What is the elbow for o the valve cover with nothing hooked on to it? Should it be hooked to something?

 

Goes to the intake manifold, looking from front of vehicle, there is a nipple going straight up behind the throttle body. I see it in the picture but can't tell where yours goes

 

Not familiar with how the tubes are supposed be routed on that year but yeah it should be going to the intake manifold. Probably that fitting with no hose on it towards the front lol.

It's part of the CCV system. Clean air enters via the front elbow, then out the back so that the engine can suck up oil fumes and blowby gasses.