True Blood Addicts

SyFy bringing 'Being Human' to US viewers in January...Not sure I'm "picking up what they're putting down".

2010-10-31T18:55:00.000-07:00

To quote the delicious snark of Pam from True Blood (and take liberty to change it a little), "I'm not picking up what they're putting down". I love the UK version. I love Mitchell, Annie and George. I love Aidan Turner's charming, haunted portrayal of Mitchell. Tonight while passing out Halloween candy to the kids and watching Ghost Hunters Live (hey, I'm a talented multi-tasker), I saw the commercial for the show. Here's the skinny:

Being Human – The series follows three paranormal, 20-something roommates living in Boston – vampire “Aidan” (Witwer)

werewolf “Josh” (Huntington)

and ghost “Sally” (Rath)

– as they struggle to hide their dark secrets from the world, while helping each other navigate the complexities of living double lives and trying to be human. Mark Pellegrino plays Aidan’s charismatic but menacing vampire mentor “Bishop” (Pelligrino).

Adam Kane (The Mentalist, Heroes) is Director and Co-Executive Producer with Executive Producer Michael Prupas (The Kennedys, Pillars of the Earth) and husband and wife Executive Producers/Writers Jeremy Carver (Supernatural) and Anna Fricke (Men in Trees, Everwood).

Muse Entertainment is producing 13 1-hour episodes for Syfy.

Where do I begin? First, it irrationally irritates me that they changed all of the character names. It just bugs me. Second, the vampire (which is always my favorite character in any show) looks way too polished and boy band for my taste. And I love the sweetness of Annie (portrayed by Lenora Crichlow). I will watch, try to withhold judgement and then see how I feel. I did see the trailer for the show tonight, and I'm still on the fence.

In the meantime, I have season 1 and 2 on DVD to watch my UK version. Ahh, I like this version better:

The Obsession of True Blood

2010-10-29T22:01:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the moment you realized you were obsessed with True Blood? It starts off slow, like an innocent romance. It begins with feeling the urge to re-watch the episodes to get just one more taste. Maybe you missed something the first two times you watched the episode. You find yourself talking about all things True Blood, and the many twists and turns that have pulled you into to its sweet embrace. You're heading out to the bookstore to find all of the Southern Vampire Mysteries books, just to compare the two. Before you know it you are Googling 'True Blood', 'Eric Northman' and Alexander Skarsgård. As your obsession progresses, you begin joining Facebook groups to discuss it, Eric Northman and Alexander Skarsgård. But you still want more...finally, you start your own blog to discuss your obsession. You will pour your heart and soul into your love of the show and the characters.

And that proves the power of a great story, talented actors and the sweet seduction they can offer you. You find yourself being on a Team, rooting for the character you painstakingly have defended, loved and discussed.

You can see where I am in my True Blood obsession. I am a proud Trubie, Bookie and a proud Viking Girl. Where are you with your obsession?

There's just something about Eric Northman: The Viking Vampire's Appeal

2010-10-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

There's just something about Eric Northman, the 1000 year-old Viking vampire. He is tall, broad-shouldered, muscular and beautiful with his blue eyes, blond hair and sexy smirk. He reeks of self-confidence and swagger.

He is vengeful, proud and collected. Does anyone really wonder why

he is able to leave so many breathless and wanting more? He is able to enter any room in flip-flops and track pants, managing to not only steal the scene, but makes us want more of the ancient Viking. And who wouldn't want more of Eric?

Eric is the anti-hero. He has no issue with being brutal or callous to obtain what he desires. In season one, Eric needed Sookie to solve an embezzlement issue at Fangtasia. In Season Two, he savagely killed Royce (one of the 3 men that killed Malcolm, Diane and Liam). He kept Lafayette trapped in his dungeon for selling V. He sent Sookie to Dallas to try to save Godric, his maker. In Season Three, upon finding out that Russell Edgington was responsible for killing his human family, we watched him head down a path of vengeance, brutally killing Russell's consort of 700 years. But we need to remember that Eric is a Viking Prince-a warrior that has spent 1000 years conquering his enemies. He was able to survive so long by using his sharp instinct, intellect and charm. He knows when to speak and when to remain quiet. He has a biting sense of humor-and he enjoys prodding and provoking to get a rise out of those he considers his rivals.

