"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.

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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.


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