Confessions of a Cybernegress

Preview of SOTU Address

2012-01-21T12:21:00.001-05:00

In just two minutes and twenty seconds, the president gives us a preview of his third State of the Union address. Obama says that his address will “be a bookend to what I said in Kansas last month about the central mission we have as a country, and my central focus as president.”

That speech in Osawatomie was as full-throated an endorsement of working-class America as we’ve seen from him; and if he uses this year’s SOTU to accept the role as leader in what the GOP calls “class warfare,” the dynamics of this election year could experience a pretty big shift. How should my governor, Mitch Daniels, use Right to Work as a counter to the president’s call for workers’ rights? How would Mitt Romney—less a sure thing now than just a week ago—massage his wealthbot predator history into the record of a blue-collar ally? How might Newt Gingrich’s gig as a “historian” for hire be explained?

The president will lay out a plan for an America where “everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules.” Leaving Speaker “Not as I do” Gingrich aside, Romney’s ball-park 15 percent tax rate plays right into that argument.

We’ve just started seeing commercials from the Obama reelection campaign, and it looks like the president’s third SOTU will also serve as his official campaign speech. Good. This is the time for Obama to list his achievements and his failures; his victories over Congress and the GOP’s earth-salting tactics. And if he uses his record to make his case—something Andrew Sullivan has rightly wondered aloud about—the State of the Union might change the game for the remaining GOP candidates.

It's a joke

2012-01-17T19:14:00.000-05:00

That's what the president was saying about the birther issue when he taped a segment for Betty White's 90th birthday bash.

The same night that the GOP presidential candidates were convincing South Carolinians that their state is at war with the federal government, Obama was making light of one of the right's most outrageous--and resilient--charges against him.

The president was making fun of something more than a few Republicans still believe. This is going to be a long election season.

Wireless network

2012-01-16T19:57:00.001-05:00

After a quick glance at my Mint.com budget and wondering why I'm still spending $120 a month on TV shows I watch online anyway, my husband and I decided to ditch cable TV. A friend suggested that cable is going the way of the landline telephone, and it's a great analogy--because just as cell phones made communication mobile, the Internet has made entertainment mobile, too.

Which is why I don't understand what's taking premium networks so long to start reaching out to online consumers. I'm willing to pay for what I watch--it's why we have Hulu and Amazon Prime--but I'm tired of paying for content I don't use. Subscription models like Spotify and (still) Netflix work because they allow users to choose the content they want; and if what a consumer wants isn't available through that service, they'll most likely search until they find what they're looking for. And they'll still buy it.

Piracy is still a major issue, but there will always be a small amount of it on the Net--that's just the nature of the medium. But if premium networks allow their shows to be purchased by the season--say, if HBOGo were a subscription service on its own--media companies could stand to bring in even more revenue. Yes, they'd lose traditional cable subscribers, but who wouldn't watch every season of The Wire for thirty bucks if it meant not having to pay for the whole channel?

And with alternatives to traditional television shows--two of my favorite shows, The Guild and Misfits, don't air on TV--writers and actors are exploring stories and concepts beyond the typical 22- or 48-minute format. If media companies were willing to pump some money into new talent and new entertainment formats, they could use the Internet to gain new, loyal viewers. There is no downside to this--other than media companies who insist on keeping content from users.

I'm sure there are shows my husband and I will miss, but with so many networks already eager to offer content online, there won't be much we won't be able to watch whenever we want. Saving money--and finding new forms of entertainment--is a good incentive to drop cable.

Eat Breakfast in Peace or Die

2012-01-09T19:56:00.000-05:00

I’m one of those goofballs who, if staying in a hotel that offers a free breakfast, gets up early to get the freshest morsels. But if I can, I take the food to my room—because, really, who wants to start the day in a strange city eating hash browns next to a table full of screamy kids and groggy parents? Better to eat in relative peace and silence. I can’t be the only person who does this—and, since presidential candidates probably don’t get much ‘me’ time, maybe someone should have suggested this to Ron Paul:

Paul, wearing a white shirt and jeans, insists he doesn’t have time for even one question because he needs to shave before a morning television appearance. A few minutes later, he tries to get the waitress’s attention and fails. Oh bother, he shrugs. And that’s exactly why the people who love the Texas congressman/tea party icon/libertarian standard-bearer love him so intensely. He’s just a cranky old man who wants to eat his eggs in peace before he sets out to save the world.

Maybe Dr. Paul snuck away from his assistants to have some French toast on his own. Or, maybe he doesn’t believe in gophers and lackeys, and runs a lean, mean campaign without handlers. But someone should have told him that if he needed a breather, he probably shouldn’t have breakfast at an Embassy Suites buffet in Des Moines, less than a week before the Iowa Caucus.

I imagine that, for every man who’s become Commander-in-Chief, private time is a fond memory.

Santorum's Blah Day

2012-01-05T21:22:00.000-05:00

So, maybe it isn't fair to accuse Rick Santorum of using racist rhetoric in Iowa last weekend. After all, he said he didn't want to "make black people's lives better with other people's money"; instead, Santorum wants to "give them the opportunity to go out and earn money and provide for themselves and their families."

But...he contends that he never said "black." We all misheard him--he meant "blah" people:

“I’ve looked at that quote, in fact I looked at the video,” Santorum argued. “In fact, I’m pretty confident I didn’t say black. What I think — I started to say a word and then sort of changed and it sort of — blah — mumbled it and sort of changed my thought.”

See? After looking at the video for himself, he's "pretty confident" wasn't going to say "black"--he was going to say some other word. But, that makes me wonder what word he was planning to say--especially since he didn't tell us. So, what was he about to say? Bland? Blank? Blanched? Bladderless?

It's hard not to see a trend in GOP political discourse that leans toward the xenophobic. Putting the bizarre Ron Paul-adjacent Huntsman attack ad aside, Newt Gingrich was quoted this week as saying that, given an invitation, he would address the NAACP and encourage blacks to "demand paychecks instead of food stamps." And Santorum's stepped in it once already this week, disagreeing with Obama's stance on abortion and finding it "almost remarkable for a black man to say 'now we are going to decide who are people and who are not people.'"

Let's unpack that a little. Maybe Santorum is implying that, since the president is a black man, he should be especially sensitive to matters of personhood; that because many black Americans have family roots in slavery, they should therefore be pro-life. Which, of course, is a false equivalence: blacks, unborn and walking alike, had no rights in antebellum America. Or perhaps Santorum was echoing a pro-life talking point that abortion kills thousands of unborn black children every year.

Now, back to Wednesday's slip of the tongue. Is it possible that a man who would assign a viewpoint to the president because of his race might also suggest to his potential voters that he'd rather help black folks with jobs instead of welfare? And since he's been willing to paint black Americans with a broad brush with regard to abortion, why wouldn't he also do it with public assistance?

