Content Warning: This article contains mention of abuse.
The characters and relationships in The Vampire Diaries inspire strong opinions from fans. Stories that are told past the point of exhaustion bring down the quality of the show, while others are so detrimental that it would've been better if they ended up on the chopping block.
However, there are also fan-favorite storylines in The Vampire Diaries that weren't properly explored. Viewers would rather some of the more controversial plots be cut from the show, in order to expand upon the ones that they feel deserved more attention.
Cut: Stefan Seeking Revenge Against Klaus
Despite his animalistic nature, Stefan was genuinely pure-hearted. However, he was never the same after he left town with Klaus to save Damon's life. The Stefan and Klaus storyline is actually one that many viewers enjoy, given that their banter is one of the best running jokes on The Vampire Diaries.
After Stefan was free from Klaus's control was when the real trouble began. By seeking revenge on Klaus, he became so cold that it was difficult to tell whether his emotions were on or off. Stefan remained in this weird limbo for the entire third season, and he carried the darkness with him for the rest of the series.
Expanded: Kai Developing Emotions
Kai was such a popular character that he was brought back during the final season of The Vampire Diaries and even for a short arc in Legacies. His humor came from his nonchalant attitude, even when it came to matters of life and death. After merging with his younger brother, Kai adopted his emotional capacity.
Watching a character as funny and unfeeling as Kai struggle to understand guilt was one of the best plots of the series. It should've gone on for far longer than it did, as there was an endless amount of places the story could go.
Cut: Damon Abusing Caroline
What Damon did to Caroline makes it difficult to fully embrace the man that he becomes. He isn't an easily forgiven villain, as many of his wrongdoings involved abuse, manipulation, and taking away a woman's ability to consent.
Redemption shouldn't be an option if it's not deserved, and his atrocities affected everyone around him. What Damon did to Caroline crosses a line that also makes Elena look bad for choosing to be with him. If this plot had been cut or at least toned down, more fans could've gotten on board with Damon's happy ending.
Expanded: Damon & Bonnie's Time In The Prison World
The prison world was like a dream come true for Bamon shippers, as many fans felt there were scenes that proved Damon and Bonnie were soulmates in The Vampire Diaries. The duo gave the show a rom-com vibe, and they made something as simple as grocery shopping entertaining.
Bonnie was in the prison world for much longer than Damon was, and it would've been more satisfying if they had both been there the entire time. When Damon and Bonnie were together, the prison world was a fun escape from the doom and gloom the other characters were experiencing. With Bonnie there by herself, it was just another heartbreaking reminder of her constant suffering.
Cut: Elena's Life Being Linked To Bonnie
Fans would've done anything to break the link between Elena and Bonnie. They couldn't both live at once, so whichever decision was made, one main character would be written off the show.
Elena's exit had nothing to do with the trajectory of the series and everything to do with Nina Dobrev's decision to leave The Vampire Diaries. Considering that she's the protagonist and at the center of a love triangle with passionate shippers on both sides, her supernatural coma is probably the main storyline fans would cut if they could.
Expanded: Katherine Becoming Queen Of Hell
Katherine is considered one of the most powerful villains in The Vampire Diaries for a reason. It was hard to believe that she was gone for good after her death in the fifth season, and The Vampire Diaries series finale was further proof that Katherine Pierce can turn any situation around.
It's a shame that Katherine taking over hell happened offscreen, as it would be an entertaining story with one of the most entertaining characters. Because Nina Dobrev was only able to return for the final episode, viewers were lucky to see Katherine at all. But if actor availability wasn't an issue, Katherine should've manipulated her way to the top of the underworld over the course of the eighth season.
Cut: Elena Being Sired To Damon
Damon and Elena's love story is one of the main reasons viewers tuned in to The Vampire Diaries. The longer a show holds off on something, the more exciting it is when it happens. Elena had finally accepted her feelings for Damon in the fourth season, and it seemed as though they would be together at last.
However, the sire bond threw everything into question, and it was a cruel way to pull the rug right out from under them. All Damon had ever wanted was Elena's love, and he worried that it was manifested by the sire bond. It turned out to be irrelevant and a way to further dramatize Damon and Elena's relationship, and fans didn't enjoy watching them suffer unnecessarily.
Expanded: Klaus & Caroline's Romance
Out of all of the couples, Klaus and Caroline were given the least amount of opportunity. It's ironic that, despite their minimal amount of scenes together, they remain one of the most beloved ships in The Vampire Diaries universe. Fans can track Caroline and Klaus's relationship in only 10 pictures, as their storyline in The Originals Season 5 spans years and continents.
Caroline and Klaus had finally reached a place where they could be together, but they were robbed of their happy ending when Klaus sacrificed himself to save his daughter. Their romance finally blossoming, only to be cut short, is something fans are still bitter about to this day.
Cut: Damon Punishing "Elena" For Breaking Up With Him
After Katherine broke up with Damon in Elena's body, his love for Elena was thrown into question. Damon was so angry, that he threatened those who were close to her and even killed Elena's friend, Aaron. If Damon truly loved Elena and wanted what was best for her, he wouldn't find satisfaction in her misery.
Everything about it felt out of character, as Damon was always willing to let Elena go if it meant she would be better off. Their relationship never felt the same afterward, and their love would have remained pure if this plot was cut.