‘The Vampire Diaries’ season 4 spoilers: Meet Ian Somerhalder’s ‘love interest’

Is Damon Salvatore finally backing down when it comes to his feelings for Elena Gilbert? After all, Ian Somerhalder’s character now has a possible love interest on “The Vampire Diaries” season 4 … but as always, there is a twist.

According to a new report from TVLine, former “Heroes” and “Californication” star Madeline Zima has been cast to play the role of Charlotte in the eighth episode of the season. However, her past connection with Damon is more from the past than the present. Let’s just say then that it is possible that she is going to be a flashback-only character, and may not appear in the present at all. Nonetheless, it will be nice to see just what sort of love Damon had experienced in his life before we saw Elena came along.

Is there still a chance that Damon and Elena get together before this season comes to an end? Fittingly, it does seem more likely now than it did a couple of months ago. Damon has turned into the baby vampire’s de facto mentor of sorts as she struggles to adapt to her new role, and he is able to provide so much more training for her than Stefan can, given his fears that his inner ripper will be unleashed at any given point.

There has already been one flashback this season, but it focused primarily on the past for the Originals, as Claire Holt’s Rebekah actually fell for one of the members of the vampire-hunting group otherwise known as “The Five.” If nothing else, we know that this will not be set in the 12th century given that the Salvatores were not even alive then.

What do you think about this casting? Be sure to share some more of your thoughts with a comment below!