'The Vampire Diaries' Season 8 Release Date, News & Update: Bonnie Bennett Exit Heartbreaking? Kat Graham Farewell Signals New Love For Enzo St John?

"The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 has a heartbreaking exit to stage for Kat Graham as Bonnie Bennett, while Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) and Enzo St John (Michael Malarkey) promise more tragedy. As "TVD" closed for Season 7, Bonnie Bennett was at her most vulnerable without soul mate Damon Salvatore and lover Enzo St John.

'TVD' executive producer Julie Plec was quick to correct expectations that Bonnie Bennett will breeze through this "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 challenge. "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 is a different challenge for Bonnie Bennett, Damon Salvatore and Enzo St John.

TVLine cites Julie Plec saying that the consequences to Bonnie Bennett of "The Vampire Diaries" Season 7 is emotionally devastating. Without powers or friends, Bonnie Bennett is effectively crippled in "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8.

Nerdist reports Julie Plec was stunned when Kat Graham announced her exit as Bonnie Bennett from "The Vampire Diaries." "I was still wrapping my head around what the hell is in store for season eight and she's jumping ahead to season nine," Julie Plec said of the Bonnie Bennett reveal.

The announcement Kat Graham made on Bonnie Bennett essentially assumed "The Vampire Diaries" Season 9 is happening. "I feel like knowing that she is feeling ready to move on and say goodbye to Bonnie, now it's my challenge and the writers challenge to do right by that," Julie Plec said.

If "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 births "TVD" S9, a heartbreaking Bonnie Bennett send off would be fitting for fan favorite Kat Graham. The question that Enzo St John will eventually find love after Bonnie Bennett and "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 is inevitable alongside Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev resurrecting their Damon Salvatore and Elena Gilbert tandem.

"The Vampire Diaries" without Bonnie Bennett is another world but hopes for the controversial team up of Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev help ease the ache. Kat Graham on her final turn as Bonnie Bennett along with Nina Dobrev on her journey back to Elena Gilbert, Ian Somerhalder and Damon Salvatore will all begin with "The Vampire Diaries" Season 8 premiere on October 21 on The CW.