Image Credit: Andrew Eccles/The CW
Last year’s Vampire Diaries season finale was widely recognized as one of 2010′s best. In EW’s inaugural fan-voted Season Finale Awards, the hour was runner-up in three categories including Single Most Clever Twist, Best NonRomantic Cliffhanger, and Best Death, with additional Top 5 finishes in Best Kiss, Most Rewound Moment, and Spookiest Image. As the show builds to its May 12 season 2 finale, expectations are running high. What lies ahead? Here’s what we can tell you. SPOILER ALERT!
• The April 28 episode is called “The Last Day,” because it takes place in the hours leading up to the full moon, which means it could be Elena’s (Nina Dobrev) last day alive. The tension between the Salvatore Brothers, who have different ideas of how to keep Elena safe from the impending sacrifice ritual, escalates. Werewolf Tyler (Michael Trevino) returns to Mystic Falls after receiving a disturbing phone call.
• The May 5 episode picks up as day turns to night and, with the exception of the very end, takes place entirely on the evening of the full moon. “The loss of life is significant and very, very, very tragic,” exec producer Julie Plec teases. “The fallout of it is really painful for a lot of characters. The episode is called ‘The Sun Also Rises,’ and it’s really meant to say that our characters, at the end of this very, very long night, need to find some glimmer of hope when morning comes because what they go through is really profoundly life-alteringly horrible for them.”
• You’d expect the season to end there, but, says Plec, “There was something that we wanted to do that we felt was a really important element of our story for the whole season. We knew that’s how we wanted to end our season. The sacrifice ritual gets us to that ending, but there’s still more story to tell. If the sacrifice is the mythology resolution, the finale is the emotional resolution.” The May 12 finale, “As I Lay Dying,” is centered around another event – A Gone With the Wind movie night in the town square. “Damon [Ian Somerhalder], who is desperately seeking forgiveness from Elena for something that he has done, starts to relive moments from past mistakes made with Katherine back in 1864,” Plec says. “As is always true with these events in Mystic Falls, things go horribly awry.” There’s a lot going on in the finale, she adds, but because so much of it hinges on things that we haven’t yet seen, that’s as far as she can go. ”What we’re doing is telling the audience that when we hit season 3, there’s gonna be a lot of things changing for our characters and in their lives. We’re excited about it because it just shows that the show has directions that it can keep going in and going in and going in, and we’re never gonna get stuck or tired. We’re just gonna keep tellin’ stories.”
Any theories?
For more scoop on other season finales — including Fringe, Bones, Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, Parks and Recreation, Community, and The Big Bang Theory — check out the new issue of Entertainment Weekly on stands now.
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Latest ‘Vampire Diaries’ scoop in The Spoiler Room
Great more Damon groveling. Just what I always wanted…Not. Can we get a new refrain, TVD?
I disagree totally. I think the exploration of Damon’s “humanity” and his wrestling with that because Elena brings it out in him is one of the most satisfying emotional aspects of the show.
Completely agree!
Ditto
True this.
Agreed!
Well said!
I also agree completely with Shane, Deby, Lisa London, Kara, Marin, and queue55, Kat s, and Definitely Tiffany!! looks like ur on your own there michelle. I also DISagree with Mia.
I’m team Stelena all the way
!I mean i love Damons character b/c of the humor(and sexyness) he brings to the show.But stefan is just so sweet.Even before meeting Elena he was a good guy(and hot too). I think Delena fans are just blinded by Damons good looks.Think of all the bad things that he’s done!If these were real people…who would you want to be with?If you think personality wise Stefan clearly belongs with Elena.He doesn’t just care about Elena and her feelings but he cares about other people as well.Again,i do love Damon and i don’t believe that he’s truly evil,but Stefan would defintly be the man for me.I don’t mind damon/elena having a fling but in the end…when there actually ending the series i believe Elena should be with Stefan.Katherine and Damon could be together.
I disagree with Stelenafan
What was Stefan again back in the 1920s and the very beginning of his vampire life? A ripper, and why don’t you define that for us.
