True Blood

[[ETM]]

Plus, did it occur to anyone else that she could make a fortune as a prostitute?

That's a... terrifying thought, Bad Mara.:|

[Mara]

;204700']That's a... terrifying thought, Bad Mara.:|

I live to disturb.

[number8]

I think the operatic two-shot of Maryanne and the white bull needs to be our next banner.

[Lucky]

My take on Season 2 (SPOILERS ABUNDANT):

PROS

+Fellowship of the Sun - Second most interesting subplot of the season. Provided a couple of side characters that were adequately fleshed out and turned a mediocre main character into one worth watcihng.

+Maryann - My personal highlight of the season. Thought the actress was brilliant. Also liked the turn of the show in adopting Buffy's "Big Bad" theory. The focused, powerful evil throughout the season worked better than the mystery angle Season 1 tried to build on. Knew it was inevitable, but sad to see her go.

+More Eric/Less Bill - Hope this trend continues next year. One-note devotion Bill bores me.

+Sam - Before this season I had predicted the writers would hit a wall with his character. His sole purpose in Season 1 seemed to be the completion of Sookie and Bill's love triangle, and that was obviously stalemate. Glad the writers proved me wrong, and glad he was the one to save the day.

+Orgies - :pritch::pritch::pritch:


CONS

-Underused/overused side chracters - Where was Lorena causing a rift between Sookie and Bill? Where was Sookie and Barry learning together how to hone their craft? Where was more of Godric being all wise and Christlike? You know you had a good character on your hands when after two episodes his death is one of the emotional peaks of the series. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Eggs and Hoyt's mother were overcooked. Where was Lafayette?

-Vampire Mythology - Largely absent this year, and it was one of the biggest perks of Season 1 for me. I like learning what makes the vampires in the True Blood world tick, their histories, their origins, etc. The social aspects are a nice secondary, but even those were lacking this season. How many times did you actually see a vamp drink True Blood onscreen? The closest they hit these subjects were Sookie's conversation with Hugo about immortality and the existence of the queen. I want to know more...

-Poor casting - The obvious choice here is the actor who played Eggs. He was given a substantial amount of screentime and a more talented actor could have made that character sympathetic. Instead his bullet to the brain hardly made me flinch. I do agree with Mara that Evan Rachel Wood seemed more tolerable during the finale, but I wish they would have gone with someone else. Especially since I'm betting we see more of her next year.


WHAT I WANT TO SEE NEXT SEASON

*Jessica - I was hoping for much more from her character, but perhaps it's in store for the future. Her turn in the finale is on the right track. I want Bill to teach her what it is to be a vampire and drive the show back to its vampire mythology focus. Hopefully it makes Bill a more interesting character as well.

*More cinematic moments - One of the prime reasons why I watch fantasy shows. Give me something spectacular and aesthetically beautiful that I cannot forget. Off the top of my head in the first season we had Bill first giving Sookie his blood in the swamp and Sookie running through the woods to lose her virginity. This year we had Godric's suicide and Maryann's final moments with the bull. This show has the lush atmosphere and score to make these moments happen, I just wish it would more often.

*Give Anna Paquin someting to do - For half the season Sookie was pretty much glossed over while in Dallas. Aside from Godric's suicide and the proposal scene, I can't think of many other moments Anna Paquin was allowed to truly shine. As a talented lead actress, I don't like seeing her go to waste.

BEST ACTOR - Rutina Wesley
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Michelle Forbes
BEST EPISODE - Timebomb

Overall (close call) Season 1 > 2

[Ezee E]

The last episode worked just fine. Basically a denouemont (sp?) for all that occurred in the season, so its bound to not be as exciting as the previous episodes. Luckily, there's plenty to look forward to next year, and ERW is probably it. She was much, much better today. When given conflict, something that character probably hasn't had for hundreds of years, will be interesting.

[amberlita]

Everybody thinks ERW was better this episode and she shared all her scenes with Alexander Skarsgard. Coincidence? I think not. :) She was definately better. Her weakness is exposition (her "social inferior" speech was still as clunky as last episode) so if they keep her away from that sort of dialogue she might be fun.

[Ezee E]

Everybody thinks ERW was better this episode and she shared all her scenes with Alexander Skarsgard. Coincidence? I think not. :) She was definately better. Her weakness is exposition (her "social inferior" speech was still as clunky as last episode) so if they keep her away from that sort of dialogue she might be fun.
I'm just really wanting to see what she's like when things don't go her way, or when she has to actually use her power. Right now, she's got everyone wrapped around her finger while they play yahzee to a million. haha

[[ETM]]

Right now, she's got everyone wrapped around her finger while they play yahzee to five million. haha

Right?

[Mara]

By the way, anyone else think that the Queen is fencing her own blood as a chess move in the human v. vampire pending war? Because the more humans ingest her blood, the more she is "aware" of and can track?

[Ezee E]

By the way, anyone else think that the Queen is fencing her own blood as a chess move in the human v. vampire pending war? Because the more humans ingest her blood, the more she is "aware" of and can track?
Nice catch.

[Ezee E]

TO DO LIST TO BECOME ERIC:
Bought myself a Raserback Tank. DONE 9/16
Lose summer tan.
Grow five-six inches.
Become vampire. DONE 9/5

And I'd be there. Just slightly worse looking.

[Mara]

Heh. (http://www.celebuzz.com/stephen-moyer-wants-hot-gay-s142591/)

[number8]

Threesome.

Matter settled.

[[ETM]]

Did you see the video they linked to?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeD4WaA8E_s
:lol:

Mara, don't click unprepared. You too, 8. Three men in the shower.

[Mara]

http://www.latimesmagazine.com/2010/03/millennium-man.html

Scroll through the photo shoot at the top. YOU'RE WELCOME.

Oh, the interview is okay, too.

[Mara]

The viral marketing begins.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/maragirl/truebloodx-large.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v254/maragirl/?action=view&current=truebloodx-large.jpg)

[Dukefrukem]

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2009/vilf.jpg

[Mara]

Anna Paquin comes out as bisexual. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36137522/ns/entertainment-celebrities/)

[[ETM]]

On April 1st? Heh.

[Mara]

;252525']On April 1st? Heh.

...I don't think it's for a prank. It's a serious video (that one would assume was filmed and edited some time ago) for a real cause. If she's joking, it's in very poor taste.

[[ETM]]

...I don't think it's for a prank. It's a serious video (that one would assume was filmed and edited some time ago) for a real cause. If she's joking, it's in very poor taste.

I know. I was joking. It's... a bit silly. I'm not sure I believe in "bisexual" as a proper category - when it comes to women, it seems to be split between gay women who are either still a bit confused or just love sex, and straight women who are sometimes attracted by women too. Both of which I have no problem with, of course.

[Milky Joe]

;252528']I know. I was joking. It's... a bit silly. I'm not sure I believe in "bisexual" as a proper category - when it comes to women, it seems to be split between gay women who are either still a bit confused or just love sex, and straight women who are sometimes attracted by women too. Both of which I have no problem with, of course.

...especially when it comes to Anna Paquin.

[[ETM]]

...especially when it comes to Anna Paquin.

Hey, I'm just a man. Don't you judge me.

[number8]

Who cares. What we need is for Moyer and Skaarsgard to come out as bi.

[Mara]

Who cares.

Ask Max. I bet she does. ;)

[SpaceOddity]

Vampires should smoulder. Bill looks like he's trying to remember how to tie his shoe-laces.

http://queriaservampyra.files.wordpre ss.com/2009/09/bill-compton-2.jpg

*rests case*

[amberlita]

Well, that's why we have him:

http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/738/ericxim.jpg

Though Bill does some good smouldering, when they actually let him act like a vampire and not just be Sookie's wet blanket, that is.

[Silencio]

Official trailer for the new season: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3F2v3yrmi0

[number8]

Were they... trying to make that look like a porn version of New Moon?

