Total Eclipse of the Heart (The Vampire Diaries)

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" is the twentieth episode of the second season of the American supernatural drama television series The Vampire Diaries. It originally aired on April 28, 2011, on The CW. The episode title is a reference to the popular song of the same name by Bonnie Tyler.

The episode centers around the escalating tensions between Klaus, a powerful Original vampire, and the residents of Mystic Falls. Key plot points include: Klaus forcing Stefan to drink human blood and embracing his darker side, Klaus preparing for the ritual to break the curse that binds his werewolf side, and Damon seeking a way to protect Elena from Klaus's plans. Relationships are strained as characters grapple with difficult choices and the looming threat posed by Klaus. Bonnie works to find a way to stop Klaus, despite the risks involved in using her magic. Alaric continues to struggle with the malevolent influence of the Gilbert Ring and his alternate personality. The episode culminates in Klaus moving closer to achieving his goals, leaving the characters in a precarious situation.

The episode title is thematically relevant, representing the dark and overwhelming circumstances facing the characters, and the sense of despair and hopelessness as Klaus’s power seemingly eclipses their ability to fight back.