Dreaming ELECTRIC DREAMS

Article first published as TV Review: ELECTRIC DREAMS on Seat42F.

Amazon has joined the sci-fi anthology trend with PHILLIP K. DICK’S ELECTRIC DREAMS, which premiered yesterday. Each installment of the ten-episode season is based on a different novel or short story by the prolific author. The writers and directors are given wide latitude to adapt the source material as they see fit. A strong roster of actors rotate through the various parts, which have different running times, but are generally between 40 and 50 minutes, so about the length of an hour-long drama sans commercials.

I viewed the first two installments in preparation for this review. “Real Life” finds a future cop named Sarah (Anna Paquin, True Blood) dealing with the aftermath of a massacre. Her wife, Katie (Rachelle Lefevre, Under the Dome), suggests a VR ‘vacation’ to live out another life that her own mind makes up. Sarah accepts, and finds herself in the past from her perspective (roughly our present) as George (Terrence Howard, Empire). George recently, tragically, lost his wife, Katie (also Lefevre), and has invented a VR headset to escape into. But what quickly becomes confusing to Sarah/George as she/he goes back and forth is, which is the real world and which is the dream?

Episode two, “Autofac,” is set in a post-apocalyptic landscape where the surviving humans are being killed off by pollution from the still-running factories. Emily (Juno Temple, Vinyl) and her friends concoct a plan to contact the artificial intelligence running the factory, which sends a customer service bot (Janelle Monae, Moonlight) to meet with them. Will Emily’s plan to shut down the machines work? Or has the Autofac out-thought her every move?

Both of these are entertaining, if dark, installments. They have high-quality concepts that mess with one’s mind and have one guessing the nature of reality. Some of the twists you may see coming, but certainly not all of them. Written by Ronald D. Moore (Outlander, Battlestar Galactica) and Travis Beacham (Pacific Rim) respectively, they make these ideas understandable, couched in relatable characters who are also complex. They also look visually stunning, especially the future parts of “Real Life,” which features flying cars and giant, electronic advertisements.

And yet, ELECTRIC DREAMS is no Black Mirror. It’s hard to put my finger on why exactly it falls short by comparison to today’s defining sci-fi anthology series, which recently released a fourth season on Netflix. Both are similar in makeup and the talent behind them. But ELECTRIC DREAMS just seems a little less cohesive, a little more quickly done, and little cheaper, for lack of a better word.

Perhaps they shouldn’t be held up against one another, as similar as they may be, because there are important differences, and with short seasons, there are room for both. It’s a pleasure to get so much quality science fiction in this era, and no one need choose between the two. Though, if you had to, I think it’s a pretty clear choice in Black Mirror’s favor.

Perhaps because the writers are reigned in a bit by having to go off of Dick’s works, as brilliant as they are, it gives them a little less room be imaginative. That may not be the real issue; I’m really having trouble figuring out what the difference is. That’s just the only thing I can think of that would change the approach in how these stories are told.

Still, it’s not like ELECTRIC DREAMS is bad. I am interested enough to see what other concepts are explored. I just don’t think it will be giving its peer a run for it’s money at the top of the heap.

PHILLIP K. DICK’S ELECTRIC DREAMS is available now on Amazon, free to Prime members.

"Jesus," TRUE BLOOD Went Dark

Article first published as TRUE BLOOD Review Season 7 on Seat42F.

Don’t worry; spoilers will be very light.

HBO’s TRUE BLOOD ended its penultimate season last summer on quite a cliffhanger. After a time jump, most of the main characters are gathered at a vampire-human alliance rally when some bad dudes show up. It’s quite a shocker, and one that left many fans quite tormented over the long hiatus.

This weekend, TRUE BLOOD returns for its final season, and it picks up right where it ended, during that same scene. It’s an action-packed, exciting opening that doesn’t give viewers a chance to breathe as they are dumped back into the world. It’s actually a really cool way to start things off, providing an immediate hook, something that will have the audience talking and pumped for the rest of the season.

The rest of the premiere hour, “Jesus Gonna Be Here,” takes place during that same night, and it’s dark. Very, very dark, and I’m not just saying that because the sun is on the other side of the earth. This is one of the scariest, most nerve-racking episodes of TRUE BLOOD yet. If they want to go out as a memorable series, not soon forgotten, this is the way to do it. Most of the players are in mortal danger, and not everyone survives. It immediately sets a new tone to the often humorous show, and while I can’t imagine this year will be laugh-free, the first episode back almost completely is.

I admire TRUE BLOOD for going in this direction. I like my drama dark and dangerous, and “Jesus Gonna Be Here” fits the bill. In a show about vampires and other monsters, people should die periodically, especially as a war between the sick vamps and everyone else is going down. This is an extremely serious situation, and one will feel the weight of that when viewing this episode.

I wonder, at this point, if anyone is considered non-expendable. After all, there are only ten episodes left to go, and then it’s over forever. With the number of individuals in harm’s way, it seems quite likely that not all of them will get to return home alive. Will TRUE BLOOD allow a blood bath, with a significant number of casualties, or will it sparingly take out a couple of key people at opportune moments?

Thankfully, the newest installment is not all action. I absolutely love seeing the fight scenes, but there are some good characters here, and they deserve to get development, too. As soapy as the series can be, romance and betrayal, lust and murder, all verging on over-the-top, it does not shy away from some occasional authentic pathos. Given the set up here, I believe we’ll get more of that than we’re used to in season seven.

One example of this comes courtesy of Ms. Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin). Sookie has a gift or a curse, depending on how you look at it, where she can read people’s thoughts. This is dealt with a bit in the beginning of TRUE BLOOD, but is mainly a plot device in recent years. “Jesus Gonna Be Here” brings the emotional toll this takes on the waitress front and center, forcing her to deal with the burden she carries and how people treat her because of it. One person most might not suspect of getting on her bad side does so this week because of this, but Sookie is hurt even more than the person with the ill-timed musings. I hope we continue to see more of Sookie’s struggle, exploring the internal pain she lives with every day, because it makes her so much more interesting.

Sookie is far from the only one who gets such focus. At least two pairs with beef between them have the chance to talk a little bit of it out, and more than one couple faces a rocky go of things. There may be some love blossoming in an unexpected place as two characters reveal their backgrounds to one another, and another tries to reign themselves in, resisting their base urges.

Plus, we get terrific scenes of Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) as she searches for her maker, Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), last seen by fans burning in the sun.

All in all, “Jesus Gonna Be Here” just may be the best season opener TRUE BLOOD has done yet, giving me great hope that the writers will take the program out in a satisfying way. TRUE BLOOD airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

TRUE BLOOD Goes "Radioactive"

Article first published as TRUE BLOOD Goes Radioactive on TheTVKing.

HBO's True Blood has had a banner year, surely an improvement over the past couple just in terms of sheer excitement. Major characters died, the rules of the universe began to change, and the tale was much more focused on the central players, rather than guest stars or big bads brought in for a single year. And some of the newbies that joined the cast not only fit as if they've always been there, but definitely have already made a place for themselves in future seasons. It may have only been ten episodes, but it used every minute of those hours well.

