On the season premiere of The Vampire Diaries, Elena learns what TV Fanatic readers have been reading about for weeks: Stefan is playing a key, murderous role on a "great summer ripper road show."

How does she come across this information? What role does Damon play? How has he been lying to her? All these questions are answered in the following sneak peek at "The Birthday." It airs this Thursday - yes!!!!!!!!! - and TV Fanatic will be your destination for a detailed review soon after it concludes, replete with photos, quotes, analysis and more.

Is Stefan really gone for good? We doubt it. But Get your first true look at the premiere now:

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