Elena Gilbert never truly became Katherine Pierce, but her character was impersonated convincingly for an extended period. The pivotal episode where the real Elena definitively returns after Katherine’s elaborate charade is Season 5, Episode 11, “500 Years of Solitude.” This episode marks the culmination of Katherine’s attempts to secure Stefan’s love by assuming Elena’s identity and the real Elena’s re-emergence to confront the fallout.
The Impostor’s Game: Katherine’s Reign as Elena
Katherine’s manipulation wasn’t a fleeting moment. It was a calculated and intricate plan that impacted numerous relationships and storylines. Understanding the timeline and motivations behind her impersonation is crucial to appreciating the significance of Elena’s return.
The Genesis of the Deception
Katherine’s initial takeover wasn’t voluntary. Forced by Silas, she assumed Elena’s identity to keep her safe and to further Silas’s own nefarious schemes. This period was characterized by subtle behavioral changes that, while noticed by close friends, were often attributed to Elena’s grief and trauma.
The Unraveling: Hints and Suspicion
As Katherine’s control tightened, her actions became increasingly erratic and out of character for the “Elena” that everyone knew. This raised red flags, particularly for Damon and Stefan, leading them to become suspicious of her true identity. Moments of vulnerability and lapses in her fabricated persona slowly began to expose the truth.
“500 Years of Solitude”: The Exposure and Return
In “500 Years of Solitude,” the truth is fully revealed and the ruse ends, marking Elena’s true return. However, it is important to clarify that Elena isn’t being “held” or “rescued” from Katherine in the traditional sense. Katherine inhabits Elena’s body through a possession spell after physically force-feeding her the cure for vampirism. The episode focuses on Katherine’s final moments, her confrontation with Nadia, and her subsequent death in Stefan’s arms. Elena is effectively “back” because Katherine’s spirit has left her body.
The Aftermath: Rebuilding and Reconciliation
Elena’s return was far from a happy ending. The consequences of Katherine’s actions rippled through her relationships and forced her to confront a new reality.
The Damaged Bonds
Katherine’s manipulation strained Elena’s relationships with her friends and, most significantly, with Damon. The betrayal of trust was a significant hurdle to overcome, requiring time, understanding, and a genuine effort to rebuild the connection.
The Lingering Shadow
Even after Katherine’s death, her impact on Elena’s life was undeniable. The experience left Elena with emotional scars and a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of good and evil, shaping her character development moving forward.
Moving Forward: Acceptance and Growth
Elena’s journey after Katherine’s departure involved confronting the pain, forgiving herself and others, and ultimately emerging stronger and more resilient. This experience contributed significantly to her growth as a character and her understanding of the sacrifices required in her world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elena’s Return
These FAQs delve into common questions and misconceptions surrounding Elena’s return, providing a deeper understanding of the events surrounding this pivotal storyline.
FAQ 1: What specific spell did Katherine use to take over Elena’s body?
Katherine didn’t use a specific named spell, but the process involved forcing the cure for vampirism down Elena’s throat, making her human again. This rendered her vulnerable to Katherine, who then essentially possessed her body, inhabiting it and controlling her actions.
FAQ 2: Why did no one immediately recognize Katherine’s impersonation?
Katherine is a master manipulator with centuries of experience. She studied Elena’s mannerisms, relationships, and vulnerabilities extensively. While subtle differences existed, they were initially dismissed as consequences of Elena’s recent traumas. Furthermore, Katherine strategically used compulsion when necessary to avoid suspicion.
FAQ 3: How long was Katherine pretending to be Elena?
Katherine’s impersonation spanned a significant portion of Season 5, specifically from the beginning of the season (Episode 1) until “500 Years of Solitude” (Episode 11). This prolonged period allowed her to deeply impact the characters and plot.
FAQ 4: Did Stefan ever suspect something was wrong with “Elena”?
Yes, Stefan was one of the first to notice inconsistencies in “Elena’s” behavior. His history with both Elena and Katherine made him acutely aware of subtle nuances that others might have missed. This suspicion was a driving force in uncovering Katherine’s deception.
FAQ 5: Was Damon completely fooled by Katherine’s charade?
Damon was initially fooled, but he also had moments of doubt and suspicion. His intense connection with Elena made him more perceptive to inconsistencies than some of the other characters. However, Katherine’s manipulation and Damon’s own desires clouded his judgment.
FAQ 6: What was Katherine’s ultimate goal in impersonating Elena?
Katherine’s primary goal was to win back Stefan’s love. She believed that by becoming Elena, she could finally secure the happiness she craved. However, her inherent selfishness and manipulative nature ultimately sabotaged her efforts.
FAQ 7: Did Elena remember anything that Katherine did while possessing her body?
Elena did not have direct memories of Katherine’s actions while her body was possessed. However, she had to deal with the consequences of those actions, including the strain on her relationships and the emotional fallout.
FAQ 8: What happened to Nadia after Katherine died?
Nadia, Katherine’s daughter, was devastated by her mother’s death. Shortly after, Nadia was bitten by a werewolf and contracted a fatal werewolf bite. Despite attempts to save her, Nadia passed away shortly after Katherine, leaving the Pierce lineage effectively extinct.
FAQ 9: How did the writers decide to bring Katherine back into the series?
The writers brought Katherine back to create conflict and drama. Her return provided opportunities to explore the characters’ vulnerabilities and to delve deeper into the complex themes of love, loss, and redemption.
FAQ 10: Was Elena permanently cured of vampirism when Katherine forced her to take the cure?
Yes, Elena was permanently cured of vampirism. This transformation had lasting consequences for her character arc and her relationship with the supernatural world. It also set the stage for her eventual departure from the series, allowing Nina Dobrev to leave.
FAQ 11: How did Katherine’s death affect Stefan?
Katherine’s death affected Stefan profoundly, despite their complicated and often antagonistic relationship. He held her in her final moments and offered a degree of compassion that surprised many, including himself. It highlighted his capacity for empathy, even for his most formidable adversaries.
FAQ 12: Did Elena ever fully recover from the trauma of being possessed by Katherine?
While Elena moved forward and rebuilt her life, the trauma of being possessed by Katherine undoubtedly left its mark. It contributed to her increased resilience and her commitment to protecting her loved ones. The experience served as a constant reminder of the darkness that existed in the world and the importance of fighting for good.