Awesome. :lol:

[amberlita]

I'm getting all hot and bothered at the idea of this show coming back soon.

[Russ]

The viral marketing begins.
Moar


http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/3434/29119390673618562691448.jpg

[Milky Joe]

2nd trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsCIYBVVSaQ&feature=player_embedded

Looks like Jason will continue to be the best part of the show.

[number8]

Slight spoiler but so hot I don't fucking care. NSFW:

Eric's ass:

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12119/2010/05/340x_asbooty.jpg

Sam and Bill about to fuck:

http://cache.gawkerassets.com/assets/images/12119/2010/05/340x_kiss2.jpg

[amberlita]

Whoa, 8!

I'm assuming that second picture will be a dream sequence given Sam's recent intake of Bill's blood at the end of Season 2.

Gee. Is there any hope that maybe Jason could chug on Eric's blood at some point then? I could go for that dream sequence fo sho!

[Russ]

Gee. Is there any hope that maybe Jason could chug on Eric's blood at some point then? I could go for that dream sequence fo sho!
Word.

[number8]

I'm assuming that second picture will be a dream sequence given Sam's recent intake of Bill's blood at the end of Season 2.

Yep!


Gee. Is there any hope that maybe Jason could chug on Eric's blood at some point then? I could go for that dream sequence fo sho!

Both of them have a gay storyline coming up, but not with each other. If you must know:

Jason's gonna have a homoerotic friendship with a new guy and Eric's gonna fuck Lafayette.

[Ezee E]

To watch this at the fire department or the parents' house.............

[RoadtoPerdition]

Oh boy, Alan Ball just said they've taken everything we've loved about True Blood and "amped it up." That term always scares me. I hope they didn't "amp" up the action and disregard story.

[RoadtoPerdition]

LOL @ Lafayette's "hooker" comment. That was great.

[Lucky]

I don't know if it's the shows fault or mine, but i've lost some appeal. Used to look forward to the next ep the second the new one was over but after this one Sunday doesn't seem so far away.

[Milky Joe]

Welp, that was just what the doctor ordered. I'm not salivating at the mouth at the prospect of next week, but I'm sure that will come later.

[amberlita]

I don't know if it's the shows fault or mine, but i've lost some appeal. Used to look forward to the next ep the second the new one was over but after this one Sunday doesn't seem so far away.

Same here (though I partially blame the fact that the Breaking Bad finale was up next right after this). I was fairly underwhelmed at this episode. I got the feeling Alan Ball really didn't know how to start this all off and rather than keeping it focused he just jumped around to a half a dozen character storylines that were all in different places. Whole thing was disjointed.

The only thing I really loved was Pam. Such a great character.

[Mara]

I am not the slightest bit interested in Tara's storyline right now.

Other than that, pretty solid opening.

[[ETM]]

Yeah, pretty enjoyable. Plenty of laughs.

Also, Bill coming out of the ground = badass. He's awesome in full-on vampire mode.

[number8]

Oh, Eric.

OH, ERIC.

[number8]

But seriously, I had to watch that scene in the basement 3 times.

[amberlita]

Yeah, I may have watched it even more than three times.

:cool:

[number8]

"You seem surprised. Is Bill's stamina not up to snuff?"

I should really use that line more often.

[Mara]

Yes, yes, bum, bum, bum.

But we're all forgetting how hilarious Pam was as she pretended to try and stop Sookie from going downstairs.

[[ETM]]

More often?


Do tell.

[Russ]

But we're all forgetting how hilarious Pam was as she pretended to try and stop Sookie from going downstairs.
I didn't. That was the funniest bit of the episode. "Stop. Wait. Dont..go" :lol:

[Mara]

I didn't. That was the funniest bit of the episode. "Stop. Wait. Dont..go" :lol:

"She overpowered me."

[number8]

;266887']More often?


Do tell.

The secret thread is thataway.

[number8]

Pam is like True Blood's Brittany. I hope they won't start overusing her.

[Mara]

Pam is like True Blood's Brittany. I hope they won't start overusing her.

Jason is True Blood's Brittany. I have a soft spot for unabashedly stupid characters.

[number8]

Ah, I was talking about their marginal use as great side characters, not their brain function. Jason's pretty much one of the male leads. He's in more episodes than Eric.

[Mara]

Several of the reviews I'm seeing for this season say they introduce too many characters.

[Mara]

Er... well...

J8tODhvb47s

[Lucky]

So when is something gonna like, you know, happen this season?

[Mara]

Some baaaad dialogue tonight. And Tara's storyline is still boring. And I don't like soulful Eric, I like badass Eric.

Other than that... okay. Sookie's impression of Bill saying "Sookie" was quite funny, and Jason hopefully asking if Santa was real was charming. I like that Hoyt and Terry continue to be developed as characters. And I'm glad that Jessica didn't get away with the dead body thing easily, but has to put time and expense and effort into disposing of it. The creepily hot British guy is that one actor who is always sort of creepily hot. And it might be the OCD in me, but I'm so glad they started cleaning up that house. 'Cause, yuck.

The flashbacks to WWII were pointless.

[Mara]

Also, there was this guy who ended up making a few minor films that I knew a decade ago when he was convinced he was going to set the world on fire with his film-making blah blah blah. He was telling me that he had an eye for talent and knew who the up-and-comers in the film business would be. He asked me who I had seen recently (male) that was attractive and promising.

And I said Jake Gyllenhaal and the creepily hot British guy, James Frain.

Now, MIND YOU, this was in 2000ish, when Jake Gyllenhaal was "that guy from October Sky" and James Frain was "That guy from Where the Heart Is, yeah, crap film but he was good in it."

And this guy looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Dude. Those guys aren't even good-looking." I'd just like to point out that he was so, so wrong. Bite me, guy I haven't spoken to in a decade!

[[ETM]]

The show is as fun as ever. I have almost zero complaints. At least a dozen hilarious quotes from this episode alone.

[number8]

I'm quite intrigued by the Mississipi king's thing, actually. I think this could be a pretty great Season 3 if they really explore the politics of the vampire world. Hopefully, Ivanek will appear more as the Magistrate.

But no hot sex this week, I am disappoint.

[Grouchy]

I've been watching some Season 2 episodes of this to see if I can get hooked by a hit TV series like everyone does.

The short answer is not really.

[number8]

You are different!

[[ETM]]

But no hot sex this week, I am disappoint.

Plenty of nekkid Nazi werewolves though.

[[ETM]]

Double post. Good excuse:
http://www.joblo.com/images_arrownews/WerewolfCover.jpg

[Grouchy]

You are different!
BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HAH!

[Milky Joe]

Love the tawdry music that plays when the King's riding horseback. So goofy.

[Ezee E]

Saw the first episode. Pam's got the best story going on right now with her adjustment to being a vampire, but the werewolves will certainly be a fun addition.

I like how the show manages to have a serious storyline, but also acknowledge how ridiculous it is at the same time.

[number8]

Pam? You mean Jessica.

[Ezee E]

Pam? You mean Jessica.
Duh. My bad.

[number8]

The names are easier to remember if you say them in Bill's voice. His intonation indicates their relationship to him.

You'll know the young vampire is Jessica because Bill says it like, "JESS-ee-cuh!" It's fatherly and shit. In contrast, "Paym" sounds more like a delaying nuisance, which is what she is to Bill.

[Ezee E]

Hmm... Episode 2. Jessica's storyline is still the best of it all right now.

Don't really care for the King much. His entrance was so corny that I can't take him seriously. Although I did laugh at each of the courses that was served.

Great hilarious moments from Jason and the other chef.

As fun as always, things are setting up similar to last year I think.

[Ezee E]

And Episode 3 ups the ante as far as bizarre sex moves go.

Cleveland Steamer, Angry Pirate.... Meet the Louisiana Headspin.