I like Damon because I pity how he gives 100% when it comes to love and doesn’t need any affection back (when he confessed his love to Elena but then compelled her to forget). With him, there is also no surprises since Elena already saw him at his worst. With Stefan, it’s harder to know and he lies to her about it.
And it’s pretty obvious that even though Damon do kill, he can control it and is choosing not to while Stefan and his wall of dead people probably outnumbered Damon’s kills.
The sexiness is just an added bonus to his awesomeness.
Damon is the heart and soul of the show!
I also completely agree with shane and deby.
Damon is very sexist. He doesn’t consider Elena intro any decisions, talks as if she’s not there and rapes Andie. How can he be the heart of the show? The heart of the show is Elena. Also Caroline. If Elena got with Damon i’d lose all respect for her. She has shown more character than that.
If we look at the opening credits of the series, Elena and Stefan come before Damon. So stating that Damon on his very own is “the heart and soul of the show” doesn’t seem correct at all!
@Mia; not really understanding the raping Andy bit. The only thing he compelled her to do was; not purge secrets and to not fear him. And, yes, he doesn’t include Elena in his own decisions and in the last episode he was talking like she wasn’t in the room, but do you really think that he can handle all of those emotions? Damon’s a good guy at heart and sometimes he makes bad choices, but none of that warrants losing respect for Elena if she decides to love him, too. Another point, if Damon’s a sexist because of what you say, then Stefan was a cold-blooded killer that deserves no forgiveness, right? Fans forgive Stefan because he’s the brave, noble knight in shining armor, but not Damon. Essentially, they both made the same mistakes – killed an unknown amount of people – and are now seeking retribution. They both deserve second chances, in my opinion.
Elena’s 17. And desperate to martyr herself. Why in the hell would Damon cowtow to her wishes when his goal is to keep her alive.
“Raping Andie” is a bit melodramatic, too. Make no mistake, Damon is the most popular character on this show by a country mile, and I would imagine we’ll see both Elena and probably Bonnie with him before this show is over.
I completely agree that Damon is the heart and soul of the show, as well as the main reason I watch.
I’m not a ‘Delena’ OR a ‘Stelena’ shipper, it’s all a little too fangirly in my opinion. You cannot say that fans let Stefan get away with what he does, most of the fans go on a hate tirade when Stefan even says something against Damon because they love Damon so much. Damon may not be raping Andie but he is certainly victimising her. And I really don’t see how Damon is seeking retribution. I liked Damon, and still do, but he’s becoming increasingly annoying by throwing a tantrum everytime things don’t go his way. And can you really blame Elena for wanting to save her family and friends? If she didn’t, you would’ve said she’s arrogant to think her life is worth more than the others or just a plain coward.
Mia.. OMG i totally agree with you. Damon is good. and i feel stefan understands and respects her more. Even though Damon would protect her no matter what so would stefan and Stefan really does care for her and truly cherish her. He trusts her and has confidence in her he has made mistakes but has changed, damon yet hasnt and when he does he will be forgiven. I really hope Damon and Elena dont get together or become a couple because that would just break me, elena should be with stefan he’s faithful not to mention they’ve gone through a lot. Damon is capable of being good but at the end of the day he goes back to the same old Damon.
Agreed. Without Damon the show wouldn’t be interesting.
It’s BECAUSE of Stefan’s sweetnesss that I dont like him as much. He’s always nice to everyone b/c that’s just how he is. Damon changed who he was for Elena. He’s became a better person BECAUSE he loves her.
I completely agree, which is why Damon will not die in the season finale. Without Damon, there’s no show. I love you Damon!
Considering that Damon does very, very little grovel ing the first place (let alone in proportion to what he should be doing, in particular), the comments sounds like the loony ravings of an obsessed fangirl. The entire point of Damon’s arc so far IS how he learns and deals with the lesson Lexie taught Stefan all those years ago.
@Mia Apparently you didn’t read the series. B/c she IS in love with Damon in the books.
team delena will it happen ?
hopefully very briefly for y’all to realise it’s total crap
OMG! The first season finale was jaw-dropping. I experienced it, even when I was aware of how was it going to end (I saw the DVR episode). Well, I expect that even Matt or Bonnie are going to end. Plus, Matt is just a boring character and he is against my lovely Caroline.