Forgive me if part of this review inadvertently refers to bits of the penultimate episode, "Life Matters," as I watched the two hours back to back, and they were quite excellent taken together, especially the Terry (Todd Lowe) scenes in the first half. Additionally, True Blood features a very large cast, so if I skip the subplot you love most, I apologize, but I'm just not going to get to everything.

The end of the vampire concentration camp arc in this year's finale, "Radioactive," is a shocking one. Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), with Bill (Stephen Moyer) on his heels, breaks into the facility and slaughters all who work there. It's poetic justice, and certain notable guest characters get ends befitting them, including Steve Newlin (Michael McMillian), whom has been very enjoyable these past years, but is not disappointing to see die now.

Sarah Newlin (Anna Camp) escapes, which is appreciated because everyone can't die at once. Steve has his time without her in earlier seasons, and she deserves the same in the future.

Eric's brutality reminds us that he is not the kind and cuddly vampire that Bill introduced us to early in True Blood's run. Eric is much older, and has a different moral compass. It's easy to forget that when we see him interact with Sookie (Anna Paquin). But when his sister, Nora (Lucy Griffiths), is murdered and his other loved ones endangered, he can go back to that steely-toothed beast fans love to fear. "Radioactive" shows us Eric as scary as he's ever been.

Those who worry about Eric's fate in his final scene of "Radioactive" need not fret. We don't actually see him fully die, and the producers have confirmed Skarsgard remains a full-time cast member next season. He's just too important to True Blood to lose.

By contrast to Eric's evilness, Bill, who has been stand-offish while existing as the god-like Billith, fulfills his messianic destiny and goes soft again. He gets to save everyone with his super blood, temporarily allowing them to frolic in sunlight, and then goes back to secretly caring for Sookie. Sookie isn't ready to forgive him yet, not even close (in the first half hour), but fans of the show likely will quite quickly, now that we know old Bill is back.

Sookie is with Warlow (Rob Kazinsky), the one arc this season that never quite made sense. It almost feels right when Warlow turns on her, and then Bill, Jason (Ryan Kwanten), Andy (Chris Bauer), and Adilyn (Bailey Noble) must rescue her. It's all very contrived, though, and ends way too easily, which I'd complain about, except I'm glad no more time was spent on this story.

Mid-episode, the action suddenly jumps six months, a very interesting choice, made much earlier in the episode than most shows would have chosen to. It's such a jarring break that the last twenty-some minutes of "Radioactive" feel like a different season entirely. Which is kind of good because it whets our appetite for next summer, and gets to set up some very fascinating plots.

Most importantly, Sam (Sam Trammell), Bill, and the local preachers have banded together to protect their friends and neighbors from hepatitis-V-infected vamps. This alliance doesn't completely add up, but since there is a lot of time missing, that can be overlooked, as we don't know what happened to convince everyone to work together, and desperate times call for desperate measures.

Even Arlene (Carrie Preston) is on board with playing friendly towards the fangers, which shows you just how dire the situation must be.

This is excellent because it gets back to part of the original premise. When True Blood began, vampires were just coming out into the open. We barely got time to see how humans and vamps mix before the plot picked up with Sookie's romantic life, and eventually, a great many interesting supporting characters. Now, we're actually going to see what working together and relying on one another means for the two species, and that will be satisfying. It also neatly fixes the humans-against-vampires war of this season.

It does not appear, however, that the rest of the supernatural creatures have come out of the closet. What will happen when Sam, the beloved mayor the people trust, is exposed as a shifter? This is a recipe to have the alliance fall apart at a crucial moment, leaving the future ripe with dramatic promise.

There are other things of note in "Radioactive," such as the satisfaction many will feel at finally seeing Sookie and Alcide (Joe Manganiello) as a couple, the ultimate betrayal Lettie Mae (Adina Porter) may finally have made against her daughter, Tara (Rutina Wesley), the amazing scene where a tearful Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) vows to protect an almost-not-furious Andy and Adilyn, Jason being more than tamed in his one-sided romance with Violet (Karolina Wydra, House), and the juicy premise that Arlene now owns Merlotte's. But we'll save all of that for next season's reviews.

"You're No Good" TRUE BLOOD Not True

Article first published as "You're No Good" TRUE BLOOD Not True on TheTVKing.

HBO's True Blood is only three episodes into the sixth season, and already so much has happened that the series bears another review. With the numerous characters and plotlines, not everything that happens in this week's installment, "You're No Good," will be covered in the following article, but most of the important points will be touched on.


Niall Brigant (Rutger Hauer), King of the Fairies, stresses to Sookie (Anna Paquin) that she should be more worried about Warlow than she is. Sookie's retort, telling her grandfather that she has to cope with a lot of dangerous situations, and so tries very hard not to overreact and keep a level head until the truly dire circumstances come along, is funny, self-referential, and perfect. Then Niall tells her Warlow does rate that most dire category, and one's blood runs cold.

Normally, if a character in a story has to tell another character (and the viewers) that a villain is really, really scary, it's a weak job on the script that's to blame. After all, we should already know how scary the baddie is by what's shown. However, there is an exception to this rule, and that occurs here. There is a lot of dangerous stuff on True Blood, and because of who Niall is, his words mean something. As happens very rarely on television, words end up being more powerful than the visuals.

Unfortunately, it's awfully hard to worry about Warlow, despite how he slaughters everyone in the fairy club, when Jason (Ryan Kwanten) is collapsed on the floor. I don't know what is going on with him, but he is not well. And, of course, his symptoms pick the worst possible time to manifest. The trouble level at the Stackhouse homestead has never been higher.

Into this turmoil, Bill (Stephen Moyer) shows up. He couldn't possibly know everything that Sookie is dealing with, and so can be forgiven for seeking her assistance now. He cannot be forgiven, though, for being demanding and rude. It's clear he no longer cares for Sookie in any romantic way, if he ever did. It's sad to see the show's central couple completely done with one another, but "You're No Good" reveals exactly that in a heart-wrenching scene.

Bill is no longer recognizable as Bill. He is ruthless and arrogant and a bit evil. His ability to see the future is as onerous as it is helpful. Perhaps Bill is the only hope for the vampire species, considering all of the humans turning against them, and the weapons being brought to bear. This Bill, more than the old Bill, is equipped to be the right vamp for the job, even if he is still allergic to the sun. But it's still sad to see a beloved character replaced by someone who looks the same, but is drastically different. If he harms the fairy kids, he will completely nonredeemable.

Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), too, is acting strangely. Kidnapping the governor's daughter, Willa (Amelia Rose Blaire), and treating humans with little regard is something pre-Sookie Eric would do. Without Sookie by his side, has he reverted back to his old, bad self? Or is this just what happens when you trap a deadly creature in a corner? Have we seen the last of Ginger (Tara Buck)? Eric's anger is completely justified, but his willingness to hurt the innocent is not.

