Damon Salvatore and Alaric Saltzman’s journey from antagonistic rivals to reluctant friends, and ultimately to staunch allies, is a pivotal arc within the Vampire Diaries. Their complicated bond begins to solidify in Season 2, Episode 1, “The Return”.
The Genesis of a Troubled Alliance
Initially, Damon and Alaric are driven by mutual suspicion and animosity. Alaric arrives in Mystic Falls with a singular purpose: to avenge his wife, Isobel, whom he believes Damon compelled to her death and subsequently turned into a vampire. Their interactions are fueled by distrust, hostility, and a constant threat of violence. It’s a far cry from the brotherly camaraderie they eventually develop. However, “The Return” marks a crucial turning point as circumstances force them to tentatively work together, revealing layers of vulnerability and shared goals beneath their hardened exteriors. This episode plants the seeds for a complex, evolving friendship built on necessity, understanding, and a surprising amount of dark humor.
Unpacking the Nuances of “The Return”
While “The Return” is the initiating point, it’s important to understand the specific events that lead to the initial shift in their dynamic. Damon, initially dismissive of Alaric’s claims, realizes that Isobel’s actions might have been driven by something larger than simple compulsion. He sees a reflection of his own pain and loss in Alaric’s grief. Simultaneously, Alaric witnesses Damon’s protectiveness towards Elena and his burgeoning efforts to protect Mystic Falls, leading him to question his preconceived notions. This shared understanding, albeit grudgingly admitted, allows them to form a fragile truce, fueled by the immediate threat of Katherine Pierce. This truce becomes the foundation upon which their future friendship is built. The episode skillfully showcases the beginnings of respect and reliance between them.
Key Moments in “The Return” Contributing to Their Alliance:
- Damon’s admission of Isobel’s independence: Damon acknowledges that he didn’t force Isobel to become a vampire, shattering Alaric’s initial certainty.
- Shared vulnerability in discussing loss: Both men discuss the pain of losing someone they loved, creating a moment of connection.
- Collaborative effort to protect Elena: They jointly strategize to protect Elena from Katherine, highlighting their shared goal.
- Mutual respect gained through confrontation: Their initial violent encounters reveal their strengths and weaknesses to each other, fostering a degree of respect.
FAQs: Deeper Dive into the Damon and Alaric Dynamic
To further clarify the evolution of their relationship, consider these frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: What was Alaric’s initial reason for disliking Damon?
Alaric believed that Damon was responsible for the death of his wife, Isobel, blaming him for compelling her to research vampires and ultimately choosing to become one herself. This grief and anger fueled his initial hatred and desire for revenge.
FAQ 2: How did Damon’s feelings for Elena affect his relationship with Alaric?
Damon’s growing affection and protectiveness towards Elena, Stefan’s girlfriend, provided a common ground with Alaric, who was also concerned for her safety. This shared concern, however reluctantly admitted, contributed to a shift in their dynamic. Alaric recognized Damon’s dedication to protecting Elena, despite his often ruthless methods.
FAQ 3: What was the significance of the Gilbert device in their relationship?
The Gilbert device, a weapon designed to harm vampires, forced Damon and Alaric to work together to protect their loved ones and Mystic Falls. This shared necessity further solidified their alliance, showcasing their ability to put aside personal differences for a greater cause. It forced them to trust each other, however slightly.
FAQ 4: Did Alaric ever forgive Damon for his involvement with Isobel?
Forgiveness is a complex aspect of their relationship. While Alaric never fully forgets Damon’s role in Isobel’s transformation, he comes to understand the nuances of the situation and acknowledges Isobel’s agency in her choices. He learns to accept that blaming Damon won’t bring Isobel back. This understanding paves the way for a begrudging acceptance and, eventually, friendship.
FAQ 5: What role did alcohol play in their bonding?
Alcohol, particularly bourbon, became a coping mechanism for both Damon and Alaric, often leading to late-night conversations and shared vulnerabilities. These drunken heart-to-hearts allowed them to express their true feelings, further strengthening their bond. The bourbon served as a social lubricant, enabling them to connect on a deeper level.
FAQ 6: How did Alaric’s transformation into an Enhanced Original Vampire affect his friendship with Damon?
Alaric’s brief transformation into an Enhanced Original Vampire strained their relationship to its breaking point. Driven by a desire to eradicate all vampires, Alaric became a direct threat to Damon. This period highlighted the fragility of their bond and the lengths they were willing to go to protect their loved ones.
FAQ 7: Did Damon ever trust Alaric completely?
Complete trust is a rare commodity for Damon. While he develops a deep respect and affection for Alaric, a part of him always remains guarded. Their relationship is built on a foundation of shared experiences and mutual respect, rather than blind faith. Damon’s inherent distrust stems from his centuries-long existence and past betrayals.
FAQ 8: How did Alaric’s role as a father figure to Jeremy Gilbert influence their relationship?
Alaric’s mentorship and guardianship of Jeremy, Elena’s younger brother, provided another layer of connection between him and Damon. Damon respected Alaric’s dedication to Jeremy, further solidifying his perception of Alaric as a trustworthy and honorable individual, despite his flaws. Damon occasionally offered his own brand of (often questionable) guidance to Jeremy, leading to shared responsibility and interaction.
FAQ 9: What were some of the biggest challenges their friendship faced?
Their friendship was tested by numerous challenges, including Alaric’s vampire hunter persona, Damon’s impulsive actions, and their differing views on morality. They frequently clashed due to their fundamentally different approaches to solving problems, but ultimately, their shared loyalty to their friends and Mystic Falls kept them together.
FAQ 10: How did Damon’s grief over Alaric’s death (and subsequent resurrection) affect him?
Damon’s grief over Alaric’s numerous deaths demonstrated the depth of his affection and reliance on his friend. Each loss deeply affected him, highlighting the profound impact Alaric had on his life. The constant cycle of death and resurrection emphasized the unique and irreplaceable nature of their bond.
FAQ 11: Did Damon and Alaric’s friendship extend beyond their shared connection to Elena?
Absolutely. While Elena initially provided a common ground, their friendship evolved into something far deeper. They became confidantes, allies, and, in a way, brothers. Their bond transcended their romantic interests and was based on mutual respect, shared experiences, and a genuine affection for one another. The final season significantly emphasizes their camaraderie.
FAQ 12: What legacy does their friendship leave in the Vampire Diaries universe?
Damon and Alaric’s friendship remains one of the most beloved and complex relationships in the series. It demonstrates that even the most unlikely individuals can forge lasting bonds based on shared experiences, mutual respect, and a willingness to overcome their differences. Their friendship stands as a testament to the power of forgiveness, understanding, and the enduring strength of human (and vampire) connection. It also highlighted the importance of having someone to lean on, even when facing extraordinary circumstances.