Finally, why stand by one statement and not the other? Aren't both statements, if not racist, at least painfully socially tone-deaf? Of course, there's the chance that this kind of rhetoric is what led him to a statistical tie with Mitt Romney in this week's Iowa primary. Still--why not own it? If it's getting him votes, why not go a little further?

Let's see what happens as the primaries head south, where conservative evangelicals control the legislature in many states. I suspect Santorum might find the "ck" he lost in Iowa once he gets to South Carolina.

In the kitchen: this week's menu

2012-01-03T07:33:00.000-05:00

With the new year comes renewed commitment to eating healthy, and today I'm getting my GreenBEAN Delivery bins! GreenBEAN is a locally owned organic and natural grocery delivery service that operates in several cities in the Midwest, and I've been a devoted fan for the past couple of years. Now that hubby's on board with healthy eating, I'm excited to get our groceries and plan the week's meals.

Tonight: spiced lamb meatballs and rice with tomato and yogurt sauce
One of the best things about GreenBEAN is the diversity of products available; in addition to locally bred chicken and beef, I've been rediscovering recipes for lamb dishes. I found this one last week while on vacation, and can't wait to try it! The ground lamb is from This Old Farm in north central Indiana--in fact, most of the meat and poultry I buy is from central or northern Indiana, and it's always delicious.

Wednesday: Guinness beef stew
Using this recipe, with a few modifications. Cooking during the week is sometimes a chore, but this dish is easy: just toss the ingredients in, let them simmer for a while, and serve. I'll probably pair it with some bread and a cold beer.

Thursday: spinach fettuccine with mushrooms, onions and marinara sauce (and chicken)
Sometimes quick and easy is best: store-bought pasta, sauce, and quickly sauteed veggies. I'm committed to cutting down my meat consumption to 3-4 days a week, but hubby's not too keen on the idea just yet; so I'll oven-roast some chicken breasts for him to add to his pasta. The upside is that I can cook about a pound of chicken and use the rest of it for other dishes for the rest of the week and the weekend. Marinara sauce is courtesy of Local Folks Foods, another Indy business that makes some of the best sauces and salsas I've had in a while.

What are you planning to make in your kitchen this week? Lemme know in the comments.

"All-American Muslim": 9/11 and its aftermath

2012-01-02T20:42:00.001-05:00

I've watched every episode of "All-American Muslim" since it debuted on TLC last November. Not everyone's a fan of the show--some of critics call it "boring" and defend its right to be boring--but it's the mundane obligations of family, friends and work that makes the show so important. The creators of "All-American Muslim" couldn't have picked a better name for the show. And that's because the lives of the families we watch are just like ours--with, of course, a few exceptions.

There's a young, dutiful housewife who's straining under the pressure of a new baby; a Midwestern football coach who shows his players tough love; a black sheep newlywed in an intercultural marriage; a cop who loves his job and loves his country; and a bottle blonde whose ambition just might be more developed than her abilities.

All people you'd encounter in your daily life: your event planner, your kid's teacher, your neighbor. That they're Muslim doesn't figure into their lives any differently than it does for conservative Christians or observant Jews, or even lazy agnostics who make their kids breakfast on late Sunday mornings instead of taking them to church. Just as faith, family and community are the cornerstones of what the GOP calls "real America," it turns out those three concepts are important in the lives of most other folks, too--it just takes different forms.

Last night's episode of "All-American Muslim" might be the most controversial episode of the season--but not because it revealed the families to be radical Islamists. It was controversial because it reveals them to be Americans who are still struggling to regain the peace that was stolen from them by terrorists.

Dennis Richardson, deputy chief of Dearborn and cop Mike Jaafar's boss, gets emotional in the beginning of the episode. "I will stand will Mike Jaafar and be proud to stand with him," he said. "Lee Harvey Oswald killed John F. Kennedy; I'm glad we didn't execute all the white people."

It's a silly generalization, but it's the same logic that changed the lives of Muslim Dearborn residents a nightmare after September 11, 2001. "Those terrorists attacked us as Americans, and hijacked our religion as Muslims," Suhaila said. Narwal recalls that her mother, going door-to-door to advertise her new day care business, was spat at and kicked off someone's porch just minutes after televised news of the attacks.

Suddenly, a group of people was being harassed and blamed for something that had nothing to do with them. And instead of hiding, they've lived their lives, building families, telling their stories. But there's still tension--and while some in the community want to reach out to their non-Muslim neighbors, others are justifiably defensive: "I'm not going to put a sign out in my front lawn that says "I do not agree with Islamic extremists,"" Samira said at one point during the show. There are marked differences in how some of the people in Dearborn believe they should deal with the aftermath of 9/11, even a decade later; and a desire for acceptance--along with the defiance and anger at constantly having to prove oneself--are a sad, necessary part of the healing process for American Muslims.

That the families of "All-American Muslim" have to defend their patriotism and their faith is dismaying. But their willingness to do it on TV every week is brave.

New year, new stuff

2012-01-01T16:19:00.001-05:00

So, that was a fun year, wasn't it?

2011 was one of the toughest years of my life: my husband and I both lost our jobs, several family members had health scares, and other family and friend issues made me nervous. Writing and blogging became a terrifying prospect; it's hard to explain, but suffice it to say that I'd lost all confidence in my writing ability. So, I took a hiatus from writing and holed up for a while to recover.

It was also an incredibly wonderful year: hubby and I both hit some firsts in our professional lives, our new jobs are the best we've ever had, and we're planning to start a family of our own. I've also met some amazing folks, both online and in person, and the friends I gained last year made my life much brighter.

And since things are so awesome, it's time for me to get back to what I love. This year, I'll be writing about the usual cultural and political stuff--it's an election year, and there should be plenty of drama to discuss on the political stage. I'll also be writing more about the music I listen to, the books I read, and the food I cook--now that hubby's on board with really getting healthy, I'm looking for new ways to eat well.

I also want to communicate more with other bloggers and my readers--so feel free to leave comments on what you'd like me to write about this year. 2012 has already gotten off to a great start--and this year, I'm going to write about all the awesomeness as often as I can.

Will Cain's campaign survive the weekend?

2011-11-03T19:37:00.001-04:00

NPR just did a story on "All Things Considered" about one of Herman Cain's accusers. She's requesting a release from her confidentiality agreement so that she can answer Cain's denials of sexual harassment; but she's also not going to reveal her identity. Instead of doing everything she can to attract attention and possible "career momentum" as so many on the right (and the left) have done this year, she's choosing not to be a character in this show. She wants her story heard, but she has no desire to be seen.

