The Vampire Diaries Review: “Promised Land” (Season 5, Episode 21)

This final scene was problematic for a lot of reasons, but mostly because it came out of nowhere. If the writers were looking for a way to stump fans of The Vampire Diaries, it seems like they probably could have found a better way. Instead, they eliminated one-third of the holy triumphant of love triangles.

On a series that deals primarily in death, it’s not wholly unexpected that it would come to this with the stakes as high as they are, but there’s also a sense that Stefan, like other members of the cast, won’t stay dead. With the other side crumbling further out of existence each moment, it won’t be long before those who have a leg on both sides will either lose their foothold on the cast forever, or come out of this catastrophe better off.

As the risk of stating the obvious, if the other side ceases to exist, The Vampire Diaries will also lose its ability to pull characters who have been killed off in previous seasons/episodes into current storylines. These moments where characters like Alaric (Matt Davis) have been able to come back have become a huge fan draw, and although the show isn’t contingent on these occurrences, it has surely benefited from them.

Even if the other side closed its door for business for good, the writers will have their work cut out for them saving some key players – Stefan, Bonnie (Kat Graham), and possibly Enzo (Michael Malarkey) – before that happens.

Another problematic feature of this episode was watching all the supernatural entities tuck their tales and run. There didn’t seem like a ton of options at the moment, but it’s still alarming to see characters who have been presented as strong and resourceful go entirely on the defensive.

This episode set the stage for Elena, Damon, and the rest of the gang to make their stand on the season finale next week. Do you think Stefan will be returning before the end of the season, or will his character remain in limbo until next fall? Let us know all your theories about The Vampire Diaries in the comments section below!