Series Review: The Vampire Diaries

The Vampire Diaries is an American supernatural–fantasy drama television series developed by Kevin Williamson & Julie Plec, based on the book series of the same name by L. J. Smith. It is a unique blend of teen drama and the supernatural. The series premiered on The CW on September 10, 2009.

Also Read: 7 Funniest Episodes Of The Big Bang Theory

The pilot episode attracted the largest audience for The CW of any series premiere since the network began in 2006. The first season of The Vampire Diaries averaged 3.60 million viewers. Due to strong ratings, the series was given a full, 22-episode first season on October 21, 2009. The show’s first season finale aired on May 13, 2010.

The Vampire Diaries Plot summary

The Vampire Diaries series follows the life of 17-year old Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), who falls in love with a 145 years old vampire named Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). His brother Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) is also a vampire. As a result, Elena and her friends are drawn into the supernatural world of the town Mystic Falls, filled with supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves, witches and much more!

Proof of Jon Snow & Tyrion Lannister Meetup In Game of Thrones S07E01

Additional story lines revolve around characters like Elena’s younger brother Jeremy Gilbert (Steven R. McQueen), her best friends Bonnie Bennett (Kat Graham) and Caroline Forbes (Candice King), and other friends Tyler Lockwood (Michael Trevino) and Matt Donovan (Zach Roerig). Their history teacher  Alaric Saltzman (Matthew Davis) also has a very crucial role.

Main Cast and Characters

Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert (seasons 1–6; cameo in season 7 and season 8)

The main protagonist of The Vampire Diaries. She falls in love with Stefan and their pair made the audience believe that they were each other’s soulmates. She later falls in love with Stefan’s older broter Damon. This results in her struggles to survive supernatural events in the town. Dobrev also portrays Elena’s doppelgänger, Katerina Petrova also known as Katherine Pierce, the secondary antagonist of the second season. Katherine sporadically appeared in subsequent seasons and played a significant role in the fifth season. Dobrev has also played the Original doppelgänger, Silas’ true love known as Amara during the fifth season, whom he sought in the afterlife for two thousand years.

Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvatore (Seasons 1- present)

He is a good-hearted and affectionate vampire and the complete opposite of his older brother, Damon Salvatore. Wesley also portrays his revealed doppelgänger, Silas (Seasons 4–5), the world’s first immortal being and a main antagonist of the fourth and fifth seasons.

Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore (Seasons 1- present)

The malevolent vampire brother who initially served as the show’s anti-hero. He is mostly thought of as selfish and manipulative, but later on in the series, he begins to display a more caring side.

Steven R. McQueen as Jeremy Gilbert (seasons 1–6, special guest season 6 finale)

He plays the character of Elena’s younger brother.

Sara Canning as Jenna Sommers (seasons 1–2; guest in seasons 3 and 5)

Jeremy and Elena’s aunt and legal guardian.

Kat Graham as Bonnie Bennett (Seasons 1-present)

Elena and Caroline’s best friend and a very powerful witch.

Candice Accola as Caroline Forbes (Seasons 1-present)

Bonnie and Elena’s best friend, who was insecure and often jealous of Elena at first, but after becoming a vampire in the second season comes into her own.

Zach Roerig as Matt Donovan (Seasons 1-present)

Elena’s childhood friend and ex-boyfriend

Michael Trevino as Tyler Lockwood (seasons 1–6; guest onward)

A werewolf later turned into a hybrid, Jeremy and Matt’s best friend, and son of the mayor of Mystic Falls;

Matt Davis as Alaric Saltzman (seasons 1–3, 6–present; recurring, season 1, 4–5)

A history teacher, vampire hunter, and love interest for Jenna.

Production

Initially, Kevin Williamson didn’t show much interest in developing the series as he found the premise quite similar to other vampire stories. However, at the urging of Julie Plec, he began to read the novels and started to become intrigued by the story which about what lurks under the surface of a small town.  He stated the town’s story will be the main focus of the series rather than high school.

Also Read: Surprising Friends Facts You Never Knew Before

Filming Locations

The pilot episode was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, but the rest of the episodes have been filmed in Covington, Georgia (which doubles as the fictional small town of Mystic Falls, Virginia) and various other communities around Greater Atlanta, to take advantage of local tax incentives.

Critical reception

The Vampire Diaries initially received mixed reviews. Metacritic gave the show a Metascore of 50 (out of 100) based on 22 critical reviews, indicating “mixed or average reviews”. Entertainment Weekly gave the pilot a B+, declaring that the show “signals a welcome return to form for writer-producer Kevin Williamson.” The show’s second season opened to favorable reviews from professional television critics as it received a 78/100 score on Metacritic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy8oGlYNTAI

It is now clear that this series is going to be on the list of favorites for the fans of  thrillers and supernatural elements. So how many of you would be watching the show after reading the review? Please let us know in the comments below.