Photo Flash: First Look - Season Finale of The CW's VAMPIRE DIARIES

On next Thursday's season finale of The CW's THE VAMPIRE DIARIES entitled "The Departed", Alaric's reign of terror continues to its scary conclusion. The episode airs Thursday, May 10 at 8:00 pm/et on  The CW.

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is the story of two vampire brothers who are obsessed with the same girl. Season three opened the door to the history of Klaus and The Original Family, as Klaus' motives for wanting Stefan on his side are finally revealed. As Stefan sinks deeper into the dark side, Damon and Elena struggle with the guilt of their growing bond, even as they work together to bring Stefan back from The Edge. The ghosts from Jeremy Gilbert's (Steven R. McQueen, "Everwood") past have a powerful message they're trying to deliver to him, not to mention the impact they're having on his relationship with Bonnie Bennett (Kat Graham, "Honey 2"). After the emotional end of her relationship with Matt Donovan (Zach Roerig, "Friday Night Lights"), Caroline Forbes (Candice Accola, "Juno") grows closer to Tyler Lockwood (Michael Trevino, "Cane"), and a war erupts between their families.

Based on the series of books by L. J. Smith, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES is from Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios with executive producers Kevin Williamson ("Scream," "Dawson's Creek"), Julie Plec ("Kyle XY," "Wasteland"), Leslie Morgenstein ("Gossip Girl," "Private") and Bob Levy ("Gossip Girl," "Privileged").

THE VAMPIRE DIARIES airs Thursdays at 8:00 pm/et on the CW Network.

Get a first look at the upcoming season finale below!

Photo credit: Annette Brown/The CW Network