Yet, Eric's tenderness towards his prisoner is a sign that he hasn't completely changed, as Bill has. Much of his dialogue can be chalked up to posturing. Eric is cunning, and has a plan that he doesn't always share with his friends. Yes, Eric almost kills Willa, but after that, he seems to take a step back from the edge. We'll see if desperation or a noble spirit wins out.

Alcide (Joe Manganiello) is finding it harder than expected to stop his pack from going after people who don't deserve it. When peaceful young men and women show up at their door, the pack wants to tear them to shreds, and mostly does, save Nicole (Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Friday Night Lights). Alcide himself even shows some angry, violent tendencies, though he stops short of hurting anyone. Does the pack make wolves mean, a group egging one another one? Can Alcide control it and his people, as we know he's good at heart?

It's this general darkness that makes season six better than the past couple of years. True Blood is a humorous horror show, and those laughter-inducing bits and lines are still there, such as when Holly (Lauren Bowles) takes up Andy's (Chris Bauer) system of calling his children by number. But there's also real peril and tension when the stakes get high, and unlike past seasons, this year turns up that knob right away.

Take, for instance, Sam's (Sam Trammell) plot of trying to stay hidden in a world where supes are increasingly exposed. He seeks to avoid death, but cannot. He tries to do right by Emma (Chloe Noelle), but is blocked at every turn. No matter how much Sam fights, he just can't do what he wants to do or live the way he wants to live. It seems rather hopeless.

Then Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis), who isn't known for his generosity, offers Sam help. In fact, Lafayette insists on it. Sticking together is the only way to get through the tough stuff, and "You're No Good" lets Sam find help where he doesn't expect it. The fact that Lafayette feels compelled to provide assistance shows us how bad things have gotten, but it also provides that ray of hope that just might get Sam through. We'll see, though, since the body count on True Blood is usually pretty high.

The last thing that must be mentioned about "You're No Good" is the triumphant return of Sarah Newlin (Anna Camp). Now in a position of authority and influence, she rubs it in her ex-husband, Steve's (Michael McMillian), face. Since they are both despicable characters, one can just enjoy the juicy verbal sparring between the two, and the wonderful performances of Camp and McMillian, without worrying whether the characters will be hurt or not. It may be a small thing, or it could grow into something, but having Sarah back is welcome, indeed.

So much going on, so much of it keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. True Blood season six is off to a great start! New episodes air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

"Who Are You, Really" TRUE BLOOD?

Article first published as TRUE BLOOD Season 6 Premiere Review on Seat42F.

Grade: 93%

HBO’s TRUE BLOOD season six premiere, “Who Are You, Really?” takes place on the night that season five ends. It would be extremely difficult to do a time jump, as the series has before, given the dire circumstances major characters are left in, so it’s gratifying to continue the story right where it leaves off.

I like TRUE BLOOD a lot, but I tend to think of it as a soapy, fun guilty pleasure, rather than high quality entertainment. I wouldn’t say “Who Are You, Really?” changes that stance completely, but it is certainly a very good hour of television. Either the series has improved in its return, or my opinion of it went down during its absence without my realizing it. But the point is, this is a fantastic installment.

The reasons I can point to for this praise are both smart writing for well-defined characters, which leads to oh-so-many quotable lines tonight, and a deepening of the mythology. Yes, this series has always been serial, with long-reaching arcs. However, often seasons are mostly self-contained, with one or two or three bigger stories starting and ending within the year. As season six begins, we’re continuing the tale of the Vampire Authority, the shortage of a blood supply, fairy babies, a werewolf leadership change, shifter secrets being spilled, and the mystery of Sookie’s (Anna Paquin) parents’ murder, so there’s definitely more of a feeling of cohesiveness now.

Because of this, certain spoilers must be revealed in the review. However, I do pledge to make them as slight as possible, and to speak in vague terms when I can, saving the surprises for the viewing of the event.

The big shocker last year is Bill’s (Stephen Moyer) death and rebirth. This new Bill, “Billith,” as Pam (Krisitin Bauer van Straten) so cleverly dubs him, is a complete unknown, presumably devoted to a religion and planning on carrying out goals related to such beliefs. The problem is, it’s a very old system, and no one is quite sure exactly what that means.

It’s a positive sign that Bill doesn’t slaughter Sookie, Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), Nora (Lucy Griffiths), Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll), Pam, Tara (Rutina Wesley), and Jason (Ryan Kwanten) as they flee the scene. However, he then reveals some darker nature, intentionally or not, as he calls his progeny to his side. And he certainly no longer aches for Sookie. So his continued benevolence is not guaranteed.

Unfortunately, Jessica is not in a good place to stand up to Bill, so if he is up to no good, she is susceptible to landing on the wrong side of the battle. She feels a very close bond with Bill, he being her maker, and after being rejected last season by Jason, she realizes she doesn’t have anyone. Enter Bill, who could (we don’t know yet if he will or not) take advantage of the vulnerable vampire.

There is also movement on Jason’s front, with his visions continuing. I don’t really want to go into that further, but there are definitely threats on multiple fronts in this season of TRUE BLOOD.

As well as familiar players, the new, annual Big Bad is likely to be Creighton Burrell (Arliss Howard). I say this not because of anything he does in “Who Are You, Really?” but rather because the character explicitly states “I am not the Big Bad.” That’s a sure sign that he actually is, no? It’s this wonderful, tongue-in-cheek, self-referential humor that gives TRUE BLOOD such a watchable quality.

On another front, “Who Are You, Really?” sees the death of a main character early in the episode. It’s someone whose fate is kind of revealed in the season five finale, but given the series’ penchant for keeping characters around, one is never really sure a person is dead in the moment of their passing. Now, in this new hour, it looks like we have a killing that will stick.

I applaud TRUE BLOOD for resolving the cliffhanger this way. Too often, the person has ended up safe, with no permanent repercussions. I’m not exactly thrilled by how this death affects a second character, who I predict will have the “lame” story this year, sadly, but at least there’s movement and development.

We get a bit of Alcide (Joe Manganiello) and his new pack, too. Alcide is originally caught up in very Sookie-centric stories, but after last year and this premiere, it appears he is definitely worthy of his own arcs, independent of the rest of the cast. This decision is a good one because Alcide is such a vibrant, rich character to work with, bringing elements to the show that no one else does, and providing complementary story. Cool.

Lastly, we get to see a very raw Andy (Chris Bauer) dealing with four babies, and the tough but sweet Arlene (Carrie Preston) assist, with a dab of help from Terry (Todd Lowe). There are times these people have been pushed into the background, but recent developments mean they stay relevant for now. The path Andy in particular is going down is ripe with some light-hearted disaster, which should keep TRUE BLOOD true to itself, even if the vampire side of things goes really dark.

“Who Are You, Really?” has a few surprises, excellent set up, memorable dialogue, and contributing mythology that combine to make it a top notch return. We’ll miss creator Alan Ball, to be sure, but the premiere proves that the series has not suffered in quality without him, and may even find new life in the realm of the undead.

TRUE BLOOD airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

True Blood The Complete Fifth Season

Article first published as DVD Review: True Blood The Complete Fifth Season on Blogcritics.