What else adds to the appeal of Eric Northman? He is egotistical and narcissistic. He has no issue in using his good looks and attractiveness to his advantage. In Season Three, he used his charm, looks and sexuality to get his revenge on Russell Edgington by staking Russell's lover, Talbot. Season Two, he approaches the men during the lock in at the Fellowship of The Sun, acting like a 'good 'ol boy to get himself and Sookie out alive.

We also know that Eric influences those under him to be loyal and loving. During the flashback scenes in Season Two (as we watched Eric remember Godric turning him), as Human Eric, he was injured during battle and near death. His three fellow Viking warriors refused to leave him alone to die-they protected him and attempted to bolster his spirit. In Season Three, we watched the heartfelt and touching scenes between Eric and his progeny, Pam. Their love and devotion to each other was apparent, real and profound. Their affection for each other goes to show that vampires are capable of feeling. They love. They hate. They desire. Eric doesn't want anyone to believe (or think) he has feelings. In fact, he tells Sookie in Season Three: "I don't like having feelings." To Eric, this makes him weak and a target.

Eric is a master strategist. In Season One, he needed Sookie's help to find out who embezzled $60,000 from Fangtasia. This thought occurred to me: Why did Eric need Sookie's help? As a vampire, he was capable of glamouring any human working at his bar to get the information he needed. I'm even going to be so bold to say that he knew Longshadow was the embezzler. But Eric wanted to see Sookie again. He wanted to see with his own eyes her ability, Bill's attachment to her and how he would react to the situation where Sookie would be in danger. He stood back, letting Bill stake Longshadow and filed all the information he gleaned from this situation away for later use. In Season Two, he sent Sookie to Dallas, let her infiltrate the Fellowship of the Sun, called Lorena (Bill's maker) to Dallas to hold Bill against his will, letting him step in to save Sookie and Godric. Finally, in Season Three, upon seeing the crown in Russell's collection, he remembers his human family being slaughtered by Russell and his wolves. He coolly and methodically plans his revenge on Russell. Not by killing Russell-by killing the one thing that Russell loves most: his lover, Talbot. So he romances and seduces Talbot, staking and killing him.

Eric is a survivor. In Season Three during a flashback scene, we see Godric and Eric dressed as Nazi Schutzstaffel agents in order to infiltrate "Operation Werewolf". Eric became a chameleon to survive among humans to find the wolves and vampire responsible for killing his human family It was never revealed to us how Eric fed. Did he use glamour to seduce and feed? Or did he live like Bill and Lorena, passing as humans for the purpose of cruelly feeding and killing humans as sport, and for monetary gain? These are questions I don't have answers for now.

So now, as we wait for Season Four to arrive, I am anxious and excited to see more of Eric Northman. Because baby, we haven't seen anything yet!

GUEST POST: William T. Compton talks about his loss to Eric Northman at the 2010 Scream Awards

2010-10-17T21:21:00.000-07:00

(Please note that this is satirical. I may continue "guest posting" as Bill occasionally because he is so easy to make fun of. Make sure to read this with a bad southern accent in mind.)

Greetings and Salutations. *grunt* Muh name is William T. Compton, and ah reside in Bon Temps, LA in muh ancestral home. As you all may know, ah am vampire. Ah was asked to do some commentary on LoriC's blog since ah am knowledgeable on many subjects. Unlike Eric Northman. Ah cannot stand him, with his GQ looks and sexual appeal to the ladies. But ah digress. Ah am here to discuss my most unfortunate loss to Eric Northman at the 2010 Scream Awards. As usual with Eric, he was able to use his swagger and influence to railroad muh chances to win. Ah spent the extra time with muh hairdresser to get muh bangs styled. Not to mention the extrah money ah spent on new dockers. *grunt* Ah, the insanity.