A few things jump out at me immediately:

Despite the woman's insistence on not giving her name, Cain's campaign is becoming increasingly cagey. As quickly as Cain's story changed in just 24 hours, I can't help but wonder if that excuse carousel will kick into high gear if one of his accusers is allowed to issue a statement. And because she won't release her name, she's free from the scrutiny of the media. But the tired line of "anonymous accusations should be disregarded" doesn't hold up here: surely Herman Cain, his campaign advisors, and the attorneys involved all know who this woman is. She's just fighting to keep us from finding out.

But: who's paying this woman's attorneys? There has to be someone--and that someone is probably not her. If one of the accusers was given a year's salary in a severance agreement, she would have been set for a little while. But $35k ain't what it used to be, even in just twelve years. And make no mistake--if she is paying her own attorney fees, she's not making peanuts. A middle-class woman with a decent job and her husband's income wouldn't be able to afford the kind of money that's buying this woman's anonymity. Someone bigger than this woman will benefit from Cain leaving the race. That someone might also have no trouble paying high-powered attorney's fees.

And--I just realized this today--there are no major black conservatives rushing to Herman Cain's defense. During an appearance on last week's Real Time with Bill Maher, Ron Christie got into a slapfight with Cornel West--but when Cain was mentioned, Christie suggested the president is responsible for Cain's popularity (which makes no sense, but whatever). Where's Michael Steele? Where's Juan Williams? Last I heard, he was blaming all of Cain's trouble on Republicans--but he hasn't addressed the possibility that Cain's accuser has a valid right to speak.

That's why I'm starting to doubt that Herman Cain will be running for president come Monday. If this is just one big, messy misunderstanding, Cain will still be weakened by his response(s) to the situation. But if there's even a shred of truth to any of these allegations, he'll need to have a seat.

Michael Arrington isn't a racist, but...

2011-10-29T18:25:00.002-04:00

...at the very least, he's incurious as hell. After reading his blog post about his interview with CNN for their "In America" series, there's one thing I keep asking myself: "Why didn't he check on who he was talking to?" I mean, it seems like some of his gripes would have simple answers. Like this:

In July CNN reached out to me and AOL to ask if I’d do an on camera interview with Soledad O’Brien. Not A SINGLE WORD about the actual topic of the interview.

Now, if you've watched CNN at all for the past 3 years or so, you'd know that delightfully ambigously brown reporter Soledad O'Brien hosts series on how various races and ethnicities have been woven into America's cultural fabric. Mike Arrington, however, did not--otherwise, he would have read the pitch and known exactly what was going on:

The CNN “In America” documentary unit, led by special correspondent and anchor Soledad O’Brien, has produced a number of award winning long form documentaries.

So--let's say that you, like Mike Arrington, aren't familiar with the "In America" series. "Well," you might say. "I don't think I've heard of these award-winning long form documentaries." What might be your next step? If you said "look it up on Google," you win a prize.

Everything after that initial lack of curiosity led to his whiny, blame-flinging blog post. He doesn't like doing interviews, he says--but AOL talked him into it. Why not prepare--do a little research, come up with some talking points--to make the process as quick and painless as possible?

It's this plain laziness--and his refusal to take responsibility for being caught flat-footed--that makes me think Arrington might harbor more than one or two prejudices. And if he does, it's only because he can't be bothered with investigating anything outside his immediate interests. Ignorance isn't really bliss for anyone.

James Blake: "Enough Thunder"

2011-10-06T23:58:00.000-04:00

James Blake's new EP, Enough Thunder, debuted on Spotify this week, and I haven't been able to stop listening to it. James Blake's songs are sparse, slow, deliberate, sometimes sounding less like melodies and closer to sketches. But Blake's voice, a thin, silvery tenor, is surprisingly flexible--and his voice is the centerpiece of Enough Thunder. Blake's production talents are what got him attention, but the man really is sort of an incredible singer.

Lingering piano ballads account for about half of the EP, and the other half is Blake's signature twitchy, post-dubstep electronica. But even songs like "Not Long Now"allow him to showcase his light, almost pretty voice. His cover of Joni Mitchell's "A Case of You" is an example of his vocal abilities--that run he does is almost operatic, and he's not afraid to take time with his phrasing. The song is also the second time he's covered a song by a formidable female artist--it's a trend I hope he continues.

James Blake has had a rather successful year; he's gaining popularity here in the States, and his debut album was nominated for a Mercury Prize. After this latest EP, another full-length album would be eagerly welcomed--I'd love to hear what he does next.

Baby steps

2011-09-18T11:57:00.004-04:00

December is fast approaching. It's the ball-park month my husband and I have targeted for starting to try to have a baby.

We're both a little terrified. We've saved money, but not the fluffy cushion we wanted to have for this occasion. I've never been pregnant--and though I've watched my mother, aunts, cousins and both sisters experience the long-term labor of carrying and birthing a child, even though I've changed diapers and cleaned up baby barf, I don't know how I'll handle morning sickness, swollen ankles, weight gain. I want to be healthy enough to give my little one a safe and wholesome place to develop, but I'm worried I'm not in top shape for it.

And right now, I'm the only woman--and the oldest--in my family without children. My circle of friends has done things much later than others--most of my friends and I got married in the past three years, and are just beginning to start families--but I still feel left behind somehow. And that scares me, too--like by starting late, I'm at some sort of disadvantage. As much as I know about pregnancy, childbirth and caring for babies, I'm still afraid that I'll blow it.

But my husband's fear is of the unknown: his family was small compared to mine, and he didn't grow up around a regular harvest of babies like I did. He's never changed a diaper, and infant spit-up grosses him out. My little sister's munchkins--adorable two-year-old twin girls and a bouncy, Hulkishly large nine-month-old boy--are easy for him to relate to, since the girls are talking and the boy is already crawling and playfully wrestling. But newborns and infants baffle him: "They don't do anything," he says. My twin nieces were just a hair over four pounds each when they were born, and my husband held them carefully, like they'd break if he sneezed.

Of course, our parents, siblings and friends will patiently walk us through every stage of this new journey. And, of course, my husband is a man with seemingly infinite supplies of patience, curiosity, compassion and love. We're blessed to have the opportunity to plan for our first child, and to have such a strong support system already in place. Almost all of my fears are ones of convenience: will I be able to work out and maintain a healthy weight while I'm pregnant? Will I have enough time to breast feed? Will my husband's work schedule allow one of us to be home every day with the baby? Will our parents get enough "Grama and Grampa" time?

I don't have to worry about prenatal treatment or other medical coverage for me and my future little human. And, as average as we are financially, I'm confident that our baby will want for nothing. It's sobering to think of how many women worry about their health and safety during pregnancy; how many American women receive little or no prenatal care; how many woman are pushed further down into poverty simply because they've given birth. Knowing that a little planning and a lot of luck are the only things separating me from millions of other women in this country makes me sad, and a little angry.

