Season 5, Episode 13, titled “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” centers around the Travelers’ plot to purge magic from Mystic Falls, an event that significantly alters the characters’ fates and the landscape of the series. The episode culminates in a shocking decision by Damon, fuelled by the Traveler’s increasing power and the looming threat to Elena, that sends reverberations throughout the rest of the season.
The Unfolding Threat: Travelers and Magic
The Travelers, led by the enigmatic Markos, continue their relentless pursuit of Mystic Falls, intent on completing a ritual that will strip the town of its magical essence. This ritual, known as the Traveler Curse, isn’t just about suppressing spells; it’s about removing magic entirely, effectively turning any supernatural being within its radius human. This fundamental shift is the crux of the episode’s conflict.
Markos’s Endgame and the Doppelgänger Blood
Markos’s plan relies heavily on the doppelgänger blood of Stefan and Elena. Their blood, a powerful anchor to the magical energy coursing through the universe, is the catalyst needed to fuel the Traveler Curse. The episode sees the Travelers relentlessly hunting Stefan and Elena, using their own brand of magic to track them and create obstacles for their protectors.
Damon’s Desperate Measures
Faced with the overwhelming power of the Travelers and their imminent arrival in Mystic Falls, Damon makes a drastic decision. He attempts to kill Elena, believing that by eliminating her doppelgänger blood, he can thwart Markos’s plan and save everyone else. While his intentions are arguably noble, his methods are characteristically impulsive and destructive, highlighting the moral complexities of his character. Stefan, unsurprisingly, vehemently opposes this plan and manages to intervene.
Relationship Dynamics Under Pressure
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” doesn’t just focus on the external threat posed by the Travelers; it also explores the internal pressures straining the relationships between the main characters.
Delena’s Fragile Foundation
The episode exposes the ongoing cracks in Damon and Elena’s relationship. Damon’s secret plan to kill Elena, even if driven by a misguided sense of protection, deeply wounds her and raises serious questions about their long-term compatibility. Elena is devastated by Damon’s lack of trust and his willingness to make such a life-altering decision without her consent.
Stefan and Caroline’s Evolving Connection
Meanwhile, Stefan and Caroline continue to navigate their complex friendship. While there isn’t overt romantic development in this episode, the audience can observe the strengthening of their bond. Caroline’s unwavering loyalty and support for Stefan, particularly in the face of Elena’s vulnerability, highlight the potential for a deeper connection between them.
Bonnie’s Sacrifice and the Spirit World
Bonnie, still tethered to the spirit world, struggles with the consequences of being the anchor. While her presence is crucial for keeping the balance between the living and the dead, she is increasingly weakened by the burden. The episode hints at the growing instability of her connection and the potential repercussions for both her and the spirit world.
The Episode’s Cliffhanger and its Impact
The episode concludes with the Travelers beginning their ritual in Mystic Falls, creating an anti-magic zone. We witness firsthand the immediate effects of this zone on vampires, who begin to weaken and exhibit signs of human vulnerability. The episode leaves the audience on a cliffhanger, uncertain about the fate of the supernatural inhabitants of Mystic Falls and the future of magic itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Why are the Travelers so determined to remove magic from Mystic Falls?
The Travelers believe that magic is inherently corrupting and has led to countless conflicts and suffering throughout history. They see the removal of magic from Mystic Falls as a way to restore balance and prevent further harm. Their motivation is rooted in a long-standing tradition of preserving their own unique form of magic while eradicating that which they deem dangerous.
FAQ 2: What exactly is the Traveler Curse and how does it work?
The Traveler Curse is a powerful ritual that permanently removes magic from a specific geographic location. It requires a significant source of magical energy, which in this case is the doppelgänger blood of Stefan and Elena. Once the ritual is completed, any supernatural being within the affected area loses their powers and reverts to a normal human state.
FAQ 3: Why does Damon think killing Elena would stop the Travelers?
Damon believes that by eliminating Elena, the source of the doppelgänger blood needed for the ritual, he could prevent the Travelers from completing the curse. He views it as a desperate measure to protect Elena and everyone else in Mystic Falls from the devastating consequences of the anti-magic zone. He incorrectly assumes that Markos does not have another solution in hand, and his actions are based on this flawed assumption.
FAQ 4: How does Stefan react to Damon’s plan to kill Elena?
Stefan is horrified and vehemently opposes Damon’s plan. He believes that there must be another way to stop the Travelers without resorting to such drastic and irreversible measures. He confronts Damon and ultimately prevents him from carrying out his plan, highlighting the fundamental differences in their approaches to problem-solving.
FAQ 5: What is the significance of the eclipse mentioned in the episode title?
The eclipse symbolizes a shift and a turning point. The Travelers’ ritual and its consequences are a significant turning point in the series, altering the status quo and forcing the characters to confront new challenges. It also reflects the darkness and uncertainty that descends upon Mystic Falls as the Travelers’ plan comes to fruition.
FAQ 6: How does the anti-magic zone affect vampires in Mystic Falls?
Within the anti-magic zone, vampires begin to lose their enhanced strength, speed, and healing abilities. They become vulnerable to sunlight and traditional methods of killing vampires, such as staking. Essentially, they revert to a state of human weakness and mortality.
FAQ 7: What are the implications of Bonnie being the anchor to the Other Side?
Bonnie’s role as the anchor is increasingly dangerous. It weakens her physical form and puts her at risk of disappearing altogether. Furthermore, the Other Side itself is becoming unstable, threatening to collapse and trap all the spirits residing there, including deceased loved ones.
FAQ 8: Does the anti-magic zone affect werewolves?
Yes, the anti-magic zone affects werewolves in Mystic Falls, preventing them from transforming into their wolf form. Their werewolf abilities are also neutralized, leaving them in their human form and rendering them vulnerable.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of the Traveler’s Knife (the one used on Elena in the episode) and how does it play into the ritual?
The Traveler’s Knife, often enhanced with magical properties, serves as a tool to extract the doppelgänger blood required for the Traveler Curse. It’s not just any knife; it is a specific implement designed to channel and focus the magical energy necessary for their ritual.
FAQ 10: How does this episode set the stage for the rest of Season 5?
“Total Eclipse of the Heart” lays the groundwork for the major conflicts and storylines that unfold in the latter half of Season 5. The anti-magic zone dramatically alters the landscape of Mystic Falls, forcing the characters to adapt to a new reality and find new ways to protect themselves and their loved ones. It also intensifies the existing tensions between the characters and introduces new alliances and betrayals.
FAQ 11: Is there any way to reverse the Traveler Curse once it’s been activated?
The possibility of reversing the Traveler Curse becomes a central question in the subsequent episodes. While the Travelers initially seem unstoppable, the characters actively search for ways to negate their magic and restore Mystic Falls to its former state. The search for a solution becomes a driving force for the remainder of the season.
FAQ 12: What happens to Markos after the events of this episode?
Markos continues to be a primary antagonist for the rest of Season 5. He remains determined to complete his mission of purging magic from the world, and the characters must constantly thwart his efforts and find ways to weaken his power. His fate is intertwined with the ultimate resolution of the Traveler Curse.