Summary
Lexi's death in The Vampire Diaries season 1 was a significant part of the plot, highlighting the dangerous atmosphere and the lengths Damon would go to cause trouble.
Lexi's murder, along with Vicki's death, established the unsettling reality that no resident of Mystic Falls is exempt from danger, infusing the season with a palpable sense of tension and fear. Despite her relatively minor presence, Lexi garnered a loyal following thanks to her warm-hearted nature, selflessness, and integral role in guiding Stefan towards retaining his humanity, even in the wake of her demise.
Lexi Branson played a significant role in the plot of The Vampire Diaries despite her brief appearance and subsequent death in season 1. She made her only live appearance in the eighth episode called "162 Candles," where she visited Stefan for his birthday but tragically met her demise. Lexi's character, who is a vampire and a friend of Stefan's, develops a bond with Elena after initially mistaking her for Katherine. They become supportive friends, with Lexi even sharing details of her own romantic relationship with a human. However, their friendship takes a dark turn when Damon frames Lexi for a murder he committed, leading to her untimely death. Although Lexi returns as a ghost, her character's arc concludes with her demise.
Lexi's Murder Continued An Important The Vampire Diaries Trend
Lexi's murder in The Vampire Diaries season 1 goes beyond a senseless act. It is actually part of a larger pattern within the series, establishing the notion that no one in Mystic Falls is immune to danger. By cultivating a tense atmosphere, the show demonstrates the omnipresence of peril since Elena became involved with the Salvatores. Moreover, it emphasizes that anyone can become a victim. Damon, the most malicious character in season 1, exemplifies this by his betrayal and murder of Lexi. His actions showcase the extent to which he will go to wreak havoc and protect himself.
Another instance of this recurring theme is when The Vampire Diaries eliminates Vicki Donovan. Vicki, who is Matt's sister and Jeremy's love interest in season 1, faces numerous hardships throughout her time on the show. She is attacked, mentally manipulated by Damon, and ultimately transformed into a vampire. In episode 7, preceding Lexi's death, Vicki is killed by Stefan after she assaults Elena and Jeremy. Her demise marks the inception of this treacherous trend in The Vampire Diaries, with Lexi promptly following suit. Both murders exemplify the vulnerability of vampires and humans alike in the presence of the Salvatores.
Lexi's Death Was Integral To The Vampire Diaries Season 1
Lexi's death in The Vampire Diaries season 1 served a crucial role by intensifying the tension and fear within the storyline. Throughout the season, Stefan and Damon made every effort to avoid attracting attention, particularly from law enforcement. However, suspicions ran high following Vicki's death, prompting Damon to execute a morally ambiguous plan to exonerate himself and Stefan: by blaming Lexi for his actions, he diverted suspicion from them. Despite the unfortunate loss, Lexi's demise ultimately helped protect the Salvatore brothers from condemnation.
Moreover, Lexi's death further fueled the escalating rivalry between Stefan and Damon. At this stage of the show, the brothers found themselves in a constant struggle, with Stefan portrayed as the virtuous hero and Damon as the morally ambivalent and dangerous creature. Lexi's death accentuated these contrasting qualities, and Damon's act of killing her also amounted to a betrayal of Stefan due to their close friendship. Consequently, Lexi's death propelled these thematic elements, leading to a climactic eruption at the season's conclusion.
Why Lexi Is So Popular (Despite A Small Role)
Despite having a minor role in The Vampire Diaries, Lexi has become a beloved character among fans. One of the main reasons for this is her recurring appearances in later seasons, which added depth to her character and backstory. Lexi's return not only revealed her close friendship with Stefan, but also her role as his trusted advisor in managing his humanity. She consistently aided Stefan in retaining his humanity and even extended help to Damon, despite his challenges. Additionally, Lexi saved Stefan from Hell and was there to welcome him in season 8 upon his death.
Overall, Lexi Branson from The Vampire Diaries has gained immense popularity due to her kind and generous nature. While most vampires are portrayed as ruthless and cruel, Lexi demonstrates that being a good vampire is not impossible, even in death. Her admirable bond with Stefan and her inherent goodness made her stand out, even though she had a smaller role in the series.