Steroline - Pros and Cons

[missmystic]

Hi guys.
I decided to start a debate thread about Steroline. I've noticed that there are a decent number of people on both sides, but none of the other threads are really the place to talk about why you love or don't love the idea of Steroline. So I thought this could be a place where we can discuss why we like it, or what we like about it, as well as what we might not like or think doesn't work. All friendly and respectful on both sides of course. No hate here, just debating!

[missmystic]

I'll start things off.
So me personally, I'm not feeling Steroline. I want to, I've tried to. But it's just not working for me. I don't feel chemistry between them. I really liked them as friends, but as lovers I'm finding it hard to picture. I'm not sure if it's just my preferences that are the problem, or if it's the way they executed it. Because it's possible that if they had set up the romance better from the beginning I would feel it more. Like if they had made it so that Caroline was crushing on Stefan the whole time he was with Elena, and we saw it and felt for her while her heart was breaking in the background. Then maybe I would feel compelled to route for him to notice her and fall for her. But everything between them just feels so lukewarm to me. There's no passion, no heat. And Stefan can be such a boob sometimes! lol. I just think Caroline needs someone who's willing to try harder. And I think maybe Stefan needs a bad girl. He always seemed better with the bad girls, like Katherine and Rebekah. Anyways, that's just how I'm feeling right now. Love to hear your opinions though!

[Deleted]

I actually think part of the reason was that there was never any intention to write Steroline as a romance, right from the beginning the writers have Stefan come out and say, 'You and me are never going to happen'. Considering the triangle, Steroline couldn't possibly have had the romantic focus and Caroline had other love interests with her own set of troubles of them getting together and having Caroline keep that constant crush with Stefan would feel out of place in midst of her other relationships.

Above all I think the writers intended for Caroline to be Lexi's replacement, Stefan has a line where he tells Caroline she reminds him of Lexi. The major 'flaw/turnoff' for Steroline was how the writers never wanted Stefan to move on from Elena/let go of the triangle which was the main draw. It took the writers nearly six seasons for them to get to a point in writing and interviews where they talk about SE platonically.

So I don't really expect Steroline to match up to Delena's slow development and buildup. Delena is a part of the major triangle and Steroline doesn't even have basis in the book so it wasn't ever 'obligated' to happen. I also mentioned before in the SC thread the fact that I don't think the writers ever took SC seriously, at least romantically. It was always brushed off in favor of friendship (gus and gals being just friends and all).

Though I always felt Caroline felt something more than friendship with Stefan in late season three and more blantantly so in four. I gave it the benefit of the doubt at first, oh she's grateful to Stefan cause he helped her through her vampirism. But then things got to ridiculous levels. Caroline ALWAYS siding with Stefan over her long time friend Elena. Always demonizing Damon and singing Stefan's praises. Hating Elena for hurting Stefan and how he didn't deserve that and guilt tripping Elena for choosing Damon at every turn. She felt like Stefan's best friend moreso than Elena's. Season 4 was Stefan/Caroline Mean Girls cliche style lol.

I couldn't see how someone could be that obsessive over someone and feel just friendship for the person. Season 5 the writers didn't even try to be subtle anymore, her jealously over Stelena posibly getting back together shone brighter than the sun lol.

I don't feel Stefan is Caroline's worst matchup. In the days of Matt and Caroline, Matt didn't accept her vampirism at all or wanted to be a part of that world despite Caroline's pleas. Tyler became more into Klaus than Caroline and focused on revenge. He even chose his pack over Caroline. Not that it was bad but there was always something that took priority over Caroline. Then he just leaves her lol. Klaus was really pulling the strings in this relationship and that was just sad. In both instances Stefan was there as the friend helping her. Wanting her to keep her humanity with with Matt and stepping in when Tyler's anger got the best of him.

This season is really the first time Stefan slipped up badly with Caroline, but I certainly wouldn't say this makes Stefan the absolute worst choice for Caroline. None of Caroline's relationships or any TVD relationship in general has been without its downright bad moments.

The main thing that separates Stefan apart from Matt and Tyler is that he's simply her friend, not a boyfriend/romantic partner. He was surprised to find out she even felt that way about him at all. He didn't leave to intentionally hurt Caroline, that wasn't the point of his leave. He cut himself off from everybody, answering Elena over Caroline because his connection with Elena still outweighs his relationship with Caroline. He severly underestimated Caroline's feelings or maybe he felt that Caroline would be the one person to never give up on him.

Also I better stop here, it's getting quite long and this post is all over the place lol

[missmystic]

Dec 23, 2014 15:23:13 GMT -5 @anbuprincess said:

I actually think part of the reason was that there was never any intention to write Steroline as a romance, right from the beginning the writers have Stefan come out and say, 'You and me are never going to happen'. Considering the triangle, Steroline couldn't possibly have had the romantic focus and Caroline had other love interests with her own set of troubles of them getting together and having Caroline keep that constant crush with Stefan would feel out of place in midst of her other relationships.