For lovers of HBO’s True Blood, eagerly anticipating the upcoming sixth season, a great way to pass the wait is to relive the most recent batch of episodes. With True Blood: The Complete Fifth Season now available on Blu-ray, DVD, and download, catching up is easier than ever.

Season five, like many recent years of True Blood, is a season of disjointed stories. As the cast has expanded and grown, the tales have stopped lining up with each other so neatly. We have all of our core characters, and they are all served throughout the year. But they don’t necessarily come in contact with one another, nor will their challenges be connected, which is actually quite cool, allowing for a larger picture of the world.

A major arc in season five revolves around Vampire Authority. We are introduced to this group, supposedly the leaders of their species, but not surprisingly, there are fractures among them. Vampires are an unpredictable, dangerous, spirited group, and anytime a number of them come together, they are bound to bicker. Toss in a religious cult which seeks to control the authority, and you’ve got quite a mess.

It’s not surprising that our favorite fangers fall into this mess. Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) are both smack in the middle of this, although their loyalties are shifting, and sometimes it’s hard to tell whose side they are on. While some viewers may have liked one of these two men more than the others throughout the run, allegiances may shift based on this season’s story. Matters are only complicated further when Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) gets involved.

Combined with the followers of Lilith (Jessica Clark), a return by fan-favorite Russell Edgington (Denis O’Hare), and the fantastic newcomer Roman (Law & Order: SVU‘s Christopher Meloni), the vamps not only make up a huge portion of each installment, but is certainly one of the most fun arcs, with a twist ending and major consequences to be explored next year.

Not that every vampire is anxious to get involved in the civil strife among their kind. Tara (Rutina Wesley), recently turned, has a lot more to worry about than political allegiances. Luckily, she has Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten), her maker, there to assist. Pam may be reluctant to help Tara, but the dynamic between them is a true joy, and really adds something fresh to True Blood.

While Bill and Eric are off with their own kind, this leaves Sookie (Anna Paquin) to get into her own trouble, unmolested by her would-be suitors. Fans of True Blood have been divided by the addition of fairies to the story, but given that this is Sookie’s heritage, it makes sense to explore it. Considering her status as a magnet for danger and conflict, of course plenty of that is present as well, but without her vampire protectors this time. Though Jason (Ryan Kwanten) is around, since this concerns him, too.

Thankfully, the season provides some meaningful development to many of the supporting characters this year, too. Sam (Sam Trammell) tries to fend off those who would reveal the existence of all supernatural creatures to the public. Hoyt (Jim Parrack) dives into the bigger players’ circles. Andy (Chris Bauer) has more than one woman to contend with. Alcide (Joe Manganiello) deals with who will lead his wolf pack. Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) is haunted by his dead lover, Jesus (Kevin Alejandro). All of these people have story in the past, but they really get beefed up this year, making for a more rich, complex tale.

The exception to the praise-worthy list of threads is Terry’s (Todd Lowe) bits. Despite the inclusion of guest star Scott Foley, seeing Terry run out on Arlene (Carrie Preston) to battle a fire monster is very disappointing. The plot doesn’t unfold all that smoothly, and the character fails to come across as noble, as he should. However, one bad story out of all of the others listed above isn’t too shabby, and it’s still a pretty strong season overall.

As usual for an HBO release, True Blood: The Complete Fifth Season has quite a few extras that should make fans happy. Interviews with writers of the show give insight into each and every episode. Five audio commentaries allow the actors to weigh in, too. Episode six, arguably quite pivotal in the season, gets further exploration and discussion. “Authority Confessionals” allow us to get to know some of the new vampires, “True Blood Lines” details many of the characters’ connections, and “Enhanced Viewing” contains reminders of past and future events, as well as giving depth to the details. And there’s more.

True Blood: The Complete Fifth Season is available as a seven disc combo pack that gives buyers Blu-ray, DVD, and digital copies of every episode. In an age where media is in flux, it’s really cool that one purchase would be accessible across many platforms, and HBO should be lauded for putting out such sets, as they have also done for other series. It’s really quite a great idea.

True Blood: The Complete Fifth Season is available now.

"Save Yourself" some True Blood

HBO's True Blood wrapped up their fifth season this week with "Save Yourself." Showdowns and stakings dominated the episode, with many of the season's arcs wrapping up, while others are just getting started, or taken to a whole new level. Characters we thought we knew turned out to be something else. And enough hints at season four stories are dropped to keep fans pleasantly in anticipation through next summer.

This season's most prominent plot featured the Vampire Authority. As "Save Yourself" draws to a close, representative after representative of this government body bite the dust. As enjoyable as this mix of new characters have been, they have run their course, and it makes sense to kill them off now. It's expected, even. In the end, only one true believer of Lilith (Jessica Clark) is left standing, and that's Bill (Stephen Moyer).

Yes, Bill. Former lover of Sookie (Anna Paquin), and the one we all thought of as the "good" vamp when the show began. Yet, Bill's conversion did not come out of nowhere. He has been a bit meandering in the past, switching his loyalties when it suited him, or to save his neck. The real surprise comes when he manages to turn his back on Sookie, whom he loved. In Lilith, he has found someone with a stronger draw. Bill is so totally consumed with his new love of the goddess that he allows himself to be destroyed and reborn, literally and figuratively, by her blood. The Bill we knew is gone, and this Bill will be unpredictable, fresh, and exciting. As well as probably evil.

Bill's rebirth is a powerful image. True Blood has danced around religion in the past, but never quite like this. This is a total commitment to belief, which makes for a very dangerous game. Most of the bad guys on True Blood are driven by personal motivations. After "Save Yourself," Bill is set up to be the greatest villain the series has ever seen, and one with far more chance of killing off beloved characters before he can be stopped.

Speaking of characters who are killed off, it's a little disappointing that Russell (Denis O'Hare) meets his maker so easily. After an entire season of build up, following a long absence after a spectacular original run, this character deserves a huge battle and some showmanship. Instead, he is blasted with fairy light, and then Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) slits his throat. I'm not sure what I was expecting for Russell, exactly, but this was a let down.

Russell's death is enough to distract many viewers, though, from the real fairy plot. By the end of "Save Yourself," Sookie still doesn't know who killed her parents, or how her fate is intertwined with the now-dead leader of the fairies, or what has happened to Jason (Ryan Kwanten). Some True Blood loyalists don't care for the fairy bits. But after a couple of seasons of set up, it looks like the show might really go for it soon, bringing them front and center, especially as they relate to Sookie. Hopefully those fans will be won over when they do.

Sookie isn't the only one dealing with fairy matters. Andy (Chris Bauer) has sired four babies, and is left to raise them as a single father. There's no telling what challenges fairy children might represent, how quickly they will grow, or how that might tie Andy closer to Sookie's plot. But it's a great start.

