Kai is back in Mystic Falls!

That much was confirmed on The Vampire Diaries Season 8 Episode 12 in an episode that helped change things up for the series.

Below, TV Fanatics Mandy Treccia, Justin Carreiro and Paul Dailly discuss Matt's flashbacks, Kai's return and whether Damon was right to put Stefan's life above his friends...

What did you think of the flashbacks?

Mandy: I was bored. I'm not a fan of Matt in general. But I didn't need to see the sirens again. A lot of the information we already knew.

Justin: I didn't mind the flashbacks. We don't get many moments of Matt's family history, so it was alright to share some screen time. However, I wish the reveal was more exciting.

Paul: They were okay. It was a bit surreal seeing Zach Roerig in them because he’s been the token human for so long. It was about time he got a meaningful storyline.

React to Kai's return.

Mandy: I'm so happy. Kai's my favorite villain. And I love that he's paired with the people he hurt the most.

Justin: I cannot even begin to say how excited I am! Kai loves causing trouble and enjoys every minute of it. I don't know whether to trust him or be very cautious with his return.

Paul: I was ecstatic. Kai was one of the greatest things about The Vampire Diaries Season 6, so having him back is going to make for a solid episode.

Watch The Vampire Diaries Season 8 Episode 12 Online

Will Stefan be able to redeem himself?

Mandy: Yes. I'm biased because he's my favorite. But Stefan always does the right thing when he has his humanity. He's going to want to make things right. And I still think he'll end up sacrificing himself in the end.

Justin: Yes and no, especially since his humanity is back. It's hard because he'll do the right thing now, but I don't think it will be enough overall. Enzo's death was the last straw for me.

Paul: Stefan was my favorite character aside from Katherine until recently. I would like him to be redeemed and get a happy ending, but I just feel like he does not deserve it.

Should Damon have stolen the book?

Mandy: Again, yes. The Salvatore brothers always put each other first when push comes to shove. They've been together for over 100 years, good, and bad. Damon's going to protect his brother.

Justin: No. Damon said it himself; he's selfish. Who's to say there wasn't more in the book that could've helped? He took a huge gamble and risked everyone's life in the long run.

Paul: His brotherly instincts kicked in, so I think he had every reason to. However, hanging everyone else out to dry was a typical Damon move.

React to Bonnie opening the door to hell.

Mandy: This surprised me. I thought that pulse was her magic coming back. I assume that's how Kai got out, so it makes it even better. Now she just needs to save Enzo.

Justin: Bonnie had some serious grief! I thought her magic had returned instead. But if she opened it once, I hope this is teasing a way for her to save Enzo later on this season.

Paul: Like Mandy and Justin, I was sure her magic had returned. Julie Plec was not kidding when she said they were trying to rely less on magic this year. A part of me wished she had saved Enzo, but in reality, she probably brought Kai back.

Over to you, The Vampire Diaries fanatics. Hit the comments with your take on the questions.

Remember you can watch The Vampire Diaries online right here on TV Fanatic. Get caught up now!

Note: The Vampire Diaries Season 8 Episode 13 airs February 17 on The CW.