So, before we get pregnant, I'm doing what I can to learn how I can help other pregnant women in my community stay healthy and have healthy children. If you're in the metro Indy area, e-mail me at solikecandyatyahoodotcom to tell me about women's shelters, healthy eating initiatives, family planning centers, and programs to help families overcome poverty.

I've got a great job, medical coverage, a loving husband, and a huge network of family and friends. Whether she has those things or not, every woman deserves the chance--if she wants it--to have a safe pregnancy and a healthy, happy child.

Alan Ball Doesn't Care about Black People: POC in "True Blood"

2011-09-12T22:09:00.004-04:00

The fourth season of True Blood ended as it began: in a confused, disjointed flurry of action. The writing this season wasn't just scattered, but lazy: my friend Alyssa Rosenberg’s recap of the season finale exposes the show’s callous treatment of Jason Stackhouse’s sexual assault, and how dismissively the issue was dealt with. And the finale did little to resolve the numerous plotlines that unspooled and frayed throughout the season. But, it did hammer home a major flaw in True Blood’s writing: the paucity of good plotlines for the show’s characters of color.

It’s not just that Tara Thornton—a damaged but resilient young woman in the books—is morphed into a misery junkie with cosmically bad luck. Or that Tara’s mother and husband played primitive gospel healers in their spiritual cleaning of Terry and Arlene Bellefleur’s home. Or that Mavis, mourning ghost mother and original owner of that creepy ass doll, was killed along with her child to hide her white lover’s shame.

It’s the writers’ halfhearted attempt at addressing issues of otherism and civil rights, while relying on tired clichés and stereotypes to do it. Alan Ball and his writers have been sloppy all season, but they've also revealed the indifference with which the characters of color have been written since the show began. It’s a heavy charge to make, but I’m making it: Alan Ball doesn’t care about black people.

Tara is True Blood’s whipping girl. The abuse she suffered at the hands of her alcoholic, Jesus-dependent mother has made her angry and brittle; this means she doesn’t or can’t open up in any romantic relationships, closing her off from a healthy relationship and the ability to become whole on her own.

And her history of abuse—being beaten by her mother, being kidnapped and raped by a psychotic vampire, losing a lover to violence—guarantees that if Tara does find love, she will certainly lose it or push it away. Her breakup with New Orleans cage fighter Naomi proved that. With the ending of the season finale, Tara’s fate is even bleaker: she’ll either die saving the life of her white best friend, or be resurrected as a vampire, the being for which she blames all of her troubles. No matter what happens to Tara, she will never get to be a happy human being.

Lafayette’s storyline was more involved this season, but the show’s strong, fierce short order cook was little more than a pretty stereotype from the first episode. Of course, the only black man on the show was also a V dealer; and on the side, he serviced middle-aged white men for cash and favors. His sexuality and flamboyance, while treated as strengths, never shielded him from being a shifty, scheming criminal. Nelsan Ellis is an amazingly skilled actor and has made Lafayette a highlight of the show, but there are times when he cannot escape being a parody of black manhood—like the second season’s plotline of Lafayette’s imprisonment by Eric. That echo of slavery was just a bit too much, and it was almost certainly done on purpose.

And, like his cousin, Lafayette is unlucky in love: Jesus, the first Latino character and the only seemingly decent person this season, dies by Lafayette’s own hand. But his transformation into a literal magical negro is what’s most disturbing about this season: not only does Lafayette's talent make him a tool for other souls (including the tragic negress Mavis), but he’s ridden like a work animal. While inhabiting Lafayette’s body, Marnie injures him—and calls him “boy"--a shocking insult in addition to making him kill his lover.

My excitement about True Blood has ebbed, and I'm left with the dregs of a frantically boring season. I'm also left with more proof that the show has lost its way, particularly in its treatment of its characters of color. It's just one more aspect of the show I think I'll be able to live without if I stay away from season five.

True Blood: And When I Die

2011-09-11T22:25:00.000-04:00

Despite getting some major surprises--and a few setups for next season--this episode was the end of a season-long failure for True Blood. I'll make this quick , but--just so you know--there are spoilers ahead. Don't say you weren't warned.

A friend and I have a theory about Tara's death. Either Bill and/or Eric are going to hear Sookie's call for help and bring Tara over, or Tara's going to die and Lafayette's going to go nuts. I know many people (myself included) have grown to dislike Tara's character, and they'll either have to do something even more drastic with her to save her character, or kill her off. I don't really care which, at this point, though I wouldn't be heartbroken if she left the show. It's a shame--Tara's character could have been so much better than what Rutina Wesley had to work with.

Can we talk about the setup for next season? This episode seemed like one big prologue to season five: Terry's old army buddy decides to visit, and looks rather crestfallen when Terry introduces his friend to his wife. Andy's faerie romp was just last week, but this week he's beginning his relationship with Holly--that means we'll see the faeries again (damn it). Nan's spectacular death sets Bill and Eric up as partners in a takeover of the AVL and the Authority. And with Jessica growing into her womanhood with Jason as her, eh, tool, their relationship could get dangerous. (Also, are we seriously done with the werepanther plot? Just, dropped? Okay.)

And then, we have King Russell Edgington returning to reclaim his crown--that hole in a parking lot looks mighty suspicious. And Sookie's shotgun killing of Debbie, and Alcide's awkward play for Sookie's affections. So much went into setting up season five that season four ended with a muddled, frustrating whimper. It was such a weak season, that the fact that its season finale focused on next season means the writers know they screwed up. I'm not sure if I want to watch them attempt to fix things.

There are a couple of things Ball and co. could do to revive True Blood:

Make Tara a vampire. She'll have to stop wallowing in self-pity, though becoming the thing she hated could send her into even deeper whiny depths.

Let Sookie get at Alcide. I don't even care about how it would advance the plot; I just want Alcide naked.

Have Jessica break Jason's heart. If being sexually brutalized doesn't phase him (seriously, writers?) maybe a broken heart will.

Have Russell Edgington join Eric and Bill in the fight against the Authority. Russell could be a powerful ally.

That's all I've got. What'd you think of "And When I Die"? Tell me in the comments.

True Blood: "Soul of Fire"

2011-09-05T16:51:00.000-04:00

The season finale of True Blood is next week, and I'm breathing a sigh of relief...because it'll finally be over.

