The moment Delena shippers had waited years for finally arrived in The Vampire Diaries Season 4, Episode 23, “Graduation.” While romantic tensions had been simmering for seasons, this episode marked the definitive shift from friendship and rivalry to a confirmed romantic relationship between Elena Gilbert and Damon Salvatore.
The Delena Journey: A Recap
Before diving into the specifics of “Graduation,” it’s crucial to understand the complex history that led to Elena and Damon’s fateful connection. Their relationship was a slow burn, fraught with danger, shared trauma, and undeniable chemistry. Damon, initially portrayed as the impulsive and dangerous older brother, gradually revealed layers of vulnerability and deep affection for Elena.
Elena, grappling with the loss of her parents and the supernatural world she was thrust into, found herself drawn to Damon’s intensity and his willingness to protect her, even if it meant crossing ethical boundaries. Throughout the series, their interactions were marked by intense longing, heated arguments, and undeniable sparks that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
“Graduation”: The Turning Point
The Season 4 finale, “Graduation,” serves as the culmination of years of romantic build-up. Elena is faced with a pivotal choice. The episode sees the characters graduating from Mystic Falls High School, a symbolic rite of passage as they transition into their immortal lives (or try to maintain some semblance of normalcy). Amidst the chaos and impending danger, Elena confronts her feelings for both Stefan and Damon.
The pivotal moment arrives when Elena finally admits to Damon that she is in love with him. This isn’t a passing fancy or a fleeting moment of weakness. Elena explicitly states her feelings, acknowledging the profound connection they share. The scene is emotionally charged and definitively solidifies their relationship, marking the start of their romantic journey as a confirmed couple.
The Aftermath: Life as Delena
While their relationship officially began in “Graduation,” the road wasn’t smooth sailing. The complexities of their personalities, past relationships, and the ever-present threats in Mystic Falls continued to challenge their bond. However, the confirmation of their love served as a cornerstone for their individual growth and their relationship’s development throughout the remaining seasons.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Delena Saga
Here are some frequently asked questions that explore the intricacies of Elena and Damon’s relationship and the pivotal “Graduation” episode.
H3: What specific events in “Graduation” led to Elena’s confession?
Several key events contribute to Elena’s decision in “Graduation.” Firstly, Bonnie’s sacrifice and the subsequent threat of Silas create a high-stakes environment, forcing Elena to confront her feelings and priorities. Secondly, Damon’s willingness to sacrifice himself to protect Elena and her friends solidifies her appreciation for his unwavering devotion. Finally, Silas’s manipulation and revelation that Stefan was never supposed to be with Elena, adding fuel to the romantic discord and solidifying Elena’s realization that she’s meant to be with Damon. The weight of these experiences culminates in her heartfelt confession.
H3: Was Elena sired to Damon when she made her choice?
This is a crucial point of contention for many fans. While Elena was initially sired to Damon after becoming a vampire, the sire bond was broken earlier in Season 4. Therefore, her decision to be with Damon in “Graduation” was a conscious and independent choice, not a result of supernatural compulsion. The show explicitly addresses the breaking of the sire bond, emphasizing that Elena’s feelings are genuine.
H3: How did Stefan react to Elena’s choice?
Stefan’s reaction is complex and painful. He initially exhibits sadness and disappointment, acknowledging the loss of their romantic connection. However, Stefan ultimately accepts Elena’s decision, demonstrating a level of maturity and understanding. He continues to support Elena as a friend, even as she embarks on her relationship with Damon.
H3: Why was the Delena relationship so controversial among fans?
The Delena relationship sparked debate due to several factors. Some viewers preferred Elena and Stefan’s initial, innocent romance, viewing it as a more wholesome pairing. Others perceived Damon as a manipulative and dangerous influence on Elena, questioning the morality of their relationship. The stefan versus damon rivalry played a significant part in this division.
H3: Did Nina Dobrev (Elena) and Ian Somerhalder (Damon) dating in real life affect their on-screen chemistry?
While Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder’s real-life relationship likely contributed to their on-screen chemistry, it’s important to note that professional actors are capable of separating their personal lives from their performances. Their break-up also happened before the final seasons, but their on-screen chemistry was maintained. Their talent and dedication to their roles were crucial in portraying the intense emotions of Elena and Damon’s relationship, irrespective of their personal dynamics.
H3: What made Damon attractive to Elena, despite his flaws?
Despite Damon’s initial portrayal as a villain, Elena found herself drawn to his vulnerability, his sarcastic wit, and his unwavering loyalty to those he cared about. She saw a depth of emotion beneath his hardened exterior, recognizing his capacity for love and selflessness. He was also able to empathize with her loss of parents and feeling a sense of displacement in life. Damon challenged Elena and pushed her to embrace her own strength and independence.
H3: Did Elena ever regret her choice to be with Damon?
While Elena and Damon’s relationship faced challenges and moments of doubt, she never explicitly regretted her choice to be with him. She valued their connection and remained committed to their relationship. They found themselves being each other’s strengths. The show often portrayed them working through issues, but ultimately reaffirming their love and commitment to each other.
H3: How did the writers balance Elena’s relationships with both Stefan and Damon?
The writers carefully navigated the complex dynamics between Elena, Stefan, and Damon. They emphasized the distinct qualities of each relationship, highlighting the contrasting appeals of Stefan’s gentle nature and Damon’s passionate intensity. They also ensured that Elena’s feelings for both brothers evolved organically, reflecting her personal growth and experiences.
H3: Was there a noticeable shift in Damon’s character after he and Elena got together?
Yes, there was a subtle but noticeable shift in Damon’s character after he and Elena became a couple. He became more protective and considerate, while still retaining his characteristic wit and mischievous charm. He still had moments of regression, but there was generally a more developed version of himself in the seasons after Elena and him became a couple. He continued to evolve but it was clear that Elena’s influence brought out a more positive and loving side of him.
H3: How did “Graduation” impact the overall storyline of The Vampire Diaries?
“Graduation” significantly altered the trajectory of The Vampire Diaries. It marked the official shift from the Elena-Stefan-Damon love triangle to a more focused exploration of Elena and Damon’s relationship. The rest of the story lines of the series all were affected by the fact that Damon and Elena were in a relationship.
H3: What are some of the most memorable Delena scenes after “Graduation”?
Numerous Delena scenes stand out after “Graduation,” including their dance in the rain, their intimate moments of vulnerability and support, and their unwavering commitment to protecting each other. The writers made sure to include iconic scenes between them post getting together. Many moments showed the evolution of their love and their development as a couple.
H3: What ultimately happened to Elena and Damon at the end of The Vampire Diaries series?
In the series finale, Elena and Damon achieve their happy ending. After the final battle, Damon and Elena find a way to become human together. In the final scene, they are shown living a happy, normal life, surrounded by loved ones, ultimately finding peace and contentment in their shared humanity. They finally had a shot at normalcy.