Above all I think the writers intended for Caroline to be Lexi's replacement, Stefan has a line where he tells Caroline she reminds him of Lexi. The major 'flaw/turnoff' for Steroline was how the writers never wanted Stefan to move on from Elena/let go of the triangle which was the main draw. It took the writers nearly six seasons for them to get to a point in writing and interviews where they talk about SE platonically.

So I don't really expect Steroline to match up to Delena's slow development and buildup. Delena is a part of the major triangle and Steroline doesn't even have basis in the book so it wasn't ever 'obligated' to happen. I also mentioned before in the SC thread the fact that I don't think the writers ever took SC seriously, at least romantically. It was always brushed off in favor of friendship (gus and gals being just friends and all).

Though I always felt Caroline felt something more than friendship with Stefan in late season three and more blantantly so in four. I gave it the benefit of the doubt at first, oh she's grateful to Stefan cause he helped her through her vampirism. But then things got to ridiculous levels. Caroline ALWAYS siding with Stefan over her long time friend Elena. Always demonizing Damon and singing Stefan's praises. Hating Elena for hurting Stefan and how he didn't deserve that and guilt tripping Elena for choosing Damon at every turn. She felt like Stefan's best friend moreso than Elena's. Season 4 was Stefan/Caroline Mean Girls cliche style lol.

I couldn't see how someone could be that obsessive over someone and feel just friendship for the person. Season 5 the writers didn't even try to be subtle anymore, her jealously over Stelena posibly getting back together shone brighter than the sun lol.

I don't feel Stefan is Caroline's worst matchup. In the days of Matt and Caroline, Matt didn't accept her vampirism at all or wanted to be a part of that world despite Caroline's pleas. Tyler became more into Klaus than Caroline and focused on revenge. He even chose his pack over Caroline. Not that it was bad but there was always something that took priority over Caroline. Then he just leaves her lol. Klaus was really pulling the strings in this relationship and that was just sad. In both instances Stefan was there as the friend helping her. Wanting her to keep her humanity with with Matt and stepping in when Tyler's anger got the best of him.

This season is really the first time Stefan slipped up badly with Caroline, but I certainly wouldn't say this makes Stefan the absolute worst choice for Caroline. None of Caroline's relationships or any TVD relationship in general has been without its downright bad moments.

The main thing that separates Stefan apart from Matt and Tyler is that he's simply her friend, not a boyfriend/romantic partner. He was surprised to find out she even felt that way about him at all. He didn't leave to intentionally hurt Caroline, that wasn't the point of his leave. He cut himself off from everybody, answering Elena over Caroline because his connection with Elena still outweighs his relationship with Caroline. He severly underestimated Caroline's feelings or maybe he felt that Caroline would be the one person to never give up on him.

Also I better stop here, it's getting quite long and this post is all over the place lol

I like your long posts lol

I hear what you're saying about Matt and Tyler. And I didn't mean Stefan was the WORST possible person for her. But, just to counter, those things you mentioned about Matt and Tyler are what broke them up. That's not how things started. The ends are never good, that's why they end. I thought the beginnings of those relationships were very sweet and had some swoon worthy moments. But I’m not saying I want her back with either of them either. And I’m also not saying there is no chance that Steroline will win me over. Caroline's little outburst about "Stelena" at the end of last season was quite amusing, for example. I think part of the problem is that I just don’t like Stefan very much lol, so it’s hard to ship him with anyone. And I really love Caroline, she’s been one of my favorite characters since season 2 (even though her anti-Damon rants really steam me up!!). So I want a fun romance for her. But at the moment I’m just not feeling any fun between her and Stefan.

I’m going to say something weird, so please don’t kill me everyone lol, but if Delena HAD to end (like say Nina left the show), I could see myself more easily persuaded to route for Caroline and Damon than I am persuaded to route for Steroline right now … They certainly have the hate part of the love/hate equation down! And we know they have chemistry, since they jumped into bed together the moment they met. But I would actually find the growth of that story really interesting. Like what it would take to bring them around to wanting to be together. I can picture some really epic Beatrice and Benedick style war of words. She held her own with Klaus pretty well! I mean, I know it’s crazy. And I don’t really want it to happen. But If there was no Delena, I would be willing to watch that story … is all I’m saying. And right now, I don’t feel excited about Steroline. I really want to, but I just feel like they are too much in the friends zone.

