From a new (now former) friend of Stefan's to a celebration 162 years in the making, this week's episode of The Vampire Diaries introduced new characters, twists and turns.

As usual, our staff has it all covered in the latest edition of our Vampire Diaries Round Table. We encourage readers to sound off on the topics below in the forum or in the comments section.

Let's get to it!

Are you excited for Matt and Caroline to date?
M.L. House: I'm excited for something to happen with these characters, especially Matt. There has to be more to him than just Mr. Nice Guy, right? Maybe it comes out between the sheets!

Dr. Sheperd: Who's Matt again? Just kidding ... kind of. The problem with Matt may not be with Matt, but more a reflection on how awesome Stefan, Elena and Damon are as characters. Whatever the reason, why would I care about Matt? He seems like a really nice guy ... I guess. Similar to Bonnie, I am intrigued, but need something more to work with before I can truly get invested.

The Barnacle: Heck yes! Their cool couple's nickname will be Catt!

Should the show have killed off Lexi so quickly?
M.L. House: Absolutely not. Finally, they find someone to go toe-to-toe (fang-to-fang?) with Damon, only to have him win out so quickly and, relatively, easily? The death would have had more impact if we had gotten to know Lexi even more before Damon drove that stake through her chest.

Dr. Sheperd: It's too bad they did, as Lexi was awesome and I liked the idea of Stefan's past (and personality) being explored through old vampire pals. I knew that Damon was planning on setting her up after he met with the Sheriff, though. At least Lexi didn't go out like some punk after one measly vervain injection and forced Damon to personally finish the job after she briefly broke free from the cops.

The Barnacle: Yes. There's not room for another character on this show and this truly showed how manipulative Damon can be. I can't be the only person now wondering what it will take to bring him down, right?

Should Stefan have spared Damon's life?
M.L. House: He clearly shouldn't have killed Damon, if that's what you're asking. But a scene that started out cool ended up being lame. Stefan spared Damon because Damon once saved Stefan's life? Is that the excuse Stefan will use the next time Damon kills innocent bystanders, like he did this week? This thing is way bigger than your brotherly bond, Stef.

Dr. Sheperd: We touched on this after he gave Damon back his ring, as well. Obviously, Stefan can't bring himself to kill Damon, and from a fan's perspective, you know he's central to the show. But especially after he just killed Lexi, and he swore this was it 15 seconds earlier, it made little sense that he let his brother off the hook this time. Obviously Damon has to be Damon and Stefan will keep being upset by this. What's the point?

The Barnacle: Damon is one of the best characters on TV these days, so gonna answer in the strong affirmative on this one.

Pen a birthday message to Stefan.
M.L. House: Dear Stefan, you're beautiful and you're brooding. Give me a call. I've got some sexy, scandalous plans in mind. XOXO, Gossip Girl.

Dr. Sheperd: Sad Stefan, please don't feel blue
Word has it today you're 162
We’ve written this rhyme,
‘Cause 2009 is the time,
TV would suck without you!

The Barnacle: You (Ste)fan the flames of my heart! Are you 1, are you 2, are you 3, are you 4, are you 5, are you 6, are you 7... are you 147...

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.