The Vampire Diaries concluded "Because the Night" in surprising fashion: Klaus down, out, wounded and frightened.

Those are not the typical states in which we find this Original - and, based on photos from next Thursday's "American Gothic," it doesn't look like a lot will have changed.

The following images paint a more vulnerable (and naked) picture of Klaus than both viewers and Caroline are accustomed to seeing. What kind of effect will this have on our favorite chippy blood sucker? Just who is making his return to the series?

Click around now and find out:

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