In the final season of Full House, fans watched as D.J. Tanner, played by Candace Cameron Bure, found herself in the middle of a romantic storyline involving two very different suitors — Viper, the rebellious rocker, and Nelson, the polished rich boy. While the show set the stage for a classic love triangle, the sudden cancellation of the series meant viewers never got a resolution. Recently, actor David Lipper, who portrayed Viper, shared what was originally supposed to happen before the series ended.
Enter Viper: The Wild Card Love Interest
David Lipper joined Full House in its eighth and final season, bringing a new energy to the show with his portrayal of Viper, a guitarist in Jesse’s band. His character was rough around the edges but showed surprising depth, making him an intriguing match for the responsible and studious D.J.
Lipper revealed in a recent interview that producers had much bigger plans for Viper than what ultimately aired. The intention, according to him, was to explore Viper as a serious contender for D.J.’s heart — not just a short-lived fling. The character was set up to challenge D.J.’s comfort zone and explore what it meant to follow your heart versus doing what was expected.
The Triangle That Never Got Resolved
D.J.’s love life was heating up as she found herself torn between Viper and Nelson (played by Jason Marsden), her ex-boyfriend who returned into the picture around the same time. While Nelson represented stability, wealth, and predictability, Viper offered adventure, authenticity, and emotional honesty.
According to Lipper, the writers were laying the groundwork for a full-season arc in which D.J. would ultimately be forced to make a real choice between the two. Unlike earlier love stories that ended with neat resolutions, this arc was intended to reflect the complexities of growing up and making emotional decisions.
However, that arc never got the chance to develop. The show was unexpectedly cancelled after season eight, leaving fans with a half-formed storyline — and a romantic question that would remain unanswered.
What Could Have Been
Lipper shared that he had signed on for what was meant to be a longer run, with the expectation that Viper would become a key character if the show continued. He was surprised, like many others, when ABC decided not to renew Full House for a ninth season. The cancellation cut several storylines short, not just D.J.’s romantic plotline but also other character developments, including those for Michelle and Stephanie.
Had the series continued, the plan was for D.J. to engage in deeper internal conflict, evaluating what kind of partner — and life — she wanted. Viper’s role was not to simply be “the bad boy,” but to represent a different kind of love: one rooted in personal connection, passion, and unpredictability.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
Even though his time on the show was brief, Viper left an impression. Fans still talk about him decades later, and many still speculate who D.J. might have ended up with if the show had continued. The love triangle is one of the most remembered elements of the final season, precisely because it was never resolved.
Lipper noted that he continues to get recognized for the role and hears from fans who were rooting for Viper. For many, he represented something new and exciting — a contrast to the more traditional relationships D.J. had in the past. The idea that she could choose someone unconventional resonated with viewers who had grown up with the character and were themselves starting to face adult choices.
Revisiting the Story in ‘Fuller House’?
When Fuller House, the sequel series, was announced on Netflix years later, many hoped the reboot would provide closure. However, Viper did not return as part of D.J.’s ongoing romantic life. Instead, the series focused on her relationships with her high school sweetheart Steve Hale, as well as new characters introduced in adulthood.
Still, Lipper did make a brief cameo on Fuller House, which delighted longtime fans. The appearance didn’t explore the past love triangle in detail, but it served as a fun callback to one of the most intriguing subplots from the original show.
The Unfinished Romance: A What-If Story
In many ways, the cancellation of Full House froze D.J.’s romantic arc in time. The unresolved choice between Viper and Nelson became a “what if” scenario — a lingering story that viewers were left to complete in their imaginations. Would D.J. have chosen the safe and steady Nelson, or followed her heart toward the unpredictable Viper?
David Lipper has his own thoughts, of course. He believes Viper had a real shot — not because he was the flashier character, but because he challenged D.J. to see love in a new way. His character represented growth and change, something that aligned with D.J.’s own journey as she matured into adulthood.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Show That Could Have Been
David Lipper’s revelation gives fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at what might have been if Full House had continued just one more season. While the show’s abrupt end left several arcs unfinished, including D.J.’s romantic future, it also gave the series a sense of nostalgia and mystery.
In the years since, fans have continued to imagine how the story would have unfolded — a testament to the lasting emotional impact of the show and its characters. Whether or not D.J. would have chosen Viper, the fact that audiences are still invested speaks to the heart of what made Full House special: its ability to create characters and relationships that felt real, relatable, and full of possibilities.
