Connor Jordan, the hardened vampire hunter who brought a new level of danger to Mystic Falls, meets his end in Season 4, Episode 8, “We’ll Always Have Bourbon.” His death marks a significant turning point in the season, shifting the focus towards the Hunter’s Curse and its impact on other characters.
Connor’s Arrival and Mission
Connor Jordan arrives in Mystic Falls as a seemingly invincible threat, armed with advanced weaponry and a profound understanding of vampire weaknesses. He’s not just another human; he’s a vampire hunter fueled by a deep-seated hatred and a mission to eradicate the supernatural. His tactical prowess and knowledge make him a formidable opponent for Damon, Stefan, and Elena. He’s introduced as a member of The Five, a brotherhood of vampire hunters whose lineage can be traced back centuries.
Introducing the Hunter
Connor’s introduction immediately establishes him as a serious adversary. He skillfully uses compelling vampires to his advantage, turning their own powers against them. He understands their weaknesses – vervain, sunlight, and stakes – and utilizes these vulnerabilities to effectively hunt them. His initial encounter with Elena showcases his calculated approach and his unwavering determination to fulfill his purpose.
Connor’s Motivation
Connor’s motivations are rooted in a desire for vengeance and control. He believes that vampires are a plague on humanity, and he sees himself as the cure. This belief is reinforced by his knowledge of The Five’s purpose, which is to thin the vampire population and maintain a balance between the supernatural and the human worlds. His methods are brutal and uncompromising, reflecting his unwavering commitment to his cause.
The Events Leading to Connor’s Death
The events leading up to Connor’s death are a complex web of betrayals, alliances, and desperate attempts for survival. He captures Jeremy, knowing of his potential as a future hunter, and attempts to trigger his hunter abilities. He employs various tactics, including manipulation and violence, to achieve his goals.
Capturing Jeremy
Connor’s abduction of Jeremy proves to be a pivotal event. He understands that Jeremy possesses the potential to become a hunter himself, inheriting the supernatural abilities and knowledge necessary to combat vampires. By subjecting Jeremy to extreme duress and forcing him to kill a vampire, Connor attempts to awaken these latent abilities, inadvertently setting in motion the chain of events that leads to his own demise.
The Hunter’s Mark
The significance of the Hunter’s Mark cannot be overstated. As Connor kills more vampires, a mystical tattoo begins to appear on his body. This mark is not merely decorative; it grants him enhanced abilities and knowledge of vampire weaknesses, making him an even more dangerous adversary. The allure of this power drives him forward, but it also blinds him to the dangers lurking beneath the surface.
Connor’s Final Stand and Demise
Connor’s final moments are a culmination of his relentless pursuit and the growing opposition against him. He confronts Damon and Elena in a desperate attempt to achieve his objectives. However, his unwavering focus on his mission blinds him to the strategic advantages of his opponents, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Elena’s Transformation
Elena’s transformation into a vampire drastically alters the power dynamics. Connor views her as an enemy to be eliminated, but his determination to kill her ironically contributes to his own demise. Her newfound strength and agility, combined with Damon and Stefan’s experience, make her a formidable opponent.
Damon’s Intervention
Damon plays a crucial role in Connor’s death. He understands the threat that Connor poses and is willing to do whatever it takes to protect Elena and his own interests. Damon’s ruthless pragmatism and superior fighting skills ultimately give him the upper hand in the final confrontation. Connor, weakened and outmatched, is unable to withstand Damon’s assault.
The Aftermath: The Hunter’s Curse
Connor’s death triggers the Hunter’s Curse, a supernatural phenomenon that affects anyone who kills a hunter. The curse manifests as vivid hallucinations, leading to paranoia and mental instability. This curse becomes a major plot point in the season, impacting Elena and other characters who have taken a hunter’s life. His death, therefore, has ramifications far beyond his immediate demise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is The Five in The Vampire Diaries?
The Five are a group of supernatural vampire hunters whose lineage dates back centuries. They possess unique abilities and knowledge that allow them to effectively combat vampires. They are created by witches with the intention of thinning the vampire population.
2. How does the Hunter’s Mark work?
The Hunter’s Mark appears as a tattoo on the body of a vampire hunter as they kill more vampires. It grants them enhanced abilities, knowledge of vampire weaknesses, and ultimately, leads them to a weapon capable of permanently killing vampires.
3. What are the effects of the Hunter’s Curse?
The Hunter’s Curse affects anyone who kills a hunter, causing them to experience vivid hallucinations that blur the line between reality and illusion. These hallucinations can lead to paranoia, mental instability, and even violence.
4. How did Elena contribute to Connor’s death?
Although Damon ultimately killed Connor, Elena’s transformation into a vampire put her directly in Connor’s crosshairs. His obsession with eliminating her as a vampire ultimately left him vulnerable and distracted, allowing Damon to exploit his weakness.
5. Why was Connor so obsessed with killing vampires?
Connor was driven by a deep-seated hatred and a belief that vampires are a plague on humanity. He saw himself as a savior, destined to rid the world of these supernatural beings. This conviction was fueled by his knowledge as a member of The Five.
6. Did Connor have any weaknesses?
Despite his skills, Connor’s biggest weakness was his unwavering focus and obsessive nature. He was so consumed by his mission that he often overlooked crucial strategic advantages and underestimated his opponents.
7. What impact did Connor’s death have on Jeremy?
Connor’s death had a profound impact on Jeremy, as it triggered his dormant hunter abilities. This transformation led him down a dangerous path, forcing him to confront his own identity and the supernatural world around him.
8. How did the introduction of Connor change the dynamics of The Vampire Diaries?
Connor’s arrival injected a new level of danger and unpredictability into the series. He challenged the established power dynamics, forcing the vampires to adapt and fight for their survival in a way they hadn’t before.
9. Was Connor’s death planned from the beginning?
While the writers likely had a general idea of Connor’s arc, the specifics of his death and its consequences were likely developed as the season progressed. The Hunter’s Curse, in particular, became a significant plot device that built upon his demise.
10. Did Connor have any allies or accomplices?
Connor primarily worked alone, but he did compel humans to assist him in various tasks. He used these individuals to gather information, set traps, and carry out his plans.
11. How significant is Connor’s character in the overall Vampire Diaries storyline?
While Connor’s arc is relatively short, his presence is significant because he introduces the concept of the Hunter’s Curse and its devastating effects. He also serves as a catalyst for Jeremy’s transformation into a vampire hunter.
12. Could Connor have been redeemed or did he deserve to die?
This is a matter of perspective. Connor’s unwavering dedication to his cause, even if misguided, could be seen as admirable. However, his brutal methods and willingness to harm innocent people made him a dangerous threat, arguably justifying his demise. His lack of remorse makes redemption unlikely.