The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Episode 5 Recap: Elena Forgets Damon, Hearts Break & Mystic Falls Faces New Threats

Oh, The Vampire Diaries. Few shows navigate the complexities of love, loss, and supernatural drama quite like you do, and the Oct. 9 episode was a masterclass in emotional devastation. This pivotal installment featured the long-awaited, yet painful, return of Enzo (Michael Malarkey), hinted at a terrifying new antagonist, and pushed Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) past the point of no return with a drastic decision that promises heartbreaking repercussions for everyone involved. For every dedicated member of the Delena fandom, the raw emotion of this episode was profoundly felt, cementing its place as a truly unforgettable chapter in the series.

A Mysterious Return and Forgotten Memories

The episode opens with a captivating and disorienting flashback to four months prior. We find Damon Salvatore and Bonnie Bennett, hand-in-hand, emerging from the blinding white light that consumed them, inexplicably alive. As they cautiously navigate through a desolate and eerily quiet town square, a sense of profound isolation settles over them. Where exactly are they? The chilling realization dawns as they explore the deserted streets of Mystic Falls: they are trapped, reliving the same day — May 10, 1994. This reveal immediately sets a mysterious and foreboding tone for their predicament, leaving viewers to ponder the true nature of their confinement and the unknown forces at play.

Back in the present day, life in Mystic Falls continues, albeit with a heavy sense of loss. Matt Donovan finds himself in an unexpected encounter with Jeremy Gilbert’s recent one-night stand. The scene provides a moment of levity with a shirtless Jeremy, but quickly escalates as we recognize the woman: she’s the very same person Elena had previously attacked while struggling with her vampiric hunger. This connection immediately raises questions about Elena’s recent erratic behavior and the lingering effects of Damon’s absence on her control and judgment. The reappearance of this character hints at unresolved tension and potential fallout from Elena’s earlier actions, suggesting that her path to coping is anything but smooth.

Meanwhile, miles away in Georgia, Stefan Salvatore is attempting to forge a new life for himself. He’s found companionship with Ivy, a sweet and seemingly normal young woman who offers a stark contrast to the supernatural chaos he left behind. Ivy is undeniably cute and represents a genuine effort on Stefan’s part to move on and find some semblance of peace. However, for long-time viewers, the underlying sentiment is clear: this temporary reprieve cannot last. Stefan’s deep ties to Mystic Falls, his complicated history with Elena and Caroline, and his unbreakable bond with Damon assure us that this peaceful existence is merely a fleeting interlude before he is inevitably drawn back into the heart of the supernatural world he tried so desperately to escape.

Back in the tumultuous reality of Mystic Falls, Elena is making a drastic and heartbreaking effort to cope with her grief. We see her meticulously packing away every single item that reminds her of Damon, a poignant and painful ritual of severance. Her resolve remains unshaken: she wants Alaric Saltzman to compel away any and all memories she has of Damon, and she wants him to erase even the knowledge that he performed this compulsion. Elena’s desperation for this mental cleanse is so profound that she insists everyone involved be fully on board with her decision, swearing them to secrecy and ensuring that once the process is complete, she will never be told what she’s done. This commitment underscores the immense pain she’s experiencing, making her believe that forgetting is the only path to survival.

Amidst Elena’s deeply personal struggle, Caroline Forbes grapples with her own frustration and anger. She is visibly unhappy, even furious, that Alaric and the rest of their friends seem to be doing nothing proactive to find and bring Bonnie and Damon back. Caroline’s steadfast loyalty and unwavering hope shine through as she vehemently argues against their passive acceptance of the situation. It’s a striking character moment, highlighting how far she’s come; it was once unthinkable that Caroline would be the one desperately fighting for Damon’s return to Mystic Falls, a testament to the complex bonds and shifting dynamics forged among the group.

However, unbeknownst to many, there *is* one determined individual actively working to retrieve Bonnie and Damon: Enzo. His return to the scene is marked by a relentless pursuit of answers, employing whatever means necessary. We find him extracting information from a terrified woman in a coat closet, who, under duress, reveals that the enigmatic Gemini Coven might hold the key to their return. Enzo’s intense digging, coupled with a hint of his signature seductive charm, is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Caroline, setting the stage for a compelling reunion.

“Hello, gorgeous,” Enzo purrs to Caroline, a line delivered with his characteristic swagger and charm. This simple greeting instantly reminds viewers of Enzo’s captivating presence and the unique, often flirtatious, dynamic he shares with Caroline. His reappearance brings a much-needed jolt of energy and a sense of renewed hope for finding the missing duo, as well as a delightful spark of chemistry that promises intriguing developments.