[[ETM]]

"Lie back, sweetheart, and think of Estonia.":lol:

[Ezee E]

;268671']"Lie back, sweetheart, and think of Estonia.":lol:
Curious if that girl will have a purpose at some point in the season. I'm fine with it if they don't. :)

[Mara]

I hate to say it, but this episode felt ill-advised and unconvincing.

Gee, Tara has been brain-washed by a supernatural creature. That's new. No, wait, that's old and I was more than tired of it last year.

The introduction of Alcide felt unnatural (when did Eric hire him? No heads up for Sookie?) and the character seems uninteresting. It's not enough to hire attractive people, Showrunners. They have to have personalities.

Bill's angry-sex with whats-her-name felt like, "Aren't you shocked? Isn't this shocking? Did you see her head? Envelope. Pushers. That's us." YAWN. It rang more true when he was throwing fire at her.

Also, Bill's flashback was USELESS. "Look, something happened with his wife! Just kidding. Nothing happened."

And why would Sookie arrange a funeral for Eggs and then not tell Tara? And when did she have time to organize a funeral? Nonsense.







All that said, Sookie's hair was quite fetching in the latter half of the episode. Curly and shiny.

[Milky Joe]

It has to get old, nitpicking like you and so many others do a show whose primary goal is to show people getting bitten and fucked bloody. At what point in your TV watching life do you actually find time to, you know, enjoy shit? To be entertained? Because I was thoroughly entertained last night.

[Mara]

At what point in your TV watching life do you actually find time to, you know, enjoy shit?

When the writers take time to develop a decent product. It's a whole symbiosis thing.

;)

[Ezee E]

Fairly sure it wasn't envelope pushing, but intended for half comedic purpose. Pretty hilarious actually.

[amberlita]

Also, Bill's flashback was USELESS. "Look, something happened with his wife! Just kidding. Nothing happened."

Well I think it did have a purpose even if it was kind of lame (because to me it didn't work). It was meant to prompt Bill into cutting ties with Louisiana/Sookie because he remembered how much he eff'd up with his wife. And apparently he hates Lorena for teaching him not to love humans and yet, I think she was teaching his dumbass a valuable lesson.

I'm loving that dude as Franklin Mott. Not sure where he came from or what his purpose is, but the actor is clearly having a lot of fun performing it and I'm having fun watching it.

But the sex tonight was just cuh-reeeeeepy. I don't know WHAT the hell happened between Mott and Tara to make her go all eye-rolly-possesed. And the less said about Bill trying to rape Lorena the better.

[Mara]

Has he chosen to give up Sookie? I thought he was just playing along. Could be wrong.

Franklin is a cool character so far. I'm very interested in his arc.

And have you noticed that Jessica as an actress can blush on command? That's pretty impressive.

[Lucky]

Fairly sure it wasn't envelope pushing, but intended for half comedic purpose. Pretty hilarious actually.

I agree with your half comedic statement, but I also agree with Mara that it was way too "LOOK AT ME!!" Instead of ending in the show's tried-and-true cliffhanger style, it ends with a moment that seemed above all to get people talking at the watercooler the next day.

...and it succeeded.

[Acapelli]

honestly, it was probably the most bizarre moment on the show yet and that's saying something

[Milky Joe]

"Forty three years, and what have I got to show for it? Gaps in my brain, and polyps in my ass! I don't need this horseshit!"

Is that EB Farnum, back from the dead?

[Mara]

"Forty three years, and what have I got to show for it? Gaps in my brain, and polyps in my ass! I don't need this horseshit!"


That scene was awesome.







By the way:

‘True Blood’ star shocked by twisted sex scene (http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37980063/ns/today-entertainment/)


Shooting "was a little uncomfortable, but we got through it," she says. "I'm working with the best people from the writers to the producers to the other actors and at the end of the day, I'd rather be on a show that's provocative and pushes the envelope than one that doesn't."

Heh.

[[ETM]]

The scene is problematic not because of the content, but because of the improbability of it: they needed her to say the line after he twists her neck, which is simply ridiculous - vampire or not, it would have crushed her spine and larynx, and instead of talking, she'd be coughing up blood and making horrible noises until she could set it on straight and regenerate.

[Ezee E]

;268908']The scene is problematic not because of the content, but because of the improbability of it: they needed her to say the line after he twists her neck, which is simply ridiculous - vampire or not, it would have crushed her spine and larynx, and instead of talking, she'd be coughing up blood and making horrible noises until she could set it on straight and regenerate.
Getting logical about True Blood is just silly.

[[ETM]]

Getting logical about True Blood is just silly.

I'm only thinking within the boundaries set by the show itself.

[Acapelli]

http://i48.tinypic.com/v2yalv.jpg

[number8]

All I care about is that I have another line to use.

"Got your rug all wet."

[KK2.0]

Fairly sure it wasn't envelope pushing, but intended for half comedic purpose. Pretty hilarious actually.

indeed, when he set her on fire was pretty awesome as well, i can't wait for their next encounter. :D

[Ezee E]

True Blood panel at Comic-Con number8...

But no Skarsgaard.

[RoadtoPerdition]

Ugh, that was a boring episode. Sweet cover or remix of "9 Crimes" at the end though.

[Lucky]

I hope they explain some rationale behind Bill's sudden mood-swing with Sookie in the future. Right now it feels very cheap and childish. To quote Buffy it's reminding me of "Dawson with fangs."

[Mara]

The guy playing Alcide cannot act at all. He's the new Eggs. I wince every time he talks. Good looking man, though.

Some of the dialogue was pretty bad, but overall I thought this was a better episode. I feel like we're getting into real story instead of just setting up plots. I especially like Franklin. Like, a lot. He's interesting and creepy and awesome.

[amberlita]

Nobody can be as bad as Eggs. Still, I thought last night Alcide would have worked a lot better for you since you'd complained that he was just another pretty piece of meat on the show without any clear character. To me he started to show some actual personality, even if it is that he's just got a really bad temper and likes to swear.

The episode on the whole worked a hell of a lot better to me than any of the first few. As Lucky had complained, felt like nothing was happening. I'd say so, until last night.

Oh, and props to Anna Paquin for going all-out with the tears. That truly is a gift that some actors just do not have and it impresses me every time I see it.

[Mara]

Still, I thought last night Alcide would have worked a lot better for you since you'd complained that he was just another pretty piece of meat on the show without any clear character. To me he started to show some actual personality, even if it is that he's just got a really bad temper and likes to swear.

Mm, I'm just not feeling him at all. And the chemistry between him and Sookie felt forced (unlike the chemistry between both Sookie & Bill and Sookie & Eric, which are both still working really well.)

Sookie comes up to, like, Eric's sternum. It was making me giggle. Need a stepladder, sweetie?

[amberlita]

Mm, I'm just not feeling him at all. And the chemistry between him and Sookie felt forced (unlike the chemistry between both Sookie & Bill and Sookie & Eric, which are both still working really well.)

Sookie comes up to, like, Eric's sternum. It was making me giggle. Need a stepladder, sweetie?

It does feel forced and while they may not have been the intention by the producers I'm not necessarily opposed to it. I don't think we are meant to see them as legitimate couple potential and genuine chemistry might complicate things to the viewers when Sookie's already got things going on with Bill and Eric. But if they did hookup, it would be as two desperate people on the rebound from two very serious relationships and those sort of hookups are forced even in real life as you are trying to escape from your pain.

[Mara]

But if they did hookup, it would be as two desperate people on the rebound from two very serious relationships and those sort of hookups are forced even in real life as you are trying to escape from your pain.

I could accept that, I think. Easier than a relationship.

[Lucky]

Oh, and props to Anna Paquin for going all-out with the tears. That truly is a gift that some actors just do not have and it impresses me every time I see it.

Props to Anna Paquin for working out. Yowza.

