Fans Embrace Hope and That Killer Twist in 'Legacies' Premiere, Want More 'Vampire Diaries' Cameos

With the premiere of "Legacies," Julie Plec has created or co-created one of the largest genre franchises in television history, and TVDU fans are here for it!

The TVDU, as "The Vampire Diares" and "The Originals" fans are calling it, now encompasses three separate television series co-existing in the same universe. The third series in the franchise is something very different, but recognizable enough that long-time fans who gave it a chance were singing its praises deep into the night.

The new series is yet another dramatic departure for the franchise. "The Vampire Diaries" was a gothic romance and "The Originals" was all about the bonds of family. For this new series, elements of both shows are united in the Salvatore mansion for a supernatural school.

In other words, it's like "Harry Potter" meets "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "X-Men" and yet, everyone really just wants to see Damon (Ian Somheralder) or Stefan (Paul Wesley) walk through those doors. Hell, some of us might even be willing to endure Elena (Nina Dobrev). Though, if we're totally being honest, Caroline (Candice King) is where it's at!

"Legacies" does bring back the delightful Alaric Saltzman (Matt Davis) as a main character, after recurring on "The Originals" for two seasons, making him the first actor to feature prominently in all three series. And he's a welcome figure, helping train and shepherd Klaus (Joseph Morgan) and Hayley's (Phoebe Tonkin) rebellious daughter Hope (Danielle Rose Russell), now 17-years old.

That's right, it's been two years since "The Originals" story wrapped (in continuity) and Hope is starting a new chapter in a new school with new friends and enemies and maybe a few frenemies. This is a teenage saga in high school, after all.

While many fans were disappointed that Plec didn't drop in more guest stars or cameo appearances from either of the parent series -- and even though we did get Matt Donovan (Zach Roerig), what was up with that hair? -- most were just excited that the TVDU universe is continuing. And if their initial reactions are any indication, The CW just might have another hit on their hands with "Legacies."

They were immediately drawn to the connection between Hope and newcomer Landon (Aria Shahghasemi) who stumbles onto the school and finds out there's more to the world than he knows. Or perhaps he knows all too well, as the pilot sets him up to possibly be the big bad of the first season. Or maybe not? Maybe he's Klaus 2.0... Damon 3.0?

He seemed so sweet and like he was destined to be the Elena to Hope's Stefan and then he went and slaughtered a bus full of people and it was nasty! On top of that, he was all set up to be this human in the world of supernatural beings, but there may be more to him than meets the eye. Oooh, we've got it: he's Katherine Pierce 2.0. Savage!

Pairing the premiere with "Supernatural," though, is just another reminder that the network's longest-running show has yet to launch a successful spinoff. And yet they're using it's continual popularity after 14 seasons to launch another "TVD" spinoff.

As obsessive and fanatical as you think "TVD" fans are, they're nothing compared to the Winchester faithful. But while fans wait for "Wayward Sisters" or "Bloodlines" or "Ghostfacers" or something to work before the boys hang up the Colt and park the Impala for good, a new "TVD" series is some small consolation.

Below are some of fandom's most enthusiastic responses to the continuation of "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Originals" with the premiere of "Legacies":

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