This season tossed everything at viewers but the kitchen sink--though you could argue the kitchen sink was replaced by that creepy ass doll. Sookie's faerie story started out lame and--much like the werepanther plot line--was dropped. That is, until Sookie's magic fingers zapped away Eric's amnesia. Tara's new identity was overshadowed by Lafayette's discovery that he's a medium. Southern witch Marnie was ridden to power by the spirit of Antonia, a Spanish witch who took revenge on vampires before being burned at the stake. Oh, and Sookie smashed Eric a lot. In the forest, on the foyer floor, in a hallucinatory snow bedroom, etc.

And I don't care. I don't care about any of it. The sub plots like Sam's family and Arlene's baby have been tossed out like shiny objects to distract the viewers from an undeniable fact: True Blood has lost its way. Ball and co. wrote some of the sloppiest, insensitive, ham-fisted episodes the show has ever seen. And, with surprisingly little sadness, I'm glad it'll be over soon.

So, on to this week's episode, "Soul of Fire." We saw Marnie and Antonia switch places last week, with Marnie becoming power-mad and ready for revenge. This week, Marnie's bloodthirst killed one of her coven, and compelled Antonia to leave Marnie's body. The final scene of this episode--Marnie's entering Lafayette's body--pisses me off. Because it means we'll see her in the finale, if not beyond, and I was really hoping we were done with her.

It appears, though, that we're really done with Tommy Mickens, and Sam is out for justice. I wondered earlier in the season if Alcide and Sam might join forces to protect each other--and it looks like I sort of got it right. But this is another example of the writers' laziness: both Tommy and Marcus die without much digging into their backstories. For instance, did Maxine just forget that the boy she used to replace her estranged son is missing? And what about the set-up of Tommy stealing from Maxine?

It was a little heartbreaking to watch Alcide break all ties with Debbie, not only because it was so deliberate and ritualized. But it's also a bit annoying, because this means he's free to pursue Sookie, whose supernatural dance card is already full. It also means we'll probably get crackheaded Debbie back, and I don't know how I feel about that just yet.

A lot went on in this week's episode, but it's mostly setup for the finale. A few little gems:

--Annoying Hippie Dudewitch, with an apt description of this season: "Don't you get it? This is the Hotel California, baby. You can check out any time you want, but you can't never fuckin' leave!"

--Pam, winning Best Quip of the Season: "I can't believe you'd put our entire species at risk for a gash in a sundress."

--Dear True Blood writers: Obviously, you have not taken my requests to kill Andy Bellefleur seriously. Instead, he's humping faeries with ET fingers in the woods. Can't wait to see where this goes next season.

--Jesus carved into his arm and ingested the blood of a corpse and the vamps almost died...but Sookie saved them all with her magic fingers. "Sometimes, it just happens." Okay.

-Did Tara really call Annoying Hippie Dudewitch an Uncle Tom? Man...

You can give me your episode highlights in the comments. I won't be disappointed if you don't, though. Sigh.

Sunday dinner: eggplant fries

2011-09-04T12:54:00.001-04:00

I don't usually do a lot with eggplant. My husband's not fond of it and, besides, I'd never had the occasion to buy it much before anyway. But this week's GreenBEAN Delivery came with a gorgeous specimen, so I decided to try something that my husband might like.

Alas, he didn't--but that's okay, because the eggplant fries I made were too good to share. This recipe has tons of variations, but the one I whipped up is simple, tasty, and even a little healthy. Mine is another recipe without many measurements--just eyeball what you think is enough of each ingredient.

Ingredients:
One medium-sized eggplant
Panko breadcrumbs
Grated Parmesan (the good stuff--avoid that Kraft crap at all costs)
Fresh cracked pepper
Powdered garlic
Peanut oil (or canola, if you're allergic)

We bought a deep fryer not long ago, so I use it to make my eggplant fries. But you don't need one: a shallow cast iron skillet will suffice. Heat your oil til it's almost smoking before putting your fries in the pan; eggplant is very porous, and the less oil it soaks up, the better.

To make the breading, add about one part of Parmesan to two parts panko breadcrumbs, and season it with pepper and powdered garlic. You'll want to peel your eggplant and cut it into steak fry-sized pieces. Then, whip one egg and season it with a bit of salt and pepper. Dredge your fries in egg, then coat them with breadcrumbs. If you're deep-frying, cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally so they cook evenly. If you're pan-frying, cook for about a minute on each side until they're golden brown. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate, then season with salt, pepper, or whatever suits your fancy.

There are a few options for dipping sauces. You can't go wrong with marinara sauce, but I'm fond of a simple mayo mix with fresh minced garlic and lemon juice. You can also eat them plain: the crispy outside and the creamy inside offer plenty of taste and texture. I've paired these fries with a salad, but you can use them as a side with sandwiches or other casual main dishes. Enjoy!

True Blood: "Let's Get Out of Here"

2011-08-28T18:50:00.001-04:00

I've been avoiding the truth all summer, but now that there are just a few episodes of True Blood left, I can't lie to myself anymore.

This season of True Blood is awful.

Alan Ball's over-the-top vision for the show has gotten wildly out of control, and "Let's Get Out of Here" is the perfect example of everything that went wrong this season. From the resolution of the demon baby storyline to the upcoming bloodbath at the vampire civil rights rally, this season has managed to be boring, distasteful and silly all at the same time.

Let's go ahead and get this demon baby bullshit out of the way. Not only was this stupid, but it was offensive: while Louisiana wasn't terribly forward-thinking about race decades ago, it was shocking that a married white man would kill his own child because his mistress was black. I mean, miscegenation was/is a major part of Louisiana's history. Mavis's Creole/Hooked on Phonics accent, coupled with her possession of Lafayette and her release, was painful. As she made peace with her and her baby's fate, Lafayette's "You got it, bitch" was somehow the absolute worst of it. That "organic" development Ball talked about in regard to this storyline sounds more like bullshit now that it's over: he simply had no clue what to do or where to go with it, and it shows. This was so, so bad.

Also: who told Ball that viewers were dying for another extended dream sequence? Not even the promise of a threesome could redeem Sookie's dream monologue: one of my Twitter homies remarked that it would be perfect if Sookie and Bill were subtracted from the equation, and I can't disagree. Frankly, spending that much time in Sookie's dream logic made me realize that she's been one of the most boring characters this season. The less of her I see for the remainder of the season, the better. The faerie angle seems to have been dropped, which make Sookie's return to Bon Temps sort of useless. Why did we meet her grandfather and her faerie godmother? Why was her heritage played up, then abandoned? These and other questions left by dropped plotlines are frustrating.

I don't even know how True Blood will resolve this season, especially since the setup for season four is coming with Scott Foley's introduction to the show. And I'm pretty sure that, unless Ball and his writers put in serious work, I won't care what happens next season.

A quick list of successes, small though they were, and failures:

--Debbie waiting for Alcide and watching "Cheaters" was a nice touch. Also nice: Joe Manganiello's behind. Watching him strip and get into bed was easily the best part of the episode.