They can’t kill Bonnie. I HATE it when shows kill off they’re only regular black castmember, happens all the time, but TVD is better than that.
I’m with you Mia, TVD is better than that. I don’t get all the Bonnie hating, I love Bonnie! I think she’s safe.
Bonnie used to annoy me more in the first season, but since the second season began she’s been really awesome. I can’t remember her real name, but she’s a good actress.
The whole Bonnie dying thing has nothing to do with her race and everything to do with the huge ‘holier than thou’ attitude she has had for most of the show. Thank goodness Jeremy seems to have mellowed her out, but when are we going to see any ‘I’m sorry’s’ from Bonnie? She made the decision that ended up with Caroline becoming a vampire, and then she punishes Damon and has looks down her nose at Caroline because of it? I didn’t even care when it looked like she was dead in this last episode. My only worry was that Jeremy would think he’s cursed. So don’t make it about the actor’s race, because it isn’t.
I never really used care for Bonnie but recently she’s been awesome.
I have to agree with mia on this one the show is amazing one of the best but it loses fans because its not a diverse with races, its a common mis conception all vampires have to be white, (except malese jows character who was killed off) all the other black characters died, bonnies grandmother, luka and his father, i just hope the expand their cast with more races not necssarily black but asian, native american, aztec or sumn anything,
I think Tyler will come back to protect Caroline and possibly might kill Matt for double crossing her.
I also think there could be a kiss between Damon and Elena that she initiates and means. She’s not going to tell Stefan about it but Damon will not just pretend it never happened.
Bye to Alaric, Jenna, Matt, and I’m thinking Jeremy who will try to save Bonnie. (though I’d love Jeremy to stay)
I think Matt will definitely die. Julie Plec hinted that more than one person will die during the night of the sacrifice and these deaths will cause severe emotional pain on the rest. At least one of the dead person will be Matt. I think it is possible that Alaric may die to save Jenna, otherwise Jenna will die. They are running out of steam with this character and its time for her to go. I think Bonnie is safe because they already tried to kill her off once on the show. It will be boring to bring her back to life just to kill her off again. Besides, she’s bad-ass now with the powers of 100 witches! I think Elijah will also die – Klaus will stay for at least another season.
Only 3 characters are supposed to die. And I don’t think matt is going to double cross Caroline. He loves her…and as we saw last episode, nothing he’s seen has convinced him that Caroline is any different than she used to be. I think he’ll die trying to save her.
The first season finale was A-MAZ-ING! I have no doubt that this one will be inceredible as well. This is the only show on TV that produces season finale worthy episodes weekly! Best show on tv hands down!
Best show on TV hands down ?? Try getting out of the TWILIGHT groupie stage and turn the channel a bit. There are shows worth that title, not this crap.
Then why are you here reading about it????
@Wow Guess you missed the whole, Vampire Diaries was written a decade before Twilight, discussion that happened a year ago. Aside from that, any show that can make their core audience say ‘wow, they just went in a totally different direction than I expected’ is definitely in the running for best show on tv.
Wow, why don’t you show some examples, idiot.
While I don’t think it’s the best show on TV, as a Twilight-hater, I can’t help but take offense to your comment. This show is the definitely the best-paced show on TV, however. Also, it’s a lot of fun which is why I love it. Why must EVERY vampire show/book/movie now be compared to Twilight, anyway? That piece of rubbish doesn’t deserve to be held up as the standard to which anything vampire based should be compared.
OMG!! TVD is wayyy better than twilight!! former YOu dont even know what you are talking bout so GTFO of this page!!
Excited & Terrified of the changes! Stoked about the Gone With The Wind theme as I am a Civil War nut.
Excited and Terrified!! You totally nailed my feelings on the upcoming season finally, Becca!! I don’t usually bite my nails, but I just may take up the habit…. LOL
I know right? I am such a bag of emotional contradiction. Tis what makes TVD so damn good.
please clarify… TVD is better than the Twilight movies? or books? B/c YOU need to gtfo if you’re saying this tv show is better than the Twilight books.