[Deleted]

Dec 23, 2014 16:00:09 GMT -5 missmystic said:

Dec 23, 2014 15:23:13 GMT -5 @anbuprincess said:

I actually think part of the reason was that there was never any intention to write Steroline as a romance, right from the beginning the writers have Stefan come out and say, 'You and me are never going to happen'. Considering the triangle, Steroline couldn't possibly have had the romantic focus and Caroline had other love interests with her own set of troubles of them getting together and having Caroline keep that constant crush with Stefan would feel out of place in midst of her other relationships.

Above all I think the writers intended for Caroline to be Lexi's replacement, Stefan has a line where he tells Caroline she reminds him of Lexi. The major 'flaw/turnoff' for Steroline was how the writers never wanted Stefan to move on from Elena/let go of the triangle which was the main draw. It took the writers nearly six seasons for them to get to a point in writing and interviews where they talk about SE platonically.

So I don't really expect Steroline to match up to Delena's slow development and buildup. Delena is a part of the major triangle and Steroline doesn't even have basis in the book so it wasn't ever 'obligated' to happen. I also mentioned before in the SC thread the fact that I don't think the writers ever took SC seriously, at least romantically. It was always brushed off in favor of friendship (gus and gals being just friends and all).

Though I always felt Caroline felt something more than friendship with Stefan in late season three and more blantantly so in four. I gave it the benefit of the doubt at first, oh she's grateful to Stefan cause he helped her through her vampirism. But then things got to ridiculous levels. Caroline ALWAYS siding with Stefan over her long time friend Elena. Always demonizing Damon and singing Stefan's praises. Hating Elena for hurting Stefan and how he didn't deserve that and guilt tripping Elena for choosing Damon at every turn. She felt like Stefan's best friend moreso than Elena's. Season 4 was Stefan/Caroline Mean Girls cliche style lol.

I couldn't see how someone could be that obsessive over someone and feel just friendship for the person. Season 5 the writers didn't even try to be subtle anymore, her jealously over Stelena posibly getting back together shone brighter than the sun lol.

I don't feel Stefan is Caroline's worst matchup. In the days of Matt and Caroline, Matt didn't accept her vampirism at all or wanted to be a part of that world despite Caroline's pleas. Tyler became more into Klaus than Caroline and focused on revenge. He even chose his pack over Caroline. Not that it was bad but there was always something that took priority over Caroline. Then he just leaves her lol. Klaus was really pulling the strings in this relationship and that was just sad. In both instances Stefan was there as the friend helping her. Wanting her to keep her humanity with with Matt and stepping in when Tyler's anger got the best of him.

This season is really the first time Stefan slipped up badly with Caroline, but I certainly wouldn't say this makes Stefan the absolute worst choice for Caroline. None of Caroline's relationships or any TVD relationship in general has been without its downright bad moments.

The main thing that separates Stefan apart from Matt and Tyler is that he's simply her friend, not a boyfriend/romantic partner. He was surprised to find out she even felt that way about him at all. He didn't leave to intentionally hurt Caroline, that wasn't the point of his leave. He cut himself off from everybody, answering Elena over Caroline because his connection with Elena still outweighs his relationship with Caroline. He severly underestimated Caroline's feelings or maybe he felt that Caroline would be the one person to never give up on him.

Also I better stop here, it's getting quite long and this post is all over the place lol

I like your long posts lol

I hear what you're saying about Matt and Tyler. And I didn't mean Stefan was the WORST possible person for her. But, just to counter, those things you mentioned about Matt and Tyler are what broke them up. That's not how things started. The ends are never good, that's why they end. I thought the beginnings of those relationships were very sweet and had some swoon worthy moments. But I’m not saying I want her back with either of them either. And I’m also not saying there is no chance that Steroline will win me over. Caroline's little outburst about "Stelena" at the end of last season was quite amusing, for example. I think part of the problem is that I just don’t like Stefan very much lol, so it’s hard to ship him with anyone. And I really love Caroline, she’s been one of my favorite characters since season 2 (even though her anti-Damon rants really steam me up!!). So I want a fun romance for her. But at the moment I’m just not feeling any fun between her and Stefan.

I’m going to say something weird, so please don’t kill me everyone lol, but if Delena HAD to end (like say Nina left the show), I could see myself more easily persuaded to route for Caroline and Damon than I am persuaded to route for Steroline right now … They certainly have the hate part of the love/hate equation down! And we know they have chemistry, since they jumped into bed together the moment they met. But I would actually find the growth of that story really interesting. Like what it would take to bring them around to wanting to be together. I can picture some really epic Beatrice and Benedick style war of words. She held her own with Klaus pretty well! I mean, I know it’s crazy. And I don’t really want it to happen. But If there was no Delena, I would be willing to watch that story … is all I’m saying. And right now, I don’t feel excited about Steroline. I really want to, but I just feel like they are too much in the friends zone.

Haha that part about Caroline and Damon wasn't weird! I'd be more willing to watch them get together than Bamon any day! At least those two did have a relationship in the beginning lol. 

