Nina Dobrev
Paul Wesley
Ian Somerhalder
Kat Graham
Candice Accola

Developed by:
Kevin Williamson
Julie Plec

2009-
Drama, Fantasy, Horror
The CW
TV-14

(After watching the fifth season)

“The Vampire Diaries” is one of the most ridiculous shows on TV. The acting is suspect at times, and the writing is over-the-top. But, oddly, that’s what makes this show watchable. I just want to find out what kind of implausibly out-there obstacle they’ll come up with next.

As the show progresses, more and more kinds of creatures pop up. It starts with vampires, then snowballs from there: There are witches, werewolves, “Travelers,” hybrids, and more. In that way, it reminds me of HBO’s “True Blood.” But unlike “True Blood,” this show doesn’t suffer from all of those plot lines. Well, not at first. I think that the difference lies in this show’s lower standards. It lacks the polish and pedigree of “True Blood,” which also has a campy feel. When “True Blood” diverges too much from its main story line, you feel lost as an audience member. You expect clarity and sharpness from that show. However, when “The Vampire Diaries” diverges from its origins, you appreciate that because it would be overly tedious otherwise.

“The Vampire Diaries” is a bit of trashy fun for people who can overlook all of the requisite qualities that come with a show that’s focused on and marketed to teenagers.

(On a side note: I’m not a huge fan of this show’s spinoff, “The Originals.” It doesn’t interest me, because it seems unnecessary. One of this kind of show is enough. The main characters in “The Originals” are best kept within the confines of “The Vampire Diaries.” Also, I stopped watching “The Vampire Diaries” toward the end of the sixth season. I just couldn’t take it anymore. I can’t believe I lasted as long as I did. Nina Dobrev, this show’s lead, must have felt the same way. She won’t return for the next season.)

Verdict: OK to Somewhat Good (for what it is)

About: (Source: vampdiaries)

Season five of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES began with a sense of hope for Elena (Nina Dobrev). After a passionate summer with Damon (Ian Somerhalder), Elena headed to Whitmore College with Caroline (Candice Accola), not knowing that Bonnie (Kat Graham) sacrificed her life to save Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen).  As Bonnie’s friends fought to bring her back to life as the Anchor to the Other Side, Stefan (Paul Wesley) had to face-off with his doppelganger Silas, and a newly human Katherine (Nina Dobrev) struggled with mortality and motherhood.  Damon’s relationship with Elena was put to the test when Enzo (guest star Michael Malarkey), an old vampire friend from Damon’s past, revealed he was still alive and looking for revenge.  Stefan and Caroline’s friendship deepened as they stood up to the Travelers, a nomadic witch tribe driven to strip Mystic Falls of magic and cast out its supernatural residents.  Finally, with time running low until the inevitable collapse of The Other Side, Damon and Bonnie made the ultimate sacrifice in order to bring back their friends.

Now, months after this devastating tragedy, everyone is dealing with the loss of their loved ones in different ways, some more destructively than others.  What happened to Bonnie and Damon, and if they can even be saved, remains a mystery.  Meanwhile, their beloved hometown of Mystic Falls continues to be a magic-free zone, protected by a mysterious new community watch program.  If there’s any hope of salvaging their former lives, our heroes must find a way to push through their grief and band together.  This season will explore themes of loss, denial and what it means to move on in the face of immortality, ultimately begging the age-old question – can you ever really go home again?