The trysts Andy had with the fairy Maurella (Kristina Anapau) can be sort of forgiven because he hadn't gotten fully with Holly (Lauren Bowles) yet, and how can any man resist the allure of these magical creatures? The question is, does this mean the end of things for Holly and Andy? I hope not, because I really like the two of them together. She makes Andy a better man. Holly has to understand the reality of the situation, and see that Andy is a good guy who will treat her right at the end of the day. But it would be hard to blame her for not wanting anything more to do with him, especially if staying together means that she has four more babies to take care of. Her kids are older. She seems like that type that is ready to be done with being a full-time mother.

Tara's (Rutina Wesley) transformation by "Save Yourself" is seemingly complete. Although initially thinking her survival as a vampire cheapened an iconic moment in True Blood's mythology, and didn't make sense, I am pleased with how she has evolved this season. Tara is another character who, like Bill, has trouble finding her place. Unlike Bill, though, she isn't easily moved, her adjustments coming mostly through circumstance, rather than gullibility or political machinations. With the vampires, though, or at least the particular group she fallen in with, Tara has finally found acceptance and a place to belong.

Some might say Tara getting with Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) is going too far. While turning Tara into a vampire is one thing, making her a lesbian is a very different game. To those, I say look at what the poor girl has been through! That's enough to make anyone move from their fundamental stances. Not to mention, Pam provides Tara with a needed affection Tara has been lacking from many of her past relationships, and Pam has been missing romance, too. That they've found each other actually seems quite natural and nice to me. Not to mention, sexual attraction on True Blood has always been a fluid thing, so this is keeping with the series' themes.

The vampire I feel sorry for is Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll). She has been abandoned by her maker, not wanting to follow Bill down his crazy path, and rejected by Jason, the man she loves. She can continue to hang with Eric, Pam, Tara, and Nora (Lucy Griffiths), and they will probably treat her pretty well, being the noble clan that they are. But she isn't part of their bloodline; their family. This makes her an outsider among them. I hope, in time, this shifts a bit. But for now, Jessica is alone.

Of course, True Blood is a series with many characters and many stories, and this review does not touch on everything that happens in "Save Yourself." But I think we've covered most of the highlights, and the others can wait 'til next year.

True Blood will return to HBO in 2013 for a sixth season.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

True Blood is far from "Hopeless"

So, so much is going on in this season of HBO's True Blood! Six hours into the season, "Hopeless" is jam packed full of plots, with each of the main characters facing something big. Without further ado, let's get to it!

Russell Edgington (Denis O'Hare) is back in a big way! Briefly captured by the Authority, thanks to Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), Russell quickly turns the tables on Authority leader Roman (Christopher Meloni), giving him the final death.

What will Russell do with his new found power? Will he and the vampire movement known as the Sanguinuistas attempt to conquer mankind? Will the majority of the vampires fall in line behind him, since Russell murdered their leader? Or will most of them fight back, intent on keeping Roman's policies of peaceful co-existence in place?

Bill is kind of an unknown here. Fans would like to believe he is a kind, good vampire, given his past relationship with Sookie (Anna Paquin). But the fact of the matter is, Bill acts like a total patsy to Roman, and it's not the first time he's carried a banner to save his own skin. Yes, he would likely interfere if Russell threatens Sookie, but considering that she can hold her own against him, might Bill support Russell in other ways?

Eric is more principled, even standing up to Roman with his life in the balance, wanting to stay neutral in the battle. This is not a position that he will be able to maintain. Russell has a beef with Eric. Eric might be spared if he would support Russell's mission, but that probably won't happen. And Eric isn't exactly eager to jump on the other side, either. Eric, more than Bill, is going to stand up for what he cares about. The question is, what does Eric care about?

It's a shame that Roman is staked so soon. He is a really a cool character, reaching a zenith last week when murdering the elder member of the Authority that looked like a child. He is deliciously evil, and his strong religious compass makes him someone to contend with. Meloni really seemed to be enjoying himself, and giving a fantastic performance. Then, it's all over much too soon.

Alcide (Joe Manganiello) and Sookie are gone before Russell does the deed, keeping them in the dark about the latest developments, as much as ever. They seemed only to touch on this story, each with their own paths to walk this season. But their involvement in the vampire civil strife in "Hopeless" is fantastic if for no other reason than to see Eric glamor Alcide into being disgusted by Sookie, though Sookie breaks that spell pretty quickly!

Alcide's new purpose in life is to bring order to a pack of werewolves. While not seeking leadership, he isn't going to sit by and watch the new pack master destroy the lives of others. It demonstrates a real sense of character. Alcide may want to be a lone wolf, but he is also going to be a protector when he sees injustice and tyranny. This is a good way to go with his character, even if it keeps him apart from Sookie.

Of course, if True Blood is going to follow the far-inferior book series, which it generally does in extremely broad strokes, the battle for a new pack master will introduce Quinn, Sookie's next boyfriend, a large weretiger. Is True Blood ready to add yet another suitor to her incredibly full dance card?

Quinn might have to wait awhile because Sookie has bigger fish to fry. After a hilarious scene where Sookie bashes men with Arlene (Carrie Preston) and Holly (Lauren Bowles), she runs into Jason (Ryan Kwanten), who alerts her to a fairy situation. The fairies are also fighting amongst themselves, as some of the ones more sympathetic to humans are hiding out at a night club, away from their malevolent peers. Once more, Sookie is drawn into a battle that only fleetingly concerns her. She is such a busy body and danger magnet!

Jason's involvement is a little more personal. He wants to know the truth about his parents' death. It took True Blood five seasons to get to it, but it seems time to finally delve into the Stackhouses' past, uncovering their secret connections to the supernatural world before the supes came out. It's about time! We can't be expected to believe that Sookie hasn't been around things greater than most people all her life!

All supes are in serious danger of being exposed. While only vampires have gone public thus far, someone knows about shifters and the others, as Sam (Sam Trammell) finds out the hard way when he and Luna (Janina Gavankar) are shot. This time, it's Sam and Andy (Chris Bauer) looking for justice, as a third major conflict rages on in "Hopeless."

Hoyt (Jim Parrack) somehow gets involved with Sam's attackers, who recognize him and "save" him from a vampire who is about to kill him, which is kind of what Hoyt is going for. Because Hoyt is in such a weakened state, physically and emotionally, and suffering damage at the hands of a supernatural, when Jessica dumped him, it seems a likely possibility that he might actually join this no-good gang. Or maybe he will continue to defend Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) in whatever way he can. Either possibility places him smack dab in the middle of something violent.

It is supremely awesome that characters like Hoyt and Andy are getting this kind of development! While the more central characters like Sookie, Bill, and Eric are great, True Blood has many talented supporting players. Letting them carry their own major plots, and not just small side stories, is a brilliant way to rejuvenate the series and keep it interesting as it begins aging. Moves like this could keep the show on for many more years.

Speaking of minor people getting increased roles, Terry (Todd Lowe) breaks things off with Arlene to protect her and the kids. His plight seems "Hopeless," haunted by a fire spirit who is intent on killing him for a very dark deed done in Iraq. This is depressing, as Terry and Arlene are True Blood's happiest couple til now. But hopefully Terry can defeat the creature and return home. Though, right now, it's hard to see how that can be accomplished, especially when he doesn't ask for help from the characters we've seen deal with powerful magic villains before. Macho man might get himself killed.

