And we’re back. Like a newly turned vamp opening her eyes to the harsh singe of light, “The Vampire Diaries” emerges from the dismal myopia of its fourth season’s middle-parts transformed. “American Gothic” doesn’t waste a second of screentime — but sheds plenty of blood — as it slashes through the race for the cure’s true climax.

Most importantly, Katherine’s back, along with Elijah, and the devilish doppelganger and virtuous vampire have become lovers. Turns out Katherine might have a heart beneath those leather jackets and years of manipulating men into executing her bidding after all.

Elena, on the other hand, has entered full-on psycho mode. Emotionless since flipping her feelings switch after Jeremy’s death, she’ll stop at nothing to make sure she stays a vampire. Most of the season’s problems stem from Elena’s lack of agency, and even though the Salvatore brothers are still convinced they can “save” her (get some new material already, dudes), she’s snapping necks and stealing shoes in a way that would probably make Katherine proud if the two weren’t sworn enemies. Nina Dobrev once again gets to flex her acting muscles — watching her play against herself is always a treat.

But it’s not all fun and leather: True to “TVD” form, the episode breaks hearts as effortlessly as Klaus rips them from chests.