The task of compelling away memories of Damon proves to be far more intricate and emotionally challenging than Elena anticipated. Their relationship, filled with intense passion and profound connection, is deeply embedded within her psyche, making the memories resistant to easy erasure. Alaric begins the arduous process by targeting their very first encounter on the road, a moment steeped in mystery and nascent attraction. “How did he make you feel?” Alaric asks, probing the core of her emotional connection to Damon.

Elena’s response is both simple and profoundly telling: “Like anything was possible.” This single sentence encapsulates the transformative impact Damon had on her life, the sense of liberation and boundless potential he inspired, revealing the depth of what she is about to lose.

With this powerful memory identified, Alaric meticulously rewires Elena’s perception, compelling her to believe that their initial meeting was merely with a stranger on the road, effectively stripping it of all its romantic and fateful significance. This alteration is the first painful step in dismantling their shared history.

Ugh, the emotional weight of this process is palpable, stirring up all the nostalgic feels for long-time fans of the Delena romance!

Unraveling the Heart: All The Memories & The Feels

Alaric continues his agonizing work, next targeting Elena’s first kiss with Damon. This iconic moment, a fan favorite from season three, represents a significant turning point in their relationship, marking the undeniable spark between them even as she was still grappling with her feelings for Stefan. The very act of attempting to erase such a passionate and pivotal memory highlights the profound depth of her connection to Damon.

Reflecting on the moment, Elena confesses, “I shouldn’t have let him,” a sentiment that ironically underscores the irresistible pull she felt. For viewers, it’s a poignant reminder of the early days of Delena, a time when their chemistry was undeniable, even if complicated by external factors. We’re all thinking: *Boy, are we glad she did!*

After Alaric successfully compels her to forget the intensity and significance of that kiss, he tests the waters, asking her simply, “Who was Damon?” Elena’s detached reply, “He was my boyfriend. I loved him and he died,” reveals that while she acknowledges the past relationship, the deep emotional resonance is gone. Critically, this still wasn’t the exact moment she *fell in love* with Damon, indicating the profound and layered nature of her feelings for him.

Surprisingly, Caroline, despite her initial frustration with the lack of action regarding Damon and Bonnie, finds herself deeply uncomfortable with Elena’s drastic decision. She vehemently opposes the compulsion, understanding the devastating consequences that would inevitably unfold if (and when) Damon returns to find Elena with no recollection of him. Caroline’s foresight and empathy highlight her deep care for both Elena and Damon, recognizing the profound tragedy that such a memory wipe would inflict upon their future, a true testament to the strength of their bond as friends.

Elena, however, is resolute in her choice. “For my own survival, I need to let him go,” she tells Caroline, her voice tinged with a desperate weariness. This statement underscores the immense pain Damon’s death has inflicted upon her, pushing her to believe that complete emotional detachment is the only way for her to move forward and find any semblance of peace. It’s a testament to the depth of her grief.

Unable to sway Elena from her path, Caroline reluctantly shifts her focus. She realizes she can’t spend her entire day trying to convince Elena not to make what she perceives as the worst decision ever. Instead, she embraces the adventure Enzo presents. The two head off together to find Stefan, and their banter is immediately infused with a delightful and undeniable chemistry. Every exchange between them just oozes potential, leading many fans to enthusiastically ponder the possibilities of “Carenzo.”

Stefan, seemingly settled into his new, mundane life, is in the middle of preparing dinner for Ivy when they receive unexpected visitors: Caroline and Enzo. This reunion marks the first time Caroline and Stefan have seen each other in four long months, a gap that feels like an eternity given their close history. The air is thick with unspoken emotions, unresolved questions, and the palpable shift in their relationship dynamics. *I’m going to need a minute,* indeed, to process the raw intensity of this encounter.

Real Talk and Revelations

Dinner with Stefan, Caroline, Enzo, and Ivy quickly devolves into an awkward and tense affair, laying bare the uncomfortable realities of their fractured group. Caroline, ever the direct one, cannot hide her disbelief at Stefan’s new life choices. “You work at an auto repair shop?” she asks, the question dripping with incredulity, highlighting her struggle to reconcile this seemingly mundane existence with the powerful vampire she once knew.

Stefan’s flippant response, “It’s relaxing,” delivered with a wry smirk, only further underscores his detachment and his attempt to find normalcy in a world that consistently rejects it. His casual demeanor contrasts sharply with Caroline’s simmering resentment, revealing the chasm that has grown between them.

The undeniable chemistry between Caroline and Enzo doesn’t go unnoticed. Ivy, observing their playful exchanges, innocently asks if they’re dating, a question that elicits a wistful internal “I wish” from many viewers who are already captivated by their dynamic. This brief interaction perfectly encapsulates the burgeoning connection between them, teasing future romantic possibilities.