--Bill: "How do you have an event in honor of the living dead without any living dead? It's like having a civil rights protest without any black people." Nan: "They're called African-Americans." Best attempt at humor all night. Sigh.

--So, since Mavis (seriously, though? Mavis?) has moved on, does that mean the creepy doll/devil child plotline is done? Or will the ghost of Rene replace the mourning negress? Man, this was stupid.

--The Shreveport packmaster couldn't look skeevier. But I'm really, really glad Tommy got his ass kicked.

--I thought I wanted Jason and Jessica to hook up, but it just looks wrong. Like, ew.

What are you looking forward to in tonight's episode? Anything? Lemme know in the comments.

True Blood: "Spellbound"

2011-08-20T17:28:00.003-04:00

I had such hopes that this season of True Blood was finally turning a corner. With so many of the plot lines merging and the war between witches and vamps all but certain, I was ready for the second half of this season to rocket into high gear. I was ready for some resolution, some action.

Instead, I got snow porn.

Look: There was no reason for that much hallucinatory sex in one episode. Yes, Sookie and Eric are now bound by their blood exchange; and yes, it's good that Sookie's moving on from her relationship with Bill. But I don't care. Really. Right now, I want to concentrate on the hostility boiling between Antonia and Bill; I want Jessica to have a happy ending, even if it means it's Jason who gives it to her; I want Tara to grow a pair and think for herself for once. The incessant sex scenes between Eric and Sookie are getting boring. I want to know what's going on in the rest of Bon Temps.

The were community got some attention in this episode. Sam's brother Tommy pulled a seriously dirty trick on Luna, but Sam is back in her good graces. Alcide and Debbie are part of a new pack, and Debbie's need to belong is almost overwhelming. There's also the matter of Alcide's compulsion to keep an eye on Sookie, which is almost unfair at this point--I don't disagree with Debbie now for being wary of her man and his intentions.

The vamp/witch conflict is also reaching a fever pitch. Jason's knightly rescue of fair Jessica was sweet, but knowing that Hoyt would get pushed away made me sad. His reaction to Jessica's confession, however, was strange: it was good to see him assert himself, but there was no need for his character to resort to hatred. By the way, what happened to Crystal and her clan? Will that plotline go the way of the faeries and disappear, too?

Back to the vamp/witch war: Bill's diplomatic duplicity was sleazy, but totally justified. At the end of the episode, while the supernatural Sharks and Jets rumble, Sookie is mortally wounded. What will happen to Sookie? Is there really any doubt that she'll survive this? And, even if she doesn't, would you miss her for the rest of the season? I don't know that I would.

A few random observations about "Spellbound":

--"Because all vampires are supposed to know each other?" I have to admit, Bill's bon mot was chuckleworthy.

--Dear True Blood writers: please put Sheriff Andy out of his effing misery and kill him. I thought I couldn't be more annoyed by Sookie and Eric's naked snow frolicking, but watching Andy salivate over the remains of a deep fried vampire proved me wrong.

--I don't have the energy to whine about Tara, so I'll send you to my friend Alyssa's post about the character's staleness.

--I think I kinda like sleazy vampire evangelist Bill. Ironically, this episode might be Stephen Moyer's most authentically southern performance yet.

What are you looking forward to in tomorrow night's episode? Lemme know in the comments.

True Blood: "Cold Grey Light of Dawn"

2011-08-14T20:21:00.000-04:00

I skipped an episode, but that's alright; what's going on in this episode is plenty interesting. Let's review:

--Arlene's devil baby set their house on fire. I'm not sure if I like where this is going anymore; when they were going the funny route, it made sense. Alan Ball has been quoted as saying that this plotline developed "organically," which I take to mean that he has no idea how it started or where to go with it. It shows.
--I'm glad Eric and Sookie are finally getting it in...but screwing all the way through the forest and through the door? That's just stupid.
--Am I the only one who saw Bill's assistant/guard sprout fangs before dying?
--Pam's beauty treatments--and Ginger's coffin ride--were hilarious.
--If they kill Jessica, I'm done with this show.
--Jesus revealing that Lafayette is a medium was kinda lame. That's not something you just drop into conversation with your crazy brujo grandfather.
--Debbie's going to fall fast and hard back into addiction. I can feel it.

That's all I've got at the moment. New obligations, including a new job, have made it hard to keep up, even on TV shows. I promise to do better next week. In the meantime, what are you looking forward to tonight?

True Blood: "I Hate You, I Love You"

2011-07-31T16:51:00.002-04:00

Now we're getting somewhere.

The first episodes of this season were a mess, and I think I know why: all of the subplots going on gave viewers whiplash. Jason's bondage and imminent transformation; Tara's return to Bon Temps as "Toni"; Sam's family and Maxine Fortenberry; Jessica and Hoyt; Alcide and Debbie; Arlene and her devil child...so much to remember and so little incentive to try. But with a few plots ending and dovetailing into each other, I think we'll see a much more coherent season from here on out. At least, I hope we will.

This is the episode where things are starting to come together, for better or worse. That nauseating affair between Bill and his four-times-great-granddaughter was mercifully killed off with an attempt at humor, and I'm just glad it's over. Also dead and gone are Tommy's and Sam's parents: Melinda lured Tommy back with the promise of reconciliation, only to let him be throttled by Joe Lee. Though I'm glad to see them gone, I'm disappointed that Sam let Tommy believe "they" had a problem. Pushing Tommy and Sam together, though, has some promise--it's sure to complicate Sam's life even more.

But, like last week, Eric wins the episode. The witches may have wiped his memory, but some things still remain: like a memory of his maker Godric. We also get the idea that we're not seeing a different vampire in Eric--his emotions, his insecurities and fears are what "old Eric" buried beneath his fearsome bravado. Whatever is revealed this season with Eric, I'm game. I love this version, and I hope he sticks around for a while. So does Sookie, for that matter.

But Pam's desperate confession to Bill threatens Sookie's and Eric's budding relationship. "I Hate You, I Love You" sets up plenty of dangerous scenarios for tonight. Here are just a few:

--Alcide's confrontation with the Shreveport pack master didn't go well. It also looks like the pack master is Luna's baby daddy. Maybe Sam and Alcide, two lone wolves (so to speak), will join forces to protect each other?

--Looks like the writers have saved the devil baby plotline by making it even more ridiculous. Having Rev. Daniels and his lovely wife Lettie Mae stomp out gospel songs and smudge sage sticks around their house, makes me finally okay with this storyline. It's hilarious.

--Something tells me that Lafayette and Jesus are going to be bringing home just as much hell as they tried to run away from. Abuelito doesn't look real friendly, does he?

