Nina Dobrev's departure reignites Damon's dark side in TVD season 7

In the world of supernatural drama, few departures have been as impactful as Nina Dobrev's from The Vampire Diaries. As we revisit this monumental moment, it's evident how her exit reshaped the narrative and character dynamics of the beloved series.

The season 6 finale left fans reeling with Elena Gilbert's (Dobrev) poignant goodbye. Linked to Bonnie in a spell by Kai, Elena's fate was sealed in a decades-long slumber. "Elena's going to be asleep for approximately 60 years," as reported by Entertainment Weekly back in 2015. This twist not only preserved Elena's life but also paved the way for new storylines.

Julie Plec, the executive producer, reflected on the decision not to end the series with Dobrev's departure. "It didn’t feel like it was time to be done," Plec explained, highlighting the evolving relationships and untapped potentials within the series. The focus shifted to exploring Damon Salvatore's (Ian Somerhalder) character in Elena's absence, rediscovering the "season 1 Damon that everybody loved so much."

With Dobrev's exit, The Vampire Diaries introduced new villains - the heretics - compared by Plec to the Original family. "They’re not just one-note villains," she said, emphasizing their complex histories and personalities. This addition, along with a new mythology, promised a refreshed and engaging direction for the series.

Interestingly, Plec touched upon the symmetry in Elena's choices, dividing her love interests between Stefan and Damon over six seasons. This "ironic" circumstance, as she called it, was not preplanned but rather a natural progression of the storyline. It was the show's response to Dobrev's departure, focusing on Damon and Elena's relationship, leading to a beautiful culmination before her farewell.

Also Read: Nina Dobrev's Elena: Sleeping beauty for 60 years? The Vampire Diaries throwback shocker! 

Despite the changes, the series' core sentiment, as envisioned by Plec and then executive producer Kevin Williamson, remained intact. Plec reassured fans that Dobrev was open to returning for the series finale, keeping the door ajar for a potential reunion. "Nina has always said that if there’s something for her to do in the series finale, she will be there to do it," Plec stated, hinting at a fitting conclusion for Elena Gilbert.

Also Read: Nina Dobrev is leaving The Vampire Diaries

In retrospect, Nina Dobrev's departure from "The Vampire Diaries" was more than a farewell; it was a catalyst for reinvention and growth within the series. It challenged the writers, cast, and fans alike to embrace change and discover new depths in a story that continues to captivate audiences even today.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)