And yeah I agree with what you said about those instances that eventually led to the break up of Maroline and Forwood. I can barely remember the Maroline though, feels so ancient haha. Though in the same vein you could say this is the same with Steroline, minus the romance/boyfriend part. They had a strong friendship going and ultimately this recent bout is what 'broke them up'. 

Also you're right about it being hard to ship someone when you hate them lol. It certainly makes things that much more difficult to feel something for said character! Though in Stefan's case I don't really hate the character more so that I just hate how he's written and how he's more shafted in terms of development in comparison to Elena and Damon's journey's. Stefan's character has the background to be interesting and unique if the writers just weren't so hung up on constantly having him portrayed as the hero to keep up with the whole 'good brother vs bad brother' dynamic. 

Many storylines with Stefan like his ripper storyline have the potential to be interesting yet the writers always back out before things get 'too serious' and then they somehow turn the blame on Damon to make him look bad. It's just really frustrating in terms of writing. 

But back to Steroline, the one thing I hated about Stelena was just how boring it was! Stefan was always so broody and angsty and they never really did anything fun. While Elena wanted to do things like dance or drink at parties, there was always broody Stefan on the side to be a party pooper. Then that's usually the end of the discussion as far as that goes. 

With Caroline, she doesn't let Stefan get away with things like that. She manages to get his broody self on the dance floor despite him hating it then we get fun moments where Stefan's humor shines and he says things that actually manage to get me to laugh or he does things like lift Caroline up over his shoulders or says something encouraging that makes her smile. Steroline together is just a way more lighthearted aura than what we got with Stelena. With Stelena there was a theme with them the whole, 'Then the sun came up and reality set in'. There were many times where Elena would mention things like, 'I'm trying to be a normal girlfriend and not pretend that *insert TVD plot* is happening right now. So let's go to the school dance!' They had to force normal moments like Stefan taking Elena up on the Ferris Wheel but then it gets ruined by either Elena mentioning how things will go back to *insert TVD plot* the next day or by Stefan himself commenting on how bad a situation is.

Whereas with Steroline happy moments like that happy more naturally and Stefan smiles more around Caroline and she gets him to laugh and it overall it became one of my favorite Stefan dynamics to watch (his interactions with Katherine and Bekah also up there).

Steroline doesn't really need to be romantic for this dynamic, nothing will change aside from them being called boyfriend/girlfriend and sharing a few kisses here and there. I didn't think the writers would really go there since that would mean Stefan moving on officially from Elena and a real end to the triangle and I felt that the writers wouldn't want to write themselves in a corner where they couldn't fan the flames and play to the triangle for views lol.
 
I get those of you who aren't fully on board Steroline though. In my case I've been all for it since the beginning of season 2 when Stefan and Caroline are in the forest hunting and Stefan looks at someone with his brooding face only instead of it being a dramatic scene where the person doesn't notice or they just go, 'What? You see something.' 'No it's nothing. Let's continue scene.' Nope Caroline just completely shatters the dramatic tension by asking why he's doing his serious vampire look. And then Stefan even questions her on it lol. It's just one of those scenes that could only happen with that person being Caroline. They're dynamic is just fun!

Also my liking of Steroline does have some outside help. As in when it comes to the large amounts of anime I watch, I do tend to love when the serious/angsty background guys are suddenly face to face with this bubbly/energetic girl who may or may not have a crush on him. Haha XD. 

[Charlotte]

I am not in favor of Steroline, yet. Stefan hasn't looked at her "that way" once, and something would have to change for me to have Caroline content yet again with one of Elena's cast-offs. I think they can hook up but prefer them as friends in the end. End game for me for Stefan would be to have him with Rebekah raising Klaus/Haley offspring.

[Deleted]

I think Stefan only saw Caroline as his 'Lexi' and their relationship has always been more about friendship than anything romantic. Stefan couldn't be with Elena yet looking at Caroline in such a way. Stelena had four seasons up till 4x06 and then there was the 'after period' of how Elena betrayed Stefan with Caroline there as the buffer. The writers always had Caroline as the 'SE cheerleader' since season 3 which kind of hindered this ship's development, well romantically. 

Any ship that would include Damon and Stefan would be like this unfortunately, the triangle is the main focus so Stelena and Delena would get all the development while ships like Bamon and Steroline are just 'there'. 

Yet now Bamon has been given that '4 month' period to up their relationship and are on better terms and Steroline is about to get that same focus (though we'll actually get to see this on screen).

Now that Stefan is no longer in a relationship with Elena and they're moved on from the triangle, it's now just the slow build to repair Steroline's relationship and get them to that romantic point where Stefan will see Caroline in that light. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}{Spoiler}
With those spoilers about there being lots of kissing and how one than more couple will go through hook up, make up, and break up. There's only so many 'pairs' of couples on the show at present so Steroline is going to fall into one of these categories. Likely the make up one if we're being realistic. I'd be very surprised to see this couple kiss so soon, but then again TVD lol.

