sudo apt remove vlc started.
0 updated, 0 installed, 1 to be removed and 15 not updated.
After this operation, 229 kB of disk space will be freed.
Continue? [Y/n] Y
(Reading the database... 297849 currently installed files and directories).
Removing vlc (3.0.9.2-1)...
Processing triggers for mime-support (3.64ubuntu1)...
Processing triggers for gnome-menus (3.36.0-1ubuntu1)...
Processing triggers for desktop-file-utils (0.24-1ubuntu3)...
Now let's hope no monstrosities arise 
. After how long or how many computer boots can I expect to see some kind of damage when I do these kinds of things?