Yesterday, we showed you the all-new cast photos and preview clip for the upcoming return of The Secret Circle. Now, today, The CW has released an all-new promo for the mid-season premeire, as well as the first two episode descriptions for the next slate of episodes.

First, here is the video from The CW that shows Cassie getting more in tune to her darker side:

It seems Cassie will be getting her self into some severe trouble. There’s something about the dark magic side of things that brings the series down to a much more gripping level for some reason. Instead of seeing them fumble through these powers, the series has been getting darker since Chris Zylka’s arrival as Jake, and whether that’s a good or bad thing has yet to be determined. But, so far, with his inclusion the series has found grittier take in respective aspects that just seems so damn tantalizing.

Finally, here is the synopsis for the upcoming premiere, Episode 1.10:

Cassie (Britt Robertson) turns to Adam (Thomas Dekker) when she uncovers a secret about herself that she needs kept from the rest of the Circle, including Diana (Shelley Hennig). Meanwhile, Diana is thrilled when her grandmother Kate (guest star Stefanie Kramer, “Hunter”) drops in for a visit, but Charles (Gale Harold) is suspicious of his mother’s motives after Kate takes an unusual interest in Cassie. Meanwhile, Faye (Phoebe Tonkin) recruits a mysterious stranger named Lee (guest star Grey Damon, “Friday Night Lights”) to help her with a spell that could change the balance of the Circle forever.

Not enough? Here’s the synopsis also for the week’s next episode 1.11 titled “Fire and Ice”:

Cassie (Britt Robertson) asks Adam (Thomas Dekker) for help when she wants to look into her father’s past, and their search leads them to an eerily familiar place. It also rekindles an old flame when Adam, thrilled to be spending time with Cassie again, asks her to the Fire and Ice dance. But because of her friendship with Diana (Shelley Hennig) Cassie is forced to give a surprising response. In an effort to be a better father, Ethan (Adam Harrington) offers to chaperone the dance, much to Adam’s dismay. Faye asks Lee (guest star Grey Damon) to help her with a spell that would grant her individual magic. Unfortunately, the spell has some terrifying side effects that nearly destroy the Circle. Jessica Parker Kennedy also stars.

What do you think of this direction for the series? Do you think of Nick was still alive, the series would be better or boring, given that the Circle is on a darker path this way? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

The Secret Circle returns January 5th at 9PM, only on The CW.