Ah know that ah won for the 'Holy Shit Scene of the Year" (ah hate how they use such vulgar language these days), but ah have to admit that ah am bitter about my defeat to Eric. First ah lost muh Sookie to Eric's dashing good looks, and now ah also lost the award. When ah got home from the ceremony, ah was very upset. Ah was so filled with angah that ah almost did not recycle muh True Blood bottle. That is how ah knew ah needed to sit down and write in muh journal. You see, when ah write in muh journal it helps me control muh angah. There is always next year to procure the award with muh dashing good looks and southern charm.

For now ah will sign off. Ah appreciate the invitation to guest blog on Miss LoriC's blog. Even though she seems to favor Eric. *grunt* Have ah mentioned that ah do not like Eric???

So, I found another show to obsess over...

2010-10-17T17:48:00.000-07:00

And it is 'Being Human' a show from the UK. It features a vampire (Mitchell-L), a werewolf (George-R), and a ghost (Annie-Center) sharing a house together, trying to hold on to their humanity. It's no True Blood, Mitchell is no Eric Northman, George is the scary kind of werewolf, but this show works for me. I am thinking about posting occasionally my thoughts on the show as I catch up on the episodes. If you haven't checked it out, I recommend putting it in your Netflix queue.

Did I mention that Mitchell (left in the picture) is dreamy?!? And a vampire?!?

Why I think Viking Girls Rock....

2010-10-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

I've given this a lot of thought-and I'm not ashamed to admit it. Alexander Skarsgård fans are awesome. We are witty, snarky, cheeky, sarcastic, confident and united in our love (or lust) of one man. One gorgeous, sexy, Swedish man-god that brought to life one of our favorite book characters, Eric Northman. Many of us feel he has been robbed of critical scenes from the book, but with the limited story plot he has been given, Alex has gifted us with classic Eric Northman eye brow waggles, lion-like presence, wit, humor, and yes, ladies-performances that could make the panties go poof on the most reserved women out there. We don't spend our time defending his actions, we accept his flaws and want more! Alex knows what Eric is all about, and he does his best each week to give us what we want.

As we go through the arduous, long months ahead with no True Blood or Alexander Skarsgård to keep us warm on Sunday nights, keep in mind that he will be back. And this post is dedicated to the viking girl in each one of us that spends hours replaying True Blood episodes on our DVR or DVD player, re-reads book 4, watches Swedish movies on youtube to catch a glimpse of him, and spends time on the internet Skarsgarding.

And yes, Viking Girls Rock!

Season 4 Predictions

2010-09-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

Let me start this off by saying this: I don't know how I'm going to make it until next June. Seriously. Luckily, I have my DVD's and all of Season 3 on DVR, so I have enough True Blood and Eric to keep me warm through the long winter months ahead.

Before I start with my other posts, I thought I'd take a few minutes of your time and post my Season 4 predictions while Season 3 is fresh in my mind. So, grab a cold beverage and enjoy.

Maxine will attempt to kill Jessica, and will injure Hoyt fatally. Jessica will then turn Hoyt. Hoyt has started to look and feel a lot like Book Bubba to me as of late. I think Hoyt will be a vampire by the end of Season 4, and maybe a little mentally challenged due to Jessica turning him. She is a young, relatively weak vampire (due to her age).

Sookie will be the one with amnesia, not Eric. Bill will consort with witches to make Sookie lose her memory, therefore putting Eric and Bill on an even playing field. The difference: Eric actually cares for Sookie, and will be protective. We will still get to see a softer side of Eric, and Sookie and Eric will be on the run from Sophie-Anne, Bill and Russell.

Bill will exhume Russell from his concrete prison. I actually think Alcide will be working with Bill. I think Alcide is not the nice guy everyone thinks he is. Someone that tells you how nice they are usually aren't nice. It falls under the category "Thou does protest too much".

Sophie-Anne and Bill both survive their fight, but Sophie-Anne orders Bill to finish the job or he is dead. See above prediction.

