In The Vampire Diaries Season 3 Episode 22, titled “The Departed,” Tyler Lockwood does not die. While he is critically wounded and possessed by Klaus, ultimately, Klaus transfers his spirit into Tyler’s body to evade the impending death orchestrated by Elena Gilbert’s self-sacrifice.
The Unraveling of “The Departed” and Tyler’s Fate
“The Departed” is a pivotal episode marking significant character deaths and dramatic shifts in the show’s overarching narrative. The episode revolves around Elena’s strategic decision to sacrifice herself to kill Klaus, the Original hybrid. The plan hinges on her being a doppelganger and her blood being essential to Klaus’s hybrid creation process. However, the consequences are far-reaching, and the lines between life and death become increasingly blurred.
Klaus’s Desperate Gambit: A Body Switch
Knowing that the Gilbert device and Elena’s plan threaten his existence, Klaus employs a powerful spell to transfer his consciousness into Tyler Lockwood’s body. This allows him to circumvent his impending demise and maintain his immortality. This twist throws a major wrench into the plans of Damon, Stefan, and the rest of the Mystic Falls gang, who believe they have finally defeated their formidable adversary.
Aftermath: Tyler’s Body, Klaus’s Mind
While Tyler’s body is inhabited by Klaus, his original consciousness is effectively suppressed. This results in a period where Tyler’s physical form is controlled by Klaus, leading to complex relationships and strategic manipulations. This development is a major turning point for Tyler’s character, forcing him to confront the psychological trauma of being used as a vessel and ultimately fueling his desire for revenge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tyler Lockwood in The Vampire Diaries
FAQ 1: How did Klaus perform the body switch with Tyler?
Klaus used a powerful witchcraft spell, likely orchestrated by Bonnie Bennett’s estranged mother, Abby Bennett Wilson. The spell required a significant amount of magic and was likely fueled by a dark energy source. The exact incantation and requirements were not explicitly detailed on screen but involved the transference of Klaus’s essence into Tyler’s physical form. This is consistent with the magical mechanics portrayed in the series.
FAQ 2: When does Tyler get his body back from Klaus?
It takes considerable time and strategic maneuvering before Tyler is able to regain control of his body. It happens gradually throughout Season 3 and into Season 4. Klaus eventually needs to leave Tyler’s body to maintain his own agenda and establish his power in New Orleans. This opportunity allows Tyler to reassert control over his own body, but the experience leaves him deeply scarred and profoundly impacts his future decisions.
FAQ 3: What are the long-term consequences for Tyler after Klaus inhabits his body?
Being possessed by Klaus has severe and lasting consequences for Tyler. He suffers from psychological trauma, feelings of violation, and a deep-seated hatred towards Klaus. This experience fundamentally changes his character, making him more hardened and driven by revenge. It also leads to him breaking his sire bond with Klaus, becoming a free hybrid, and eventually leaving Mystic Falls to forge his own path.
FAQ 4: How does Tyler break his sire bond with Klaus?
Tyler breaks his sire bond through repeated transformations into a werewolf. The pain and trauma associated with these transformations weaken the bond, and with enough effort and willpower, he is able to sever the connection. This is a significant accomplishment, as it allows him to act independently of Klaus’s influence and pursue his own goals.
FAQ 5: What motivates Klaus to choose Tyler as the vessel for his spirit?
Several factors contribute to Klaus’s decision to use Tyler. Firstly, Tyler is a hybrid, meaning he possesses both werewolf and vampire blood. This makes him a compatible vessel for Klaus’s unique supernatural makeup. Secondly, Tyler is a relatively expendable pawn in Klaus’s eyes. He doesn’t have the same level of protection or importance as other characters like Elena or Stefan, making him a less risky target. Finally, the possession served as a power move designed to further emotionally torment and control Caroline Forbes.
FAQ 6: How does Caroline Forbes react to Klaus inhabiting Tyler’s body?
Caroline is devastated by the situation. She is deeply concerned for Tyler’s well-being and grapples with the emotional complexities of interacting with Klaus in his body. This creates significant tension and conflict in her relationship with both Tyler and Klaus, as she struggles to reconcile her feelings for each of them. The situation further complicates the already intricate dynamic between the three characters.
FAQ 7: Does Tyler ever forgive Klaus for what he did?
No, Tyler never truly forgives Klaus for possessing his body and the subsequent trauma he endured. The experience fuels his desire for revenge and plays a significant role in his future actions. Even though there are moments of reluctant alliance or begrudging respect, the deep-seated hatred and resentment remain.
FAQ 8: What role does Bonnie Bennett play in this situation?
Bonnie is instrumental in helping to address the aftermath of the body switch. She utilizes her witchcraft abilities to assist in weakening Klaus’s influence and eventually aiding in Tyler’s regaining control of his body. Her magical skills are crucial in counteracting Klaus’s supernatural power and providing a means of hope for Tyler and his friends.
FAQ 9: How does this event impact Tyler’s relationship with the other characters, particularly Matt Donovan?
This event further strains Tyler’s relationship with Matt. Matt struggles to reconcile his loyalty to his friend with the knowledge that Tyler’s body is being used by their enemy. It creates resentment and distrust, and their friendship never fully recovers. The situation also highlights the dangers faced by the human characters in Mystic Falls, who are often caught in the crossfire of supernatural conflicts.
FAQ 10: What ultimately happens to Tyler Lockwood in The Vampire Diaries?
Tyler’s ultimate fate is tragic. He is eventually killed by Damon Salvatore in Season 8 while attempting to protect Elena’s coffin from Cade’s influence. His death serves as a catalyst for Damon’s final redemption and underscores the sacrifices made by the characters in their fight against evil.
FAQ 11: Why is Tyler’s death considered controversial among fans?
Tyler’s death is often seen as controversial because many fans felt that his character was underdeveloped and underserved. They believed he deserved a more meaningful and impactful ending after enduring so much trauma. His death was viewed by some as a convenient plot device to further Damon’s character arc rather than a fitting conclusion to Tyler’s own story.
FAQ 12: Where can I rewatch this episode of The Vampire Diaries?
“The Departed” (Season 3, Episode 22) is available for streaming on various platforms that offer The Vampire Diaries, including Netflix (depending on your region), Amazon Prime Video, and other online streaming services. It is also often available for purchase on digital platforms like iTunes and Google Play.