[Ezee E]

Props to Anna Paquin for working out. Yowza.
Ha. I saw this at the family's house and she said, "She's been working out."

[number8]

I thought this was particularly brilliant, actually:

"Can all vampires fly?"
"Can all humans sing?"

[amberlita]

Why is that, 8? I didn't think it was that special. Actually thought it was a slightly klunky exchange.

[Ezee E]

Why is that, 8? I didn't think it was that special. Actually thought it was a slightly klunky exchange.
He's got a bias. Just leave him be.

[number8]

The idea of vampire powers being a talent, rather than a skill you learn (as in most vampire fiction). Maybe the idea itself isn't that new, but usually when these powers are privileged, they tend to be possessed by an ultimate leader, not as random as singing abilities. I thought it was a neat analogy.

[Ezee E]

"Jessica" has created her own Blogsite (http://babyvamp-jessica.com/)

Wonder if there's more of this stuff out there.

[Milky Joe]

Great episode. All those complaints about Bill being uninteresting should no longer apply this season. He's suddenly become the most interesting character on the show.

[Lucky]

Great episode. All those complaints about Bill being uninteresting should no longer apply this season. He's suddenly become the most interesting character on the show.

I actually concur. I'm intrigued to know more/why. I hope they deliver.

I liked the fly/sing exchange too, 8. I thought that was witty.

[amberlita]

Yup. Being away from Sookie was the best thing that could have happened to Bill's character, though I agree with you Lucky that I'd like to see it fleshed out a bit more as to why he's gone this direction. My guess is that it's just the claustrophobic presence of Lorena. That whole head-twisting sex scene, that he was trying to hurt her and all she did was giggle with delight and declare her love again, it made me realize that she may genuinely be driving him insane.

[Winston*]

They need to get John Munch to guest star on True Blood.

[KK2.0]

a little disappointed by the lack of creativity with the new Bill vs Lorena scene... :)

[Lucky]

Alright, I realize that every time I've posted here about this season it's been negative, but I'm on board now. Things have definitely heated up.

[Milky Joe]

FanTASTIC!

Indeed, indeed.

[RoadtoPerdition]

Quote of the week: "You taste like fuckin' life itself!"

[Milky Joe]

My reaction to this episode was a positive one.

[amberlita]

I was eating pizza during this episode. Namely, the Tara/Franklin scenes. I'm never eating anything ever again.

Though a question does arise. How is it that back in season 1 Lafayette warns not to take more than just a drop of V or it'll be too much and resultantly Jason winds up with priapism after taking a whole vial. Yet it appears now that Tara or Debbie/Coot can ingest gobs and gobs of the stuff and not have any deletirious effects?

[[ETM]]

I don't think Tara was really taking that much - there's that silly shot of her pulling at Franklin's neck, but not drinking any of the blood.

And Cooter and Debbie are not human.

[Russ]

Also, Tara had been bitten (like Sookie), which I think affects the impact that the ingestion of blood has on them.

Plus, Cooter and Debbie, in addition to being wolves, look like maybe they've built up a little tolerance to the effect, same as any drug addict who does it all the time.

[amberlita]

;275782']I don't think Tara was really taking that much - there's that silly shot of her pulling at Franklin's neck, but not drinking any of the blood.

And Cooter and Debbie are not human.

Well Cooter and Debbie makes sense I hadn't thought of that, but I still think Tara would have ingested a large amount of blood inadvertently when she was tear out a guy's jugular.

I hadn't thought of what you said though Russ. I do think that being low on blood or being injured lessens the effects of V when it's working it's magic to restore you rather than get you high. So maybe that explains it.

[Milky Joe]

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhI. LOVE. THIS. SHOW.

'That's beautiful.'
'That's cuz that shit is Inuit. And we all is used to lesser religions.'

[number8]

Finally caught up. This show can ramp shit up when it wants to. I hope Franklin isn't really dead somehow (though obviously he looks like he is). I'll miss him. He was fucking hilarious, and I'm halfway convinced he's supposed to be an Edward Cullen parody.

Also, I think I got hard during the Lafayette/Jesus scene.

[[ETM]]

I hope Franklin isn't really dead somehow (though obviously he looks like he is).

She didn't cut his head off, nor did she stake him... I think he'll be back.
It'll take a LOT of healing to mend that, though.

[amberlita]

;277831']She didn't cut his head off, nor did she stake him... I think he'll be back.
It'll take a LOT of healing to mend that, though.

Yeah, I was actually looking at that wall and hoping she didn't pick up the ax that was hanging there. I love Franklin, though I can't imagine how he can stick around on the show with his deranged obsession for Tara. It's so extreme it's hard to maintain in the story.

In that same sense, I think Coot might not be dead either. Were those regular bullets in the gun or silver bullets? Have we established those rules on the show for the wolves?

[number8]

It doesn't seem like you need silver bullets to kill the wolves. I mean, Bill just beat them to death a few eps ago.

[[ETM]]

I think werewolves, like all weres, can be killed like humans on the show, no silver bullet crap.

[amberlita]

It doesn't seem like you need silver bullets to kill the wolves. I mean, Bill just beat them to death a few eps ago.

Oh right. Duh.

[Milky Joe]

So I'm wondering if "The Authority" has something to do with the Roman Catholic Church, given that the Magister referred to Russell's committing a "cardinal sin." Maybe that's totally wrong though.

Also, I was really, really happy to see Johnny Burns in this episode.

[RoadtoPerdition]

Quote of the week: "So quit bein' a fuckmouth and tell me where she is."

[amberlita]

I'm getting really burnt out on this show. I think it's cause I'm so infinitely tired of The Bill and Sookie Show.

[Milky Joe]

Picked up steam towards the end there. This show's such a tease.

[Milky Joe]

Line of the night:

"They killed my Cooter!"

[Russ]

I'm getting really burnt out on this show. I think it's cause I'm so infinitely tired of The Bill and Sookie Show.
I dunno...I love how the latest episode began with them breaking up, and how it closed with those final images (not so broke up).

But, godammit, would the writers PLEASE make do a makeover on Tara? Scratch that, maybe just kill her off, 'cause I can't stand her character anymore. She is like nails-on-the-chalkboard to me.

Good cameo by the Michael Raymond-James (Rene).

[number8]

I... I...

[number8]

Come on, that ending is great. Liked the opening, too, but the ending!

Skaarsgard gay sex followed by hot Anna Paquin cowgirl. I almost couldn't take it.

[Ezee E]

Paquin cowgirl?????? I've been missing out!

[number8]

Oh, do we do spoiler tags around here? I usually just don't come here if I haven't seen the latest episode.

[Ezee E]

Oh, do we do spoiler tags around here? I usually just don't come here if I haven't seen the latest episode.
Nah, that's not really a spoiler. I can avoid the ones that have plot details.

[Milky Joe]

Yeah, that's not a spoiler; it's an incentive.

[amberlita]

Come on, that ending is great. Liked the opening, too, but the ending!

Skaarsgard gay sex followed by hot Anna Paquin cowgirl. I almost couldn't take it.

Admittedly, yes. That was damn sexy.

"I'm bored. Take off your clothes." :pritch:

[Ezee E]

Caught up. While not as good as last season, it's got a little more mystery to it. The dry humor of the show has gotten as good as the silly humor in the show. I laugh a lot. Like that.

[Henry Gale]

Not sure how much I've actually ever talked about the show on hee, but I find it to be such a breezy and (relatively) innocent piece of television, that even when it's doing things I don't like, I find to have a great amount of campy joy from it.

All the seasons have their heavy shares of ups and downs to make rankings difficult for me, but when the show is light enough to focuses on the absurdities and humour in every character's situations; that's when I find the show to really shine. It's approach to allegorical race politics and sexuality is so entertaining in a way I can't compare to in the majority of recent mainstream shows or films. It finds just the right balance in ways that don't make you ponder about whether or not it's sending the right message.

