This popped up today and while I happen to think that it's a bit lame for to create so much drama about this when there's so much available angst because of the recent deaths that doesn't stop me from trying to figure out what's going to happen.
There are essentially four possible outcomes for the great forgiveness dilemma in the season finale: Elena forgives Damon and he dies, Elena forgives Damon and he survives, Elena does not forgive Damon and he dies, and Elena does not forgive Damon and he survives. Each scenario carries its own plotty implications of varying interest, and I’ve outlined most of my thoughts below, in order from most likely to least likely.
(Note: I use the all-encompassing “show” to refer to the writers, creators, network executives, and anyone else who might have control over what we see, because it’s a really short word that saves me time.)
( Spoilers for aired episodes and promos; everything else is speculation. )