Meanwhile, in their mysterious 1994 prison, Damon and Bonnie are going through their bizarre daily routine, trying to maintain some semblance of sanity. We see Damon dancing around the Salvatore house, making pancakes, and, of course, perpetually drinking bourbon to cope. Bonnie had initially clung to the hope that magic could be their ticket back to everyone they loved, but a devastating realization dawns: she can’t do magic! They are trapped, condemned to relive the same day over and over again – a custom-built hell tailored specifically for Damon. This cyclical nightmare hints at a darker force at play, and the episode leaves us questioning what other secrets Damon might be withholding about their grim reality.

Back in the present, Alaric continues his emotionally draining task of compelling Elena to forget Damon. The next significant memory he targets is the Miss Mystic Falls pageant, another iconic moment that marked a key development in Damon and Elena’s evolving relationship.

Elena recalls, “He saved me from being embarrassed by everyone,” referring to Damon stepping in as her escort. She continues, “That was the first time I felt it. How sexy he was.” This memory highlights the initial sparks of attraction and the sense of being protected by Damon, a pivotal moment where she began to see him in a new light, beyond just Stefan’s brother.

However, even this powerful memory, steeped in undeniable chemistry and budding affection, still isn’t the precise moment Elena truly *fell in love* with Damon. She speculates it might have been after she learned about the sire bond or during their memorable night at the motel. Alaric’s persistent probing reveals just how deeply layered her feelings for Damon are, requiring him to dig through layers of shared history to find the true origin of her love.

The tension at dinner reaches its breaking point as Caroline continues to vehemently argue with Stefan about his decision to abandon his family and embrace a new life. Enzo, witnessing Stefan’s perceived apathy towards Damon’s fate, decides to bring the full weight of their grim reality to the table, mostly for Ivy’s benefit, but also to provoke Stefan. In a shocking act, Enzo stabs Stefan, making his point with brutal efficiency. Enzo is *super* pissed that Stefan has seemingly given up on Damon, igniting a furious “battle of the bromances” that exposes the depth of Enzo’s loyalty and Stefan’s painful detachment.

Amidst this chaos, Alaric makes a quick, desperate call to Caroline, seeking her perspective on when Elena truly fell in love with Damon. Caroline, with her keen insight into Elena’s heart, delivers a bombshell revelation: “She fell in love with Damon when she was still with Stefan.” This insight from Caroline Forbes is a game-changer, pinpointing the precise, complicated origin of Elena’s feelings and proving invaluable to Alaric’s task. Forbes with the win, indeed, for understanding the complexities of her best friend’s heart!

The Truth Revealed: It’s Okay To Love Them Both

Stefan, unfortunately, overhears Caroline’s truth bomb – the revelation that Elena fell in love with Damon while still with him. His immediate response, however, is a chilling and defensive dismissal: “It’s fine, Caroline. I really don’t care.” This statement, delivered with a forced nonchalance, deeply wounds Caroline and further highlights the emotional wall he has erected around himself. His apathy is a stark contrast to the Stefan she, and viewers, have always known.

Caroline is utterly bewildered by this transformed side of Stefan. “You were the one who always cared,” she cries out, heartbroken by his seeming indifference. Her words underscore the profound shift in his character, a Stefan who once defined himself by his unwavering care and deep emotional connections, now appearing cold and detached.

Stefan, finally dropping his facade, confesses the agonizing truth: he *had* to move on. He explains that he spent weeks, relentless weeks, chasing every single lead, every faint glimmer of hope regarding Bonnie and Damon’s whereabouts. But every single lead, without exception, turned out to be a dead end. Faced with the crushing weight of their presumed deaths, he felt he had no other recourse but to come to terms with their loss in the only way he knew how – by shutting down and building a new life, however painful that process was.

What Caroline still struggles to comprehend, however, is why he chose to abandon *her* during his grieving process. “You couldn’t hear that I was completely falling apart without you?” Caroline cries, her voice thick with anguish and betrayal. Stefan’s failure to acknowledge her own profound pain and his subsequent departure left her feeling utterly alone and unheard, a deeply hurtful oversight that solidifies his painful transformation in her eyes. It highlights a callousness that makes him appear, as the original text pointed out, *what a tool*.

Over at Whitmore, Elena is growing increasingly desperate, the emotional toll of digging through her memories becoming unbearable. Alaric, recognizing her internal conflict, gently confronts her about her honesty, sensing she’s holding back. At first, Elena disputes Caroline’s assertion, denying any claim that she fell in love with Damon while still romantically involved with Stefan. The idea is too painful, too complicated for her to readily admit.

Then, a powerful memory resurfaces, echoing the wise, albeit cynical, words of Katherine Pierce: “It’s OK to love them both.” This profound realization, coming from her doppelganger, provides Elena with the validation and permission she needed to finally acknowledge the truth of her own heart.