I hope it goes on for many seasons/summers as, for all its flaws, it has a very unique, old-fashioned quality to it that throws itself up against really modern and twisted pieces of its plot in increasingly entertaining ways.

[Milky Joe]

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Milky Joe]

If somehow I could watch this show unfold endlessly, I would gladly replace it with my real life. The perfect Entertainment would be achieved.

[Henry Gale]

You see!? If the show's tone was mostly like those last couple of minutes, it would be some of the greatest television around.

As it was though, it was still as good a scene as anything the show has ever done. Startling and thrilling in the goofiest of ways, then severely creepy, then completely hilarious.

[amberlita]

The King has been like a breath of fresh air to the show. On a night where we tragically lose one of the most outrageous and entertaining characters on the show (though, really, it was the only logical solution to that storyline), it's nice to know we still have the King. I'm torn between wanting him to be around for a very long time and wanting Eric to get his revenge.

[number8]

That was fucking hysterical. I fantasize about getting into a bar fight and using that as my quip.

"I. *punch* AM NOT. *punch* YOUR EQUAL. *punch* I will eat you! *punch* Right after *punch* I eat *punch* YOUR CHILDREN. *punch*

Huff. Huff. *stands up*

And now with the weather. Tiffany?"

[Milky Joe]

"I'm naked. She's naked. We're partyin'. You're just standin' there."

[Russ]

This week:

Best Line: Pam - "We've got a blah blah vampire emergency blah..."

Best Scene: Hoyt sucker punches Sam's punk-ass little bro.


Great batch of episodes of late, makes up for the inauspicious start to the season.

[amberlita]

Two of the best moments from the episode for sure. This episode was filled with satisfying moments for me. The aforementioned sucker-punching of that little shit Tommy, Eric finally getting to first base with Sookie, Jessica and Hoyt reuniting, and most of all Jason screaming obscenities at Bill till he told him to just get the FUCK. OUT. I wanted to hug Jason cause that's basically what I want to do everytime Bill gets in that self-righteous-protect-Sookie-mode and I'm glad one of the characters finally called him on it.

I can't even watch Rutina Wesley anymore her facial acting is so wretched. The lip quiver used to be funny, then it got ridiculous, now it is intensely irritating. Not to mention the bug eyes, the forehead crinkle, the rapid eyebrow twitching. Tara is always distressed and Rutina Wesley does the worst distressed face in the history of ever.

[Lucky]

I can't even watch Rutina Wesley anymore her facial acting is so wretched. The lip quiver used to be funny, then it got ridiculous, now it is intensely irritating. Not to mention the bug eyes, the forehead crinkle, the rapid eyebrow twitching. Tara is always distressed and Rutina Wesley does the worst distressed face in the history of ever.

That's funny. Ive always thought Rutina was the most talented actor in the main cast.

[Lucky]

Speaking of Tara, is she off to kill herself or what? Way to go Jason Dickhole.

[RoadtoPerdition]

Speaking of Tara, is she off to kill herself or what? Way to go Jason Dickhole.

It's my understanding that there will be several main characters killed off this season, so possibly she is one of them.

[amberlita]

Whoa, spoiler much? I didn't wanna know that.

[amberlita]

That's funny. Ive always thought Rutina was the most talented actor in the main cast.

I'd give that award to Ryan Kwanten.

[RoadtoPerdition]

Whoa, spoiler much? I didn't wanna know that.

Sorry about that. I debated spoiler-tagging it, but since I don't know if it's actually true, I didn't. I will tag it now though.

[Milky Joe]

If anyone's going to die, I hope Russell kills them.

This episode had some great moments, but was fairly tame overall. Another "calm before the storm" episode before what looks to be an action packed final two.

[number8]

My favorite scene is actually Russell using the prostitute to say goodbye to Talbot. Delightfully macabre.

I have to be honest, I'm warming up to Tommy. Yes, he's a little shit, but he's supposed to be, and he's much more fun to watch being obnoxious ("I'm naked. She's naked. We're partyin'. You're just standing there.") like he's been the past couple of episodes than being a moody dick in those earlier episodes.

"I shouldn't have done that..."
"Are you kiddin'? It gave me total wood."

Kind of an amazing thing to say to an upset girl.

[Milky Joe]

I enjoy Tommy too, mostly because of how the other characters react to him. Nobody is as impressed with him as he is with himself.

"Well, alls I know is, I was proud of my big brother last night."
"Yeah well you're an idiot."

[number8]

You know, given the thin veils this show uses, I'm disappointed that the only slur they have for vampires is "fanger." I half-expected them to call them fangots or something.

[Milky Joe]

So much wrong with this episode, but somehow I still enjoyed it. Can't say I'm too enthused at the prospect of some Wiccan storyline next season though. Show might have peaked, I'm afraid.

[number8]

Eric.

I love you.

[Milky Joe]

Uh, has anyone seen the cover for the latest Rolling Stone? Hubba hubba.

[number8]

I watched the Veronica Mars episode with Nelsan Ellis in it last night. Kind of weird to see him not be flamboyantly gay.

[megladon8]

The one woman on this show whom I desperately, pervertedly want to see nude is the only one who seems to never show anything.

*sigh*

[Lucky]

The one woman on this show whom I desperately, pervertedly want to see nude is the only one who seems to never show anything.

*sigh*

Who is that, Pam?

[megladon8]

Who is that, Pam?


Tara.

Rutina Wesley is smokin'.

[Henry Gale]

I think the correct answer is Jessica. But... the fact that her character is meant to be eternally 17 (despite Deborah Ann Woll being 25) means it will probably never happen from a storytelling point-of-view.

Speaking of which, say the show goes on another five years with her character, it's going to be quite a feat for Woll to be convincing as a teenager when she's almost 30.

[number8]

You say that like movies and television have never depicted underage characters naked.

[RoadtoPerdition]

Surprised nobody's commented on the season finale yet. This was one of those finales that's not really a finale, but more of a let's-setup-next-season-and-not-give-any-closure-to-anything situations. There was an interesting revelation (if you've watched it, you know what I'm talking about) that I didn't see coming, but other than that, not a whole lot of substance.

[number8]

Yeah, weird for a finale, but a lot of stuff I liked about it. Eric's nonchalant escape was great, and yeah, the reveal had me going "NO WAIIY."

Man, everyone's an asshole this season.

[amberlita]

Overall wasn't pleased with the finale, mostly because the writers can't seem to trim the fat off the show so there were 2 or 3 storylines getting equal play from the main storyline that just do not interest me whatsoever (Jesus is a witch, Jason's gonna lead hotshot, Tara got a new haircut, and so on). I liked Sookie getting pissy about how bad the vamps are for her. And Eric. Oh Eric.

"I want my phone back."

I hope there's more cohesion next season.

[RoadtoPerdition]

Overall wasn't pleased with the finale, mostly because the writers can't seem to trim the fat off the show so there were 2 or 3 storylines getting equal play from the main storyline that just do not interest me whatsoever (Jesus is a witch, Jason's gonna lead hotshot, Tara got a new haircut, and so on).

My main problem with the show is that the scope is getting too big. The first season was great; strongly develop a core group of characters and stay (mainly) in Bon Temps. I know that they can't carry the show on for several season this way and I don't mind the introduction of new characters, but there have been so many of them and the locations have expanded so much, it just seems too vast. I feel like they're going to go worldwide (England, France, Russia, etc.) and it's going to get out of hand. As it is, I barely know most of the new characters' names and I watch the show every week.

[amberlita]

My main problem with the show is that the scope is getting too big. The first season was great; strongly develop a core group of characters and stay (mainly) in Bon Temps. I know that they can't carry the show on for several season this way and I don't mind the introduction of new characters, but there have been so many of them and the locations have expanded so much, it just seems too vast. I feel like they're going to go worldwide (England, France, Russia, etc.) and it's going to get out of hand. As it is, I barely know most of the new characters' names and I watch the show every week.