[missmystic]

Dec 23, 2014 18:29:07 GMT -5 @anbuprincess said:

Dec 23, 2014 16:00:09 GMT -5 missmystic said:

I like your long posts lol

I hear what you're saying about Matt and Tyler. And I didn't mean Stefan was the WORST possible person for her. But, just to counter, those things you mentioned about Matt and Tyler are what broke them up. That's not how things started. The ends are never good, that's why they end. I thought the beginnings of those relationships were very sweet and had some swoon worthy moments. But I’m not saying I want her back with either of them either. And I’m also not saying there is no chance that Steroline will win me over. Caroline's little outburst about "Stelena" at the end of last season was quite amusing, for example. I think part of the problem is that I just don’t like Stefan very much lol, so it’s hard to ship him with anyone. And I really love Caroline, she’s been one of my favorite characters since season 2 (even though her anti-Damon rants really steam me up!!). So I want a fun romance for her. But at the moment I’m just not feeling any fun between her and Stefan.

I’m going to say something weird, so please don’t kill me everyone lol, but if Delena HAD to end (like say Nina left the show), I could see myself more easily persuaded to route for Caroline and Damon than I am persuaded to route for Steroline right now … They certainly have the hate part of the love/hate equation down! And we know they have chemistry, since they jumped into bed together the moment they met. But I would actually find the growth of that story really interesting. Like what it would take to bring them around to wanting to be together. I can picture some really epic Beatrice and Benedick style war of words. She held her own with Klaus pretty well! I mean, I know it’s crazy. And I don’t really want it to happen. But If there was no Delena, I would be willing to watch that story … is all I’m saying. And right now, I don’t feel excited about Steroline. I really want to, but I just feel like they are too much in the friends zone.

Haha that part about Caroline and Damon wasn't weird! I'd be more willing to watch them get together than Bamon any day! At least those two did have a relationship in the beginning lol. 

Also you're right about it being hard to ship someone when you hate them lol. It certainly makes things that much more difficult to feel something for said character! Though in Stefan's case I don't really hate the character more so that I just hate how he's written and how he's more shafted in terms of development in comparison to Elena and Damon's journey's. Stefan's character has the background to be interesting and unique if the writers just weren't so hung up on constantly having him portrayed as the hero to keep up with the whole 'good brother vs bad brother' dynamic. 

But back to Steroline, the one thing I hated about Stelena was just how boring it was! Stefan was always so broody and angsty and they never really did anything fun.

With Caroline, she doesn't let Stefan get away with things like that. She manages to get his broody self on the dance floor despite him hating it then we get fun moments where Stefan's humor shines and he says things that actually manage to get me to laugh or he does things like lift Caroline up over his shoulders or says something encouraging that makes her smile. Steroline together is just a way more lighthearted aura than what we got with Stelena. With Stelena there was a theme with them the whole, 'Then the sun came up and reality set in'. There were many times where Elena would mention things like, 'I'm trying to be a normal girlfriend and not pretend that *insert TVD plot* is happening right now. So let's go to the school dance!' They had to force normal moments like Stefan taking Elena up on the Ferris Wheel but then it gets ruined by either Elena mentioning how things will go back to *insert TVD plot* the next day or by Stefan himself commenting on how bad a situation is.
 

I'm glad my Caroline-Damon thing didn't come out of left field lol. And yeah, I'll take that over Bamon any day of the week and twice on sundays! Haha

I totally agree with you about Stefan. I don't HATE him either. Well, sometimes I feel like I do lol. But there have been plenty of moments over the years that I liked him. And most of those moments were when they took risks with his character and went to dark places. You are completely right, all the potential is there for him to be a rich and dynamic character, but the writers are too afraid to take a lot of risks with him because they built up his character to be "the hero." It's really unfortunate. I wish they would let it go and just embrace his flaws and bring them into the light. It would make his storyline so much more interesting! But that is actually one of the things I have been enjoying about this season so far. They are starting to be a little more upfront with Stefan's flaws for the first time. Even Caroline was able to get angry with him, which was a big step towards seeing them in a more realistic light. It wasn't really possible for me to take the ship seriously when Caroline was always like, "Stefan is perfect and amazing and the king of men and can do no wrong!" Sometimes it actually made me hate HER a little bit lol. It's like, wake up girl! The man slaughtered and entire village!!!! You can't really love someone until you accept who they really are, flaws and all. And ignoring flaws is not the same as accepting them :-) But they are, finally, letting her go there, and be angry with him, and see that he's not perfect. Which I think it definitely key for their development.

