Who lived? Who died? Who found peace?
And what does peace in The Vampire Diaries universe even mean?
Following an episode finale of this beloved CW drama, it’s time to take a look back at the most surprising, sentimental and downright stunning moments…
Goodbye to…
… Stefan. He sacrified himself to save Damon, and all of Mystic Falls, really, holding Katherine at bay while Hell fire engulfed the past lovers in flames and destroyed both Katherine and Hell forever.
Damon is Human
Ah, yes, so: Stefan gave his brother the Cure in order to knock him out and prevent Damon from sacrificing himself to save the town.
The Biggest Cry
It had to be when Caroline learned Stefan received her voicemail before he died, the one that said she will love him “forever.”
Hello to…
… Elena! It wasn’t a surprise, considering Nina Dobrev made it known weeks ago, but Elena returned after Bonnie figured out how to break her spell. We saw her reunite with Damon and even find peace with her family (including Aunt Jenna and Uncle John!) in the show’s version of heaven to close out the finale.
And Also Hello to…
… a lot of people. But let’s start with Klaus, who penned a letter to Caroline that explained his donation to her and Alaric’s new school for gifted children that read “Dearest Caroline, I have often imagined the paths your life might take, but your chosen future is more noble than I ever fathomed. Please accept this contribution to your virtuous cause. I do look forward to thanking you in person someday… however long it takes. Yours, Klaus.”
Other Returns Included…
Lexi, who was waiting for Stefan in his version of heaven. We already mentioned Uncle John and Aunt Jenna, but Grams made an appearance to help Bonnie save the town and even Alaric’s, Jo, was seen smiling at her former husband… from the beyond. And let’s not forget about Sheriff Forbes!
So, Where are They Now?
The show jumped forward a bit at the end, giving us a glimpse at what various characters decided to do with their lives after helping to save the world and everything.
Matt is…
… still a sheriff in Mystic Falls (with his own park bench!) and considering running for mayor.
Bonnie is…
… still seeing Enzo every now and then, while also taking his advice and living life to the fullest by traveling the world.
Elena and Damon are…
… living happily ever after in Mystic Falls, with Damon now human after Stefan gave him the cure and Elena having finished med school.
Alaric and Caroline are…
… transforming the Armory into a school for supernatural kids, with a little help from Jeremy, who also made a cameo.
The Final Scene…
… took place between Stefan and Damon. At some point in their afterlife (again, in the show’s version of heaven or “peace,” at an undetermined date in the future), Damon knocked on Stefan’s door and said “Hello, brother” and the sibling hugged it out.
Our Reaction is…
… mostly positive. There were plenty of confusing and/or plain dumb plot mechanics (why didn’t they try harder to stop Vicki from ringing the bell? Simply because she would keep trying? And Bonnie simply revived Elena in the end, just like that?!?), but darn if those closing scenes didn’t bring on the waterworks. The show did its fans and its characters a solid service with the emotional conclusions for each character at “peace” in their own, unique, dead way.