The Vampire Diaries’series finale isn’t as disappointing as the original ending that the creators of the show had planned. Based on the books by L.J. Smith of the same name,The Vampire Diariesfollows Damon and Stefan Salvatore, two brothers who are in love with the same girl. WithThe Vampire Diariescastled by Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley, and Nina Dobrev, the show has become one of the most popular fantasy shows of its era, and has produced two spinoffs,The OriginalsandLegacies.
The Vampire Diarieshas eight seasons, most of which were focused on which Salvatore brother Elena would end up with. Given thatTheVampire Diariesmade several changes to the book,it’s not surprising that the show’s creators had an alternate ending in mind. But while not everyone was satisfied with how the series ended, the original ending wouldn’t have been any better.
The Vampire Diaries Almost Ended With Both Stefan & Damon Dying
Stefan And Damon Sacrificed Themselves To Save Elena
At the end ofThe Vampire Diaries, Stefan sacrificed himself to save Mystic Falls from hellfire. This ending, however, wasn’t what Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson, the creators of the show, differs a bit from what was originally concieved. Plec and Williamson’s original plan for the show was to kill off both Stefan and Damon. InThe Vampire Diariesalternate ending,Stefan and Damon die so they can save Elena. The Salvatore brothers moved on to the Other Side where they watched Elena grow older, marry a human, and achieve her dream of becoming a doctor.
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Plec and Williamson had actually decided that the Salvatore brothers' deaths would be the ideal ending to the show during season 2. However, they had to take a different direction following the departure of Nina Dobrev from the series. Sincethe love triangle between Elena and the Salvatore brothers was the backbone of the show, Dobrev’s decision to leaveThe Vampire Diariesmeant that there wouldn’t be a love triangle because she had chosenDamon over Stefan. Obviously, without the love triangle, there was no reason for both Damon and Stefan to die. In an interview withEntertainment Weekly, Plec explained, “her departure sealed the romantic contract between Damon and Elena.”
The Original Vampire Diaries Ending Doubled Down On The Biggest Finale Complaint
Killing Both Brothers Would Have Been A Far Worse Ending
Stefan’s death is one of the biggest issues that audiences had with howThe Vampire Diariesended. When Stefan sacrificed himself in the last episode of the series, he wasn’t just saving Mystic Falls but also trying to redeem himself by ensuring that Damon ended up living happily with Elena. Stefan had spent most of his life as a vampire regretting forcing his brother to transition becauseDamon didn’t want to be a creature of the night. Stefan’s selfishness created a rift between the brothers that was only made worse when Elena came into the picture.
Ultimately, the alternate ending would have meant that Stefan not only lost the girl, but his life and brother too, which would undoubtedly not have gone over well with fans of the show.
If both of the Salvatore brothers had died,Stefan wouldn’t have had the chance to make things right with Damon. Ultimately, the alternate ending would have meant that Stefan not only lost the girl, but his life and brother too, which would undoubtedly not have gone over well with fans of the show. Seeing asDamon and Elena’s relationship inThe Vampire Diarieswas a huge part of the show, it would have seemed unfair to his character to lose on every front.
Nina Dobrev’s Departure Saved The Show From A More Disappointing Conclusion
Nina Dobrev Left The Vampire Diaries In Season 6
There are severalcharacters who leftThe Vampire Diaries, but Nina’s departure saved the show from an ending that audiences would have disliked more than they do the current one. InThe Vampire Diariesseason 6, Kai cast a spell that put Elena in a comatose state and linked Elena with Bonnie. The creators of the show didn’t kill her off because they wanted Elena to return for the season finale.
If Elena didn’t exit the show when she did, Stefan and Damon would have died, which would have made their whole love triangle pointless, seeing as it was the basis of The Vampire Diaries.
Although it seemed like a rushed decision, Dobrev didn’t plan on being onThe Vampire Diariesuntil the show ended. She made the decision to leave the show when her six-year contract ended (viaHarper’s Bazaar). If Elena didn’t exit the show when she did, Stefan and Damon likely would have died,which would have made their whole love triangle pointless, seeing as it was the basis ofThe VampireDiaries. Given that audiences were invested in who Elena would end up with, it’s a good thing that Nina’s departure ensured that at least one of the Salvatore brothers had a happy ending.
The Vampire Diaries
Cast
Based on the novels by L.J. Smith, The Vampire Diaries is a story about the developing love triangle between Elena Gilbert and two vampiric brothers, Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Set in the town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, the show follows the trio from high school through college as they battle for one another’s affection.
