FILTHY SEXY TEEN$ Newest Spinoff

Article first published as FILTHY SEXY TEEN$ Newest Spinoff on TheTVKing.

First there was Childerns Hospital, which spun off NTSF:SD:SUV and Newsreaders. Now, by some of the same people, parodying in a similar manner, comes Filthy Sexy Teen$, the "Pilot" of which aired on Adult Swim this week.

Filthy Sexy Teen$ does for rich kid teen dramas what those others shows did for medical dramas, law enforcement dramas, and news magazines, respectively. The live-action series is set at a high school, makes use of familiar elements from Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and the film Cruel Intentions, among other sources, and sports actors much older than the parts they play. In short, it's great lampooning done in a style that has already proven successful for other genres.

I think Filthy Sexy Teen$ has the potential to be even more popular than those other three shows. The reason for this theory is because Adult Swim's target audience is young people, and this caters more to the types of shows those people watch. Toss in some vampires, werewolves, witches, zombies, and the like, which the "Pilot" does in a small way, and it has the ingredients for a popular program. Although it doesn't appear any other episodes are yet scheduled to air.

In the "Pilot," Tom (Sam Trammell, True Blood) and Meg (Casey Wilson, Happy Endings) take in poor kid Nick (Marshall Allman, Prison Break). This is great news to Meg and Tom's daughter, Reagan (Hannah Kasulka, What to Expect When You're Expecting), because poor kids are hot, and not being biologically related, she has a leg up on her competition for Nick's affection.

Regan and Nick attend a preppy private school, where it's cool to pretend you're gay, as Ricky (Steven Yeun, The Walking Dead) does. Everyone has a dark secret; Jamie's (Chelsea Harris, Time for Passion) is that she's a zombie. Some teachers, like Mr. Benton (Johnny Pemberton, Family Tools), are impossibly young and just want to be friends with their students. And the principal, Mr. Hastings (Chris Parnell, 30 Rock), is sort of trying to keep it together, at least a little, when he's not busy with his own projects.

Filthy Sexy Teen$ is funny. Tropes are trotted out and beaten to death. Concepts are hammered in repeatedly. The characters play their parts with sincerity, even when you know such earnestness must be faked, considering how ridiculous the levels are.

By using mostly experienced performers, Filthy Sexy Teen$ gives some of the most gifted comedic actors room to play. A short, fifteen-minutes per episode series like this will surely allow time for the cast to pursue other projects, as those involved in the other series by this production team do. But it will also give them a space to do some of their craziest work, earning them new fans and followings.

I don't know when Cartoon Network may air more of this show, but I definitely look forward to future installments of Filthy Sexy Teen$.

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.

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 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.

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

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.