The unforgettable rain kiss between Elena Gilbert and Damon Salvatore occurs in The Vampire Diaries Season 6, Episode 7, titled “Do You Remember the First Time?” This pivotal moment marks a significant turning point in their relationship, showcasing their deep connection amidst profound challenges. The scene is laden with emotion, symbolizing their shared history and the struggles they’ve overcome to be together.
Delena’s Defining Moment: A Deep Dive into Episode 6×07
“Do You Remember the First Time?” serves as a powerful episode in solidifying the Delena romance. Following Damon’s return from the prison world, both he and Elena grapple with adjusting to their new reality. Elena, under a compulsion by Alaric to forget her love for Damon, struggles to reconcile fragmented memories and nagging feelings. The episode cleverly utilizes flashbacks to their first encounter, highlighting Damon’s manipulative charm and Elena’s initial skepticism.
The rain kiss itself isn’t just a kiss; it’s a culmination of Elena’s rediscovering her love for Damon. He painstakingly recreates the night they first met, even bringing rain, hoping to trigger her lost memories. This act of devotion, combined with their inherent chemistry, breaks through the compulsion, leading to a passionate embrace under the downpour. It’s a visually stunning scene, using the rain as a metaphor for cleansing and renewal, allowing their love to be reborn.
Beyond the romantic implications, this episode explores themes of memory, manipulation, and free will. Alaric’s compulsion raises ethical questions about altering someone’s past, while Damon’s actions demonstrate his unwavering commitment to Elena, even if it means reliving painful memories. The episode also foreshadows future conflicts, as the consequences of the prison world begin to unfold. The rain kiss, therefore, is more than just a romantic gesture; it’s a narrative cornerstone that shapes the trajectory of the entire season.
Delena’s Journey: From Friction to Forever (Potentially)
The path leading to this iconic kiss wasn’t paved with roses. Elena and Damon’s relationship was built on a foundation of antagonism, attraction, and unwavering loyalty. Initially drawn to Stefan’s brooding heroism, Elena found herself inexplicably captivated by Damon’s dangerous allure. Their dynamic was charged with tension, filled with witty banter, passionate disagreements, and undeniable chemistry.
Damon’s initial manipulative tendencies posed a significant obstacle. He wasn’t afraid to use his vampire abilities to get what he wanted, often blurring the lines of consent and morality. However, as the series progressed, Damon underwent a significant transformation, largely influenced by his love for Elena. He started prioritizing her well-being over his own desires, showcasing a newfound capacity for selflessness.
Elena’s internal struggle played a crucial role in their evolving relationship. Torn between her affection for Stefan and her growing feelings for Damon, she wrestled with her conscience and societal expectations. She saw the good in both brothers, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, it was Damon’s genuine vulnerability and unwavering devotion that won her over.
The rain kiss represents a triumph over these past hurdles. It symbolizes their acceptance of each other’s flaws and their commitment to building a future together, despite the supernatural forces working against them. It cemented their status as a fan-favorite couple, fueling countless fan theories and discussions. While their relationship faced numerous trials and tribulations throughout the series, the memory of that rainy night served as a powerful reminder of their enduring love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elena and Damon’s Rain Kiss
Here are some commonly asked questions about the iconic rain kiss and its significance within The Vampire Diaries:
1. Why is the rain kiss considered so important for Elena and Damon?
The rain kiss marks a pivotal moment of rediscovery and reaffirmation of their love. Elena, having had her memories of Damon erased, chooses to love him again, proving the strength and inherent nature of their connection, independent of imposed circumstances.
2. What events led up to the rain kiss in episode 6×07?
Damon had recently returned from the 1994 prison world. Elena, compelled to forget her love for him, was struggling to reconcile her vague memories and underlying feelings. Damon, desperate to regain her love, meticulously recreates their first meeting, hoping to trigger her forgotten memories.
3. How did Damon recreate their first meeting?
Damon took Elena to the same location where they first met, complete with artificial rain to mimic the original circumstances. He recounted their conversation and replicated key details from their initial encounter.
4. What was Alaric’s role in Elena forgetting Damon?
Alaric, at Elena’s request, used his vampiric compulsion to erase her memories of her love for Damon, believing it was too painful after his initial “death” in the prison world.
5. Did the rain kiss completely break Alaric’s compulsion?
While the rain kiss signifies a significant breakthrough, the effects of Alaric’s compulsion weren’t immediately and entirely erased. Elena still had to process and integrate her recovered memories.
6. How did the rain kiss affect Stefan’s reaction and feelings?
Stefan, already grappling with Elena’s choice to be with Damon, found the sight of their passionate reunion under the rain deeply painful. It reinforced the reality that Elena had definitively chosen Damon over him.
7. What is the symbolism of the rain in this particular scene?
The rain serves as a powerful metaphor for cleansing and renewal. It washes away the pain and confusion of the past, allowing Elena and Damon to start fresh and reaffirm their love with newfound clarity.
8. Were there any challenges in filming the rain kiss scene?
Actors Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder have mentioned the logistical difficulties of filming in artificial rain, including maintaining hair and makeup continuity and battling the cold.
9. How did the fans react to the rain kiss when the episode aired?
The rain kiss was met with overwhelming excitement and positive reactions from fans. It became one of the most talked-about moments of the season, solidifying Delena’s status as a beloved couple.
10. Does this episode reveal anything else significant about Damon’s character?
“Do You Remember the First Time?” showcases Damon’s vulnerability and unwavering devotion to Elena. It highlights his willingness to go to great lengths, even reliving painful memories, to win back her love.
11. What other important events occur in episode 6×07 besides the rain kiss?
The episode also delves into the unraveling of the prison world mystery, with hints about Kai’s true nature and the circumstances surrounding the imprisonment of Damon and Bonnie.
12. How does the rain kiss impact the overall plot and themes of Season 6?
The rain kiss reinforces the theme of second chances and the enduring power of love. It also sets the stage for the challenges and conflicts that Delena will face as they navigate their relationship in the aftermath of the prison world. It solidified them together through thick and thin for the rest of the season.