Alaric Saltzman and Josette “Jo” Laughlin were tragically wed in Season 6, Episode 20, “I’d Leave My Happy Home For You” of The Vampire Diaries. This episode marks a pivotal point in the series, intertwining joy with heartbreaking loss and dramatically altering the course of several character arcs.
The Episode Breakdown: “I’d Leave My Happy Home For You”
This episode isn’t just about a wedding; it’s about the convergence of hope and despair, a theme prevalent throughout The Vampire Diaries. Alaric and Jo’s wedding is meant to be a celebration of their love, a chance for Alaric to finally find some peace after years of loss. However, the writers subtly hint at impending doom, layering an atmosphere of tension beneath the surface of the joyous occasion. The episode masterfully builds suspense, culminating in a shocking event that reverberates throughout the remainder of the series. The joyous event swiftly spirals into a macabre tragedy, demonstrating the volatile nature of life in Mystic Falls and highlighting the vulnerability of even the most beloved characters.
Setting the Stage
The episode opens with the preparations for the wedding in full swing. Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline are assisting Jo with last-minute details, adding a touch of normalcy amidst the supernatural chaos that usually surrounds them. Alaric, on the other hand, is dealing with his own pre-wedding jitters, seeking advice and reassurance from his friends. This scene showcases the strong bonds of friendship within the group, emphasizing their dedication to supporting each other, even in the face of personal challenges. The initial scenes also serve to establish the normalcy that Alaric and Jo are striving for, a life free from the constant threat of vampires and witches.
The Unfolding Tragedy
As the ceremony progresses, a sinister presence makes itself known. Kai, Jo’s estranged and psychopathic twin brother, crashes the wedding, fueled by a thirst for revenge and a desire to merge with his sister to attain ultimate power. In a brutal and unexpected attack, Kai stabs Jo during the ceremony, effectively killing her and destroying the Gemini Coven. This act not only shatters Alaric’s happiness but also has far-reaching consequences for the rest of the characters, especially for Liv and Luke, who were the next in line to merge. The episode closes with Alaric grieving over Jo’s lifeless body, signaling a profound shift in his character and setting the stage for future storylines. This horrific act reinforces the notion that in the world of The Vampire Diaries, happiness is always fleeting, and tragedy is always lurking around the corner.
The Aftermath and Impact
The death of Jo had a significant and lasting impact on Alaric and the rest of the characters. It drove Alaric to extreme lengths to try and bring her back, including using the Phoenix Stone, which ultimately led to more complications and unforeseen consequences. It also shaped his perspective on life and loss, further solidifying his role as a father figure and mentor to the younger characters. The event also served as a catalyst for new conflicts and alliances, reshaping the dynamics within the group and propelling the narrative forward.
Alaric’s Reaction
Alaric’s grief and subsequent actions are central to understanding the character’s arc following Jo’s death. He becomes increasingly consumed by the desire to undo what happened, leading him down a dangerous path. His attempts to resurrect Jo using the Phoenix Stone result in her body being inhabited by an ancient vampire spirit, further complicating the already tragic situation. This desperation and the resulting consequences highlight the depths of Alaric’s love for Jo and the profound impact of her loss on his life.
Ripple Effects on Other Characters
Jo’s death also deeply affected Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline, who had grown close to her and witnessed the horrific event firsthand. It served as a stark reminder of the dangers they faced and the fragility of life. The event also played a crucial role in Caroline’s storyline, as she eventually carries Jo’s twins after a spell is cast on her by the Gemini Coven. This unexpected development adds another layer of complexity to the situation and creates new opportunities for character development and storyline arcs. The collective grief and shared trauma further solidified the bonds of friendship between the remaining characters, uniting them against a common enemy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Alaric and Jo’s wedding and its aftermath:
1. What season and episode does Jo die in The Vampire Diaries?
Jo dies in Season 6, Episode 20, “I’d Leave My Happy Home For You”. This is the same episode in which she and Alaric are married.
2. Why did Kai kill Jo?
Kai killed Jo to prevent the Gemini Coven from regaining power and to ensure that he wouldn’t be absorbed in the merge. He wanted to remain in control and avoid sacrificing his individuality to the coven’s collective power.
3. What is the Gemini Coven merge?
The Gemini Coven merge is a ritual where twins from the coven merge their magical power into one, essentially killing one of the twins in the process. The surviving twin becomes the leader of the coven and inherits their combined power.
4. Did Alaric ever remarry after Jo’s death?
Yes, Alaric later married Caroline Forbes in The Vampire Diaries, and then in Legacies, he is briefly married to a Necromancer. However, that relationship is short lived and turbulent.
5. What happened to Jo’s twins after her death?
Jo’s twins were magically transferred to Caroline Forbes by the Gemini Coven before Jo’s death, ensuring the continuation of their bloodline and preventing Kai from eliminating them.
6. Why were the twins transferred to Caroline?
The twins were transferred to Caroline because the Gemini Coven, sensing the impending danger from Kai, cast a spell to protect them. Caroline, being a vampire, could carry the children and provide them with a safe haven.
7. What were the names of Jo and Alaric’s twins?
Jo and Alaric’s twins are named Josie and Lizzie Saltzman.
8. Did Kai ever face consequences for his actions at the wedding?
Yes, Kai faced numerous consequences for his actions. He was imprisoned in a prison world multiple times and ultimately met his demise in Legacies.
9. Did Alaric ever find happiness again after Jo’s death?
While Alaric experiences moments of happiness, particularly with his daughters and his eventual marriage to Caroline, Jo’s death casts a long shadow over his life. The trauma of her loss continues to affect him throughout the series.
10. How did Jo’s death impact Alaric’s relationship with Damon?
Jo’s death strained Alaric’s relationship with Damon, as Alaric held Damon partially responsible for Kai’s escape from the prison world. This event led to a period of tension and conflict between the two friends.
11. What significance does the wedding dress hold in the show?
The wedding dress represents the hope and normalcy that Alaric and Jo were striving for. Its stained and ruined state after the attack symbolizes the shattered dreams and the loss of innocence that the characters frequently experience.
12. Is the episode “I’d Leave My Happy Home For You” considered one of the most tragic episodes of The Vampire Diaries?
Yes, “I’d Leave My Happy Home For You” is widely considered one of the most tragic and impactful episodes of The Vampire Diaries. The unexpected violence and the heartbreaking loss of a beloved character make it a memorable and emotionally charged episode for viewers.