Elena Gilbert, the heart of The Vampire Diaries, experiences a form of death – a magically induced sleep mirroring death – in Season 6, Episode 22, “I’m Thinking of You All the While”. While Elena doesn’t permanently die in the traditional sense at this point, this episode marks Nina Dobrev’s departure as a series regular, resulting in Elena being in a magical coma linked to Bonnie’s life force.
The Crux of the Matter: The Sleeping Curse
The climax of Season 6 sees Kai Parker, a formidable antagonist, cast a devastating spell on Elena. This isn’t a typical vampire death; instead, it’s a magical curse intricately woven around Bonnie Bennett’s life. As long as Bonnie lives, Elena remains in a death-like sleep, effectively removing her from the narrative without definitively killing her off. This plot device allowed Nina Dobrev to leave the show while leaving a potential avenue for Elena’s return, which eventually occurred in the series finale.
Elena’s Final Scenes (For a Time)
The episode meticulously depicts Elena’s farewells. She shares heartfelt moments with Damon, Stefan, Jeremy, Matt, Caroline, and Bonnie, reflecting on her journey and expressing her love and gratitude. The emotional weight of these scenes underscores the significance of Elena’s absence and the profound impact she had on the lives of those around her. These goodbyes weren’t just for the characters; they were also a farewell to the audience who had followed Elena’s story for six seasons.
The Impact of Elena’s Departure
Elena’s “death” had a ripple effect throughout the remaining seasons of The Vampire Diaries. Damon grappled with her absence, leading him down darker paths. The dynamic between Damon and Stefan shifted, and the other characters had to navigate a world without Elena’s moral compass. The show explored themes of grief, loss, and the challenges of moving forward in the face of unimaginable circumstances. While Elena wasn’t physically present, her influence continued to shape the narrative.
FAQs About Elena’s “Death” and Return
Here are answers to frequently asked questions regarding Elena Gilbert’s departure and subsequent return to The Vampire Diaries:
1. Why did Nina Dobrev leave The Vampire Diaries?
Nina Dobrev decided to leave The Vampire Diaries to pursue other acting opportunities. She felt it was time to explore new roles and challenges outside of the show. Her contract was up, and she chose not to renew it.
2. Was Elena really dead when she was under the sleeping curse?
No, Elena wasn’t technically dead. She was in a magically induced coma. Her life force was still intact, but she was unable to wake up as long as Bonnie was alive. This was a crucial distinction because it meant there was a possibility of her return in the future.
3. Did Elena ever return to The Vampire Diaries after Season 6?
Yes, Elena returned in the series finale, Season 8, Episode 16, “I Was Feeling Epic.” Bonnie broke the sleeping curse, allowing Elena to wake up and reunite with her loved ones.
4. How did Bonnie break the sleeping curse on Elena?
Bonnie broke the sleeping curse through her powerful psychic abilities and the help of other Bennett witches. By channeling their collective power, she was able to sever the magical link between Elena’s sleep and her own life force.
5. What happened to Elena after she woke up in the series finale?
After waking up, Elena reunited with Damon. The finale jumps forward in time to show them living a happy, human life together, ultimately choosing a normal life rather than eternal vampirism. She also became a doctor.
6. How did Elena and Damon become human?
In the series finale, Stefan sacrifices himself to kill Katherine Pierce and destroy Hell. In doing so, he also finds a cure for vampirism and injects Damon with it, allowing both him and Elena to live out their lives as humans.
7. Did Elena’s departure affect the show’s ratings?
Yes, Elena’s departure did have some impact on the show’s ratings. While The Vampire Diaries still maintained a dedicated fanbase, viewership declined after Nina Dobrev left. The show attempted to introduce new storylines and characters to fill the void, but the dynamic was never quite the same.
8. Was Elena’s storyline satisfying to fans?
Fan reaction to Elena’s departure and eventual return was mixed. Some fans appreciated the way the show handled Nina Dobrev’s exit and the subsequent storylines. Others felt that the show lost its way without Elena at the center. Ultimately, the series finale provided a sense of closure for many viewers.
9. What other characters were affected by Elena’s sleeping curse?
Damon was arguably the most affected. He struggled with grief and the immense loneliness of living without Elena. Stefan, Caroline, and Bonnie also experienced the impact of her absence, as they had to adjust to a world without her presence and support. Jeremy, despite already leaving Mystic Falls, was deeply saddened by the news.
10. Could Elena have been woken up sooner?
While theoretically possible, the narrative strategically prevented any earlier attempts to break the curse. The writers likely delayed Elena’s return to build anticipation for the series finale and to explore other character arcs and storylines in her absence. Having her return earlier would also have significantly changed the direction of the show.
11. Did Nina Dobrev’s personal relationships influence her departure?
While personal relationships undoubtedly play a role in anyone’s career choices, Nina Dobrev stated that her decision to leave The Vampire Diaries was primarily driven by her desire to pursue other professional opportunities. While speculation often arose, she maintained that her choice was career-focused.
12. Was there a plan for Elena’s return while she was gone?
It’s highly likely that the writers left the door open for Elena’s return from the moment she was put under the sleeping curse. The nature of the curse allowed for a convenient way to bring her back if Nina Dobrev ever decided to return for guest appearances or a series finale. This provided flexibility for the writers while also satisfying fans who hoped to see Elena again.