Then there's Tara (Rutina Wesley), whose concerns are more internal. It's funny to see Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) treat her progeny like crap. It's even better to see Jessica and Tara bond. They could really help each other out, given what they have in common. Too bad Tara plays with Hoyt in the bathroom, leading to a spectacular barroom brawl between the gals. Any chance the ladies can patch things up? I'd like to see more cooperation and less bickering! And a trio of united, bad-ass vampire chicks, Pam included, would be virtually unstoppable.

Tara isn't the only one whose story didn't stop at death. Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) is appearing to Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) and Ruby (Alfre Woodard), mouth bound shut. Or, at least, his head appears. It's hard to fathom exactly what is going on, not knowing how Jesus can even still be involved in the show. But he's such a popular character, it's little wonder the series is trying to keep him around. Will he survive past this plot, either brought back to life or in some other form, or is this an epilogue for his character?

In fact, if I were to have one complaint about True Blood, it's that the show is forgetting how to let characters go. Sure, new people are introduced and then dispatched with, but most of the original cast are still around, and the number of integral people that stays keep growing. The show might do with a little trimming, making the stakes a little higher, and events seem a little more dangerous. A couple of deaths could be a blessing.

Believe it or not, I could even go into yet more subplots and great moments from this episode, despite the already lengthy recap. It's hard to spend much time analyzing any one element when so much is happening. Then again, it keeps the show exciting, and "Hopeless" is another in a string of excellent episodes. I won't complain too much about the difficulty in reviewing True Blood if they keep the quality this high.

Watch True Blood Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.


Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com.  If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my True Blood reviews. Click here to buy books and DVDs from the True Blood series. Article first published at TheTVKing

TRUE BLOOD Season 5 Episode 1 Turn! Turn! Turn! Review

HBO's TRUE BLOOD begins its fifth season last night. The episode, entitled "Turn! Turn! Turn!," brings many changes to Bon Temps, even though it picks up the very same evening that last season left off. This is a true serial, one that unfolds episode by episode, and no plot is ever truly resolved.

Perhaps the most shocking thing to occur in last year's finale is the death of Tara (Rutina Wesley). Best friend of Sookie (Anna Paquin), and central character from the beginning, no one really expects Tara to be dead. Which may be why the writers let Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) show up immediately after Tara is shot. Sookie and Tara's cousin, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis), beg Pam to turn Tara into a vampire, thereby keeping her around. Pam grudgingly agrees to try, for a price. Which gives fans a great scene of Pam in a cheap sweat suit, a very funny sight!

What are the rules of turning someone into a vampire, as they apply to TRUE BLOOD? Can it really be done after half of a person's head is blown off? Tara is in bad shape, definitely already dead, before Pam comes into the room. Yet, the vampire acknowledges that, while difficult, there is a chance turning her will still work. It seems like quite a stretch, done just because no one wants to part with a popular character. Story and drama are being sacrificed for job retention, and while no one wants Tara gone, it's a shame that it's being done this way.

Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) just can't resist their hero complex where Sookie is concerned. Even though she rejects them both, they start when they hear she is in trouble. Perhaps their reactions are a bit delayed because of recent events, but they still will go to her aide. It's a little pathetic, as Pam is quick to point out, two powerful creatures hung up on a girl that won't be with either of them. Yet, it is still romantic and world-affirming that they react when Sookie is in trouble. The show would not be the same without this element.

Too bad neither vamp gets the change to follow through on this instinct, quickly being captured by the Vampire Authority. Much has been hinted at or alluded to about the organization over the years, but only a couple of representatives have been shown in TRUE BLOOD. It looks like season five will change all that. Bill and Eric are about to be drawn into some type of civil war, which has the good fortune to not only provide an interesting, high stakes story, but keep them from pining away over a certain waitress too much.

Eric's "sister," Nora (Lucy Griffiths, Robin Hood), is introduced as a member of the authority who is loyal to Eric, probably because of all the great sex that they have. Setting aside how creepy it is that they refer to each other as siblings during intercourse (although they do not share parents, only a maker), Nora is viewers' window into this new plot. In that, she works very well, and giving her back story with a lead quickly endears her.

However, it is a little strange that the authorities that show up at the end of "Turn! Turn! Turn!" quickly slaughter every other vampire except her. Leaving Bill and Eric alive makes sense, as they have always been power players, and likely have some skin in the game. But what is Nora's significance? Why is she not given the true death along with her compatriots? This episode only makes us want to learn more about her.

We get no glimpses of the new big bad, Roman (Christopher Meloni, Law & Order: SVU), or returning villain Russell Edgington (Denis O'Hare) this week, unfortunately, although it is confirmed that the latter has escaped his concrete prison. How will Russell figure into this vampire struggle? Is he on the side of the authority, like Roman, or might Eric and Bill have to team up with their former foe? O'Hare plays a gripping, delicious character, and anticipation is high for his return.

Speaking of vampire returns, Steve Newlin (Michael McMillian) isn't exactly what one might expect. He makes his way to Bon Temps because he is in love with Jason (Ryan Kwanten)! Interestingly, Steve only glams Jason to get into the house and talk to him, not to use sexually. Might this have changed if Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) hadn't shown up to protect her sex toy? This is the beginnings of what could be the funniest love triangle on television! But one that could also turn very dark and dangerous very fast.

Meanwhile, Sam (Sam Trammell) is just as heroic as the vamps ever are, willing to sacrifice himself to the werewolves to protect Luna (Janina Gavankar) and her daughter. It's noble that Sam won't betray Alcide (Joe Manganiello), who has been a friend. But this means that Sam gets badly beaten. Thankfully, Luna does the right thing and informs Alcide of the situation, allowing him to step up and take the blame. This clears Sam from further injury, but what will it mean for Alcide?

It seems that Arlene (Carrie Preston) doesn't have a demon baby after all! This is little relief, though, since that means there is something else afoot. Terry (Todd Lowe), who has always been a bit of an enigma, his past told only in broad strokes, has a very dark secret. He reacts much more angrily towards Patrick (Scott Foley) than we have ever seen him. Which could mean a couple of wonderful supporting characters might finally get a big story this year on TRUE BLOOD, definitely something to look forward to!

"Turn! Turn! Turn!" has plenty to show fans what they have been missing for nearly a year. TRUE BLOOD remains a terrific series, far better than the pulp fiction it is based on, with a wealth of complex characters and plots. With things kicking off in high gear, and an oddly chosen final song, timed perfectly for comedic effect, this not-quite-campy action show is back to doing what it does best! Tune in Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

"And When I Die" hits True Blood hard

     There's a lot going on in the True Blood season finale, "And When I Die." Most importantly, Marnie (Fiona Shaw) takes over Lafayette's (Nelsan Ellis) body, kills Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) to steal his dark magic powers, and captures Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Eric (Alexander Skarsgård), intending to kill them as well. Sookie (Anna Paquin), Tara (Rutina Wesley), and Holly (Lauren Bowles) go to the rescue, and with the help of some ghosts, including Sookie's grandmother (Lois Smith), drive Marnie away again. Sookie heals Bill and Eric, who are partially burned, but unable to choose which one to give her heart to, rejects them both.