Agreed. At least last season all the storylines and characters converged in the finale. Here they were still splintered and the whole season was dragged down along the way. And from early word, next season is only going to introduce more new characters if they are going to go the witch storyline. It keeps ballooning. They couldn't even kill off their big bad this season.

They just need to prioritize. If Tara doesn't have anything to do but fuck Sam and piss and moan about her life, don't write her into the episode. Just let Sam run the restaurant, no one gives a shit about his redneck family or when he was a jewel thief.

I hope this changes next season is all. I don't want another one like this.

[Ezee E]

True Blood should be okay with murdering characters that have nothing left to prove.... Tara......

[number8]

I really don't know why they even decided to make Sam what he is this season. It's gratuitous angst.

[Henry Gale]

I don't know if I've been impressed with any of the finales the show has had to offer so far. I remember liking some of last year's with the Maryann business — as much as I hated that storyline— but even that episode was structured really awkwardly, with a half-hour denouement.

Also, after a whole season of struggling to keep track of exactly where Sookie and Bill stood as a couple (especially in this episode after the two-week break), I found it especially strange to completely throw that curveball now instead of one of the first half-dozen times they ended things. Quite ballsy though, I will say that.

[Milky Joe]

Well, uh, I thought it was great.

None of the finales so far have been 'wrap ups', just like every episode never wraps anything up. I don't know why anyone would expect anything different.

And wait, people are actually confused by these storylines? Who's who and all that, really? Have you ever seen The Wire?

[Winston*]

Found this season mostly pretty boring. The english vampire was clearly the best part. Hilarious.

[Raiders]

Watched the first season, about to start the second. It sure is entertaining even if it ultimately strikes me as being about absolutely nothing and is just Alan Ball's idea of softcore soap opera.

And my God do I love the opening song. It's my wife's ringtone on my phone.

[[ETM]]

Well, I guess it becomes about less as it goes along, while throwing more and more stuff in. It's stays more or less at the same level of fun, at least for most people.

[Milky Joe]

Yeah, I liked the first season because it totally did feel like it was "about" something, or several things. I particularly enjoyed its treatment of psychedelic drug use... Six Feet Under did this also, but True Blood took up the ritualistic side of it and the real therapeutic benefits of entheogens. The show's not really gotten back to anything like that since.

[Raiders]

Well I was reacting to the first season, so I guess this isn't very encouraging. We'll see.

[Acapelli]

The queen and bill matrix fighting caused endless lols. Even for this show it was ridiculous

[Ezee E]

The queen and bill matrix fighting caused endless lols. Even for this show it was ridiculous
Yeah, there's some episode in season three where I was just bored of watching and stopped. Looks like it was a good decision.

[Milky Joe]

Yeah, there's some episode in season three where I was just bored of watching and stopped. Looks like it was a good decision.

Not really. You missed probably the greatest moment of the show's entire run.

[Raiders]

Finished the second season. My opinion is more-or-less the same, which means I am entertained enough to watch season 3 when it comes out on DVD. I really liked the character of Godric even if his motivations always seemed a little underexplained. His rooftop farewell with Sookie was pretty great.

Also, Ryan Kwanten is always the highlight of this show for me. I didn't care much for the evil church plotline, but Kwanten is remarkably deft at playing wide-eyed and one-shade-too-clueless.

[Raiders]

Anyone know any legitimate places to watch Season 3 online? Fancast has taken the full eps down and I'm not seeing anything less than shady in sidereel's link list.

[Lucky]

Am I the only one who returned to this show?

I'm actually enjoying myself again. The one year time gap was the best thing the show could have done. The characters feel refreshed and I find them all in interesting places again. Who would have thought Bill would turn into one of the focal points this season? Tara's back to her old self with a bit of a twist. Jason's getting in trouble again. Eric's being a conniving d-bag. Pam hasn't changed, but that's a great thing. Lafayette introduces us to a new addition in Marnie, the head of the necromancer coven. Sookie and Sam are the only ones dragging their feet a bit, but Tommy's still around and I like the dynamic between him and Sam. And Arlene is still a riot.

Only negative point I'd want to bring up is that every scene Jessica and Hoyt share reminds me of highschool drama class. Really grating already, and we're only two episodes deep.

So far, this year has given me flashbacks of Season Two when the show seemed to be rockin' along with grand absurdity. I thought the witches would be the final nail in the coffin (no pun intended) for me with True Blood, but they're a welcome addition to the show's dynamic (Marnie, especially).

If you gave up on the show because of last season, I'd suggest you give this year a shot. Hopefully I won't be taking that back in weeks to come.

[[ETM]]

Am I the only one who returned to this show?

No.

[number8]

I watched it. Bill as a punker was funny, but there's really been no great hook so far.

[Henry Gale]

If you gave up on the show because of last season, I'd suggest you give this year a shot. Hopefully I won't be taking that back in weeks to come.

Yeah, I watched both back to back two Sundays ago since I watched the first, went to bed, then woke up to find HBO had released the second online.

I honestly don't see what a lot of people hated so much about Season 3 (even if it's just now in foggy retrospect), even if I can admit that it was maybe the weakest season and it definitely felt like the intensity / excitement knob felt turned down a little bit throughout in comparison to the energy of the first two years, I still thought it was perfectly enjoyable. Even for characters like Franklin and Russell Edgington alone, the season definitely had its overarching bright spots and no less of an attempt to deliver crazy, outrageous, WTF moments week to week. (The head-turning sex scene, Talbot's end / his jar urn, Russell's newscast interruption, etc.)

For this season, once they got out of the '90s-syndicated Fairy Show at the beginning, I thought things really picked up, especially when it came to dealing with Eric and Bill and how the writers treated the grief each of them had about Sookie and her disappearance. Eric's direction from here on is obviously the most rich for storytelling possibilities, allowing Sookie to decide exactly the person she wishes him to be thanks to his reset.

Either way, my only nitpick is that every storyline have now quickly morphed into different supernatural threads. I was fine when it was just vampires, I really was, so it's a shame that all of a sudden the story was made it so that we no longer have very many humans to vicariously view this world through as an outsider. I didn't mind just vampires and a telepath, and then later on werewolves, but all of a sudden it's those groups, fairies, next-level shifters, were-panthers, witches, ghost whisperers, and probably a couple of other secret ones subtley planted for later too.

But in the end, as long as this show still keeps its campiness and offbeat sense of humour, I'm game for whatever they throw at me.

[Henry Gale]

Alright, that's more like it.

[Lucky]

Alright, that's more like it.

Indeed, this has the potential to be my favorite season by far. The characters are all falling into great places. Eric's development especially, he stole the show.

[Milky Joe]

Alright, that's more like it.

*20 minutes in*

Is it?

[Henry Gale]

*20 minutes in*

Is it?

Well, by now you should have passed the scene where Eric yells "Who the fuck's she!?" once Pam shows up, and then hilariously throws her. So yeah.

Mind you, watching some of it back now, I realized I missed the were-panther campfire and YouTube scenes the first time. Those are probably the two new threads in the story I wish they would cut back on most.

[Milky Joe]

Yeah, there were some great moments as always, mostly having to do with Eric and Pam ("I will eat, fuck, and kill every one of you"). Liked the ending especially (thank God they got rid of Claudine) and Jessica glamouring Hoyt. But the writing has really taken a strange step backward overall, or at least it feels like that to me. "Vamp up" made me want to punch Alan Ball in the face, and was the impetus for posting that before.

[Acapelli]

really dislike the actress who's playing the main witch. annoying as hell

loving eric as a puppy dog though. fun stuff

[Raiders]

really dislike the actress who's playing the main witch. annoying as hell

Wuh? Fiona Shaw is wonderful and though she hasn't had much to do yet, I've loved her scenes. I especially loved her reactions after the possessions.