Wait, are you saying that Twilight IS better than TVD? If so, you obviously need to take a look at those books, which are poorly written, with weak characters and terrible plots. TVD shouldn’t even be compared to Twilight. It’s fast paced with interesting writing and characters with depth. The acting in TVD is far superior to the acting in the Twilight movies.
Excited and terrified, yes, just as Becca said.
The funny thing about this show is that almost every episode is the kind of roller coaster that is usually reserved for finales, or close to finale episodes.
I know it will be EPIC.
Epically Epic, Shane!!! So nervous after reading this… What to do, what to do…
Argh!! Can hardly wait, but scared to watch it happen!! I LOVE THIS SHOW!!
OK, so, reading between the lines, both Damon and Elena survive the ritual. I’m new to the show – loyal watchers, do you think there’s a chance they would kill Stefan???
I really doubt that.
But maybe Elena doesn’t survive in the way that you assume (i.e., human). Just a guess, I have no spoilers.
oooo good point – she could be mad at Damon for making her a vampire!
Newbie, we truly know nothing… We are just along for the ride with everyone else. Glad that you have joined us!! We need all the help that we can get to get through the next few weeks…. Smile
in the books she does damon does turn her into a vampire (not sure they will go there though)
I hope they do go there- but just not yet. Too early- I want this show to be on for awhile!! And in the book she dies again and I thought the ghost crap was a little lame to follow- it felt like the author was done writing- ending the book- and then resurrected her again. The show is better than that.
NO way. Stephan plays too big a part in the series to have him die would be a stupid idea
Apparently he doesn’t play a big enough part if you can’t even remember his name. It’s Stefan not Stephan.
I wish Stefan could mess up a little sometimes- not like really bad like Damon- but at least embrace his vampire nature a little- whether it’s about sex with Elena or feeding on her (with her permission)..just something to make him a little more badass and not mope around like he is her brother.
No.
Please don’t kill Caroline or Matt or Alaric or Jeremy. Anyone else I am okay with.
Anyone else??? So Elena…? Stefan?? Bonnie?? DAMON???
I am fine with Jenna biting it (no pun intended), I wish she had already been dead and buried, and I am resigned that probably Matt or Jeremy will be killed because it has to be someone with a large emotional investment in them from the audience, but I would sure not want some of those others to die.
To be fair I assumed they wouldn’t be killing Elena, Damon, Stefan, or Bonnie. I was thinking maybe Klaus, The sheriff, or that reporter. Nobody big. There are way too many Damon haters out there too. You can like Stefan and Damon both, as I do.
I’m thinking all four of them are pretty expendable. These four seem like the obvious choices to die. I’d prefer them to Bonnie, or our main cast.
Jeremy is really dull & nonessential in my opinion. He can go. Jenna has been a useless character for quite some time … I also surmise that Elijah will die again. I’m glad they’re bringing Tyler back – he’s the hotness. And Matt needs to be taken out so Caroline & Tyler can reconnect.
Have you SEEN Jeremy? He is most definitely not non-essential. I’m hoping Elijah, Uncle John, maybe Sheriff Forbes, Katherine… The only way I’m okay with Jeremy, Matt or Alaric biting it is if they are turned. And Caroline just cannot die because that would be evil.
I’m with Nicole on this one.
Jeremy is a full blown hottie, and he should remain as a character for as long as they can keep Steven R. McQueen!!
Cannot kill Jeremy! He’s Steve McQueen’s grandson for crying out loud! XD
I think Jeremy will become more essential. He’s young! Last season he was dorky younger brother this season he’s definitely got some kind of sexy vampire hunter thing going on. I think his character could become something powerful.
I wouldn’t mind if Matt, Jenna or Sherrif Forbes died. It wouldn’t be a major blow to me if Jeremy or Alaric did too. I want Elijah, John and Katherine survive. They make the show interesting. Of course Bonnie, Caroline, Taylor, Elena, and the brothers have to stay!