     Where to begin dissecting that bit of plot? Marnie taking over Lafayette seems like a surprise twist, yet, in retrospect, it is perfectly set up throughout the season. We see Lafayette's abilities, and how he can be taken over by a dead person. We see Marnie's fascination with bringing things to life, and she gets a taste of possession when she is taken over by Antonia (Paola Turbay, Royal Pains). As such, it's completely predictable that this will happen. But it cannot be complained about when it feels so spontaneous, and gives both Shaw one last chance to show her skills, as well as highlighting Ellis's immense, sometimes underused, talent.

     Sookie goes home, and is attacked by Debbie (Brit Morgan), who blames Sookie for taking away Alcide (Joe Manganiello) from her. Even though Alcide does come on to Sookie in "And When I Die," Sookie rejects him, too, so it's really not her fault. Plus, Alcide dumps Debbie because she is with another man, which has nothing to do with Sookie. Also, Sookie and Debbie are just beginning to build a friendship, prior to the dumping. But all the same, Debbie shoots at Sookie, and only Tara jumping in front to take the bullet saves Sookie's life. Sookie, shocked at seeing her best friend shot, blows Debbie's head off. It's almost out of character, but grief is an acceptable excuse.

     Jesus's death in "And When I Die" is not all that surprising, nor is Debbie's, as she dies in the fourth book (from the Sookie Stackhouse series, on which True Blood is loosely based) in a somewhat similar manner. But Tara being shot seems to come out of nowhere. Could she possibly be dead? She's an important main character, but at the same time, her plot seems to have run its course. After all, Tara tries to escape town earlier in this season of True Blood, and is tired of the supernatural. Nothing that happens after that would make her want to stay any more. If Tara doesn't die, would she even be willing to stick around? Which is why this might be the perfect time to kill her off.

     If Tara dies, coming right on the heels of Jesus, we can expect a much more somber Lafayette in season five. This removes his only close family member and his lover from his life. Considering how Ellis shines in "And When I Die," given something complex to play, it will not be unwelcome to allow him some bigger range to work with. He can certainly handle the heavy acting. It will be very interesting to see in what direction the writers take him from here.

 
     Sookie cannot be with Bill or Eric because she loves them both. This conundrum haunts her throughout the latter part of this season of True Blood, and instead of choosing one, forever wondering if she made the right decision, she picks neither. Does this make sense? Two guys that she is in love with, and she won't be with either one of them? You'd think Sookie would want happiness, too, and surely either vampire could give her that, no matter what her choice. Instead, might she spend next season with Alcide, or will her weretiger boyfriend from the books, Quinn, soon be cast? It's hard to know, because True Blood, while staying loyal to the spirit of several characters, doesn't exactly go for strict adaptation, and there are already so many men vying for Sookie's attention. As well as so many characters in general.

     Even without Sookie to compete over, though that likely won't ever go away completely, Bill and Eric have plenty else to worry about. Nan (Jessica Tuck) asks them for an alliance against the American Vampire League, but (surprise!) they kill her instead. While Nan is not trustworthy, if the AVL comes after Bill and Eric, they are going to need all the help they can get. Taking her out removes an important ally, and makes them all that more vulnerable, and thus, is a dumb idea. Considering Nan is ordered to kill the pair, it is unlikely that murdering her, traitor though she is to the AVL, will do much to appease the group. As such, Bill and Eric are in some pretty deep crapola.

     Add to that, it appears Russell Edgington (Denis O'Hare) has escaped his concrete prison and he has a vendetta against Eric and Bill, who put him there, and True Blood's fifth season will be mighty exciting on the vampire front!

     Russell isn't the only past enemy who will be turning up in season five. Jason's (Ryan Kwanten) story in "And When I Die" ends with Steve Newlin (Michael McMillian) showing up on his doorstep, now a vampire. Steve is an anti-vampire religious nut who Jason once trains under, and who is missing these past six months. Guess this at least partially explains why he disappears. Is Steve there to kill Jason, or recruit him? The former seems more likely, considering how they end things the last time they are together. Sure, Steve can't enter Jason's house without permission, but that doesn't mean Jason isn't in serious danger.

     Jason's only hope of survival seems to be the return of his new vampire lover, Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll). If Jessica comes back to the house, for any number of possible reasons, she can defend Jason. And she likely will, considering he so recently saves her life, and they are enjoying fantastic sex together. Their relationship still seems wrong, given how Jessica is most recently with Jason's best friend, Hoyt (Jim Parrack). But Hoyt fits the old, meek Jessica, while Jason is a better match for the new, bolder Jessica. At least for now.

     Speaking of True Blood characters being left in danger, Sam (Sam Trammell) is attacked by a wolf in the woods. Who is it, and why are they coming after him? Is it in revenge for Sam killing pack leader Marcus (Daniel Buran)? Because, if so, Sam only goes after Marcus because Marcus kills Sam's brother, Tommy (Marshall Allman). And Alcide is the one who actually takes Marcus's life, not Sam. Because of this, either the werewolf about to attack Sam is misinformed, or is there for an entirely other, yet unexplained, reason.

     Something else unexplained is why Terry's (Todd Lowe) former commanding officer (Scott Foley, Grey's Anatomy) comes to town in "And When I Die." He seems friendly enough, telling Arlene (Carrie Preston) that Terry saved his life in the war, twice. And Foley is usually a friendly face, who will be a welcome addition to season five of True Blood. However, he must have some dark secret, because Arlene's serial killer ex, Rene (Michael Raymond-James), comes back from the grave just to warn her about him. So there's that.

     There's also Andy (Chris Bauer), who in last week's episode has fairy sex in the woods. Given that the fairy population needs to reproduce, and that they are not happy about Sookie rejecting them, this could very well be part of a larger plan. Surely it's not a coincidence that another fairy baby could be conceived in the same town? Not to mention, time moves must faster in fairyland, so it is likely Andy may soon meet an older child, possibly even a young adult, that he is the father of. The kid will probably show up, of course, right after Andy and Holly find happiness together. This plot is completely out of left field, so there's no telling where it's going, but it's intriguing.

     Last, but certainly not least, Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) is upset that Eric chooses Sookie over her. Not necessarily as a romantic partner, as Pam generally prefers the company of women. But Eric sired Pam, so they share a special bond. Plus, in Pam's eyes, Sookie is "just" a human, who stirs up trouble wherever she goes. Pam sees Eric's choice as a severe betrayal, and there is no telling how that will change their relationship come next season on True Blood.


     All in all, an exciting, death heavy finale for a great series! True Blood will return to HBO next summer.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my True Blood reviews.

     Click here to buy books and DVDs from the True Blood series.

Article first published as TV Review: True Blood - "And When I Die" on Blogcritics.

