“Do Not Go Gentle,” the 20th episode of The Vampire Diaries Season 3, serves as a brutal and pivotal turning point. It primarily focuses on the increasingly desperate attempts to permanently kill Alaric Saltzman, whose dark alter ego, an original vampire hunter, threatens the very existence of the Mystic Falls vampires. The episode culminates in a tragic sacrifice and sets the stage for the season’s explosive finale.
The Unraveling of Alaric Saltzman
Season 3 has been a roller coaster for Alaric. His transformation into a super-powered vampire hunter has made him a formidable antagonist, but the episode highlights the internal struggle within him. The central conflict revolves around finding a way to stop his violent actions without resorting to killing him.
The Search for a Solution
The episode opens with Damon, Stefan, Elena, and Matt frantically trying to figure out a way to neutralize Alaric’s threat. They explore various options, from magical binding spells to searching for a loophole in the curse that created him. Bonnie, while struggling with her own resurfacing powers, is their best hope for finding a solution through magic.
Alaric’s Reign of Terror
Meanwhile, Alaric continues his relentless pursuit of the vampires. He targets the Original vampires, believing them to be the source of the town’s troubles. Klaus is his primary target, leading to several intense confrontations throughout the episode. Alaric’s enhanced strength and hunting skills make him almost unstoppable, forcing the vampires to resort to desperate measures.
A Sacrifice for the Greater Good
The episode’s emotional core lies in Elena’s decision. After learning that Alaric is linked to her life – his death will result in hers due to Esther’s spell – she realizes she has to make a difficult choice. This highlights the tragic irony of her situation: she is both protected and burdened by the very link that could save her friends.
Elena’s Confrontation with Death
Faced with the imminent threat Alaric poses to everyone she loves, Elena ultimately chooses to sacrifice herself. She confronts Alaric, knowing that her death will neutralize him. This act of selflessness demonstrates her unwavering commitment to protecting her loved ones, even at the cost of her own life.
The Heartbreaking Aftermath
While Elena’s death does stop Alaric (temporarily), the immediate consequences are devastating. Damon and Stefan are left heartbroken and reeling from the loss. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Elena’s body being taken to the hospital, leaving viewers wondering about the true finality of her fate and the potential impact on the remaining episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Alaric so powerful in this episode?
Alaric’s power stems from his transformation into an Enhanced Original Vampire Hunter. Esther Mikaelson, the Original Witch, used a spell to turn him into a being specifically designed to eradicate vampires, granting him enhanced strength, speed, and agility that surpasses even most vampires. This, combined with his knowledge of vampire weaknesses, makes him a particularly deadly opponent.
2. What exactly is the link between Elena and Alaric?
Esther’s spell, designed to kill the Original vampires, linked Alaric’s life force to Elena’s. This means that as long as Elena is alive, Alaric will continue to exist, and vice versa. This creates a dangerous situation, as killing Alaric would also result in Elena’s death. The link emphasizes the interconnectedness of the characters and adds another layer of complexity to the conflict.
3. Why doesn’t Bonnie try to break the link between Elena and Alaric?
While Bonnie attempts to find a solution, the spell connecting Elena and Alaric is incredibly powerful and complex. Breaking it proves to be beyond her current abilities, especially given the limitations and the resurfacing dark magic she is grappling with. The sheer power of Esther’s magic makes it nearly impossible to undo.
4. How does Alaric know where to find the vampires?
Alaric’s hunting abilities are greatly enhanced due to his transformation. He possesses a heightened sense of awareness and can track vampires with relative ease. Furthermore, he leverages his knowledge of Mystic Falls and its inhabitants to predict their movements and anticipate their strategies.
5. What role does Meredith Fell play in this episode?
Meredith Fell, a local doctor, is primarily focused on trying to save lives, including Alaric’s. She uses her medical expertise to stabilize him after his confrontations. However, her actions are largely driven by a desire to help, rather than a direct involvement in the central conflict between the vampires and Alaric. She’s more of a passive observer, caught in the crossfire.
6. Why are the Originals so afraid of Alaric?
The Originals, despite their age and power, are vulnerable to Alaric. He wields the white oak stake, a weapon that can permanently kill an Original vampire. This threat makes him a significant danger to their existence, forcing them to take him seriously and actively seek ways to neutralize him.
7. What are the specific consequences of Elena’s death in this episode?
Although Elena seemingly dies in the episode, the consequences are not immediately permanent. Her death, while stopping Alaric, triggers a chain of events that leads to her transition into a vampire. This is due to a prior encounter where she had vampire blood in her system, making her a potential vampire candidate upon death.
8. How does Damon react to Elena’s sacrifice?
Damon is devastated by Elena’s apparent death. His reaction is a mix of grief, anger, and guilt. He feels responsible for not being able to protect her and is overwhelmed by the loss. His grief fuels his determination to find a way to bring her back, even if it means making dangerous choices.
9. What is the significance of the title “Do Not Go Gentle”?
The title references the famous Dylan Thomas poem, “Do not go gentle into that good night.” It reflects the characters’ desperate struggle against death and their refusal to surrender to fate. It underscores the themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the fight for survival that are central to the episode. The poetic title adds a layer of depth and thematic resonance.
10. How does this episode set up the season finale?
“Do Not Go Gentle” establishes the stakes for the season finale. Elena’s transition into a vampire fundamentally alters the dynamics of the show and creates new conflicts. The episode also leaves the fate of several characters uncertain, setting the stage for a dramatic and unpredictable conclusion. It raises the question of how the characters will adapt to the new reality.
11. Is Alaric truly dead at the end of this episode?
While Alaric is neutralized due to the link with Elena, his death is somewhat ambiguous. Since Elena is technically transitioning into a vampire, the link may not be entirely broken, leaving the possibility of Alaric’s return open. However, he is effectively out of the picture for the time being.
12. What are the lasting impacts of this episode on the series as a whole?
This episode marks a significant turning point in The Vampire Diaries. Elena’s transition into a vampire reshapes her character and alters her relationships with Damon and Stefan. It also introduces new challenges and storylines that will continue to drive the narrative throughout the remainder of the series. The legacy of this episode is profound and far-reaching.