PARKS AND REC Bids Goodbye to "Ann and Chris"

Article first published as PARKS AND REC Bids Goodbye to "Ann and Chris" on TheTVKing.

NBC's Parks and Recreation bids farewell to two of its long-term main characters this week as "Ann and Chris" move away from Pawnee. In true Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) fashion, she throws her bestie Ann (Rashida Jones) thirty parties in one, and then there's an even more touching surprise on top of that. Meanwhile, the guys try to match Chris' (Rob Lowe) thoughtful parting gifts.

I am sad to see Ann and Chris go mostly because the other characters are sad to see them go. Ann has never been my favorite, but I'll miss Chris' eccentricities, which were always funny. Their roles have pretty much run their course, and it's wise to send them off now, before they go stale. Plus, their departure will affect the other characters, which should add more forward momentum to the rest of the season.

Leslie is the most upset because Ann is her best friend. For five years they've been nearly inseparable, always in each other's lives. Perhaps, though, this will be the boost Leslie needs to kick her career back into high gear, channeling her grief and extra energy into a campaign for another office. Or maybe she'll make a new best friend that isn't so much of an enabler to Leslie's craziness, though Leslie is a force of nature not easily swayed.

The parties are perfect for Leslie, but I even more enjoyed that Leslie's final gift to Ann is the ground breaking of the park that started their relationship. It's a nice way to tie things back together in the end, and exactly the sort of thing that Leslie would do for someone she cares so much about. The fact that a grump city official (Chris Bauer, True Blood) stands in their way, leading to several obstacles and the natural return of a few familiar faces in this important episode, only makes the end result mean more, and demonstrates the love she and Ann have for one another.

April's (Aubrey Plaza) heartfelt farewell to Ann is much more toned down, as is appropriate, but shines through as a memorable moment, too. They've always shared their connection to Andy (Chris Pratt), which actually has stood between them, rather than bringing them together. But April is developing as a person and it's nice that she sees past the guy and can admit some small shred of emotional to Ann. Nice, too, that Ann understands April enough not to push her past her limits and be grateful for what she gets.

"Ann and Chris" is unusual because the guys and girls are, mostly, split up during the installment, a grouping the series doesn't do too often. But then, it always makes for an interesting dynamic when they do.

Donna (Retta) is part of neither grouping, unfortunately, but given the way the story plays out, that makes sense. She wouldn't really fit on the girls' mission, and she would also seem out of place with the boys, so for once, she just doesn't belong here. But she's still a fantastic character, and her goodbye butt squeeze to Chris is hilarious.

While traditionally men are less in touch with their feelings, and Parks and Recreation even has Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), the much-admired stereotype of this, the male side of "Ann and Chris" is just as moving as the female side. Chris gifts each of his male friends a special present that demonstrates how well he knows them. They chip in for a gift card for him, which they quickly feel bad about as not being personal enough and resolve to correct. Except for Ron, that is, who thinks his two handshakes are plenty.

Of course, Ben (Adam Scott) is the one that eventually saves the day, knowing Chris the best. And what he comes up with includes everyone else, especially Ron and Gary Jerry Larry (Jim O'Heir). So it works in ending this subplot appropriately for them all, with not a single person feeling left out.

The very end of "Ann and Chris," with Leslie telling Chris he's almost good enough for Ann, the whole group watching the couple drive away, and Ron offering Leslie copious amounts of breakfast food to numb her pain, is about as emotionally satisfying as Parks and Recreation has ever gotten. The whole half hour is a love letter to these characters, not just Ann and Chris, but the whole ensemble, and their love for each other. The last scene is perfect, and while I'm supremely glad this isn't a series finale, it's great that two important players are sent off right.

Parks and Recreation will return to NBC Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. EST after the Olympics.

"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