This also is easily better than either seasons two or three and potentially season one. Man, I had to drag myself to actually continue this year after the rather awful third season, but am rather happy I did.

[Ezee E]

Watched the first episode of Season 4. It was pretty good. Loved the weird Fairy World.

[Acapelli]

Wuh? Fiona Shaw is wonderful and though she hasn't had much to do yet, I've loved her scenes. I especially loved her reactions after the possessions.

This also is easily better than either seasons two or three and potentially season one. Man, I had to drag myself to actually continue this year after the rather awful third season, but am rather happy I did.
her character's mousiness annoys me and she talks like she had a stroke

different strokes

[Milky Joe]

This also is easily better than either seasons two or three and potentially season one. Man, I had to drag myself to actually continue this year after the rather awful third season, but am rather happy I did.

Man, people's opinion's on this show just continue to confound me. I was dangerously close to giving up on this altogether during the last two episodes. Never happened with season 3, and certainly not with the first 2. A lot of the writing just seems egregious now. So many dumb lines, so many completely uninteresting characters/storylines... I mean it's just all over the place.

[Lucky]

Wuh? Fiona Shaw is wonderful and though she hasn't had much to do yet, I've loved her scenes. I especially loved her reactions after the possessions.

This also is easily better than either seasons two or three and potentially season one. Man, I had to drag myself to actually continue this year after the rather awful third season, but am rather happy I did.

I'm in complete agreement here.

Funny thing is, Milky Joe, I would have applied your exact complaint about this year to last season. I find all of the characters in much more interesting storylines this year as opposed to last. I don't see what's not to love, the past two episodes rediscovered the show's buoyancy. I'm having fun again.

[Ezee E]

Best thing for this show is when everyone gets separated it seems.

Spoil this for me, because I'd rather not find it in Season 3. What ever happened to Evan Rachel Wood?

[Lucky]

Best thing for this show is when everyone gets separated it seems.

Spoil this for me, because I'd rather not find it in Season 3. What ever happened to Evan Rachel Wood?

You'll find out in the second ep from this current season.

[Lucky]

Pam running away seemed very out of character, but the rest of the episode was mostly enjoyable.

I don't really understand the moral dilemma Bill was confronted with in this episode, either. It's weird to contemplate realistically as it's clearly a supernatural situation, but I don't think it's a big deal. Would that really be a dealbreaker in their potential relationship? They're like 5 or 6 (or more?) generations removed.

[Milky Joe]

Alright, that's more like it..

[[ETM]]

"Krokodiler!" :pritch:

I watched this on the train with my girlfriend, and we both burst out laughing. One of my favorite TB moments ever.

[Russ]

Last night's episode was very heavy on the humor, while continuing the air of menace. Not an easy balancing act to pull off this effortlessly. This season is shaping up nicely.

lol-worthy moments:

Bill glamours Portia
Tommy's coverup
Jason's dream
Terry and Arlene's "cleansing"
Pam being Pam (someone give her an award already)

Favorite line:

"It ain't a demon, it's a ghost."
"Oh, that's ok. It work on them too."

:lol:

[Lucky]

Pam being Pam (someone give her an award already)

Absolutely, she's been stealing scenes for years now.

This show has become a highlight of my week again. I look forward to Sunday nights.

[[ETM]]

Indeed, this episode was all lulz, as it should be.

[Henry Gale]

I still kind of miss the constant layer of silly fun that was in the show around Season 2, leaving room for things like the showdown in the Fellowship church (at the halfway point of the season), and then small things like the non-mind-controlled protagonists having to reclaim Bon Temps a few episodes later, including Jason and Andy's hilarious first team-up, while still keeping a good sense of its grand scale for the impending action and intensity with the storytelling. But even episodes like this new one, where the stakes feel significantly lower, still manage to entertain me with that same sort of sense of humour.

[Milky Joe]

Man, that ending sucked. The choice of music on this show continues to be completely terrible.

[[ETM]]

Man, that ending sucked. The choice of music on this show continues to be completely terrible.

That whole thing, including the music, was completely intentionally crappy and schmaltzy.:lol: g/f and I laughed our butts off.

[number8]

Sad Bill is saaaad.

Loved the Jason/Jessica moment.

[[ETM]]

That was a pretty fuckin' sweet ending. The coffin-riding had me in stitches.

[Acapelli]

;364828']That whole thing, including the music, was completely intentionally crappy and schmaltzy.:lol: g/f and I laughed our butts off.
neko case rules, what are you talking about. that's a fantastic song, even if it was very poorly used

[Henry Gale]

I only watched the newest episode at a friend's house with a bunch of people, while other stuff went on, but still, I think we all came to the conclusion that the vampires being summoned would be a lot cooler if they didn't yell "NOOO THE SUN! GAAWWW SUNNN!" every single time. Agreed about the Fangtasia waitress and Pam's coffin, though. So funny.

I still think I'll rewatch it before the next one since I'm pretty sure I missed some important stuff along the way.

[[ETM]]

neko case rules, what are you talking about. that's a fantastic song, even if it was very poorly used

I meant no disrespect for the song, it was just used in the crappiest and the most obvious way possible.

[Acapelli]

;366499']I meant no disrespect for the song, it was just used in the crappiest and the most obvious way possible.
that i agree with

[Milky Joe]

maybe the worst episode yet

[number8]

That was the best episode yet.

[Milky Joe]

How could it be the best when there was nothing good about it?

[[ETM]]

Everything was good about it.

[number8]

Everything was excellent.

[Milky Joe]

Literally nothing, beyond Ginger, Andy, Jason's punching-bags and the revelation about Hoyt's mom's neighbor, was good about it. Pretty much every main character is a gigantic weepy bore, every storyline is painfully boring and predictable (or arbitrary and unimaginative, or so inconsequential as to be basically incoherent), many scenes seem like they should have been in a Twilight movie, the dialogue was that bad. And not in a funny or clever way. For three seasons the show successfully walked the line between ridiculous camp and good, well-written drama, but now it's just basically the books on screen, written for what seems like an audience of tasteless housewives. Alan Ball, you disappoint me.

[Ezee E]

And here I thought True Blood was supposedly getting good again.

When I say thought, that's based off other opinions, not my own. Haven't seen anything except the season premiere, which looked camp to me.

[number8]

Andy is probably the worst part of the show now. I hope his addict storyline would just fuck off already.

[Acapelli]

Andy is probably the worst part of the show now. I hope his addict storyline would just fuck off already.
addict storylines are usually my least favorite part of any television drama

[Raiders]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I now prefer this season to the first season. I rather like the witch vs. vampire angle, the historical context being brought into play, the dichotomy of Eric's two personalities, Pam's decomposition, and so forth. Andy is weak and Jason's storyline is, as always, kind of annoying and distracting even if Kwanten is still my favorite performer on the show.

[Milky Joe]

Amazing how our opinions seem to be mirror-images, I'm not sure how to account for it. Andy has been a consistent bright spot this season in terms of actual, you know, humor (something the show has almost entirely given up on or is now almost incapable of producing), even despite his plot being pretty much stuck in the mud like everything else. Chris Bauer is awesome.

[Lucky]

I also don't understand your criticism, Milky Joe, especially when comparing this season to last year. Talk about weepy bores. This year mostly everyone is in an interesting place again - Sam and Bill have relevance for the first time since the first season, Tara has done a 180 already, Eric's personality change, Arlene and Pam are still hilarious, a welcome new presence in Marnie, even Jessica has emerged as a character I look forward to onscreen. I can kind of see the validity in your complaints with Sookie this year. She's sure bringing the melodrama on thick this season. That's ok though, I'm loving the ride.

This year has also brought back those epic fantasy moments I look for in shows like this. The last episode's climax and final shot was exactly one of those. More of that, please.

