ways I think Barolena could’ve been fixed a case study:
I think most of their issues are because the writers preferred the Salvatore’s over them.
Caroline's insecurities did deserve proper addressing in terms of what her deal with Elena is.
Elena dating Damon is her choice but not talking about what Damon did to Caroline was unfair to her. It's also why Elena gets tons of hate (one of the reason but whatever which is on the writing) bc Elena is dismissive of caroline's trauma, that's ignored
If Elena says she's uncomfortable with someone Caroline needs to be considerate.
Elena didn't want to apologize to Caroline with her humanity on and I think it would've been interesting to have Elena admit to what her problem was with Caroline! I think NH!Elena comments about Caroline does show internally that she does have problems with Caroline? Even if it’s small ones.
Death to the racist writing for one.
Take Bonnie back to season 1 & 2 Bonnie. She had boundaries that 3-8 lacks.
The show tells us Elena would die for Bonnie, give up anything for her but Elena never does it. The writing twists itself so Bonnie just does it. Things happen and Elena says that's sad or feels bad because she didn’t want that and the show just moves on.
Show us Elena risking something to get Bonnie back. Show us Elena idk maybe actually losing something because she loves Bonnie.
Maybe let Elena die for once to show us how much she really does love her friends, let them find away to bring her back (head nod to Buffy since Plec is so obsessed with it)
I prefer human!Elena not because of Stefan but because she got to fight, snap off at those men and make choices herself that somehow a vampire! Elena can't have uh huh... but let that Elena exists so Elena gets agency and Bonnie doesn't have to do everything!
Death to the racist writing pt. 2.
If the racist writing is axed out and some of Bonnie's personal struggles are explained like Caroline's things make much more sense in their friendship.
If you remove the racist subtexts and balance out some of the plot on Bonnie’s end. Baroline doesn’t have the problem of just being about Caroline.
Both girls are children of divorced and maybe Caroline preferred Bonnie (as she told by Care in season 1) because Bonnie probably helped Caroline out during her parents divorce.
Season 1 Baroline shows a much more silly/fun and supportive vibe than how serious Bonlena can tend to be. I think the show tried to upkeep this at times between them (and they do have softer moments) but ya know Plec of it all🥴.
Elena said SHE hated cheerleading, not Bonnie. Show Baroline cheerleading together. Care liked broadcasting/journalism.. she would've pushed Bonnie to pick a career.
Care seeing Bonnie’s magic before the Emily call would’ve been nice OR have Bonnie admit that maybe she didn’t think Caroline could handle secrets. In a way, she kinda did but?
Bonnie told Elena that she thought Caroline was gone (after she turned). I actually think it would’ve been better if Bonnie told Caroline that herself. Again, showing Bonnie’s personal struggles would’ve helped people understand why Bonnie just separated from Caroline… it’s like people forget Damon tore the girls neck out… her family studies told her how to hate or fear vamps anyway -
I think it would've been nice to acknowledge that because of Caroline not Elena/Damon/Stefan just Caroline tbh it's how Bonnie learned not to see vampires as whatever Grams said + her fam grimoires.
Show more personal moments that isn't just about Caroline.
Other than that their fine toh. PS. Caroline called Bonnie beautiful in s4 (it got deleted) but Bonnie called Care hot...ditch the men and kiss- next
Barolena as a trio.
More fun and silly moments together.
If Elena and Caroline are gonna be male centered at times Bonnie needed to be too. Or girl centered since Bonnie had to focus on them a lot.
I'd rather have them doing stupid things together than apart.
