It was a long and gloomy road to it, but whether they lived or died, they had an epic time in the afterlife.
With Nina Dobrev making her long-awaited return as both Elena and Katherine, what could possibly go wrong?
Um, quite a lot, actually.
The season put characters together and ripped them back apart in the space of a few scenes.
It made for some nail-biting scenes that made us tear up.
It's time to break down The Vampire Diaries' final season in our latest TV Fanatic Report Card!
1.
Season 8 MVP: Bonnie Bennett
As always, Bonnie continued to put her friends' needs before her own and it was horrid. At least we got to see her happy. It sucks her happiness was short-lived, but she seems at peace now and travelling the world. Her powers manifesting into psychic abilities was AMAZING.
2.
Biggest Let Down: Cade
Cade was built up to be Season 8's final villain, but then he died two episodes before the series/season was over. At his best, he was not as powerful as he implied. You would think the devil would be, like, stronger.
3.
Best Scene: Hello, Brother
Stefan killed himself to make sure Katherine Pierce was in hell when it was destroyed by hellfire. Years later, he reunited with Damon in the afterlife. It proved that this was not a show about a love triangle... it was a shot about family and redemption.
4.
Best Episode: I Was Feeling Epic
Considering the downturn in quality during the latter few seasons, it was surprising the powers that be managed to craft a series finale that managed to give most of the characters one last goodbye.
5.
Biggest Tearjerker: Elena Finds Peace
Elena lost a lot of people in her life, so getting to witness her finding peace after living a human life with Damon was poignant and it made her whole plot worthwhile.
6.
Worst Chemistry: Damon and Elena
There was something about Elena's final scenes with Damon that felt off. It hit me in the days after the finale: There was just no chemistry between them after such a long time apart.
7.
Most Pointless Return: Tyler
Tyler Lockwood made his grand return to Mystic Falls early in the season, but he was murdered during his first scene back by Damon. It was cruel and blatantly thrown in there for shock value. If he stuck around for more than one scene, it would have had a bigger emotion impact.
8.
Character Who Finally Had Purpose
Matt got a father and a storyline, you guys! Granted, the storyline was a convoluted mess, but at least the powers that be managed to give him something to do that did not involve him sulking.
9.
Best Fan Service Moment: Steroline Wedding
It seemed like they were never going to make it down the aisle, but they did. It's hilarious it was all thanks to Katherine, but it's a shame Caroline was a widow just hours later.
10.
Best Nostalgic Moment
Stefan confirms his sacrifice to Elena and then "Never Say Never" by The Fray plays and it threw us all back to the series premiere. All the feels.
11.
Lonely Vampire Alert
Caroline's nearest and dearest ended the series as humans, so what will Caroline do when they all die? Will she make her way to New Orleans to wash away the tears in the company of Klaus Mikaelson?
12.
Worst Character: Sybil
At first, Sybil seemed like a thrilling villain for the series, but taking every part of Elena away from Damon quickly rendered her one of the most annoying characters in the history of the series.
13.
Overall Grade
B. The first half of the season would have been better if it was not part of the final season. It was almost like Julie Plec never realized it was the end until the half way point. The good thing about all of it was that the final episodes returned the show to its former glory. It would have been good to get some more closure for some of the characters, but I was happy with what we got and the finale was solid.
Oooh, you know I don't know. Every time we try and go on a date you get kidnapped, I get sent to a prison world, or your feelings get compelled away...