Theres a lot of darkness inThe Vampire Diaries eighth and final season.
But what will that mean for our favorite heroes (and villains)?
Could the series end with everyone we love having to pay for their sins?

Credit: Erika Doss/The CW
The short answer is: Yes, it could.
But more than anything,Vampire Diariesshowrunner Julie Plec says this story is about bringing things to an end.
As we ask the question, What does hell mean?

and eventually ask the question, Does peace exist?
that question will exist for each and every one of our characters.
And yet, thats not necessarily the last weve seen of him.
Is this the end of Tylers journey?
Or is there more suffering or more spiritual beauty in store for him, Plec teases.
Does it make it completely impossible for him to ever come back from this?
That question will make him first want to give up and then ultimately hopefully fight even harder.
It was important for us to be able to celebrate a relationship.
We cant celebrate Damon and Elena right now; Elenas in a coffin.
Its going to be a fun road to travel.
It will be fun… unless their journey ends with meeting Cade.
The Vampire Diariesairs Fridays at 8 p.m.
ET on The CW.