People primarily hate Alaric Saltzman due to the morally compromised and dangerous actions he undertook when influenced by a dark alter ego, which led to significant violence and betrayal.
The Darker Side of Alaric Saltzman
Alaric Saltzman's character has garnered dislike among some viewers, primarily because of a severe transformation he underwent, particularly when influenced by the Gilbert Ring. This influence brought out a dark alter ego that was ruthless and violent, directly clashing with the more compassionate and protective Alaric fans knew.
Here are the key reasons contributing to this sentiment:
- Murderous Actions: Under the ring's dark influence, Alaric became a cold-blooded killer. He systematically murdered members of the Founder's Council, believing them to be too weak and ineffective to genuinely safeguard humanity from supernatural threats. These actions were egregious and put him directly at odds with the protagonists and general moral standards.
- Betrayal of Personal Beliefs and Friendships: His darker self deeply resented Alaric's true personality, viewing him as "weak" and "hypocritical" for befriending vampires like Damon and Stefan Salvatore. This radical perspective dictated that all vampires should be eliminated, creating a stark contrast with Alaric's established relationships and moral code. This internal conflict, when expressed outwardly through violence, alienated viewers who valued his original character and his loyalty to his friends.
- Unpredictability and Danger: The unpredictable nature of his dark persona made him a threat not only to enemies but also to his friends and allies. This instability eroded trust and painted him as a dangerous figure, even if his twisted intentions (from his dark self's perspective) were to protect humanity.
This period of his character arc showcased a stark departure from the beloved history teacher and guardian, leading to strong negative reactions from the audience.