With newfound clarity, Elena finally reveals the precise moment she first fell in love with Damon: it was on her birthday, a moment marked by Damon’s profound act of selflessness when he returned Stefan’s necklace to her. This wasn’t just any necklace; it was the symbol of her past relationship with Stefan, and Damon, despite his own feelings, understood its significance to her.

Elena articulates the depth of this moment with heartbreaking precision: “Even though he loved me, he gave me the one thing that represented hope for me and his brother.” This selfless gesture, sacrificing his own desire for her happiness, solidified her love for him. The sheer emotional weight of this memory is immense, leaving viewers *crying all the tears right now* alongside Elena.

In a poignant parallel, Damon, trapped in his 1994 loop, is also experiencing a powerful connection to this very same memory. He discovers Stefan’s necklace in his own room, a symbolic link across dimensions and time, underscoring the unbreakable bond between the brothers and the enduring significance of that moment.

With the pivotal memory finally uncovered, Elena is now completely ready for Alaric to take the final, irreversible step. Her resolve is unwavering, even in the face of such profound emotional cost.

(*No, Elena. Don’t do it. Don’t even think about it.* The collective plea of the fandom hangs heavy in the air, knowing the devastating implications of her decision.)

Alaric, with a heavy heart, compels Elena to forget that cherished moment – the moment her love for Damon truly solidified. The consequences are immediate and chilling. When Alaric asks her what she remembers about Damon now, her response is devoid of any affection or warmth. She states simply, “Damon killed Jeremy.”

Her final summary is stark and brutal: “He’s Stefan’s brother. He’s a monster. He died.” Every positive memory, every tender feeling, every shared experience has been systematically erased, leaving behind only the painful, negative aspects of his past actions. It’s a devastating transformation, reducing the love of her life to a mere villain in her mind.

(*Okay, I’m currently losing my mind, along with the rest of the Delena fandom.* The emotional impact is immense, leaving fans reeling from the heartbreak and injustice of Elena’s compelled perception of Damon.)

Following her terrible, emotionally charged conversation with Stefan, Caroline retreats to her car, crying her eyes out, devastated by Stefan’s coldness and apparent abandonment. When Enzo witnesses her profound hurt and distress, his own anger at Stefan’s perceived betrayal boils over. Instead of adopting a more calm or rational approach, Enzo, consumed by rage, returns to the house and brutally kills Ivy, Stefan’s innocent girlfriend. This shocking act of violence serves as a visceral manifestation of his fury and his twisted sense of justice for Damon.

As he commits the heinous act, Enzo remembers a past conversation where Damon had once promised Stefan an eternity of misery. “Now I get it,” Enzo states, his voice cold and determined. “You’re not a brother to him. Brothers don’t give up.” His actions are a twisted form of loyalty, punishing Stefan for what Enzo perceives as a fundamental betrayal of their shared bond. *AMEN!* to that declaration of loyalty, even in its most violent expression.

Even though Elena has now completely forgotten Damon, the bonds of love and loyalty remain strong elsewhere. Jeremy, steadfast in his hope and refusal to accept Bonnie’s death, continues to call her cell phone, his actions a tragic and poignant reminder of the enduring love he holds for her. His persistence, despite the lack of response, underscores the deep emotional scars left by the disappearances.

Meanwhile, Matt has also stumbled upon a potential new threat to Mystic Falls. His encounter brings him face-to-face with Thomas Fell, a character who appears to be systematically hunting and killing vampires, meticulously taking names and establishing himself as a formidable new big bad. This development signals that even without Damon and Bonnie, danger continues to lurk, threatening the fragile peace the town attempts to maintain.

Over in their 1994 purgatory, Damon and Bonnie make another unsettling discovery. As they navigate the endless loop of May 10th, they realize they are not alone. Someone else is trapped with them, sharing their custom-built hell. This revelation opens up a whole new layer of mystery and danger to their predicament, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.

My money is on the iconic and perpetually conniving Katherine Pierce! Her return would undoubtedly add another layer of delicious chaos and intrigue to an already complex situation, aligning perfectly with the show’s history of unexpected twists and beloved villains.

HollywoodLifers, what an emotionally charged episode of The Vampire Diaries! The heartbreak was palpable. Can you truly believe Elena went through with it and actually made Alaric compel her to forget Damon? What are your thoughts on her drastic decision and the potential consequences for everyone once Damon inevitably returns? And the biggest question lingering: Who do you think is trapped with Bonnie and Damon in that mysterious 1994 loop? Share your theories, emotions, and predictions in the comments below! Let us know!

— Avery Thompson
Follow @avery__thompson

More ‘Vampire Diaries’ News:

1. ‘The Vampire Diaries’: Stefan & Elena ‘Start Over’ Together — New Pics
2. ‘Vampire Diaries’: A Grieving Elena Makes Life-Changing Decision
3. ‘Vampire Diaries’: Elena Shares Steamy Kiss With Stefan — ‘Never Say Never’