen from her, to experience true love and freedom from her family’s centuries-long drama. For Damon, it’s a more complex proposition. While he claims to want it for Elena, a part of him also grapples with the idea of Stefan becoming human again, which could drastically alter the delicate balance of their sibling rivalry and romantic entanglement with Elena. Damon’s “unwanted advice” highlights his continuous efforts to control the narrative and influence the choices of those around him, especially when it concerns his brother or Elena. This interaction is set to reveal more about their evolving dynamic, their vulnerabilities, and the extent to which they are willing to go to achieve their respective ends, adding another layer of intrigue to their already volatile alliance.

2. Klaus Mikaelson (Joseph Morgan), the formidable Original hybrid, finds himself engaged in a tense interrogation of Hayley Marshall (Phoebe Tonkin), attempting to squeeze crucial information out of the enigmatic werewolf. Klaus, ever the master manipulator and strategist, has his own reasons for seeking out Hayley, and their exchange leads to an “interesting discovery.” This particular spoiler carries immense weight, especially for those familiar with the burgeoning lore of The Vampire Diaries universe. This “discovery” is almost certainly the revelation that will serve as the narrative springboard for the highly anticipated spin-off series, The Originals. It is here, within the confines of Mystic Falls, that Klaus will likely uncover the shocking truth about Hayley’s pregnancy with his child. This revelation fundamentally alters the trajectory of both characters’ lives and indeed, the entire supernatural landscape. Hayley, initially introduced as a seemingly irrelevant she-wolf connected to Tyler Lockwood, suddenly becomes a linchpin in the Mikaelson family saga. The discovery of his unborn child would force Klaus to confront a level of responsibility and vulnerability he has rarely, if ever, experienced. It challenges his identity as the ultimate predator and introduces the unprecedented concept of a hybrid heir. This moment marks a monumental shift, providing the compelling reason why Hayley, Klaus, and his family would ultimately depart Mystic Falls to embark on their own separate, and equally dramatic, adventures in New Orleans. The implications of this discovery are vast, impacting not only Klaus’s personal journey but also setting the stage for a new dynasty and a power struggle in the supernatural world.

The information Klaus seeks from Hayley could range from her past affiliations to her knowledge of other werewolf bloodlines, but the pregnancy reveal would be the most impactful. This discovery would explain Hayley’s sudden prominence and her crucial role in the upcoming spin-off, providing a powerful narrative bridge between the two shows. It transforms Hayley from a minor character into a foundational figure for an entirely new supernatural family, demonstrating the expansive and interconnected storytelling ambition of the series creators. Klaus’s reaction to this news will be critical; will he embrace fatherhood, or will his initial shock and fear lead him down an even darker path? This pivotal moment is expected to be a dramatic turning point for both characters, forever altering their destinies and launching a new chapter in the vampire diaries universe.

3. Amidst her ongoing struggle with grief and her dangerous shift in personality, Elena succumbs to her burgeoning dark impulses and decides to throw a “wild party.” This isn’t just a typical teenage gathering; it’s a symptom of her unhinged state, a desperate attempt to find an outlet for her chaotic emotions and newfound lack of inhibition. The party, predictably, spirals out of control, culminating in an “ugly fight.” Given Elena’s current lack of humanity, fueled by Jeremy’s death and her burgeoning vampiric urges, this fight is unlikely to be a simple verbal spat. It could involve physical altercations, supernatural abilities, and a level of violence previously uncharacteristic of the Elena Gilbert we once knew. While the original text playfully hopes she fights April Young and kills her, the target of her aggression remains to be seen. However, a confrontation with April, who has also experienced significant loss and vulnerability throughout the season, could serve to highlight just how far Elena has fallen. This “ugly fight” serves as a stark illustration of Elena’s deteriorating condition, confirming Caroline’s fears about her dangerous behavior. It signifies her continued regression, pushing her further away from her friends and the potential for recovery. The party and subsequent fight will undoubtedly be a chaotic and emotionally charged sequence, providing a visceral demonstration of the consequences of Elena’s humanity switch and the challenges her friends face in trying to pull her back from the brink.

The choice to throw a “wild party” is a classic vampire trope for characters who’ve lost their humanity – a way to numb the pain, embrace excess, and revel in their new, darker freedom without the burden of guilt. For Elena, this party is a desperate cry for attention, an act of rebellion against the pain she’s unwilling to process. The “ugly fight” that follows is the inevitable clash when strong personalities, heightened emotions, and supernatural powers converge without the guiding force of empathy or compassion. Whether it’s with April, or another character who dares to challenge her, this confrontation will underscore the severity of Elena’s transformation and the long, arduous road to redemption that lies ahead for her.

What are your thoughts on these latest revelations? Are you excited, or perhaps apprehensive, to witness Elena’s return to cheerleading, especially given the ominous warnings about her dangerous behavior? What do you believe, or hope, Klaus will ultimately discover about Hayley, and how do you anticipate this revelation will shape the future of both characters and the broader Vampire Diaries universe? Join the conversation and share your theories and predictions in the comments below!

Before you dive into the discussion, take a moment to watch HollywoodLife.com’s heartfelt tribute to the beloved, and much-missed, Jeremy Gilbert. His impact on Elena and the entire Mystic Falls community cannot be overstated, and understanding the depth of his loss is key to appreciating the tumultuous journey Elena is now on.

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

More Vampire Diaries Insights on HollywoodLife.com:

1. ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Recap: Damon Helps Elena Handle Another Death
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Scoop: Jeremy’s Death Is ‘Going To Destroy’ Elena
3. ‘Vampire Diaries’ Video: Jeremy’s Fate Is Revealed — Can Bonnie Save Him?