Yes, Alaric Saltzman does die in Season 3, Episode 22, titled “The Departed,” of The Vampire Diaries. However, his death is not as straightforward as it initially appears, and his story continues in subsequent seasons through various supernatural means.
Alaric’s Death: A Closer Look at “The Departed”
Season 3 of The Vampire Diaries culminates in a dramatic finale, with the shadow of Original Vampire Esther Mikaelson’s vengeful plan looming large. Esther, determined to eradicate all vampires from the face of the earth, uses Alaric as a vessel for her power and transforms him into an Original Vampire Hunter. This enhanced Alaric is programmed to kill all vampires, including Elena Gilbert, whose life is inextricably linked to the Salvatore brothers.
Episode 22, “The Departed,” sees the climax of this conflict. Alaric, driven by Esther’s magic and his own suppressed grief, becomes a formidable threat. He hunts down the vampires, intent on fulfilling his deadly purpose. However, the key to his existence – his life being tied to Elena’s – becomes his undoing.
As Elena drowns on Wickery Bridge, Alaric’s link to her is severed. The Original Vampire Hunter Alaric, whose existence depended entirely on Elena’s survival, begins to experience the agonizing effects of his connection breaking. The transition process, incomplete due to Esther’s magic, is undone, leading to his physical and supernatural demise. His death is marked by a poignant scene where he shares a final, heartfelt goodbye with Jeremy Gilbert, reminding him of the importance of family and urging him to be strong. He then succumbs to the inevitable, dying in Jeremy’s arms.
This seemingly definitive death sends shockwaves through the group. Alaric was not just a friend and mentor; he was a surrogate father figure to Jeremy and a steadfast ally to the Salvatore brothers. His loss is a significant blow, marking a pivotal moment in the series.
Understanding the Implications of Alaric’s Death
Alaric’s death in Season 3, Episode 22, isn’t just a plot point; it’s a catalyst for several major developments in the series.
The End of an Era (or is it?)
Alaric’s demise represents a turning point for the remaining characters. They are forced to confront the devastating consequences of their actions and the relentless dangers of their supernatural world. His death also underscores the precariousness of life in Mystic Falls, where even the most stalwart and skilled individuals are vulnerable.
Elena’s Transition
The drowning of Elena, which triggers Alaric’s death, is the very event that leads to her transition into a vampire. The ramifications of this decision ripple through the subsequent seasons, altering the dynamics between Elena, Stefan, and Damon and driving the narrative forward in unexpected ways.
The Search for a Cure
The constant threat of vampire hunters and the grief caused by Alaric’s death fuel the ongoing search for a cure for vampirism. Characters desperately seek a way to reverse Elena’s transformation and restore her humanity, which becomes a central plot device for several seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alaric’s Death in Season 3, Episode 22
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Alaric’s death and its lasting impact on the series:
FAQ 1: Was Alaric really dead after Season 3, Episode 22?
While Alaric does die in this episode, the supernatural nature of The Vampire Diaries means death is often not the end. Alaric’s spirit remains present throughout later seasons, particularly through interactions with The Other Side. His presence is felt and occasionally seen, offering guidance and support to his friends.
FAQ 2: How was Alaric resurrected?
Alaric is eventually resurrected permanently in Season 5, thanks to Bonnie Bennett’s return of magic and a resurrection spell powered by the Expression Triangle. This spell brings him back as a human, reversing his Original Vampire Hunter transformation.
FAQ 3: Why was Alaric linked to Elena?
Esther linked Alaric’s life to Elena’s as a safeguard. She ensured that her ultimate weapon against vampires – the Original Vampire Hunter Alaric – would cease to exist if Elena, the future of the vampire species (due to her bloodline), were to die.
FAQ 4: What was Alaric’s motivation for hunting vampires?
Originally, Alaric was a history teacher interested in the supernatural events of Mystic Falls. However, Esther’s influence, combined with his own grief over the loss of his wife, Jo Laughlin, twisted his desire to protect humanity into a burning hatred for all vampires.
FAQ 5: Did Alaric remember being the Original Vampire Hunter?
Upon being resurrected, Alaric initially struggles with fragmented memories of his time as the Original Vampire Hunter. These memories gradually resurface, causing him considerable distress and guilt over his actions.
FAQ 6: How did Alaric cope with the guilt of what he did as the Original Vampire Hunter?
Alaric deals with his past traumas through therapy and by dedicating himself to helping others. He opens the Salvatore Boarding School for the Young & Gifted, a safe haven for supernatural children, hoping to prevent future tragedies and provide guidance to those who need it most.
FAQ 7: Did Alaric and Damon ever fully reconcile after Alaric tried to kill him?
While their relationship remains strained due to Alaric’s actions as the Original Vampire Hunter, Damon and Alaric eventually rebuild their friendship. They acknowledge the circumstances that led to Alaric’s actions and find common ground in their shared experiences and mutual respect.
FAQ 8: What happened to Alaric’s alter ego, “Dark Alaric”?
“Dark Alaric” was a persona created by the Gilbert Ring to protect Alaric from supernatural harm. He eventually overcame this darker side, and the ring’s power was diminished. The resurfaced Alaric retained none of that darker persona, having been completely altered as the hunter.
FAQ 9: How did Alaric’s death affect Jeremy?
Alaric’s death deeply impacted Jeremy, who viewed him as a father figure. This loss fueled Jeremy’s determination to become a skilled vampire hunter and protect his sister, Elena, and his friends from supernatural threats.
FAQ 10: Was Alaric’s death in “The Departed” the most impactful death on the show?
While many characters die throughout The Vampire Diaries, Alaric’s death in “The Departed” is arguably one of the most impactful. It not only resulted in Elena’s transition but also highlighted the high stakes and devastating consequences of the supernatural world.
FAQ 11: How did Alaric’s experience influence his role as a teacher and mentor?
Having experienced the horrors of the supernatural firsthand, Alaric becomes a dedicated teacher and mentor, using his knowledge and experiences to guide young supernatural beings and help them navigate the dangers of their world.
FAQ 12: What is Alaric’s legacy in The Vampire Diaries universe?
Alaric’s legacy is one of resilience, redemption, and unwavering commitment to protecting those he cares about. Despite facing immense loss and trauma, he remains a steadfast ally and a beacon of hope in a world filled with darkness, ultimately providing a safe place for supernatural children and guiding the next generation of protectors. His influence extends into the spin-off series, Legacies, solidifying his lasting impact on the entire The Vampire Diaries universe.