Man, S3 started out so strong. IMO, this Ripper deal needed to last way longer to carry the right amount of weight, but instead it just… fizzled out. As a result, S3 feels so front-loaded.
I wish Paul had gotten his wish: I could’ve lived with an off-the-rails Stefan for at least a full season or two. He pulled himself together much too conveniently, as if the writers were hurrying his recovery along for the sake of the contrived triangle ultimatum at the finale. (Ugh.) They squandered what was shaping up to be the best and boldest character exploration the series had ever attempted.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m still grateful for the new depth S3 brought to Stefan. Those early episodes (3x01 to 3x05) were dynamite. And there were some very bright spots even after. In certain places, S3 represented the best this show has ever been. But… man, the more I think about the direction the season ultimately took, the more disappointed I feel.
Oh well. Hopefully S4 has more focus and purpose. It seems like Julie and the rest of the writer’s room have been feeling the pressure to cater to all sides of the fanbase, which just… never works. Tell the story that makes the most sense, guys. Let the characters speak for themselves. Be true to them.
And for the love of all that is holy, don’t give me any more of this “Stefan is the safe choice” bullshit. Y’hear me? I am ALLERGIC to that bullshit.
(Source: way-too-much-tv)