I’m hoping for Matt and the Sherriff – especially if they have the sherriff die heroically. the show has such powerful women, that would be a fitting ending for her.
Since they need a vampire for the sacrifice, Klaus could use Caroline. This could drive the Sheriff to try to rescue her daughter whom she truly loves and in the process gets herself killed. And I agree, Tarc, the women in this show are powerful, independent thinking women. A quality I’ve tried to instill in my daughters (both adults now).
Thanks for clarifying what I said. Williams has always had a knack for strong, interesting female characters that ring true. The characters on the TV show are so vastly better than the books (though still resemble them).
Caroline’s mom won’t dies because she is the symbolic head of the counsel in the town. They still need to have that going on. The expendables are Matt, Katherine, Elijah, Jenna, Alaric, Andie and Elena’s biological dad.
I totally agree with the person who said Damon must have turned Elena with his blood during the sacrifice. It would make perfect sense that he would need her forgiveness in the finale. Though I know the producers went a very different way with most of the storyline… I still think the idea is to loosely follow the book. And in the book, Damon turned Elena. Anyways, those are my two cents!
The way she talked about the emotional detriment to all of the characters…I think it HAS to be Jeremy. He’s the only one with ties to everyone (that’s not Elena)
I still think Elena could be one of the 3 that “dies” but… becoming a vampire = death as well. So, their use of the word “dead” is definitely relative.
wonder if Elana will die and come back as a vampire and Caroline will act all crazy??!! like the books!
That’s my theory! I bet Elena will become a vampire.
I hope not! Not really a fan of the books.
I’m now thinking it will be: Katherine, Elijah, and maybe Matt or Tyler. I really don’t think anyone else in Elena’s family should die this year. Especially Jeremy. If they kill off all the human characters, that’s going to be less fun to watch. Oh maybe Damon will have to turn Jeremy into a vamp to save him? Elena was be pissed about that. I think the Sheriff could do – but I don’t really consider her a major character. I doubt they’re going to kill Klaus. Seems like they could have more fun with him Season 3.
That was my first thought re: Damon grovelling – that maybe he turned Jeremy. I’d be okay with that.
Or Elena could follow the books (I think) and come back as a (corporeal) ghost.
when she said more than one person would die I thought of alaric, jenna, katherine (hope not), matt but when she said some in painful ways i immediately thought caroline!! I REALLY HOPE SHE DOESNT DIE!! HER AND TYLER ARE PERFECT TOGETHER!! matt just proved he doesnt understand and he doesnt wanna be around her.
I’m guessing that either Stefan or Bonnie will die in the penultiamte episode somehow as a result of Damon’s actions. Although if its Stefan the producers will find a way to resurrect him next year.
That’s an interesting idea. I doubt they will kill Stefan though but if they do, he would probably be back somehow next year which would cheapen the plot and lessen the impact of his death on both the viewers and the other characters. TVD has never been adverse to killing interesting characters (Vicky, Anna, Pearl, Rose – why all women?) – I’ve got a feeling we’re getting to a real death!
Agreed. My vote is still for Jeremy. That will be the deepest impact on everyone.
Stelena <3 Can't wait to see the season finale for season 2
Stoked!!!!
I’m not a big fan of this show anymore, but I must admit that these spoilers sound pret-ty intense.
I heard about this show from friends and it is GREAT. (borrowed season 1 from a friend) Love the innocence and purity of the love story between Elena and Stefan. Love the older brother Damon. Although, I loved the season 1 Damon because he was such a tough guy who played with alot of the women. Can’t say I like the season 2 Damon character. He is too weak and well just can’t put into words. I will say he is the type of guy who should have alot of girlfriends to nibble on. LOL Love the Bonnie character. Great show.
I don’t want anyone to die, but I think whatever happens it will bring Damon and Elena closer together. Maybe Stefan accidentally kills someone Elena loves?
.. yep.. i think that would be possible to happen in the movie.. but its just that, i don’t like seeing Elena and damon together,.. For me, its always, Stefan and Elena *SteLena*
agree… Stefan cannot get killed if he does i will lose my fricken mind.. or maybe cry