And everything you said that you liked about them over the years, how Caroline forces him to snap out of his brooding and actually be playful and laugh, I have always loved that about them as well. That scene you mentioned especially at the party when he slung her over his shoulder and carried her to the dance floor lol, totally adorable! She has been really good for him for that reason, it's true. But the thing for me is that it was portrayed platonically, and I bought what they implied when they told the audience these two people were just friends. He said she was like Lexi to him, and I agreed with that. I loved their friendship. I enjoyed the refreshing moments of seeing 2 characters be close and enjoy each other's company but NOT have it be about anything other than that. I didn't even know that Steroline was a ship until I joined this board lol. So my first reaction was actually frustration that they can never just let people be friends, it's always got to get romantic. But after my initial dislike, I did try to look at it from different angles and was able to have an open mind to see how it would go. And there have been moments where I thought maybe I might be coming on board. But ultimately, with what they have given me so far, I have just not been able to get excited about them. I want to be, but it still just feels too platonic to me. I need some fireworks, or more angst, some longing looks or something. I can't put my finger exactly on what I feel is wrong, but something is wrong to me. But I am still hoping that as it develops it will start to flow more and I'll be able to see what you see :-)

[Doppelgänger]

Dec 24, 2014 10:15:59 GMT -5 missmystic said:

Dec 23, 2014 18:29:07 GMT -5 @anbuprincess said:

Haha that part about Caroline and Damon wasn't weird! I'd be more willing to watch them get together than Bamon any day! At least those two did have a relationship in the beginning lol. 

Also you're right about it being hard to ship someone when you hate them lol. It certainly makes things that much more difficult to feel something for said character! Though in Stefan's case I don't really hate the character more so that I just hate how he's written and how he's more shafted in terms of development in comparison to Elena and Damon's journey's. Stefan's character has the background to be interesting and unique if the writers just weren't so hung up on constantly having him portrayed as the hero to keep up with the whole 'good brother vs bad brother' dynamic. 

But back to Steroline, the one thing I hated about Stelena was just how boring it was! Stefan was always so broody and angsty and they never really did anything fun.

With Caroline, she doesn't let Stefan get away with things like that. She manages to get his broody self on the dance floor despite him hating it then we get fun moments where Stefan's humor shines and he says things that actually manage to get me to laugh or he does things like lift Caroline up over his shoulders or says something encouraging that makes her smile. Steroline together is just a way more lighthearted aura than what we got with Stelena. With Stelena there was a theme with them the whole, 'Then the sun came up and reality set in'. There were many times where Elena would mention things like, 'I'm trying to be a normal girlfriend and not pretend that *insert TVD plot* is happening right now. So let's go to the school dance!' They had to force normal moments like Stefan taking Elena up on the Ferris Wheel but then it gets ruined by either Elena mentioning how things will go back to *insert TVD plot* the next day or by Stefan himself commenting on how bad a situation is.
 

I'm glad my Caroline-Damon thing didn't come out of left field lol. And yeah, I'll take that over Bamon any day of the week and twice on sundays! Haha

I totally agree with you about Stefan. I don't HATE him either. Well, sometimes I feel like I do lol. But there have been plenty of moments over the years that I liked him. And most of those moments were when they took risks with his character and went to dark places. You are completely right, all the potential is there for him to be a rich and dynamic character, but the writers are too afraid to take a lot of risks with him because they built up his character to be "the hero." It's really unfortunate. I wish they would let it go and just embrace his flaws and bring them into the light. It would make his storyline so much more interesting! But that is actually one of the things I have been enjoying about this season so far. They are starting to be a little more upfront with Stefan's flaws for the first time. Even Caroline was able to get angry with him, which was a big step towards seeing them in a more realistic light. It wasn't really possible for me to take the ship seriously when Caroline was always like, "Stefan is perfect and amazing and the king of men and can do no wrong!" Sometimes it actually made me hate HER a little bit lol. It's like, wake up girl! The man slaughtered and entire village!!!! You can't really love someone until you accept who they really are, flaws and all. And ignoring flaws is not the same as accepting them :-) But they are, finally, letting her go there, and be angry with him, and see that he's not perfect. Which I think it definitely key for their development.

