Mommie Dearest

 is the seventh episode of the seventh season of and the one hundred and fortieth episode of the series overall.

Summary
SECRETS FROM THE PAST — In order to get through to Lily about Julian's manipulating ways, Stefan and Damon confront their mother with painful memories from their childhood. However, when Lily reveals a dark secret she’s been harboring for over 160 years, Stefan and Damon are left questioning everything they’ve ever known about their family. Determined to prove himself to Lily, Enzo comes face-to-face with Julian and challenges him to a duel, but an unexpected twist threatens to complicate things. Elsewhere, Matt finds himself in the middle of a deepening mystery involving the residents of Mystic Falls, and Caroline's world is turned upside down when Valerie reveals some life-changing news to her. Bonnie and Alaric also appear.

Main Cast

 * Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvatore
 * Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore
 * Kat Graham as Bonnie Bennett
 * Candice King as Caroline Forbes
 * Zach Roerig as Matt Donovan
 * Matt Davis as Alaric Saltzman
 * Michael Malarkey as Enzo

Recurring Cast

 * Annie Wersching as Lily Salvatore
 * Elizabeth Blackmore as Valerie Tulle
 * Todd Lasance as Julian
 * Jaiden Kaine as Beau

Guest Cast

 * John Charles Meyer as Young Giuseppe
 * Gavin Casalegno as Young Damon
 * Luke Judy as Young Stefan

Trivia

 * Season 7's "Thanksgiving episode" has a flashback to Stefan and Damon's childhood before anyone in their fam became a vamp. "It brings the brothers together in an interesting way; I love seeing them both as children, which we've never done before."

Cultural References

 * Mommie Dearest is a 1981 American biographical drama film about Joan Crawford and the abusive relationship she had with her adopted daughter Christina Crawford and her adopted son Christopher, starring Faye Dunaway, Mara Hobel and Diana Scarwid.


 * Mommie Dearest is a memoir and exposé written by Christina Crawford, the adopted daughter of actress Joan Crawford. The book, which depicts Christina's childhood and her relationship with her mother, was published in 1978.

Pictures

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