Yes, Damon Salvatore dies in The Vampire Diaries Season 5, Episode 22, titled “Home.” However, like many deaths in the supernatural world of Mystic Falls, it’s not quite the end of his story.
The Heartbreaking Finale: Damon’s Sacrifice and Apparent Demise
The Season 5 finale is a whirlwind of emotion and sacrifice. The Other Side, a purgatory for supernatural beings, is crumbling. This collapse threatens to release all the trapped spirits back into the world, causing chaos and potentially destroying the very fabric of reality. The Travelers, led by Markos, are a major factor in this instability.
Damon, in a moment of profound selflessness, makes the ultimate sacrifice to destroy the Travelers on the Other Side. He traps himself along with Elena Gilbert and Bonnie Bennett, knowing that a spell to destroy all magic passing through Mystic Falls will also eradicate the Other Side and everyone on it. He embraces Elena one last time, telling her he loves her, before the light consumes them.
While Elena and Bonnie manage to temporarily escape the initial blast and return to the land of the living, Damon remains trapped. He and Bonnie, having forged a strong bond, are seen holding hands as the Other Side disintegrates around them. This is the apparent end for Damon Salvatore, at least for the time being. The scene is heart-wrenching, leaving viewers reeling from the loss. The episode ends with a montage of characters mourning their loved ones, particularly Elena’s devastating grief over Damon’s death.
The Emotional Impact of Damon’s Death
Damon’s death is particularly impactful because of his complex character arc. He began as the series’ antagonist, a villain who reveled in chaos and violence. However, throughout the seasons, he underwent significant character development, largely influenced by his love for Elena. His sacrifice in “Home” demonstrates the profound changes he had made, showing that he was willing to die to save the people he cared about. This act of heroism solidified his status as a beloved character, making his death all the more devastating for fans.
Unpacking the Implications: What Does It Really Mean?
Damon’s death isn’t the final word, as fans of The Vampire Diaries know. The show is renowned for its resurrections and plot twists. While Damon is officially dead at the end of Season 5, his story is far from over. The implications of his death are far-reaching, impacting the relationships between the remaining characters and setting the stage for the conflicts that will unfold in Season 6. Elena is left devastated, Caroline is forced to shoulder more responsibility, and Stefan grapples with the loss of his brother.
The ambiguity surrounding Bonnie’s fate further complicates the situation. Her connection to Damon in his final moments suggests that their fates are intertwined.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Damon’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify the events surrounding Damon’s death and its implications:
Q1: Is Damon’s death permanent in The Vampire Diaries?
No, Damon’s death is not permanent. He returns in Season 6. The mechanics of his return are central to the plot of the season, involving a new antagonist and a parallel dimension. The writers utilized his “death” as a significant plot device to explore themes of loss, grief, and the lengths people will go to for love.
Q2: How long is Damon actually dead for?
Damon is absent for the first few episodes of Season 6. The exact timeframe within the show’s narrative isn’t explicitly stated, but it’s reasonable to assume it’s a period of weeks or perhaps a couple of months. The emotional impact on the surviving characters is sustained throughout this period.
Q3: How does Damon come back to life?
Damon, along with Bonnie, is trapped in a prison world created by the Gemini Coven as punishment for Kai Parker, a powerful and sociopathic witch. Kai’s escape from this prison world ultimately allows Damon to return to the present-day Mystic Falls. This prison world is a key plot point in Season 6.
Q4: Does Elena remember Damon after he dies?
Yes, Elena remembers Damon after he dies. Her grief and the void left by his absence are major driving forces for her character development in Season 6. She struggles to cope with the loss and even uses herbs to suppress the pain, highlighting the depth of her love for him.
Q5: Is Bonnie dead too when Damon dies?
Bonnie is initially presumed dead along with Damon, as they were together when the Other Side collapsed. However, it is revealed that she and Damon are trapped in the aforementioned prison world, offering hope for their eventual return. This connection is crucial to the development of their relationship.
Q6: Does Stefan react to Damon’s death?
Yes, Stefan is deeply affected by Damon’s death. He feels a profound sense of loss and guilt, as their relationship had evolved from animosity to a complex brotherly bond. He mourns Damon’s death alongside the other characters, demonstrating the strength of their familial connection.
Q7: What impact does Damon’s death have on Elena and Stefan’s relationship?
Damon’s death initially brings Elena and Stefan closer as they bond over their shared grief. However, it doesn’t rekindle their romantic relationship. Elena’s feelings for Damon remain strong, even in his absence, and ultimately, their paths diverge.
Q8: Does Damon regret his sacrifice in Season 5 Episode 22?
There’s no indication that Damon regrets his sacrifice. His last moments with Elena show that he believes he is doing the right thing to protect her and the people he cares about. His character development throughout the series culminates in this selfless act.
Q9: Is the Other Side completely destroyed after Damon dies?
Yes, the Other Side is completely destroyed as a result of the spell, effectively ending the purgatory for supernatural beings and preventing the release of dangerous spirits. This is the primary reason for Damon’s sacrifice.
Q10: Does anyone else die in Season 5 Episode 22 besides Damon?
Yes, several other characters die in Season 5 Episode 22 due to the collapse of the Other Side. This includes Lexi Branson, a friend of Stefan’s. The episode features multiple heartbreaking goodbyes as the characters grapple with the impending doom.
Q11: How does Kai Parker factor into Damon’s resurrection?
Kai Parker, a powerful and unstable witch, is the reason why Damon and Bonnie are trapped in the prison world. His escape from that world is the key to their eventual return, making him a pivotal character in their resurrection storyline. He serves as a major antagonist in Season 6.
Q12: What are the fans’ reactions to Damon’s “death” and eventual return?
Fans had mixed reactions to Damon’s “death.” Many were heartbroken and shocked, given his popularity. However, a significant portion remained optimistic, knowing the show’s history of resurrections. His eventual return was met with widespread relief and excitement, solidifying his status as a fan-favorite character.