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.

"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 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.

True Blood looks for her, but "She's Not There"

     HBO's True Blood returns with "She's Not There," the season four premiere. Sookie (Anna Paquin) encounters her long-missing granddaddy (Gary Cole, The Good Wife, Entourage) living in the fairy realm. Seeing the creatures who inhabit the space for what they are, unlike the other humans present, Sookie tries to escape, and her grandfather helps, dying in the process. But when Sookie returns to the "real" world, she realizes that while she only spent a few minutes living on the other side, twelve and a half months have passed in Bon Temps.


     Such a time jump is a huge deal for True Blood, because the first three seasons take place within in a couple of months. Other series routinely go through a year or so in a season, but not True Blood, so making such a time jump a fresh, startling reset. The book series does not have a time jump its fourth book.  Nor does it feature the fairy world, at least not at this point.

     Sookie finds that much has changed, and most people had given up looking for her long ago, including her brother, Jason (Ryan Kwanten), who has sold her house. Sookie must now not only readjust, but convince everyone she has a good reason for disappearing without a word for over a year; telling them the outlandish truth will not do her any favors.

     Poor Sookie. She has already been through so much, and on top of it all, she has to deal with a completely different reality than the one she's left behind. Not only that, but surely the fairies are not finished with her. They are in the midst of a civil war, and cannot seem to seal off the two worlds until all beings with fairy blood are on their side. Thus, Sookie provides a thorn in the side for a whole other group of supernaturals, and if they succeed in taking her over again, even if only for a few minutes, it will really screw up her life.

     The good news is, "She's Not There" makes it seem like Sookie's journey to the alternate world is her choice, not something forced upon her. So, she has power over her decisions, and can choose not to return. Unless there is some compelling, yet unknown reason for her to, and then True Blood could be looking at another big lapse later this year, or next. If there is, it will most likely involve her family, whose past is mentioned in snippets, but rarely dwelt upon.

     It is a shame that Sookie's grandpa is introduced, and then done away with so quickly. Cole is a fine actor, who has lent his considerable skill to many a great series for a limited time. For him to only appear in the opening ten minutes or so of "She's Not There" is regrettable. Unless, somehow, he will be returning, and then his casting is wonderful, wonderful news.

     In the time since Sookie departs the plane, the most drastic change occurs in her best friend, Tara (Rutina Wesley). Living under the name Toni, Tara seems to be some sort of competitive fighter. Tara has a rough time of her first encounters with the supernatural in True Blood, and so it is expected she needs to blow off some steam. As tough as she is, and as stubborn, this is an appropriate, if unexpected, career move for her. Less predictable, is that the previously-straight Tara is shacking up with a woman. But after the last couple of men she falls for, and the way things end with them, it makes sense she would want to try something new.

     Jason is now a full-fledged cop, also making time to take care of Crystal's (Lindsay Pulsipher) kin, as he promises her that he will. Crystal has been missing for over a year, and the residents of her compound look healthier, no doubt owing to Jason chasing the bullies away, and also providing some sustenance. Which makes it confusing when a couple of them lock him in a freezer. The only ready explanation is that perhaps the man who has Crystal is returning, and these guys are still loyal to him. Otherwise, what possible benefit is there in messing with your benefactor?

     Arlene (Carrie Preston) has given birth to her son. Despite Terry's (Todd Lowe) assurances to the contrary, she isn't convinced the baby doesn't have a little of his serial-killer biological father in him. Only time will tell which one of them is right, but the way the tyke pulls heads off dolls does not bode well for the couple.

     Sam (Sam Trammell) seems to be much more at peace than when last seen in True Blood's third season finale. Ever since being outed as a shape shifter to a few friends, Sam has trouble adjusting. He didn't know there are others like him, and more just keep popping up. In particular, relations with his younger brother, Tommy (Marshall Allman), are rocky, but relatively stable. Luckily, Sam finally seems to find others that share his sensibilities, and whom he can be himself around. This is good news, as a happy Sam will make a happy Merlotte's, the setting of many a scene of True Blood.

     Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis), on the other hand, resists getting to know others like himself. Jesus (Kevin Alejandro) tries to convince his partner to join a coven led by Marnie (Fiona Shaw, Harry Potter), but after seeing that Marnie has some real talents, Lafeyette resists. Why, though? The character doesn't like new things, but he has had time to adjust to the idea that he may possess some magic. Besides, he is clearly still in love with Jesus, who feels comfortable with Marnie. Perhaps Lafayette has some sixth sense that things in the group are about to go horribly wrong, as they are.


     Bill (Stephen Moyer) is now King of Louisiana. Does this mean the last has been seen of Sophie-Anne (Evan Rachel Wood), his predecessor, or does he have her locked up somewhere, just biding her time until she can escape? Hopefully, it's the latter, as Wood brings a charm and presence welcome in any vampire series, especially this one. With all of the new duties Bill faces, he probably won't have much time for Sookie, which is fine, because she has no desire to be with him. Perhaps she should consider other options...

     ...such as Eric (Alexander Skarsgård). Fans of the book series on which True Blood is based know that the fourth installment is the one where Sookie and Eric get it on in an infamous shower scene. That's not a spoiler for the series, because the talent has been tight lipped as to whether this will happen or not on screen, and True Blood frequently breaks from the books. If they did not, not a single supporting character would get practically any development, and they'd get through several books per season, instead of one. However, Sookie and Eric's pairing would be most welcome for most fans, so maybe they won't deviate in this case.

     Both Bill and Eric are engaged in the vampire campaign to clear their "good" name. Led by Nan Flanagan (Jessica Tuck, now a series regular), the vampires have much to make up for after Russell Edgington's (Denis O'Hare) exploits of last season. They seem determined to make it work, but with the vampire struggle echoing other minority cases, and their species being significantly more threatening, it remains to be seen if they have any real chance of making a go of it in the human-dominated world.

     Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) doesn't seem all that happy to be settled down with Hoyt (Jim Parrack). It's not because she doesn't love him, but because her vampire nature makes her yearn to be less tame. Monogamy is extremely rare in the vamp world, though not completely unheard of, Russell springing to mind. Still, Jessica's domestic situation is unusual, and it will be very interesting to see if she can resist urges and lead a relatively normal life. Or perhaps she should invite Hoyt to join her on the wild side?


     And that's "She's Not There," a fully packed first hour to begin the fourth season of True Blood. Tune in Sunday nights at 9 p.m. ET on HBO for more new episodes.

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Article first published as TV Review: True Blood - "She's Not There" on Blogcritics.