The Vampire Diaries has a difficult task ahead of it next week:

It must follow up on "Blood Brothers," the episode many consider to have been the best of the season. That includes this reviewer, and you can read why RIGHT NOW.

Next Thursday's new installment is titled "Isobel," which sums up the hour's focus. It's all about Alaric's ex-wife and Elena's birth mother. Why is she in town? What does she want? And will Elena be heartbroken by their first meeting?

Based on the promo below, we can answer those questions for now with: I don't know, I can't wait to find out and, unfortunately, yes.

[video url="http://www.tvfanatic.com/videos/isobel-returns/" title="Isobel Returns!"] [/video]

As we inch closer to the May 13 finale, visit our Vampire Diaries spoilers section for hints on how the show will wrap up its incredible first season run.

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