I think we are going to discover that Bill was a shifter or a were prior to be turned a vampire. This falls into line with the fact that Bill has the uncanny ability to get out of silver (3 times this season alone) and change his voice. Watch the scene from season 3 when Bill almost drains Sookie in the back of the panel van. He drinks blood like a vampire bat. And check out his fangs during that scene....

Eric may have telekinetic powers in addition to flying. Watch the scene in episode 12 when he makes the door fly open as he approaches Sookie's house. He also wasn't pitched off the porch when Sookie told him to get off the porch. Things to ponder...

Does Bill's blood cause hallucinations? Is he able to use his blood to "call" people. Sam's character has been on a downward slide since he ingested Bill's blood at the end of Season 2. Don't be surprised if Sam's memories are all false-and implanted by Bill.

Jesus is evil. So is Holly. (See the category "Satan in a Sunday Hat". I'm waiting to see how Yvetta plays out in season 4. One of these characters is going to either be Hallow, or involved with Hallow closely.

We will continue to see Godric as Eric's conscience continues to reemerge. It's going to be a long, hard road for Eric to admit that he has feelings-and that he cares for Sookie. I think he will be forced to adapt quickly though.

I look for Tara to be MIA throughout most of Season 4. I see her back mid-season to help Sookie and Eric.

Think Bill was bad during season 3? He's gonna get worse, darlings. Much, much worse. Think being a coward, lying and voice changing was bad? It's the tip of the iceberg.

I think Hot Shot and Fairy Land (otherwise known as Summer's Eve Land) parallel each other. Jason is the new savior of Hot Shot. Sookie and Eric will be the saviors of Bon Temps, with the help of Claudine and Fairy Land.

I don't think Sam shot Tommy. I just can't see his character destroyed in this way. Especially if we find out that Bill implanted false memories into Sam to make himself believe he murdered 2 people. And I think those were false memories.

Terry is on the edge of a break down. And look for Arlene to become involved with the Fellowship of the Sun this season.

Lafayette is good. And I think his hidden abilities will help save Sookie and Eric this season. I'm not sure how yet-it's just a gut feeling I have.

That's all for now. Feel free to add any predictions you have in the comment section.

Thanks to Sue, for talking True Blood for hours with me while we toss theories around and squeal over Eric. I think you are my True Blood muse.

And thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings. Did I mention how much I love this show?!?

Come one, come all. Let's see the real Bill Compton. Season One Review, Part 2

2010-09-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

We left on in part two thinking (and let's be real, hoping) that Bill Compton has met his final death. Sookie spent the night on Bill's sofa, waiting for him to come home. She even checks his hidey-hole. Alas, Bill Compton is not to be found.

I'm not a callous person. I just don't get the appeal of Bill Compton. He's a little too intense for me. He seems a little too smooth, and he does have the nasty habit of killing people. And have I mentioned his man bangs?

Sookie is desperate. She heads over to Malcolm, Diane and Liam's house-only to be greeted with this scene.

Four coffins were pulled from the fire. Sookie is upset and worried. She assumes that Bill Compton is dead (as if!). Later on in the evening, she heads to the cemetery to visit Bill's grave. What she doesn't expect is this:

Bill Compton, who obviously has more lives than a cat, emerges from the ground to grab Sookie's leg and proceed to have rough sex with her. What better way to celebrate reuniting with your lover than scaring her half to death and having rough, dirty sex with her in a graveyard?!? Bill Compton, die-hard romantic. I forsee a yeast infection in Sookie's future.

Everything is hunky-dory in Sookieverse. They head back to her house, and proceed to have more sex. She is having so much fun that she forgets she is supposed to babysit Arlene's children. Bill's still there, but we all know the perfect babysitter is a vampire.

Sookie is charmed even more by Bill and he proceeds to play and interact with Arlene's children. I have concluded at this point that Bill is very much a chameleon. He is easily able to adapt and be whatever and whomever he is supposed to be in each situation.