True Blood makes me say "I Wish I Was the Moon"

     On this week's episode of HBO's True Blood, many creatures roam the woods of Bon Temps during the full moon. Jason Stackhouse (Ryan Kwanten) nervously waits to see if he will turn into a werepanther, as he is told he will. Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) grows closer to Jason, teasing at an illicit connection. Alcide (Joe Manganiello) and Debbie (Brit Morgan) seek out a possible new werewolf pack. Tommy (Marshall Allman), after accidentally shifting into Sam (Sam Trammell), sleeps with Sam's love interest, Luna (Janina Gavankar). Pam (Kristin Bauer) angrily catches up with Tara (Rutina Wesley), fangs bared, ready to kill. Bill (Stephen Moyer) surprisingly shows mercy towards Eric (Alexander Skarsgård). And Sookie (Anna Paquin) stumbles through it all, eventually ending up in the arms of Eric.

     It's a trippy series of scenes, which perfectly evokes the full moon tension. Everything seems a little dangerous, and a little magical, amongst the dark trees. Even though every episode of True Blood is teeming with supernatural creatures, sometimes so many of them seem so normal that one can begin to forget what exactly is lurking around nearly every corner. "I Wish I Was the Moon" corrects that, reminding viewers of all the creepy critters. The title seems to evoke a voyeuristic observance of the many going-ons, which is exactly what viewers get when they tune into the TV show. Thus, it works really well.

     At first, it seems shocking that Bill will pass up a chance to execute Eric, considering how they have never gotten along. However, upon reflection, there are a number of reasons he might be inclined to do so. For one, Eric's defiance and ability to stir up trouble is currently gone. Left in its place is a very strong, one thousand year old vampire who is very willing to obey Bill's orders. As such, Eric could be a formidable tool for Bill, and one not easily tossed aside. Secondly, if Bill does really care about Sookie, and want her to be happy, this Eric is making her such. Either motivation is enough to justify Bill's actions.

     Because of the new Eric, Sookie is closer to happiness than ever. Fans of the book series know it didn't last then, and there have already been hints dropped in True Blood that it won't last now. This is unfortunate, but necessary to move the story along. While she has something good, she should enjoy it. Bill's betrayals cut her very deeply, a pain she will not soon get over. If Sookie were to be with almost anyone else, she would be risking the same again. The way Eric currently is, he in incapable of deceit and unkindness towards her, and so she is able to feel safe with him. It's a well-deserved reward for all that she puts up with.

     Skarsgård is doing a pretty great job of capturing the two Erics. While at times he does slip back a little too much into the cadence of previous Eric, for the most part, the actor is really creating a new character, as the writers intend. Without memory, it may be assumed that Eric is boiled down to the base person he was before his vampire life. Which goes to show just how much choices and actions can corrupt and change an individual. This reveals a very tragic tale for the Sheriff.

     Hopefully, Pam (who is not the woman pictured at left) will not kill Tara. One may scoff and think, "Of course she won't!" But True Blood has pulled some big surprises in the past, and this could be another one. Considering Tara is shown in the previews for next week's episode, it is unlikely that Pam finishes her off in the confrontation at the end of "I Wish I Was the Moon." But with revenge as a mindset, Tara's life is definitely in danger. Just what she doesn't need right now. Can't one character escape Bon Temps' sorrows?

     The budding relationship between Jessica and Jason is more disappointing than interesting. Here are two people who are unsatisfied with their lives, but instead of fixing things, they contemplate betraying someone they love. In both cases, the betrayed is Hoyt (Jim Parrack), Jessica's husband, and Jason's best friend. Hoyt goes way out on a limb to be with Jessica, and always has Jason's back. If they were to act on their feelings, it would be a failure in storyline. There isn't really a conceivable way that the arc will play out well for them at this point. So don't even go there. Maybe they won't, considering the slow dance they are waltzing around cheating.

     In the books, Jason became a werepanther. As noted, True Blood differs from the book series in many ways, big and small. For the most part, these are wise decisions. If it didn't, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) would have died in season one, and no one wants that. Plus, Jessica never even existed. But Jason as a werepanther is such a deep, interesting twist. While Jason has shown much growth and maturation over the course of the series, having him become a supernatural creature would be a step further, and a welcome one. It is likely, however, the people who make the show just didn't want to tie him too tightly to the hick residents of Hot Shot, which is an understandable desire. Isn't there some middle ground to be found here?

     Staying true to the books, Andy (Chris Bauer) looks to be heading towards a relationship with Holly (Lauren Bowles). It will be interesting to see this romance bloom, since the characters are so much more developed on True Blood than in the literary pages.

     Too bad Alcide is further away than ever as a possible love interest for Sookie, since she will need a new one before long. His reconnection with Debbie is foreseeable, given the strong level of emotions Alcide maintains for his ex. It's also unfortunate, as Debbie cannot be trusted. Perhaps in the TV show, unlike in the books, she has turned over a new leaf. It would not be the first time True Blood strayed far from its source material. More likely, though, Debbie won't last. Is there some mutual comforting in Alcide and Sookie's futures?

     Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) and Lafayette are mixed up in some very heavy spells. Traveling to Mexico to seek protection from Eric and Pam, what they find is some dark magic involving possession. Which ties nicely back to their Bon Temps storyline. No matter how far one runs, they cannot escape, seems to be what True Blood is saying here. Instead of getting away from the danger, Jesus's life is soon put at risk, as he is bitten by a rattlesnake. Something or someone comes into Lafayette's body and controls the moment, presumably saving Jesus's life. But why, and for what?

     The big question is, what will learning about possession do for Lafayette and Jesus? It is nice that they are drawn into the overarching villain's story so strongly this season, and may eventually get to help defeat the evil being behind this season's woes. But before they do, they need to understand what is going on, something that has not been completely clear for the viewers at home. It does involve someone killed a long time ago wanting revenge, but to what end? Sure, Antonia (Paola Turbay) is after a vampire who escaped her prior punishment, and I guess that can extend to wanting to wipe out all vampires. But what spirit(s) is taking possession down in Mexico and why?

     Which leads to the inevitable praise that Fiona Shaw so richly deserves. She is brilliant at switching between cowardly, peaceful, religious woman and all-powerful nasty big bad. The two roles are so different, and watching an experienced hand like Shaw so deftly handle them is a rare treat. Other actors have successfully tackled dual roles before, but Shaw is quickly shooting to the top of the list, putting many others to shame. There is absolutely nothing to complain about her performance, and there is much anticipation for what will come next for her.

     Is Arlene (Carrie Preston) and Terry's (Todd Lowe) baby related to Marnie and Lafayette's plot, or is it something else entirely. In "I Wish I Was the Moon," the baby seems to burn down their house, though the mysterious woman he waves to could also be involved, or have done it. Either way, there is something seriously wrong with the infant, and the threat he poses is not imagined. It would be hard for True Blood to justify killing someone less than one year old, no matter what threat he poses. This is a very complex situation, worth much more exploration.


     Watch True Blood Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     Click here to buy books and DVDs from the True Blood series.

Article first published as TV Review: True Blood - "I Wish I Was the Moon" on Blogcritics.