[number8]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I now prefer this season to the first season. I rather like the witch vs. vampire angle, the historical context being brought into play, the dichotomy of Eric's two personalities, Pam's decomposition, and so forth. Andy is weak and Jason's storyline is, as always, kind of annoying and distracting even if Kwanten is still my favorite performer on the show.

Same here, this is my preferred season after the second. The Eric storyline is great, and Pam's decomposition is so much fun.

Also, for the first time since the show's debut, I am finally attracted to Bill. Royalty suits him, and gives him a reason to be the dick that he is that actually makes sense.

Jason isn't always distracting. I actually think his subplots were the best ones in the first two seasons (remember how consistently hilarious he was in the first season walking around drugged out on V?), but yeah, the whole panther business is just really, really lame. I'm hoping for the last legs of this season they'll ditch that and just focus on the Jessica-Hoyt love triangle. As tired as that type of story is, it has potential to be fun with those three characters.

[Milky Joe]

I also don't understand your criticism, Milky Joe, especially when comparing this season to last year. Talk about weepy bores. This year mostly everyone is in an interesting place again - Sam and Bill have relevance for the first time since the first season, Tara has done a 180 already, Eric's personality change, Arlene and Pam are still hilarious, a welcome new presence in Marnie, even Jessica has emerged as a character I look forward to onscreen. I can kind of see the validity in your complaints with Sookie this year. She's sure bringing the melodrama on thick this season. That's ok though, I'm loving the ride.

This year has also brought back those epic fantasy moments I look for in shows like this. The last episode's climax and final shot was exactly one of those. More of that, please.

How is Sam in an interesting place? By getting real angry and almost killing Tommy — again? Then pussing out and just telling him to leave — again? His new girlfriend is probably the flattest character in the show's history, and I'm not talking about her chest. Much more interested in how Tommy will employ his new abilities than how Sam will patch things up with his Kardashian shifter girlfriend.

Bill has always been relevant for me, but he's turned into a pretty boring King. Also, more vampire politics please. Hopefully this whole Meet the Sun incident will ratchet that aspect of the story up. Whatever happened to the Authority?

Tara is the one character I just pray will be ripped apart by some supernatural every time I see her. She's the worst.

Eric's much-vaunted personality-change has made him probably the most boring main character on the show (fallen far from the best), and Sookie's falling over herself to sleep with him is one of the most dumbest things she's ever done, especially given what her ghost-Gran said to her, and her response "if my Gran tells me to do something, I do it." So then she goes ahead and does the exact opposite of what she said. That'd be okay if their scenes weren't filled with the sappiest, stupidest high-school-level dialogue. It's not clever, it's just boring.

Jessica has always been a good character. I agree with you about the epic fantasy stuff (I loved the whack-ass fairy-land stuff in the first episode, for instance), but the ending of this episode was just stupid the way it was played out ("the Sun!!! ohh the Sunnnnn! we must go meet the Sun!! and say it out loud to each other!!", also why did they even need to bind themselves with silver if they were in a locked prison cell with silver bars? wasn't Bill held hostage in a bedroom last season with just a silver door? why wasn't there more security there at Bill's for this impending vampire apocalypse? why weren't they given better instructions? it's completely stupid and not in an endearing way), and the cliffhanger lacks a lot of suspense since it's obvious they're not going to kill Jessica. I'm more interested in how Jason will save her (will he turn into a panther? will he use his para-military training to overcome the security dude? etc)

I really don't get the complaints about last season. There's always been melodrama, and it's always been "that's ok, I'm loving the ride" because it was good melodrama! The ride just sucks now. But I've gotten it off my chest now, so I'll stop posting about it!

[Acapelli]

yeah tara still sucks. seems like they're gonna recreate the tara-marianne relationship with tara-margie

at least the hotshot stuff was over fairly quickly this season

[Lucky]

Alright, I'm not going to defend that one. That was a bloody mess.

[Henry Gale]

Alright, I'm not going to defend that one. That was a bloody mess.

And yet... I'd still argue it was one of the more entertaining, if still deeply flawed, episodes of the season.

[Lucky]

Oh, it was surely entertaining. Not gonna argue with you there.

[Ezee E]

Why are you all watching this when Breaking Bad is on?

[Lucky]

Why are you all watching this when Breaking Bad is on?

I'm still on S2. It's a hard show for me to commit to, it's pretty draining.

[amberlita]

I'm still on S2. It's a hard show for me to commit to, it's pretty draining.

Yes it is. But sooooo worth it. And it only gets more bleak. It's probably the one thing I feel is missing from Season 4, the black comedy. Better Call Saul is one of the funniest episodes of television I watched that season (season 2, if you haven't gotten there yet). Show is effin' hilarious at times.

It's basically impossible for me to watch Trueblood and Breaking Bad on the same night. Such a dramatic tonal shift I can't watch one after the other. I record them both and pick one to watch on Sunday and the other later in the week. Tonight I picked Breaking Bad. I'll catch this episode later. Doesn't seem like I missed too much.

[Ezee E]

Yeah, Saul has kinda had all the comedic bits of this season.

Eh, I take it back, seeing bums get their heads shaved off in Jesse's house, and Walter talking about it later is pretty funny. Also, Walter's entire reaction to Skyler in how he should react at the dinner party is pretty good.

[Henry Gale]

It's basically impossible for me to watch Trueblood and Breaking Bad on the same night. Such a dramatic tonal shift I can't watch one after the other. I record them both and pick one to watch on Sunday and the other later in the week. Tonight I picked Breaking Bad. I'll catch this episode later. Doesn't seem like I missed too much.

The thing is, one of my big problems with this episode was that it felt like too much happened, leaving little room for it to explain itself or for me to really process some of it, especially since it moved along pretty fast. A lot of good, a lot of bad, a lot of "wait... what?", sometimes all at once.

But I agree about having to shift between these shows. Watching this, then Curb, maybe Entourage (though hopefully not), and then Breaking Bad is a bit of a trip for me at times. Tonight though, it kinda worked for me.

[Milky Joe]

Better!

[[ETM]]

Jesus tits God America.

[Raiders]

Better!

You're doing this on purpose, right?

[Milky Joe]

Nope.

Well, maybe a little. I didn't like the episode on purpose, certainly. Maybe I relished slightly coming here and saying I did... but honestly, not seeing what was so bad about this episode, especially after last week.

[Henry Gale]

This show continues to give me less and less reason to believe it has any idea of where it wants to go. You look at what the season started with and where it is now and almost none of it is has found any relevance. Whether it was the Hotshot panthers, Sookie's fairy family ties, Eric's memory loss or anything involving the Mavis ghost, all of it has now come and gone with little actual changes or consequences to the main story.

It also doesn't help that this is the second episode in a row with a quick resolution of a close-call death at the beginning, only leaving Alcide to swoop in to carry someone else to safety at the end, all while Bill makes some public speeches when he's not tied town with silver and the majority of Sookie's storyline takes place in a dream world somewhere in the middle. Where the hell is Pam?!

Plus, Marnie / Antonia is becoming such a dud of a major villainous mastermind for the season. I didn't even care much for Maryann and Season 1 technically didn't have one (unless you count the killer, which was mostly forgotten about before being revealed at the end), but I guess it's just hard to follow Russell Edgington (with Franklin on the side).

[amberlita]

Agreed. This was another mess of an episode, I don't even know where to begin. I'm losing interest in storylines that were originally quite compelling and enjoyable (Eric's amnesia) and started fastforwarding through storylines that were tedious from the start (Sam, Lafeyette, basically anything else).

This final stretch of episodes just highlights how much of a hack-writer Alan Ball is, a fact I've ignored for years because the show was still so deliciously campy. It still is at times, but it's getting increasingly difficult to try and forget that I actually enjoy intelligent storytelling more than I do provocative style.