Sookie awakes the next morning from a dream (damn) where she imagined Bill was awake during the day, had made her breakfast and was reading the paper. We then watched Bill burst into flames.

For the first time, I felt hope.

We watch later as Bill (unfortunately, dreams don't come true) comes home carrying a dry cleaning bag. He senses he is not alone, and heads upstairs to find this beautiful creature in his bathtub.

Oh, Eric. It's been too long since we've seen your gorgeous, uh face..

Wait, let's see this a little closer. I need a second (or third) look.

Eric has come to Bill's to tell him that he needs Sookie's telepathic services. Of course Bill doesn't want Sookie to do it, but who can say no to Eric Northman. Certainly not Bill Compton.

Sookie reluctantly agrees to help Eric find the embezzler at Fangtasia. She promises to help Eric whenever he needs her as long as he doesn't kill the guilty party and hands them over to the police, alive. She questions a sweaty, nervous accountant. And we are introduced to the fangbanger Ginger (who we soon find out has a healthy set of lungs on her). Sookie clears the accountant, and realizes that Ginger has been glamoured many times about the embezzled money. Long Shadow, the bartender leaps across the bar with the intention of killing Sookie. I think we have figured out at this point that Long Shadow must be the embezzler.

Bill, ever the hero, snaps off a beer tap and stakes Long Shadow, and we are treated to a "Carrie" like moment as she is sprayed with Long Shadows blood.

Sookie goes to clean up, and Eric is unhappy that Eric killed a vampire for a human. It's quite clear that he's willing to let this go though for Bill to hand Sookie over to him. Bill (of course) refuses. They have a very significant conversation:

"I'll take the girl." -Eric
"No!" -Bill
"You can have anyone you like, why do you want her?" -Bill
"Why do you want her?" -Eric
"Sookie must be protected." -Bill
"Now that sounds like an edict, but it couldn't be because I would know about that." -Eric
"Your not in love with her, are you?" -Eric
(Bill looks down)
"Admit it. You love her." -Eric (looking very amused)

I'll use any excuse to post a picture of Eric Northman. Can you blame me?

You may wonder why I think this is a significant conversation? We are currently watching Season Three, and we now know that Bill Compton has been collecting a lot of information on Sookie Stackhouse. Probably for many, many years-and on the order of Queen Sophie-Anne Leclerq. It's important that Eric says "Now that sounds like an edict, but it couldn't be because I would know about that". If Eric knows Bill's plans and his true reason for returning to Bon Temps, why would he say such a thing to Bill Compton. He may know Sookie is special, but he doesn't understand why. And I also think Bill Compton thinks he loves her, and loves her as much as a monster is capable of loving someone.

Bill takes Sookie home and assures her that everything is fine with Eric. Another lie-we are soon to find out.

The next scene we see with Bill is where he is playing Wii (yes, Wii) golf. He even chooses a boring Wii game. Yawn. He seems to not have a worry in the world as he hears a knock on the door and goes to answer it. Enter Eric, Pam and Chow (the new bartender at Fangtasia).

Bill says to Eric that 'this couldn't be avoided'. He asks that they take him by Merlotte's so he can say goodbye to Sookie, and that he'll be gone awhile. I wish Eric would have said 'No.' And is it wrong to wish that 'awhile' translated into 'forever'?

Bill and his entourage arrive at Merlotte's. Bill goes to talk to Sam, and asks him to watch out for Sookie while he is away. Sam says he'll do it, but only because of Sookie. Meanwhile, Eric and Pam pass out brochures for Fangtasia, and Eric makes a really big deal about announcing to the bar that a vampire knows when they have been wronged by a human.

Bill says goodbye to Sookie, and tells her he will be gone for awhile (but not long enough for my sake). Sookie realizes that Bill has lied to her about everything being fine after the staking at Fangtasia. Bill tells her he has to stand trial and leaves with Eric. Buh-bye, man bangs.