And everything you said that you liked about them over the years, how Caroline forces him to snap out of his brooding and actually be playful and laugh, I have always loved that about them as well. That scene you mentioned especially at the party when he slung her over his shoulder and carried her to the dance floor lol, totally adorable! She has been really good for him for that reason, it's true. But the thing for me is that it was portrayed platonically, and I bought what they implied when they told the audience these two people were just friends. He said she was like Lexi to him, and I agreed with that. I loved their friendship. I enjoyed the refreshing moments of seeing 2 characters be close and enjoy each other's company but NOT have it be about anything other than that. I didn't even know that Steroline was a ship until I joined this board lol. So my first reaction was actually frustration that they can never just let people be friends, it's always got to get romantic. But after my initial dislike, I did try to look at it from different angles and was able to have an open mind to see how it would go. And there have been moments where I thought maybe I might be coming on board. But ultimately, with what they have given me so far, I have just not been able to get excited about them. I want to be, but it still just feels too platonic to me. I need some fireworks, or more angst, some longing looks or something. I can't put my finger exactly on what I feel is wrong, but something is wrong to me. But I am still hoping that as it develops it will start to flow more and I'll be able to see what you see :-)

I'm with you on the Caroline/Damon thing too. If it weren't for Elena, she'd be my second choice for Damon and it would be cool to see them mend their relationship and correct what went wrong with it in the beginning.  Besides the sparks (chemistry) is outrageous between Caroline and Damon, right?  Who can deny that?  However I think Damon thinks she's a dingbat for real and wouldn't want to ever go there again, but who knows.  They've both grown and changed a lot.

[missmystic]

Dec 24, 2014 10:35:28 GMT -5 Doppelgänger said:

Dec 24, 2014 10:15:59 GMT -5 missmystic said:

I'm glad my Caroline-Damon thing didn't come out of left field lol. And yeah, I'll take that over Bamon any day of the week and twice on sundays! Haha

I totally agree with you about Stefan. I don't HATE him either. Well, sometimes I feel like I do lol. But there have been plenty of moments over the years that I liked him. And most of those moments were when they took risks with his character and went to dark places. You are completely right, all the potential is there for him to be a rich and dynamic character, but the writers are too afraid to take a lot of risks with him because they built up his character to be "the hero." It's really unfortunate. I wish they would let it go and just embrace his flaws and bring them into the light. It would make his storyline so much more interesting! But that is actually one of the things I have been enjoying about this season so far. They are starting to be a little more upfront with Stefan's flaws for the first time. Even Caroline was able to get angry with him, which was a big step towards seeing them in a more realistic light. It wasn't really possible for me to take the ship seriously when Caroline was always like, "Stefan is perfect and amazing and the king of men and can do no wrong!" Sometimes it actually made me hate HER a little bit lol. It's like, wake up girl! The man slaughtered and entire village!!!! You can't really love someone until you accept who they really are, flaws and all. And ignoring flaws is not the same as accepting them :-) But they are, finally, letting her go there, and be angry with him, and see that he's not perfect. Which I think it definitely key for their development.

And everything you said that you liked about them over the years, how Caroline forces him to snap out of his brooding and actually be playful and laugh, I have always loved that about them as well. That scene you mentioned especially at the party when he slung her over his shoulder and carried her to the dance floor lol, totally adorable! She has been really good for him for that reason, it's true. But the thing for me is that it was portrayed platonically, and I bought what they implied when they told the audience these two people were just friends. He said she was like Lexi to him, and I agreed with that. I loved their friendship. I enjoyed the refreshing moments of seeing 2 characters be close and enjoy each other's company but NOT have it be about anything other than that. I didn't even know that Steroline was a ship until I joined this board lol. So my first reaction was actually frustration that they can never just let people be friends, it's always got to get romantic. But after my initial dislike, I did try to look at it from different angles and was able to have an open mind to see how it would go. And there have been moments where I thought maybe I might be coming on board. But ultimately, with what they have given me so far, I have just not been able to get excited about them. I want to be, but it still just feels too platonic to me. I need some fireworks, or more angst, some longing looks or something. I can't put my finger exactly on what I feel is wrong, but something is wrong to me. But I am still hoping that as it develops it will start to flow more and I'll be able to see what you see :-)

I'm with you on the Caroline/Damon thing too. If it weren't for Elena, she'd be my second choice for Damon and it would be cool to see them mend their relationship and correct what went wrong with it in the beginning.  Besides the sparks (chemistry) is outrageous between Caroline and Damon, right?  Who can deny that?  However I think Damon thinks she's a dingbat for real and wouldn't want to ever go there again, but who knows.  They've both grown and changed a lot.

I know right? They almost NEVER share screen time anymore, which is a shame. But whenever they have, the chemistry has been fantastic. They spark really well. Of course it has been more like 2 flint rocks crashing together in fury for the most part lol, but those flint rocks could make a blazing fire if given the oportunity  .  And we actually did get Damon admitting to Stefan that Caroline was "the perfect woman," so maybe he doesn't look down on her as much now as he once did ... If Nina leaves the show, that's my wish for TVD. We can call it Daroline! It even sounds bold and sexy lol.

Unless they convince me to ship Steroline.

