'The Vampire Diaries' preview: Who are your favorite potential couples?

Last week's episode of "The Vampire Diaries" was one of its most startling yet. By the end of the episode, Katherine (Nina Dobrev) was locked up in the tomb, Tyler (Michael Trevino) was a werewolf, and Elena had been abducted by a masked stranger. So what's next?

Well, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder) are teaming up to protect the one girl they both care about -- again. I'm guessing it'll only take Elena two or three more life-or-death situations to completely mend the century-old Salvatore silbling rivalry. Is she doing this on purpose? If she is... I commend you, Elena Gilbert.

Elena's kidnapper is Rose (Lauren Cohan), who is at least five centuries old, with the attitude to match. Rose makes Cohan's "Supernatural" character, Bela, look like a kitten.

By the time they've rescued Elena, Stefan and Damon will have come to "a new understanding," according to The CW. I doubt they'll ever be totally cool with the fact that they're in love with the same girl, but maybe it's an agree-to-disagree thing. They'll also gain some new insight into events that happened centuries ago, which set into motion the turmoil in Mystic Falls today.

In between all the vampire butt-kicking, some new love connections are emerging -- and one of them may be between Damon and Rose. So how does the woman who kidnapped Elena end up hanging out with Damon Salvatore, without any stakes or vervain baths involved? This ought to be good. I have to say, they look hot together, but I can't imagine this will end well.

Meanwhile, Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) and Bonnie's (Katerina Graham) bond begins to strengthen. There was a definite spark between them at the Masquerade - I have to say, I'm on board with this new couple. Jeremy brings out a more likable, vulnerable side of Bonnie, while she lets us see his protective side. Here's the thing - if she dies after they hook up, it's time to lock Jeremy in a dungeon, because he's obviously got the kiss of death.

Jeremy, left behind in Mystic Falls while Damon and Stefan look for Elena, will help Bonnie after a spell leaves her drained. Judging from the photos below, it won't be too long before the witch and the apprentice hunter are going on maybe-dates at The Grill. He wouldn't be Jeremy if he was completely lucky in love, though, so it's no surprise that Bonnie has her eye on Luca, the (very cute) new guy in town.

Meanwhile, Caroline (Candice Accola) and Tyler have a unique opportunity to bond over the fact that they're both going through the craziest transformation this side of puberty. She hasn't told Tyler that she's a vampire yet, but I wouldn't be surprised if she spills the beans pretty soon -- though Stefan may not be on board with that plan.

After checking out some of the new photos below -- to get a sneak peek at Rose, her sidekick Slater, and Bonnie's hottie Luca -- let me know who your favorite potential couple is in the comments!











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Photo: CW