As Elena Gilbert and her human and supernatural friends and foes get set to leave Mystic Falls for the final time, “The Vampire Diaries” star Candice King and co-creators Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson got a little nostalgic as they looked back on the eight-year journey.
Ahead of Friday’s series finale, TheWrap caught up with a few of the supernatural creatures and people who brought them to life to ask the tough questions about their experience on the show.
What was the biggest job perk? Which cast member was the greatest distraction? Seriously, who wins — Team Stefan or Team Damon?
See the answers to these questions and more in a new edition of TheWrap’s “Exit Interview.”
Candice King (Caroline Forbes)
Describe your workplace environment.
Home.
Was your wifi and/or parking sufficient?
Wifi?!? We might as well have been in a bunker. It’s a great way to remember that we are humans that are able to converse with each other about day-to-day thoughts. However, the parking was spectacular.
Were your own expectations of the job met? How?
This job surpassed all of my very high expectations. To say that it was life changing would be an understatement. From Season 1 to Season 8, I appreciated the twists and turns of Caroline’s storyline. It made going to work an adventure.
Favorite craft service item?
DGT Ian style (Damn Good Turkey Sandwich with whatever fancy bread Ian liked to eat).
Did you take any memorabilia or tokens from set?
Yes, but I’m not telling what.
Which costar was the biggest distraction?
It’s a tie between Ian’s food, Nina’s gum, and Paul’s hair.
Biggest job perk?
Getting my hair and make-up done every day. I’ve basically forgotten how to use a curling iron.
How satisfied are you with where your character ends up?
I’m very satisfied. I know the ending has shifted over the years but I was so happy reading the finale. Julie and Kevin did a great job bringing eight seasons to a close. I think fans of the series will be fulfilled and teary eyed watching it.
Which dearly departed character would you bring back to life?
Sheriff Forbes. (Cue the tears.)
Was there a scene or a story you wanted to play out but didn’t get a chance to?
After thinking about it… No! Caroline has been through it all!
What scene do you wish you could’ve played on “Vampire Diaries,” and with which costar?
I wish I could have participated in the flashbacks with anybody! I was so jealous of all the spectacular costumes and locations.
Once and for all, Team Stefan or Team Damon?
I played Caroline… Team Stefan all the way!
Julie Plec (Executive Producer)
Describe your workplace environment.
Friendly.
Was your wifi and/or parking sufficient?
Parking? Great for me, but I get the super-spot. Wifi sucked from day one, got “improved” a dozen times over the eight years, and still sucked the day we moved out.
Were your own expectations of the job met? How?
No one can prepare you for what it’s like to do 22 (good) episodes of one-hour television a season. No one. It is its own brand of hell. There is no manual.
Did you take any memorabilia or tokens from set?
My Secret Santa stole the Welcome to Mystic Falls street sign and had the whole cast and crew sign it for me for Christmas.
Biggest job perk?
Building in my own eight-hour-sleep turnaround. [It’s part of y own] “Plec Guild” rules. If I broke them, I could file a grievance against myself.
Who was your favorite character to write for?
Caroline Forbes.
Which character changed the most from their original conception?
Caroline Forbes.
What was a line you wish you had written?
“That was Varvatos, dude. Dick move” (written by Kevin Williamson).
What was a storyline you wanted to explore but didn’t get to?
I wanted to see if there was a way to bring Stefan and Elena back together one more time. But Nina left the show and that sealed Delena in for life.
Once and for all, Team Stefan or Team Damon?
Team Bromance.
What do you hope the legacy of “The Vampire Diaries” is?
If people love “TVD” in 20 years the way they still love “Buffy” today — on its 20th anniversary — I will be happy.
Kevin Williamson (Executive Producer)
Describe your workplace environment.
One foot left of the coffee pot and two feet right of the refrigerator.
Was your wifi and/or parking sufficient?
A bummer. My parking space was next to Lebron James and I never saw him once.
Were your own expectations of the job met? How?
Never ran out of Jelly Beans. Ever.
Did you take any memorabilia or tokens from set?
Paul is in the trunk with 20 kilos of Vervain.
Biggest job perk?
Paul is in the trunk.
Who was your favorite character to write for?
Damon. Always Damon.
Which character changed the most from their original conception?
Caroline. She went from an insecure mean girl to a vampire who embodied the best of humanity.
Once and for all, Team Stefan or Team Damon?
Team Stefan. It was always Stefan.
What do you hope the legacy of “The Vampire Diaries” is?
A memory that makes you smile.
“The Vampire Diaries” series finale, “I Was Feeling Epic,” airs Friday at 9 p.m. ET on The CW, following a series retrospective, “The Vampire Diaries: Forever Yours” at 8 p.m.