Alaric Saltzman, a character beloved for his complexities and evolution from vampire hunter to guardian, meets a tragic end in The Vampire Diaries Season 3, Episode 20, “Do Not Go Gentle.” This episode marks a pivotal moment in the series, triggering a chain of events with lasting consequences for the core characters.
The Fateful Episode: “Do Not Go Gentle”
The episode title itself foreshadows the impending loss, echoing Dylan Thomas’s famous villanelle about resisting death. In “Do Not Go Gentle,” Alaric’s transformation into an Original Vampire due to Esther Mikaelson’s spell reaches its devastating climax. His newly acquired powers are fueled by a dark, possessive force, driving him to complete his mission: the eradication of all vampires.
The narrative of the episode centers around Mystic Falls’ Founder’s Day, a symbolic gathering disrupted by Alaric’s rampage. We witness his terrifying efficiency in hunting down and attempting to kill vampires, including Elena, Damon, and Stefan. The episode expertly builds tension, culminating in a confrontation that leaves viewers heartbroken and the protagonists facing a grim future.
The ultimate catalyst for Alaric’s death is his link to Elena Gilbert. As a life link was established by Esther’s spell, Alaric’s life is intrinsically tied to Elena’s. Therefore, when Elena tragically drowns after Stefan attempts to save Matt, who is driving her away from Alaric, Alaric simultaneously dies. This moment underscores the interconnectedness of the characters and the profound consequences of the Mikaelson family’s actions. Alaric’s death, while heartbreaking, is strategically placed within the narrative to heighten the emotional stakes and propel the storyline forward. His demise ignites a war, reshapes alliances, and forces characters to grapple with profound loss and unexpected vulnerabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alaric’s Death
Here are 12 frequently asked questions addressing the circumstances surrounding Alaric’s death in The Vampire Diaries, offering a more comprehensive understanding:
1. What caused Alaric to become an Original Vampire?
Alaric’s transformation into an Enhanced Original Vampire was orchestrated by Esther Mikaelson, the original witch and mother of the Original vampires (Klaus, Elijah, Rebekah, etc.). Seeking to eliminate all vampires, Esther used her magic to bind Alaric to a new body and imbue him with powers exceeding even those of the Original family. This was achieved using a modified version of the spell that created the Originals, making Alaric incredibly strong and virtually indestructible.
2. Why was Alaric so driven to kill vampires after his transformation?
The spell that transformed Alaric also amplified his latent hatred for vampires, fueled by the trauma he endured throughout the series, including the death of his wife, Isobel, by a vampire. Esther essentially weaponized his grief and rage, programming him to believe that eradicating vampires was the only way to protect Mystic Falls. This possessive drive overrode his former moral compass, making him a formidable and relentless antagonist.
3. How was Alaric connected to Elena, leading to his death?
Esther created a life link between Alaric and Elena during the transformation process. This meant that if Elena died, Alaric would die as well, and vice versa. This connection was a crucial element of Esther’s plan, as it ensured that Alaric’s actions would have devastating consequences for the protagonists. The life link ultimately proved to be Alaric’s undoing, as Elena’s accidental death triggered his own.
4. Could Alaric have been saved after becoming an Original Vampire?
While various attempts were made to revert Alaric to his human state, the spell was incredibly powerful and complex. The protagonists explored different magical solutions, but none proved successful. The writers intended Alaric’s transformation to be largely irreversible, highlighting the gravity of Esther’s manipulation and the desperation of the characters.
5. How did Alaric’s death impact Damon and Stefan?
Alaric was a close friend and confidant to both Damon and Stefan Salvatore. His death deeply affected them, forcing them to confront their own past actions and the consequences of their vampire existence. Damon lost a drinking buddy and a source of grounding, while Stefan mourned a kindred spirit who understood the burden of protecting Elena. Alaric’s loss spurred them to re-evaluate their priorities and relationship.
6. What were the long-term consequences of Alaric’s death in Mystic Falls?
Alaric’s death had a cascade of consequences. The Original Vampire threat escalated without Alaric to hunt them. Also, his death had a tremendous impact on Elena. She was distraught and lost another person whom she deeply cared about. Finally, the lack of a competent adult protector also left Jeremy more vulnerable.
7. Did Alaric stay dead permanently after “Do Not Go Gentle”?
No, Alaric doesn’t stay dead permanently. He is resurrected in later seasons through magical means, specifically, the Phoenix Stone. However, his initial death in “Do Not Go Gentle” remains a significant turning point in the series, marking a dark period and setting the stage for future conflicts.
8. What were the fans’ reactions to Alaric’s death in Season 3?
Fans reacted strongly to Alaric’s death, with many expressing sadness and outrage. He was a popular character who had undergone significant development, and his demise felt like a major loss. Social media was flooded with posts mourning his death and criticizing the writers for killing off such a beloved character.
9. Did Matt Donovan have any culpability in Alaric’s death?
Indirectly, Matt’s decision to drive Elena out of town contributed to the circumstances leading to her death. While he wasn’t directly responsible for Alaric’s actions, his attempt to protect Elena unintentionally put her in a more dangerous situation, ultimately leading to her drowning. Therefore, while not culpable in the traditional sense, his actions played a role.
10. How did Alaric’s death contribute to Elena’s eventual transformation into a vampire?
Elena’s death, which triggered Alaric’s death, also led to her being transitioned into a vampire. As she had Damon’s vampire blood in her system, she turned upon her demise. This transformation drastically altered her character arc and set the stage for new storylines and challenges. Alaric’s death is, therefore, intrinsically linked to Elena’s vampiric existence.
11. What specific powers did Alaric possess as an Original Vampire?
As an Enhanced Original Vampire, Alaric possessed enhanced strength, speed, and healing abilities, exceeding even those of the original Mikaelson family. He also had the ability to compel other vampires and was virtually invulnerable to most forms of attack. His unique powers made him a formidable opponent, capable of single-handedly taking down multiple vampires at once.
12. Were there any deleted scenes or alternate endings considered for Alaric’s death?
While specific details on deleted scenes are scarce, the writers likely explored different scenarios for Alaric’s death during the development process. Given the significance of the event, it’s plausible that alternate endings were considered, but ultimately the chosen path – tying his life to Elena’s – served to maximize the emotional impact and drive the narrative forward. The decision to link Alaric’s life to Elena’s was crucial for the overall story, solidifying its tragic impact.