Elena Gilbert’s romantic journey in “The Vampire Diaries” is nothing short of tumultuous. However, the episode where she truly begins to reclaim her feelings for Damon Salvatore independently of the sire bond is debatable, but it can be traced back to Season 6, Episode 7, titled “Do You Remember the First Time?” This episode, while not explicitly stating a complete return, marks a pivotal moment where the memories – and the feelings attached to them – are intensely revisited, initiating Elena’s conscious decision to rediscover her love for Damon.
The Turning Point: Unraveling the Sire Bond’s Influence
The sixth season of “The Vampire Diaries” grapples heavily with the aftermath of Damon’s perceived death and Elena’s subsequent use of witch magic to erase all memories of him. The initial premise establishes Elena as seemingly content without Damon, having suppressed her painful memories to cope with the loss. However, the narrative arc that culminates in “Do You Remember the First Time?” is crucial for understanding her eventual reconciliation with him.
Memories Unleashed: A Journey into the Past
The episode centers around Elena and Alaric attempting to recover her lost memories of Damon. They revisit significant locations from their shared past, triggering fragmented flashbacks. While initially resistant and still believing she’s better off without him, the memories slowly chip away at her carefully constructed defenses. We see glimpses of their intense connection, their witty banter, and the moments of genuine tenderness that characterized their relationship. This isn’t just a recounting of events; it’s a re-experiencing of the emotional intensity that fueled their love.
Seeds of Doubt: Questioning the Erased Love
A critical scene involves Elena revisiting the Miss Mystic Falls dance, where Damon first told her he loved her. As the memories flood back, Elena witnesses the genuine depth of Damon’s feelings and, more importantly, acknowledges her own reciprocal love. This moment of clarity plants a seed of doubt within her. She begins to question whether her happiness is genuine or merely a product of her erased memories. This doubt is paramount. It signifies a shift from passively accepting her amnesia-induced happiness to actively questioning its validity. The internal conflict, therefore, becomes the bedrock for her eventual decision to actively seek out and rebuild her relationship with Damon, not out of obligation, but out of genuine desire.
Beyond “Do You Remember the First Time?”: The Path to Reconciliation
While “Do You Remember the First Time?” is pivotal, it doesn’t represent the complete reinstatement of Elena’s feelings. Instead, it acts as a catalyst. The following episodes depict her actively working to understand and rediscover her love for Damon. She spends time with him, observes his character, and allows herself to feel without the interference of the sire bond.
Conscious Choice: Deciding to Love Again
Elena’s journey is about more than just regaining lost memories; it’s about making a conscious choice to love Damon again. The sire bond, which was a major point of contention in their relationship, is addressed and understood as having influenced her initial attraction. This realization allows her to approach their relationship with a newfound clarity and autonomy.
Acceptance of Damon’s Flaws: Embracing the Complexity
Elena’s eventual reconciliation also hinges on her acceptance of Damon’s flaws. She understands that he is not a perfect person, but she loves him for who he is, imperfections and all. This acceptance is a testament to her growth as a character and demonstrates the depth of her feelings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that address the complexities of Elena’s feelings for Damon:
FAQ 1: Was Elena ever truly in love with Damon before she became a vampire?
Yes, it’s heavily implied that Elena harbored feelings for Damon even before her transition. While her relationship with Stefan was foundational, Damon’s charm and unpredictable nature undeniably intrigued her. The sire bond amplified existing feelings, but the initial attraction was present before her transition.
FAQ 2: Did the sire bond force Elena to love Damon?
The sire bond did not force Elena to love Damon, but it significantly amplified her existing feelings. It magnified her attraction and created a sense of loyalty and obligation towards him. This artificially accelerated the progression of their relationship and initially obscured the genuine feelings beneath.
FAQ 3: What role did Alaric play in Elena regaining her memories?
Alaric, compelled by Damon to erase Elena’s memories, was instrumental in helping her regain them. He used his knowledge of their relationship to guide her through key moments in their shared history, triggering the suppressed memories and emotions. He deeply regretted his actions and wanted her to have the choice of choosing if she wanted those feelings back.
FAQ 4: Why did Elena choose to erase her memories of Damon in the first place?
Elena erased her memories of Damon to cope with the immense pain and grief she felt after his perceived death in the prison world. The loss was too overwhelming, and she sought solace in forgetting the source of her heartbreak.
FAQ 5: Was Stefan jealous of Elena’s attempts to regain her memories of Damon?
Stefan initially displayed concern and a degree of protectiveness towards Elena, wanting to ensure she wasn’t forcing herself to remember something that caused her so much pain. However, he ultimately respected her decision and supported her journey of self-discovery, understanding that her happiness was paramount.
FAQ 6: How did Damon react to Elena’s amnesia?
Damon was heartbroken by Elena’s amnesia. He initially tried to win her back, but he eventually realized that she needed to make her own choice, free from the influence of the sire bond or his own manipulation. He allowed her to explore her feelings without pressure.
FAQ 7: Did Elena’s friendship with Damon impact her feelings for him?
Absolutely. Their evolving friendship, characterized by witty banter, shared experiences, and genuine connection, played a significant role in deepening Elena’s feelings for Damon. This friendship provided a foundation for a more profound and meaningful relationship.
FAQ 8: How did the prison world influence Elena’s feelings for Damon?
The prison world, where Damon was initially trapped, heightened Elena’s sense of loss and solidified her understanding of his importance in her life. The desperate search to bring him back further emphasized the depth of her feelings.
FAQ 9: What was the most significant memory that helped Elena rediscover her love for Damon?
The memory of Damon telling her he loved her at the Miss Mystic Falls dance was pivotal. This memory highlighted the sincerity and depth of Damon’s feelings and allowed Elena to recognize the reciprocal nature of their love.
FAQ 10: How did Elena’s transformation into a vampire affect her feelings for Damon?
Elena’s transformation into a vampire amplified her existing feelings, both positive and negative. The heightened emotions associated with vampirism intensified her connection with Damon and forced her to confront the complexities of their relationship.
FAQ 11: Did the writers intend for Elena to end up with Damon all along?
While the writers explored both relationships extensively, the gradual shift in Elena’s feelings, coupled with the evolving dynamic between her and Damon, suggests that a romantic connection between them was always a possibility, even if not definitively planned from the very beginning. The chemistry between the actors and the fans’ positive response to their relationship likely influenced the narrative trajectory.
FAQ 12: Is “Do You Remember the First Time?” a standalone episode, or does it require watching previous episodes for context?
While “Do You Remember the First Time?” is a powerful episode on its own, watching the preceding episodes of Season 6 is crucial for understanding the context of Elena’s amnesia, her grief over Damon’s perceived death, and the events that led to her decision to erase her memories. The emotional impact is significantly amplified by having watched the entire season unfold.
In conclusion, while the specific episode where Elena “gets her feelings back” is open to interpretation, “Do You Remember the First Time?” represents a critical turning point. It’s where the suppressed memories begin to resurface, prompting Elena to consciously re-evaluate her feelings for Damon. From this point onward, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately choosing to love Damon again, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine and deeply felt connection. This conscious decision, fueled by rediscovered memories and a clear understanding of her own desires, solidifies the foundation for their enduring relationship.