--It was good to hear Gran again, even if it was through creepy witch Marnie. If there's one person Sookie should listen to, it's Gran.

--Alligators love marshmallows. Who knew? I'm sure the deeds of Tommy and Sam will come back to bite them, even if their bodies are gator food by now.

What you looking forward to seeing tonight? Let me know in the comments.

The Dark Tower: What should happen next

2011-07-24T15:48:00.000-04:00

No one--not even Stephen King himself--was surprised to hear that the adaptation of his Dark Tower series has been scrapped by NBC/Universal. After a big, splashy announcement, news about the progression of the project trickled out--aside from the multimedia aspect of the deal, no actual news was revealed. Casting news was restricted to several statements about the choice of Javier Bardem for ageless gunslinger Roland Deschain, and Bardem himself never spoke publicly about his involvement. Tower Junkies (including myself) were wary from the start: the TV/movie combination was more than ambitious, it was massive. From the beginning, finances were a major worry in getting the project off the ground.

Of course, this isn't the first time the Dark Tower has been bought and dropped by producers: the Lost folks had a crack at it and backed off for fear of screwing it up. King says he still has faith that Ron Howard can "get Roland and his friends before the camera somewhere else," but I think it's best that time guide the project to a more stable harbor.

While I'm not as confident as I once was about Howard's commitment to the project, I do believe that the Dark Tower mythos will end up on the screen at some point in the future. The big question now, however, is how to make that happen.

My first choice has always been a miniseries on a premium cable channel, like HBO. They've had amazing success with bringing fantasy shows to life, most recently demonstrated by the strong first season of Game of Thrones. And talks of turning Neil Gaiman's American Gods into a six-season series shows HBO is committed to putting time, effort and money into quality fantasy adaptations.

Of course, adding the Dark Tower to HBO's roster would make the channel rather fantasy-heavy, especially if the American Gods project comes to fruition. But the freedom to explore the darker corners of the Dark Tower mythos--including the connections to other King novels and stories--could entice viewers. For King fans who haven't read the Dark Tower, it could open up a whole new path into his stories.

I'm not at all eager for resurrection talk. The Dark Tower story has to find the right architects, the right format, and the right distributor before it's even reconsidered for production. Maybe this isn't the right time for such a long, complicated story to put on either the big or small screen--and if it takes another ten years for the stars to align, so be it. I'd rather wait than see an inferior Dark Tower movie.

True Blood: "I'm Alive and on Fire"

2011-07-24T14:28:00.004-04:00

Well, it finally looks like True Blood is going somewhere now. As each of the major storylines move forward and reach their threads toward each other, some interesting and exciting connections are being made. Everything's still a bit scattered--and the "ick" factor is kinda high--but the show might be closer to settling into its rhythms.

I guess ending on a high note would be a nice change for my True Blood reviews this season, so I'll get the bad part out of the way: Jason's storyline is maybe a little too weird and gross for me. From his protracted torture and rape to the cartoonishly inbred people holding him hostage, taking him or his situation seriously is a tall order. Punctuated with a yelled command to "Breed, Ghost Daddy, breed," Jason's fate is grim and hard to watch. His tenderness with the young girl ordered to have sex with him seems almost tacked on to soften the scene, but it does save us from more weird sex shots.

I've been especially aware of the way Alan Ball is using Charlaine Harris's series for plot elements this season; and, while I realize that books and the shows really are two separate animals, Ball is being rather clumsy with his interpretations of his source text. He does well when he gives Harris's characters some depth--and I'm really kinda stoked to see if he plans to make Tara, Vampire Hunter a new and enduring character. But the new supernatural parts of the storyline seem to trip him up.

Take Marnie, for instance. Her spiritual connection with an Inqusition-executed witch has been clunky so far, but making her a necromancer is smart. There will have to be a major showdown between the witches and the vamps--and with Lafayette and Tara aligned with the coven, Sookie's own relationships are sure to be tested. It's a great way to make the story tighter.

I'm also sort of loving Amnesiac Eric right now, too. His drunken stumbling was endearing; even his reluctant rescue by Sookie and (lawd have mercy!) a naked Alcide was sort of sweet. On this subplot, the writing has been great--and Alexander Skarsgard is playing a completely new character, and doing it beautifully. Eric's power and freedom from his past life is sure to clash with Bill and the Authority this season, which promises more action.

The previews of tonight's episode promise more action, particularly with the vamps and the witches. A few random observations about "I'm Alive and on Fire":

--I told y'all Sam's parents ain't sh*t, right? Between them and Luna's ex, poor Sam Merlotte is going to have a rocky season.

--Maxine Fortenberry and Tommy Mickens are working my damn nerves. I'm almost glad that his parents took custody of him again.

--Naked frolicking Eric is awesome. If the entire season consisted of this, I'd be pleased.

--Nan Flanigan might be the show's biggest badass right now. She's certainly got more balls than Bill, whose reign as King of Louisiana is feeling more like dispassionate middle management than regal authority. "Power's so hard," Nan mocks as Bill scowls. Sort of hilarious.

--I'd like the showdown between the witches and vamps to come before the end of the season--mostly because I don't know how long I can tolerate Marnie. The books made witchcraft fun and intriguing; this, though, is dangerous. I want to like her, but she seems so powerless and malleable.

--"Tell Uncle Daddy Felton all about it." EW, y'all. I can't take much more of this. Let Jason's transformation happen soon so we can move on from Hotshot.

What are you looking forward to in tonight's episode?

True Blood: "If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin'?"

2011-07-17T18:23:00.002-04:00

The third episode of the season is moving right along, though the timing and tone are still off. We do get some good things out of "If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin'?", not least of which is Eric's transformation to a Gentle Ben of sorts. There are aspects of his memory loss that are grating, but Alexander Skarsgard is playing the clean-slate Eric very well: his innocence and gratitude are so genuine that his actions don't seem (all that) far-fetched.

The witches still annoy me. I'm becoming less enamored of Lafayette's involvement with the coven--especially since most of them seem as dim as the residents of Hotshot. "There's still freedom of religion," one says after Eric's retreat. "What does he think this is, Nazi Germany?" says another. "He did look kinda Aryan," replies yet another. Sigh. The introduction of the witches wasn't smooth, and their narrative thread is no more smoothly woven into the show's overall narrative so far. Ringleader Marnie's embrace of dark magic only promises more messes--and the show's already top-heavy with new plot elements. One more big addition and it's sure to collapse under the weight.

The best result of the witch subplot so far is Lafayette's rescue from Pam, executed by Jesus and a gun-toting Tara. I'm loving Tara's new badassness, and wondering if that staredown between her and Pam will lead to something a little more, ahem, confrontational down the road. But I'm also waiting to know more about "Toni" and her time in New Orleans. Maybe that'll happen later on this season. Waiting sucks, especially when the season's well into its start.

