Vampire Diaries

In stories featuring vampires, it’s a given that someone will meet their end. Over eight seasons of “The Vampire Diaries,” both exhilarating and heart-wrenching deaths occurred, some even taking fans by surprise. The show didn’t hold back on anyone, not even the most cherished characters, keeping viewers guessing who would be the next casualty. Moreover, the narrative often revolved around sacrifice, emphasizing that in the supernatural realm, no one is truly invincible (even when certain characters are resurrected as plot twists due to magic). However, there are two deaths on “The Vampire Diaries” that still leave a lasting sorrow.

It’s due to the fact that the story featured two protagonists who arguably shouldn’t have met such a fate. Yet, deciding which character’s demise had a greater impact on viewers is not straightforward.

Liz Forbes’ Death

As a movie reviewer, I must confess that Season 6 wasn’t exactly a walk down the sunshine lane. You see, Liz Forbes, Caroline’s mom, had already managed to win our hearts by choosing to align with the vampires in Mystic Falls. Initially, she seemed like one of those characters you might struggle to digest, given her relentless efforts to support the undead. However, her character evolved beautifully over time, making her transformation from a skeptic to an ally not just acceptable but admirable.

Unlike many other townsfolk, Sheriff Forbes found herself advocating for the vampires, not because she was blinded by affection, but because of her unwavering love and concern for her daughter. It’s a testament to her character that she could stand up against the norm and choose empathy over fear. This emotional journey she embarked on made her one of the most compelling characters in the series, despite initially seeming like an unlikely ally for the creatures of the night.

In the eyes of many, witnessing her death leaves a profound impact, as it underscores the stark reality of mortality amidst an infinite universe where untimely, violent deaths can occur at the hands or jaws of beasts. Contrasted with sudden demises, those requiring emotional preparation because there seems to be no escape, they are felt most acutely. In the series “The Vampire Diaries“, we’ve watched Liz battle cancer, and when Caroline learns about it, she immediately thinks that she can save her mother by giving her vampire blood. Yet, even if this were a salvation, the fact remains that the town sheriff had already determined her destiny.

The unique healing properties of vampire blood actually worsen cancer cells rather than healing them, causing the illness to progress faster and become more difficult to manage. This discovery puts Liz, who had grown surprisingly close to Damon, in a predicament with no escape. Throughout the story, Liz has evolved significantly, and her character development was instrumental in winning over the audience’s affection. To shield the vampires from both external dangers and the Founders’ Council itself (of which she has always been a part), Liz employs her influence to divert suspicion and share vital information.

In Episode 14, titled “Stay,” it’s where she succumbs to the disease, with all her cherished ones by her side. Just a while ago, Caroline, utilizing her vampiric powers, shared a profound memory from her youth with Liz. This allowed the sheriff to find tranquility in her last moments. Their relationship had been turbulent at the series’ onset, and this act adds depth to her demise, making the goodbye all the more poignant.

Jenna Sommers’ Death

Despite its poignancy, sorrow can sometimes be excruciating. While Liz’s story is touching, the demise of Elena and Jeremy’s aunt is heart-wrenching. In Season 2, Episode 21 – “The Sun Also Rises,” poor Jenna Sommers tragically becomes a victim at Klaus’ hands. In a grisly ceremony where the Original required a werewolf, a doppelgänger, and a vampire to transform into a hybrid, he merely transformed the woman into a vampire and then callously ended her life. The reason for her death’s poignancy lies in the fact that Jenna was completely unaware of Mystic Falls’ supernatural realm. She was just an innocent bystander who served as a test subject, learning about the extraordinary world in the briefest of times before her untimely end.

As a devout fan of “The Vampire Diaries,” I can attest that even though characters frequently meet their untimely end in the series, there’s always a glimmer of hope that keeps us coming back for more. However, Klaus serves as a stark reminder that life isn’t always so straightforward. The heart-wrenching turn of events unfolds right before Elena’s eyes, and it resonates deeply when we recall her long journey coping with the loss of her parents, only to potentially lose another maternal figure. To make matters worse, a moment where the girl advises her aunt to suppress her emotions to avoid fear still leaves a deep scar on viewers’ hearts, including mine.

It’s significant to point out that, just before Klaus stakes Jenna, her bravery is evident. Despite being an innocent caught up in all the chaos, she confronts the situation with resilience. Against her will, Jenna was changed, but she found the strength to attempt to fight and rescue her niece, who was also a victim of Klaus’ actions. The sadness deepens when we see her funeral scene, and the reality of the situation truly hits the audience.

In “The Vampire Diaries,” death serves as a pivotal element, despite its viewers often becoming engrossed in the series’ dramatic twists, romantic entanglements, and intense fight scenes, forgetting that these deaths are real. It becomes challenging to compare Liz and Jenna’s demises because both losses transcend their roles within the narrative, significantly shaping the show itself. Ultimately, these poignant deaths, which resonate deeply with viewers, embody the heart of what makes the series so memorable – a drama that not only pushes the boundaries of immortality but also stirs the emotions of its audience to the core.

The Vampire Diaries is available to stream on Peacock.

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2025-02-15 18:12