Season 5 episode 23 of The Vampire Diaries, titled “Home,” sees the heartbreaking demise of Damon Salvatore as the Other Side crumbles, forcing Stefan, Elena, and Caroline to grapple with devastating loss while desperately seeking a way to bring their loved ones back. The episode culminates in a bittersweet reunion as some, but not all, supernatural beings manage to escape the Other Side before its total collapse.
The Cataclysmic Conclusion to Season 5
“Home” serves as the dramatic and emotional conclusion to The Vampire Diaries season 5, a season characterized by twists, betrayals, and the looming threat of the Other Side’s inevitable destruction. This episode throws our favorite characters into a maelstrom of grief and desperation as they fight against time to save those trapped in the collapsing supernatural purgatory.
The central conflict revolves around the imminent destruction of the Other Side. As Markos and the Travelers wreak havoc, weakening the veil between life and death, the magical world teeters on the brink. Our protagonists, led by Elena Gilbert and Stefan Salvatore, must devise a plan to exploit the Travelers’ magic, reverse their spell, and ultimately restore the Other Side’s stability, even if it means confronting unimaginable sacrifices.
Damon’s Heartbreaking Sacrifice
One of the most pivotal moments in “Home” is Damon’s heroic sacrifice. Throughout the episode, he works tirelessly to help the resurrected individuals, including Elena’s dead boyfriend, Enzo, make their way back to the land of the living. However, in a gut-wrenching twist, Damon is caught in the collapsing vortex and pulled into oblivion, unable to escape in time. This event leaves Elena devastated, forcing her to confront the reality of a future without the love of her life.
The Return of the (Almost) Dead
Despite the tragic loss of Damon, “Home” offers a glimmer of hope. Using Bonnie Bennett as their anchor, several characters, including Elena’s former boyfriend, Tyler Lockwood (now cured of being a hybrid by Markos’ spell, however still possesses the werewolf gene), manage to successfully return from the Other Side. This brings moments of joy amidst the overwhelming sorrow, highlighting the resilient bonds between the characters and their determination to overcome even the most insurmountable obstacles.
The Aftermath and What Lies Ahead
The episode concludes with a somber yet determined mood. Elena, grappling with the pain of Damon’s death, is supported by Stefan, whose own brotherly bond with Damon fuels his determination to find a way to bring him back. Bonnie, exhausted from channeling the magic to bring others back, collapses, now truly dead due to the full destruction of the other side. The finale ends on a cliffhanger, leaving the audience to ponder the uncertain future that awaits the surviving characters in Mystic Falls and their desperate attempts to restore what was lost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Home”
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding The Vampire Diaries season 5 episode 23:
Why did the Other Side collapse?
The Other Side collapsed because of the Travelers’ spell that drained magic from the Earth. This spell weakened the supernatural purgatory to the point of disintegration. The weakening also had the effect of removing any magic from the vampires, making them mortals.
How did Bonnie Bennett facilitate the return from the Other Side?
Bonnie, as the anchor to the Other Side, acted as a conduit for those returning to life. She channeled the necessary magic to allow them to pass through the collapsing veil, but the effort ultimately cost her life, as the power required overwhelmed her.
Who returned from the Other Side in “Home”?
Those who successfully returned from the Other Side include Tyler Lockwood, Alaric Saltzman (possessed by a traveler), and Enzo St. John. However, only Tyler was able to fully return. Alaric died and returned later on. Enzo successfully made it over as well.
Why couldn’t Damon escape the Other Side?
Damon was helping others escape and, in doing so, ran out of time before the Other Side completely collapsed. He prioritized the lives of others, ultimately sacrificing himself.
What was Markos’s role in the collapse of the Other Side?
Markos was the leader of the Travelers and the architect of the spell that weakened the Other Side. His goal was to undo the witch’s magic and make it so that vampires could not enter Mystic Falls.
How did the Travelers’ magic impact the vampires?
The Travelers’ magic nullified supernatural abilities within the boundaries of the Traveler-controlled areas, making vampires mortal and unable to perform any supernatural feats. This was a key component of their plan to “purify” the world.
What were Elena’s feelings about Damon’s death?
Elena was devastated by Damon’s death. She had finally accepted her love for him and the prospect of a future together, only to have it snatched away. Her grief is palpable and drives much of her actions in the subsequent season.
How did Stefan react to Damon’s death?
Stefan, despite their complex relationship, was deeply affected by Damon’s death. While they often clashed, their brotherly bond was undeniable. His grief fuels a sense of responsibility and a determination to find a way to bring Damon back.
What happened to Liv and Luke in this episode?
Liv and Luke were working to channel their magic and aid in the fight against the Travelers. They played a crucial role in helping to reverse the Travelers’ spell and restore the magic necessary for the resurrection process.
How did the characters attempt to reverse the Travelers’ spell?
The characters worked to reverse the Travelers’ spell by finding a way to redirect the magic they had drained back into the Other Side. This involved strategic placement of objects and the channeling of significant magical power.
What does the ending of “Home” foreshadow for Season 6?
The ending of “Home” foreshadows a season focused on grief, loss, and the desperate pursuit of resurrection. The absence of both Damon and Bonnie sets the stage for a darker and more challenging chapter for the remaining characters. Elena’s grief will drive many plot points.
Why is this episode considered a turning point for the series?
“Home” is considered a turning point due to the permanent deaths of major characters (or so it seemed) and the drastic shifts in relationships. It fundamentally alters the dynamics of the series, forcing the surviving characters to confront their mortality and the consequences of their supernatural existence. The introduction of a world without the other side also impacts everything that is to come.