It took only one episode for Michaela McManus to make a major impression on viewers of The Vampire Diaries.

As Jules, she's already "marked" Damon, bitten Rose and placed a mysterious phone call to... someone (perhaps incoming werewolf Brody, as played by Stephen Amell?).

What are fans to make of this character? Can we really trust her? McManus spoke to Entertainment Weekly and answered a few key questions about what's to come when The Vampire Diaries returns on January 27.

On Jules' motivations: As much as she is tough and a threat to Damon, she is also coming back to avenge her friend’s death, so you can’t really blame her for that. She’s not outright crazy or mean. She’s just trying to protect herself and get back at Damon for what he’s done to Mason.

On Jules' struggles: She has a sensitive side. She has to live with being a werewolf and every full moon transforming into this beast who wreaks havoc, but it’s not something she’s proud of or happy with. I don’t think she’s the kind of werewolf that just likes to go around tearing up people. She definitely has a hard time with it.

On what's ahead: Jules gets pretty physical. She’s after [Damon], and he’s just as much after her. It’s really fun to see the two of them battle it out.

Read the full interview at the official EW site and sound off: Are you happy with the addition of McManus to the cast? She's booked for at least three more episodes.

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