[chrizakathemole]

Would it be selfish to say Con : Caroline / Enzo needs to happen? lol

[Doppelgänger]

Dec 24, 2014 14:50:42 GMT -5 chrizakathemole said:

Would it be selfish to say Con : Caroline / Enzo needs to happen? lol

Why not throw it in here? lol I do think of anyone Enzo has the hots for Caroline more than the rest do, including Stefan. I mean if he has to be dragged kicking and scratching into a relationship with her then he's not that into her, ya know? And that doesn't bode well for the long term.

[chrizakathemole]

That is true though I have to admit I think that's stefan. He's more reserved with his feelings. Like he was insistent he never loved Katherine yet he kept her photo. Damon got with Elena and stefan left town (or was about to before his evil doppelgänger but himan box and threw him in the river , hey that happens to us all at some point right?) Damon died and he just took off to start a new life.


Honestly I know a lot hate Stefan BUT honestly I think he's an interesting character. You have Damon "the bad brother" confess his love and wipe her mind while you see him cry (still one of the best scenes ever) yet the "good brother" is ironically more reserved with his feelings. It makes sense too as Damon promised him a life time of misery and as he said every time he feels good its taken away. That makes him more afraid to show his feelings. i actually like that. While it makes him the boring one to most, to me he feels the most real.

I'd say Caroline got him showing feeling and laughing ect... so as a couple they could be great. I always look for what a couple can bring out in both. stefan and caroline I feel makes stefan open up and be more loose , It also can make caroline less emotion which could be good as season 5 she annoyed me a little by just showing up angry towards Elena and Damon for been together. If she could be more reserved + stefan more loose the balance could be really interesting for both characters.

my Enzo comment was mostly a joke though I will say top 3 in order of guys for her IMO is : 1 Enzo 2 Klaus 3 Stefan. I am ok with any of the 3 but would want 1 most then 2 (you know how numbers work I realise but I was just explaining.)

[Deleted]

If given the choice between Cenzo and Steroline I'd choose Steroline though the Caroline and Enzo dynamic itself doesn't really bother me. I can watch their scenes just fine and enjoy it. Of course Caroline and the 'bad boy' appeal is kind of lost on me, I was never really fond of Klaroline and the writers seem to be appealing to that crowd with Cenzo (with Enzo coming outright and saying how she has a thing for guys with accents). 

Of course like people have been saying with Steroline, I can be swayed into liking Caroline and Enzo if given the proper development and focus. At least in Enzo's case he's more help to the gang than Klaus was so this relationship isn't as cringeworthy to me as Klaroline was.

Though given how Enzo is not really a main character who's 'guaranteed' to survive, it's hard to really get invested in the pair knowing that Enzo could end up dead by season's end. As far as these spoilers of hook ups go, I can easily see this being Cenzo more than Steroline (it wouldn't make much sense considering how much emphasis and episodes have been spent on Steroline's broken friendship and them being in the midst of repairs. So I'd be very surprised to see the writers suddenly reward Steroline with a spontaneous kiss or something, especially when Dries mentioned not wanting to rush the relationship and for it to be organic and not shoved down people's throats).

[Doppelgänger]

Dec 24, 2014 20:32:30 GMT -5 @anbuprincess said:

If given the choice between Cenzo and Steroline I'd choose Steroline though the Caroline and Enzo dynamic itself doesn't really bother me. I can watch their scenes just fine and enjoy it. Of course Caroline and the 'bad boy' appeal is kind of lost on me, I was never really fond of Klaroline and the writers seem to be appealing to that crowd with Cenzo (with Enzo coming outright and saying how she has a thing for guys with accents). 

Of course like people have been saying with Steroline, I can be swayed into liking Caroline and Enzo if given the proper development and focus. At least in Enzo's case he's more help to the gang than Klaus was so this relationship isn't as cringeworthy to me as Klaroline was.

Though given how Enzo is not really a main character who's 'guaranteed' to survive, it's hard to really get invested in the pair knowing that Enzo could end up dead by season's end. As far as these spoilers of hook ups go, I can easily see this being Cenzo more than Steroline (it wouldn't make much sense considering how much emphasis and episodes have been spent on Steroline's broken friendship and them being in the midst of repairs. So I'd be very surprised to see the writers suddenly reward Steroline with a spontaneous kiss or something, especially when Dries mentioned not wanting to rush the relationship and for it to be organic and not shoved down people's throats).

I'd choose Enzo for her over Klaus.  I never liked the Klaroline dynamic at all.  He just became a pony painting wimp around her as far as I could tell...it's like somehow she made him turn into a mushball and I didn't like that at all with Klaus because he was supposed to be this fearsome dude and well...he painted pictures of ponies for her...lol.  I mean any other guy maybe I could see that drastic a change...but not him.  I half expected him to start sucking his thumb while he told her how his Momma didn't love him and his Daddy wanted to kill him....just NO....a very big NO.  His regression back to an infant was horrifying when he was around Caroline...lol