The quality of the show dropped when Elena was like "if I had met you first" and they added him meeting her first in.Last part yes they died and Elena proved to Damon there will be peace for him once he died
Show didn't drag cuz of Damon and Elena it did cuz of how Elena kept needing help than the relationship
The original ending for show which was confirmed was if she stayed on show would be the love triangle back again and both Damon and Stefan died saving everyone and watch over Elena as she grows to be a doctor and marry either Matt or some random guy
They did say she would choose one of em but didn't say who per say
I loved the show I have most of it on blu ray gonna buy rest to complete it
Then the originals will be next in line for me cuz I love both shows
Entire arcs for the show became them fukking each other and the villains really carried the show when previously The Originals have stayed long past their due.
I'd say Damon and Elena was definitely the cause for a loit of the quality going own and that is Julie Plec's fault.