The last episode of The Vampire Diaries (TVD), titled “I Was Feeling Epic,” aired on March 10, 2017, marking the end of an eight-season supernatural saga. This finale offered a bittersweet resolution to the tangled lives of Elena Gilbert, the Salvatore brothers, and the rest of the Mystic Falls gang, ultimately providing closure for devoted fans.
The End of an Era: Reflecting on the Series Finale
“I Was Feeling Epic” delivered a carefully crafted conclusion, weaving together several narrative threads accumulated over the preceding seasons. The episode centered on the final showdown with Katherine Pierce, the manipulative and immortal doppelganger, and the desperate fight to save Mystic Falls from hellfire. While the fate of each character hung precariously in the balance, the writers aimed to offer a sense of resolution and hope for the future. The series finale brought back familiar faces, reignited old flames, and ultimately solidified the core themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption that defined The Vampire Diaries.
Key Plot Points and Character Arcs
The episode’s narrative hinged on the Salvatore brothers’ ultimate sacrifice. Stefan, having found true love with Caroline, made the selfless decision to sacrifice himself, taking Katherine and hellfire down with him. This act allowed Damon to live a human life with Elena, fulfilling the core promise of the series. Elena, having finally woken up from her enchanted sleep, found her way back to Damon, allowing them to navigate the mortal world together. Caroline, though heartbroken by Stefan’s death, found solace in opening the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, honoring his legacy and providing a haven for supernatural children. The episode concluded with glimpses of the afterlife, revealing Damon reuniting with Stefan and Elena reuniting with her parents, signaling a sense of peace and completion.
Impact and Reception
The series finale garnered mixed reactions from fans. While many appreciated the emotional weight and sense of closure, some criticized the decision to kill off Stefan, viewing it as a disservice to his character arc. Others praised the writers for delivering a dramatic and satisfying conclusion that stayed true to the show’s core themes. The finale sparked numerous debates and analyses online, solidifying its place in television history as a memorable, albeit controversial, series ending. Despite varying opinions, “I Was Feeling Epic” remains a significant cultural moment, marking the end of a beloved supernatural phenomenon.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Vampire Diaries Finale
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the end of The Vampire Diaries:
1. Why did Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert) leave the show before the series finale?
Nina Dobrev left The Vampire Diaries after Season 6 to pursue other acting opportunities. Her departure was a significant blow to the show, but the writers found a way to continue the story by placing Elena in a sleeping spell. She ultimately returned for the series finale, allowing for a satisfying conclusion to her character’s arc.
2. Did Nina Dobrev’s return affect the writing of the finale?
Yes, Nina Dobrev’s return had a significant impact on the writing of the finale. The writers needed to craft a story that not only addressed her absence but also provided a meaningful and fulfilling resolution for her character, particularly regarding her relationship with Damon.
3. Why did Stefan Salvatore die in the series finale?
Stefan’s death was a controversial decision, but the writers stated that it was necessary to complete his redemption arc. He sacrificed himself to ensure Damon could live a happy life with Elena and to destroy Katherine, the ultimate antagonist. The act of self-sacrifice was seen as the ultimate expression of his love and commitment to his brother.
4. Was Damon always supposed to end up with Elena?
While the “Delena” (Damon and Elena) pairing became increasingly popular, it wasn’t necessarily the original plan. The writers explored the dynamics between Elena and both Salvatore brothers throughout the series, ultimately deciding that Damon was the right choice for her future.
5. What happened to Caroline Forbes after Stefan’s death?
Caroline channeled her grief into something positive by opening the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted, a haven for supernatural children. She also received a letter from Klaus Mikaelson, hinting at a possible future storyline in The Originals. This opened the door for her eventual appearance in Legacies.
6. What is the significance of the final scene showing Elena reuniting with her parents?
The final scene of Elena reuniting with her parents signified a sense of peace and closure for her character. After enduring so much loss and trauma, she was finally reunited with her loved ones in the afterlife, suggesting that she had found ultimate happiness.
7. How did the series finale connect to the spin-offs, The Originals and Legacies?
The series finale subtly connected to the spin-offs. Caroline’s future was intertwined with Klaus in The Originals universe. The establishment of the Salvatore School paved the way for Legacies, which followed the adventures of supernatural students, including Hope Mikaelson (Klaus’s daughter) and Alaric Saltzman’s twin daughters.
8. What were some of the biggest criticisms of the series finale?
Some of the biggest criticisms included Stefan’s death, which many felt was unnecessary and unfair, and the perceived rushed ending for certain character arcs. Some viewers also felt that the resolution was too predictable and lacked the emotional depth of earlier seasons.
9. How did the actors feel about the series finale?
The actors had mixed feelings about the series finale. Many expressed sadness at the end of the show but also gratitude for the experience and the opportunity to play their characters. Some actors, like Paul Wesley (Stefan), initially had reservations about Stefan’s death but ultimately came to accept the writers’ decision.
10. Where can I watch the Vampire Diaries series finale?
The Vampire Diaries, including the series finale, is available to stream on several platforms, including Peacock and Hulu. It is also available for purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
11. What was the viewership for the series finale?
The series finale of The Vampire Diaries drew 1.2 million viewers, a significant increase from the season’s average. This showed that fans were eager to see how the show would conclude, even after eight seasons.
12. Is there any chance of a Vampire Diaries revival?
While there are no current plans for a Vampire Diaries revival, in the world of entertainment, never say never. With the continued popularity of the show and its spin-offs, there is always a possibility that the story could be revisited in the future. However, any revival would likely require careful planning and the involvement of the original cast and creative team.
The Legacy of The Vampire Diaries
The Vampire Diaries remains a significant cultural touchstone, influencing the landscape of supernatural television and leaving a lasting impact on its devoted fanbase. The series explored complex themes of love, loss, and redemption, solidifying its place as a defining show for a generation. While the series finale marked the end of one chapter, the legacy of The Vampire Diaries continues to live on through its spin-offs and the enduring passion of its fans. The show’s exploration of morality in the face of immortality, coupled with its compelling characters and intricate storylines, ensures that The Vampire Diaries will remain a relevant and beloved part of television history for years to come.