Meanwhile, back in Hotshot, we hear the werepanthers' mythology and discover what Jason's role will be once he's "turned." After the revolting head-turning sex scene in season two, I didn't think True Blood would go for that kind of shock again. I was wrong: it's not as bad, but Jason's awakening to Crystal mounting him--with an audience--was unnecessarily creepy. They're inbred and lame-minded, sure--but do they have to be pervs, too?

Tonight, we get more of Alcide and Eric, which are two of the reasons I keep watching True Blood. A few random observations about episode three:

--Watching Bill administer fatherly advice to Jessica was sweet. In fact, it's the first time in a while where he doesn't seem overly dramatic or simpering.

--Sookie's shrewd when she agrees to take care of Eric for a price. That's a move that wouldn't be a surprise, since Sookie's a lot savvier in the books.
--I wasn't the least bit sorry to see Sookie's fairy godmother go. Eric being the one to dispatch her made it that much sweeter.
--YES, Alcide! NO, Stepford Debbie Pelt! But the promise of a spectacular backslide is worth keeping Debbie around.

--Jessica's confession to Hoyt about her infidelity--and her glamouring away of that info--was a little sad to watch. They're one of the couples who seem to have a relationship worth fighting for, but if Jessica insists on using her powers to keep the upper hand, they're doomed.

--So, what's with the demon doll? And what made Jessica decide that a creepy, dirty doll would be the perfect gift for an infant boy? Arlene's baby is already one of the damper subplots this season--this development won't make it any better.

--I hate Tommy. I hate his scamming ass and I hate Maxine. And I hate that Tommy and Sam's mom is returning to fuck their lives up some more.

So, what's on the menu for tonight? How did last week's episode satisfy your True Blood craving? Lemme know in the comments.

True Blood: "You Smell Like Dinner"

2011-07-10T14:41:00.000-04:00

I know I'm late with my recap of True Blood's second episode, but I've been busy. Besides, I wanted to watch it again--for the second time--more than a week after seeing the first two episodes together. After the scattered season premiere, I thought the second episode was stellar in comparison. So, I wanted some distance to see how well "YSLD" would do on its own.

And I have to say, the second episode doesn't fare much better. It's more focused than the first episode, but just barely; and in a show where backstory can do a lot to propel the plot, it's really spotty. I ended the second episode having some idea of what's coming next (primarily because I've read the books), but no real motive for the characters in the show.

The tension between Eric and Sookie--which was promised to be one of this season's biggest storylines--is still flat. Eric is still coming off like a letch, and Sookie still seems to be stubborn and blind. It's supposed to be exciting, but instead it's irritating. We find out at the end of the episode, though, that Eric is about to start life with a clean slate, so to speak, so there's hope that his relationship with Sookie will get warmer. Honestly, at this point, there's nowhere to go but up.

The more minor characters are what save this episode. Jason seems to have lost a bit of his stupid during Sookie's missing year, but he still manages to land in trouble. I do wonder if his impending transformation will make him any more cautious. Chances are it won't make him any smarter, bless his heart. Sam's subplot is intriguing, but the dangling plot thread with his brother is fraying. And it's been great to see Tara become less of a doormat, but now I want to know more about Toni from Atlanta.

Tonight's episode promises a return to the faerie story (yawn), but we should also learn more about the aftermath of Eric's showdown with the witches. Before I go, though, a few random observations about "You Smell Like Dinner":

--How is it that a native Brit's British accent can sound so fake? 1982 fake punk Bill Compton was lame.

--Lafayette's transition into domestic bliss with Jesus is kinda sweet. Tara, too--her relationship with her girlfriend seems genuine. Even Jason has made himself part of a new family. It's been interesting to see how people have managed to move on with their lives without Sookie, while the vamps--Eric in particular--made room in their existences for her return.

--So, what's the history of the AVL and the Authority? And where does Nan Flanagan fit in? She seems to have more power than we can see right now.

--Dear God, someone put Andy Bellefleur out of his V-induced misery. Throughout the seasons, I've developed a grudging respect for the lawman, but he's turned into a real douche. I'd be okay if someone pulled an Eggs on him.

Who's watching tonight? What do you think will happen? Tell me in the comments.

Late Night Double Feature: True Blood, Season 4 Premiere

2011-06-27T20:41:00.005-04:00

At least, it would have been a double feature, had HBO GO's servers been strong enough to handle all the traffic from True Blood viewers. I've just finished the second episode this evening, and I feel much better about where the season appears to be headed.

Because the first episode was a warm bubbly mess.

It's not just the Faerieland sequences (because, come on, those were seriously bad). In fact, viewers got a mostly decent setup for the new season: Lafayette and Jesus are (still in love! and) exploring the darker, more practical side of magic; Sam's found comfort and support in a supernatural supper club; Tara is a much happier woman...as a sapphic cage fighter named Toni; and Bill's finally done with being a whiny bitch and settling into his reign as King of Louisiana.

It's the way these new plot elements have been pasted on top of the big reveal of Sookie with the faeries/goblins or whatever. And the fact that the anchoring mystery this season--Sookie's Faerie kin and the fight to keep the portal between the two worlds open--is so lame. There's too much going on, and finding a way to balance all these stories made the episode scattered and a little frustrating.

Had the faerie story been eased into--the way Harris does in the novels--it wouldn't have had to fight for attention among the half-dozen other storylines tossed at us. I barely had time to be annoyed at the hamhanded spookiness displayed in the scenes with Terry and Arlene's baby; the scenes flew by, along with incomplete explanations about how Sam found his new running mates, or what's going on with Hoyt's mom and Sam's brother Tommy, or why Jason Stackhouse has that goatee. Maybe the stories will be fleshed out in upcoming episodes.

Right now, the supes and vamps have the most interesting plot threads. Both Bill and Eric have come into their own, through very different circumstances. Bill's history as a spy didn't begin with Queen Sophie-Anne; his long history of espionage makes it worth giving some of his past actions a second look. And, at the end of season three, Sam's own history was glimpsed in flashbacks. Now that he's found a group of werefriends, it's odd that his new love interest also has a past she'd rather not share. What could her secrets be? Will violence prove to be a common theme among weres and shifters?

Eric's bold pursuit of Sookie--which was steamy and comically aggressive in the novels--has promise, but it got off to a rocky start in the first episode. Eric comes off as a peeping tom instead of a brave protector. An upcoming development (you'll know it if you've read the books) will soften him, but it'll be hard for Eric to shed that skeeviness.

Looking forward to episode three now, but I'll have to wait two weeks. In the meantime, tell me what you thought about the first two episodes.