The Vampire Diaries made a mistake by killing off its most promising character way too soon

The Vampire Diaries killed off Lexi Branson in season 1 episode 8, the very episode she was introduced, and many think it was a mistake.

With this, the makers lost a potentially meaningful character and the arc that could have added to the layers in the show.

Lexi was not just a side character but also shared a long, deep, centuries-long friendship with Stefan. Her bond with Stefan gave the viewers a rare glimpse into his humanity. Her interaction with Elena in one of the scenes also suggested a powerful female bond that embodied the potential to reshape the emotional landscape of The Vampire Diaries.

Read on to know more.

Here is how The Vampire Diaries made a mistake by killing off Lexi Branson

Lexi Branson's sudden death in season 1 episode 8 was an unnecessary twist when fans were still anticipating seeing more of her. She was a 350-year-old vampire and could have been someone who could easily overpower both Damon and Sheriff Forbes. Lexi shared a close bond with Stefan and was bringing out a unique side of him. She has been the one who helped Stefan overcome his bloodlust.

But in the episode we see, Damon and Lexi sitting inside a Bar where the local police arrive and suddenly push an injection into Lexi. When the cops take her outside, Lexi shows her vampire abilities while the cops fail to kill her. As Lexi approaches the cop, Damon injects the drug into Lexi to portray himself as clean and someone who wants to help the state cleanse the Vampires.

With this, the show lost a chance to explore a layered mentor figure and a possibility to show an enigmatic female dynamic beyond romance. This way, the show only created a shocking effect among the fans by building her character and then eliminating her.

Why Lexi Branson could have been a significant character in The Vampire Diaries?

As mentioned, Lexi Branson wasn’t just another vampire passing through Mystic Falls. She was the emotional bridge between the Salvatore brothers, embodying what both of them lacked. Even for Stefan, their long friendship was an emotional lifeline and a moral compass. From 1864 to 1935, Lexi had seen Stefan at his worst and also helped him in various ways, making him a better Vampire. That history gave her a rare depth in the The Vampire Diaries universe. She understood Stefan better than anyone else, grounding him in humanity when he risked losing it.

Lexi's introductory episode also suggested her ability to bond quickly with Elena. This could have resulted in a fascinating dynamic paralleling Damon and Stefan’s tug-of-war over morality. Elena and Lexi's moral ground could have formed the base for Stefan while dealing with Damon's cynicism. Lexi was not afraid of Stefan, but strong and experienced enough to see through his defences and hold him accountable for his true feelings and beliefs.

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This was something that made her stand out among the lot, and hence her death took away the possibility of witnessing something new. Her character could also have been used to explore the complexities of vampirism from an older and more experienced perspective.

Therefore, we can say that in The Vampire Diaries, Lexi's presence in the narrative could have deepened the emotional core, offering warmth and wisdom to balance the Salvatore brothers' darkness.

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