new spoiler 6X01 pic & article

Four months after the Season 5 finale, Elena is still "grieving" Damon, but also "excelling in her pre-med program," executive producer Caroline Dries tells TVLine. Elena's new endeavor will also prove fruitful for Alaric, who will shack up with her mentor Jo. ("Love is in the air!") Sadly, romance won't be in the air for Stefan, who "doesn't have the emotional energy for a relationship." And even when he is ready, he's still "a typical guy who just sees Caroline as a friend." Bonnie and Damon's whereabouts will unfold "slowly" as they continue to "get on each other's nerves like an old married couple." Meanwhile, Tyler will embrace his "second chance" at humanity, but will discover "the rage is still inside him" and he can't run from it. As for Matt, he'll finally get to live in Mystic Falls without having to constantly watch his back. We'll also learn more about Liv and Luke's "dark past" and "destiny," which will reveal why they came to Whitmore College.

BONUS SPOILER | Elena will try to set up Caroline with her new pre-med buddy Liam (Maro James), as she thinks they're "the perfect match."