'The Vampire Diaries' season 8 plot news, spoilers: Is Alaric the hero that could restore Damon and Enzo's humanity?

Considering the way the seventh season ended, it seems unlikely that Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Enzo (Michael Malarkey) could still be saved from the dark side. Nevertheless, speculations are rife that Alaric Saltzman (Matthew Davis) could be the one to save the duo when "The Vampire Diaries" season 8 returns in the fall.

Damon and Enzo painted a pretty gruesome picture when they strung together the bodies of their countless victims upside down in some random warehouse at the end of season 7. That final shot must still be haunting viewers until the series returns for its eighth installment.

Nevertheless, in a flash-forward scene (apparently three months from when the finale was aired) in the same episode, Alaric was able to crack open the code for the vault, which he finds empty. This could prompt him to set off on a quest to find Damon and Enzo.

Movie News Guide noted that Bonnie Bennett (Kat Graham) would be helpless since she lost her magic, and while Stefan (Paul Wesley) promised Elena through a journal entry that he would get them back, he can't do it on his own. So Alaric might have a significant role in bringing Damon and Enzo back, especially if he uses his vampire tracking skills.

Judging from past seasons, TV Line noted that the humanity of Damon and Enzo could still be restored. After all, Stefan went through a Ripper phase in season 2, and season 6 saw a de-humanized Caroline (Candice Accola). It remains to be seen, though, if Alaric could be season 8's hero or if anyone among Stefan, Bonnie, and Elena (Nina Dobrev, in case she is called to appear on the show again) could be their saving grace.

Meanwhile, The CW's president, Mark Pedowitz, was quick to douse rumors that "The Vampire Diaries" season 8 is the series' swan song.

"In my dreams it isn't," Deadline quoted Pedowitz as saying. "But we will see how the audience will react."

"The Vampire Diaries" season 8 is returning to The CW this Fall.