At the core of the “True Blood” story is the relationship factor. When the writers focus on making the various relationships ring more or less true, then the plots tend to fall organically out of that equation. When the opposite holds true, the show tends to suffer. (I point to the third season as an example of both being poorly served.) This episode is all about the relationships, and for the most part, it works out well as a result.
The first few seasons were all about Sookie and Bill, so it makes sense that they would have a major falling out to set up her tryst with Eric. It’s a worthwhile love triangle, and while it feels just a tad quick for Sookie and Eric to be getting highly naked with each other, one must remember that Eric’s connection to Sookie has been wearing down her resistance to the idea for quite a while now.
That said, Bill’s harder edges make me nostalgic for the more sinister, badass version of Eric. I don’t know if the novels had the two characters effectively switch roles, but even if that’s how it went in the books, I would rather see them restore Eric to his stronger personality by the end of the season. This softer version is just not as fun to watch.
Sookie also gets some great scenes with Jason, reminding the audience that they haven’t had much time to talk lately. Jason’s panic over the full moon adds a lot of tension to things, and leads to further relationship complications. I will admit, I was annoyed that Jason was absolved of the were-panther status so easily. That whole subplot did serve to force Jason to grow up a bit, but otherwise, what was the point? On the other hand, since Jessica had to give Jason her blood to heal him, it created the same kind of bond that Eric and Sookie share. Hence the growing attraction, which follows up on Jessica’s issues with Hoyt earlier this season.
Surprisingly, Tommy’s subplot finally starts to get interesting, as he takes on Sam’s form and proceeds to wreak all sorts of havoc (including getting very lucky with Luna). It’s going to take a while for Sam to recover from all these hits to his status quo, as it has undercut so many of his relationships. (And wouldn’t that give Sam even more reason to eviscerate Tommy and become a skinwalker?)
Tara’s relationship gets a bit of an update, and it raises some interesting issues. For one thing, if Tara turned into Tori to find a means of regaining control and inner strength, it’s odd how she gets turned on when she is tossed to the ground by her lover. It speaks to how messed up Tara really is. And of course, things aren’t looking up at all, with Pam on the rampage. Here’s hoping that Tara takes control of the situation.
Of course, that points to the witch subplots, both of which were quite disturbing. Jesus and Lafayette has not been my favorite couple, mainly due to their annoying subplot, but it’s taken a nice dark turn in this episode. Assuming that this continues along the same lines, this could go in some very good directions. Similarly, Marnie’s possession, mated with the backstory scenes, really takes the threat to the vampires to the next level.
As usual, the one subplot that really annoys the hell out of me is the Arlene/Terry nonsense. The whole haunting mess is mostly justified by what it does to Sam and his situation, but I’m just plain tired of this baby mystery. I want it to go away, or take a quick turn to have an impact. This is the sort of lingering, time-sucking subplot that came to dominate the third season, dragging it into the mud. If the season is going to continue the process of restoring the series back to its strengths, the writers need to avoid this tendency.
Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 1/4
Final Rating: 7/10
