The TV Chick

Last night, The Vampire Diaries made its triumphant return. I am so glad it’s back, as heartbreaking as “The Descent” was. It left a lot of questions in my mind: we know vampires can control dreams but did we know Damon was capable, was Jules holding out and there is a way to cure vampire bites, and where the heck is Isobel? Alaric was back in last night’s episode, getting into the mix a little bit by helping Stefan (possibly) contact Isobel. Instead, Uncle John returns and we have no idea what he wants. I recently had the chance to visit the set of the show in Atlanta, where I spoke with Matt Davis (who plays Alaric). He talked about what he wants to see from Alaric going forward, his relationship with Jenna, and whether he might team up with the vampires.

So you’ve really come a long way from playing one of my favorites Warner on Legally Blonde. What do you like most about playing Alaric?
I like playing Alaric because of his relationships. I love working with Ian and his character and our banter and I love that he’s not a supernatural figure. He’s just a man and he’s a teacher and he’s been thrust into this supernatural circumstance. And I like the elements of action behind him. He makes his own weapons, and he’s his own investigator and he’s sort of paired up with Stefan and Damon. And Damon in particular who’s the bad guy you love to — he’s not really the bad guy, he’s just sort of amoral (laughs). He’s constantly challenging Alaric in that aspect. But for those reasons, I enjoy playing Alaric. And his name.

Alaric is a great name. And I really liked the stuff last season with Isobel. Do you think that part of him is still pining over her?
You know, it’s interesting because he’s been compelled to forget so I don’t think you can really compel someone to forget on a subconscious level. So I think on a subconscious level, something’s missing, something’s off. So he may not consciously be in pursuit and chasing it the way he used to be actively, but I defintiely think he’s motivated on a subconscious level.

And are we going to see him team up with Stefan and Damon again?
I hope so.

Maybe hunt after Elijah?
Maybe, I don’t know.

What about the relationship with Jenna, where is that leading? What are we going to see coming up with that?
They are falling for each other. They are spending all their free time with each other. And being one of the few people — one of the few characters on the show who doesn’t know what’s going on, her innocence is this thing to be protected and preserved and I think it’s now coming more into focus for Alaric.

And do you think he’s going to become closer with Elena and maybe Jeremy because of this relationship?
Yeah, I think so. I think he’s definitely got a bond with Elena, without a doubt. Definitely a fatherly, protective thing with her. I think there’s an unspoken thing that they have that’s not necessarily developed but every time I have a scene with her, I always feel a connection. And same thing with Jeremy. Again although I don’t feel like we’ve had lots of scenes together this season, but the few that we have, I definitely feel a strong kindred bond.

I know there’s a big guest star coming back  – John Gilbert. Are you going to have any scences with him coming up?
Maybe.

So what do you want to see from Alaric going forward?
That’s a good question. It’s a really good question. Because it’s been a challenge for him in terms of his purpose, now that Isobel has been squared away and that’s been removed from his focus. It’s like what does he do now? What purpose does he serve now? I think he ultimately wants to be peaceful and if that means killing a lot of vampires and werewolves and protecting the town in order to get there, then that’s what he’ll do.

Do you have a favorite Alaric moment that you’ve shot?
That’s a good question. I think the sort of scene that’s just recently come out, surprising Elena while being half naked.

Will we see more of that maybe?
We’ll see.

And I know you can’t spoil too much but can you give a little teaser of what’s coming up after the hiatus?
I really can’t say. Keep watching.

The Vampire Diaries airs Thursday nights at 8 pm on the CW.