Bonnie Bennett’s journey with Damon Salvatore has been one of profound loss, anger, and eventual, hard-earned forgiveness. This reconciliation, a pivotal moment in their complex relationship, finally occurs in Season 7, Episode 20, titled “Kill ‘Em All”. After enduring tremendous pain at Damon’s hands, including imprisonment, the loss of Jeremy, and the indirect role he played in her losing Enzo, Bonnie’s ultimate act of forgiveness marks a significant turning point in her character development and their friendship.
The Long Road to Forgiveness
The journey towards forgiveness between Bonnie and Damon was anything but easy. Their relationship, initially fueled by animosity and distrust, slowly evolved into a reluctant alliance. However, the sheer weight of Damon’s past actions – particularly during times when he lacked control of his vampire nature – constantly threatened to shatter any fragile bond they managed to build.
Examining the Initial Conflict
Bonnie’s initial animosity towards Damon stemmed from his actions in Mystic Falls, particularly his treatment of her friends and his overall disregard for human life. His manipulative tactics and casual cruelty solidified her distrust. Further exacerbating their relationship was the revelation of Damon’s history with Katherine, who had wreaked havoc on Bonnie’s ancestors. The loss of her grandmother, Sheila Bennett, due to Damon’s selfish manipulation, cemented her deep-seated resentment.
The Trials and Tribulations of Partnership
Despite their initial hatred, circumstances often forced Bonnie and Damon to work together, particularly when faced with supernatural threats. The prison world storyline, where they were trapped together, forced them to rely on each other for survival. This shared experience fostered a grudging respect and even moments of genuine connection. However, these moments were often overshadowed by Damon’s persistent impulsiveness and the underlying tension of their past.
The Catalyst: Enzo’s Death
The ultimate test of Bonnie’s forgiveness arrived with the tragic death of Enzo St. John. Enzo, Bonnie’s boyfriend and true love, was killed by Stefan Salvatore while Stefan was under the influence of the Huntress Rayna Cruz. Damon, wracked with guilt over Stefan’s actions and his own past sins, became the focus of Bonnie’s devastating grief and rage. This event pushed their already strained relationship to the breaking point, making forgiveness seem impossible.
“Kill ‘Em All”: The Turning Point
In “Kill ‘Em All,” Bonnie, consumed by grief and imbued with Rayna Cruz’s powers, seeks revenge on vampires, including Damon. Damon, knowing he deserves her wrath and determined to save his friends, allows himself to be captured. This act of selfless sacrifice, coupled with Bonnie’s recognition that her anger is consuming her, ultimately leads to her breakthrough. She sees Damon’s genuine remorse and his willingness to accept the consequences of his actions. While the episode is filled with conflict and tension, it culminates in Bonnie choosing to spare Damon, signifying the beginning of her healing process and a potential path toward genuine forgiveness.
The Power of Selfless Sacrifice
Damon’s willingness to accept his fate at Bonnie’s hands plays a crucial role in her forgiveness. He doesn’t try to justify his actions or deflect blame. He acknowledges his mistakes and accepts the responsibility for the pain he has caused. This selfless act, a stark contrast to his past behavior, demonstrates genuine remorse and a willingness to change.
Recognizing the Cycle of Grief
As Bonnie channels Rayna’s Huntress powers, she nearly succumbs to the darkness and revenge that fueled Rayna’s life. Witnessing this downward spiral, and perhaps recognizing a reflection of herself, forces Bonnie to confront the destructive nature of her own grief. She realizes that holding onto anger will only perpetuate the cycle of pain, ultimately hindering her own healing.
The Nuances of Forgiveness
It’s important to note that Bonnie’s forgiveness isn’t about condoning Damon’s past actions. Instead, it’s about acknowledging his growth, recognizing his remorse, and choosing to move forward. It’s a conscious decision to release the burden of anger and resentment, allowing her to heal and build a future without being consumed by the past. Forgiveness is rarely a complete erasure of past wrongs, but rather a conscious choice to let go of the negativity that binds you to them.
FAQs on Bonnie and Damon’s Relationship & Forgiveness
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further insight into Bonnie and Damon’s complex dynamic and the nuances of their reconciliation:
FAQ 1: Why did Bonnie hate Damon so much initially?
