The enduring appeal of The Vampire Diariesis no accident -- it remains one of the most beloved fantasy shows eight years after its series finale. The show combined the best of teenage angst, scintillating romance, formidable supernatural beings, and thrilling adventure, but this was not all it took to make Tvd into a cultural phenomenon.

The writers and showrunners loved to take risks from the very first season of the show, and these risks came to viewers in the form of unexpected plot twists, new storylines, and an expansion of the franchise in novel directions. These risks kept the show fresh and unpredictable, and fans got addicted to the rollercoaster ride. As a result, there were more than a few major gambles that paid off in big ways.

Killing Vicki Early Was A Gamble

The Vampire Diaries was promising at the start of Season 1, but there was little to set...