Woo-Hoo! It’s nice to finally see that Pam’s makerly instincts kick in with the start of Episode 4 of HBO’s True Blood. And frankly, it’s a relief to see everything Eric has taught her has sunk in over the years. Pam teaches Tara, in her own special Pam-style way the art of being a vampire.
While things may be looking up for Tara and her torment, it seems that it’s time for Sookie to be down in the dumps. This episode finds her in typical Sookie trouble, only this time she’s in hot water with her friend Lafayette. This leads to not only conflict between the two of them but also the appearance of another nasty bout of Lafayette’s inner demons resurfacing. The inner demon goes a step further this week, and his actions lead to a car wreck for Sookie. Luckily she has the gumption to jump clear and save herself, just in the nick of time! Seems that Lafayette is still oblivious to his darker side when he calls later to check up on Sookie after discovering her smashed car.
It’s nice to find Bill and Eric ‘free’ for the first time in Season 5. But their release comes with a price – find Russell Edgington…or else. They also need to find out who ratted on them to the Authority. After a scary interrogation of Pam by Eric, Pam is able to convince Eric that his mistrust is misplaced. The realization that Eric’s involvement with the Authority could lead to the true death of his progeny forces Eric to make a very difficult decision, whereby he releases Pam’s allegiance and fealty to him, as her maker. It is a heart-wrenching scene which demonstrates the depth of the love that is shared between Maker and child. We know he is doing it to save her, but it sure hurts to see what appears to be the end of their journey together.
Even with Pam released, Bill and Eric still need to find their weakest link, or at least find the bug that provided the information to the Authority. While Jessica helps Bill search their house for bugs, her partying ways are discovered when Bill comes across a joint. While he may not have been the best of Makers at the start, it is clear to see that his role as Maker has developed into one where he provides guidance rather than dictates over Jessica.
Roman and Salome decide that Nora must either ‘fess up or be made an example of to the Sanguinistas. In the process of Salome trying to find out Nora’s true motives, Bill and Eric almost get the iStake. The threat of the lives of Bill and Eric forces Nora to finally fess up and provide the name of another internal traitor! Unfortunately for the traitor, he isn’t so lucky…
Things get interesting when Sookie confesses to her brother, Jason Stackhouse, that she killed Debbie. Luckily Jason doesn’t have to arrest his own sister when Jessica overhears and saves the day by glamouring Sheriff Andy Bellefleur.
Pam, after prohibiting Tara from killing herself, takes her back to Fangtasia. Here Tara and Bill have a fascinating conversation about being a new vampire. I must admit, I am preferring the character of Tara as a strung out vampire rather than a strung out human! Once again, the idea that people die (or nearly die) trying to keep Sookie safe is brought up. Seems more than one person is peeved at our fave little blond waitress.
While Eric and Bill are discussing the implications of a leak within their inner circle, the Authority are discussing whether they have been duped by the pair. More hints at cracks from within the Authority are also suggested in this scene. Who is really, truly on Roman’s side?
We are then introduced to an interesting developing story line that first was introduced when Andy was seduced by a faerie last season. Turns out they have a secret burlesque-type club and Andy and Jason are invited to go. Looks like a fun place to be, especially for Jason.
Sam gets a daytime visit from his shifter friends. They convince Sam he should run with them. Of course, things turn out differently to what he expects when he turns up later on at their house and finds them both dead – what is going on there?
This scene segues into Sookie reading the minds of everyone around her at Merlotte’s. Turns out that absolutely everyone is mad at her in this episode! Add this to Lafayette’s ‘encouraged’ car malfunction, we find a very drunk Sookie at home when Alcide drops in for a visit. A hilarious drunken scene occurs, culminating in a kiss which is witnessed by Bill and Eric!
Speaking of Alcide, he confesses to the Pelts that their daughter, Debbie, is dead. He mostly manages to make the story fit without laying a finger of blame on Sookie.
We also find Terry and his marine friend, Patrick, on the road and searching for another member of their squad – the one who may possibly be responsible for all the fires that are occurring. An ugly flashback occurs here where we find the squad guilty of killing innocent civilians – is this their deep dark secret? Or is there more to the story still? The pair of them being held at gun point by the possible fire-bug in their squadron thickens the plot somewhat also.
Next, we find out who the rat in the Authority is. Many people cheered at home, I’m sure, when they find out that the annoying little vampire is the traitor. Not only did he take a video of himself draining a human, but he sent it, along with an encrypted sympathy message, to known opposition of the Authority. Needless to say he meets the final death and it is a magnificent bloodbath!
We end this episode with Jason, still in the faerie bar, where he finds his cousin, Hadley, serving drinks. Seems this club is more of a safe haven for faeries and part-faeries who want to keep their intoxicating blood safe from vampires. Hadley tries to convince Jason that he needs to bring Sookie here and lets it slip that Jason and Sookie’s parents were, in fact, killed by vampires. After a heated incident, Jason and Andy find themselves ejected from the club and left stranded in a field out in the middle of nowhere.
The last image we see is of Andy and Jason being light-zapped by faeries. Can’t wait to see where they end up next week. If you have any suggestions, let us know in the comments below.
(Photo Credit: HBO Inc.)