Bonnie’s initial hatred for Damon stemmed from his manipulative and often cruel behavior, particularly his treatment of her friends and family. He was responsible for the death of her grandmother, used her magic for his own purposes, and generally demonstrated a disregard for human life. His vampire nature, inherently predatory, further fueled her distrust.
FAQ 2: How did being trapped in the prison world affect their relationship?
While their time in the prison world was initially fraught with tension, it forced Bonnie and Damon to rely on each other for survival. They learned to cooperate, respect each other’s strengths, and even shared moments of genuine vulnerability. This shared experience, though traumatic, laid the groundwork for a more complex and nuanced relationship.
FAQ 3: Was Enzo’s death Damon’s fault?
While Damon didn’t directly kill Enzo, Stefan did under the influence of Rayna Cruz due to Damon’s plan to wake Elena. Because the chain of events leading to Enzo’s death began with Damon’s actions, Bonnie held him partially responsible. This fueled her grief and anger, making forgiveness seem impossible.
FAQ 4: What specific actions did Damon take to earn Bonnie’s forgiveness?
Damon earned a measure of forgiveness by taking responsibility for his past actions, showing genuine remorse, and putting himself in harm’s way to protect his friends, including Bonnie. He willingly allowed himself to be captured by Bonnie when she was channeling Rayna’s powers, demonstrating his willingness to accept the consequences of his actions.
FAQ 5: Did Bonnie ever fully forgive Damon?
Bonnie’s forgiveness of Damon is more nuanced than a complete erasure of past wrongs. While she chooses to spare him in “Kill ‘Em All,” their relationship continues to evolve. Over time, their bond deepens, and they develop a strong friendship based on mutual respect and trust. While the scars of the past may linger, Bonnie ultimately chooses to embrace Damon as a friend and ally.
FAQ 6: How did Bonnie’s magic impact her relationship with Damon?
Bonnie’s powerful magic was often a point of contention between her and Damon. He frequently sought to use her abilities for his own gain, leading to conflict and distrust. However, her magic also played a crucial role in their survival, particularly in the prison world and when facing supernatural threats. Ultimately, her willingness to use her magic to help Damon, even after all he had done, speaks volumes about her capacity for forgiveness.
FAQ 7: Why is Bonnie’s forgiveness of Damon so important to the show’s overall narrative?
Bonnie’s forgiveness of Damon represents a significant turning point in both characters’ journeys. It demonstrates her capacity for compassion and her ability to heal from deep wounds. It also highlights Damon’s growth and his potential for redemption. Their evolving relationship is a testament to the power of forgiveness and the possibility of transformation, even in the face of unimaginable pain.
FAQ 8: How does the audience feel about Bonnie forgiving Damon?
Audience reactions to Bonnie forgiving Damon are varied. Some believe that Damon never truly deserved her forgiveness due to his past actions. Others appreciate the complexity of their relationship and view Bonnie’s forgiveness as a sign of her strength and maturity. The debate surrounding their relationship highlights the difficulties and complexities of forgiveness in real life.
FAQ 9: Did Elena’s relationship with Damon influence Bonnie’s feelings?
Elena’s relationship with Damon undoubtedly influenced Bonnie’s feelings. Initially, she disapproved of their romance, concerned about Damon’s potential to hurt Elena. However, as she witnessed Damon’s growth and commitment to Elena, she began to soften her stance. Seeing Elena’s happiness with Damon likely contributed to Bonnie’s eventual willingness to forgive him.
FAQ 10: What were the immediate consequences of Bonnie forgiving Damon?
The immediate consequence of Bonnie forgiving Damon was that she didn’t kill him while imbued with Rayna Cruz’s Huntress powers. This act allowed for him to live and continue fighting against the threats Mystic Falls faced.
FAQ 11: How did Bonnie and Damon’s friendship evolve after Season 7?
Following Season 7, Bonnie and Damon’s friendship blossomed. They developed a deep, trusting bond and frequently leaned on each other for support. Damon became one of Bonnie’s staunchest allies, and their friendship became a defining characteristic of their characters, showcasing the transformative power of forgiveness and shared experience.
FAQ 12: Did Bonnie’s final act of magic in the series involve Damon?
Yes, Bonnie’s final act of magic in The Vampire Diaries involved breaking the sleeping spell cast on Elena. While she was initially unsuccessful on her own, it was Damon’s unwavering belief in her, that gave her the strength to succeed. Demonstrating the power of their friendship and bond, showcasing that belief and trust can transcend the boundaries of magic itself.