Sookie leaves Merlotte's and heads to Bill's house, because she has the bright idea that no one will be looking for her at his house (there is still a murderer or two at large in Bon Temps-and everyone knows she is dating Bill Compton. If they check her house and she's not there-the second best place to check would be Bill's house in my opinion. But there I go thinking again!). She gets to his house and sees the local dog has followed her. Sookie decides to have to dog stay with her, and names him "Dean". (Dean?!? Really. That would be the last name I would come up with for a dog, but I digress.)

They settle in for the night, but Sookie wakes up to see a very naked Sam at the foot of the bed.

They both scream and Sam admits that he is a shifter. Sookie feels betrayed (how fresh!) that Sam kept this secret from her and didn't trust her with it.

Bill faces the Magister at the tribunal. The Magister tells Bill that the penalty for staking another vampire is 5 years in a silver lined coffin (only 5 years!?!) Eric tells the Magister that Bill is a loyal subject and the reason he was staked had to do with money being stolen from Fangtasia and that the human in question is "special", and the Magister decides he has a more creative punishment for staking Long Shadow.

Bill will need to create a new vampire to replace the "life" he took.

Enter Jessica.

Bill starts a song and dance routine about how he'd rather be in a silver lined coffin (Oh, for once Bill and I agree on something!), but the Magister doesn't want to hear about it.

He tells Billy boy to get on with it, and Bill starts to glamour Jessica-as to which the Magister quickly verbally bitch slaps Bill and tells him that no glamour is allowed. Bill has to go about this by force, which I'm sure he had no problem doing.

Meanwhile, back in Bon Temps, Sookie is at Arlene and Rene's engagement party at Merlotte's. Sookie, of course is alone (as Bill is off making a vampire). She's still hella pissed at Sam for not telling her he is a shifter, and Arlene sends Rene over to dance with Sookie.

Sookie goes inside Merlotte's and is attacked by the murderer. She's able to see his thoughts and picks up some clues about another woman he's murdered. Sam rushes in and saves Sookie (why is Sookie always a damsel in distress?! Damn, you Alan Ball) She confides in Sam what she was able to "hear", and they make plans to do some investigating at a pie shop.

With much regret, we're back to Bill Compton. To finish "turning" Jessica, he now needs to bury her in the ground and she'll rise a vampire. Pam is there to supervise since the Magister doesn't trust (very smart) Bill. She's afraid he'll stake Jessica before she can rise. Bill is aggravated by Pam's supervision, and also because he had to create a vampire. Bill said he's going to set her free, and Pam is all "You already have when you turned her." Pam admonishes him with a look and says to him "You're a maker. You're a hero." I agree with the maker part, but Pam, we're gonna have to disagree with the 'hero' part.

The next day Sookie and Sam are off to visit a nearby pie restaurant to get information on the waitress she sees in her vision. They talk to a man that knows Cindy Marshall (the dead woman from the vision). He tells them that a suspect was her brother, Drew Marshall, but he disappeared. Sookie Supersleuth and Sam head over to the police station where they deal with a vampire hating officer. Sookie overheard his thoughts earlier where he was thinking about cheating on his wife. Sookie, all high and mighty, threatens to tell his wife and he says he'll fax a picture of Drew Marshall over to the Bon Temps police department.

It gets faxed over, but gets lost in a pile of paperwork.

Drew Marshall AKA Rene Lenier

Jessica has risen as a vampire, and it's obvious she's going to be hard to control. Karma's a bitch, Bill. Bill tries to control her (shocker!) and tell her what she needs to know as 'vampire', and she announces to Bill that she has the "worst maker ever". Jessica, I couldn't agree more.

Bill, wanting to get back to Bon Temps to continue his procuring of Sookie, makes a stop at Fangtasia with Jessica. He can't wait to get rid of her, and figures that Eric Northman will be the perfect 'adoptive' maker.

Jessica has been robbed twice. Her life as a human was horrible-she was controlled and not allowed to be a child. Now she's stuck with a horrible maker, who doesn't want to be bothered with showing her how to be a vampire or do right by her. But of course, being the awesome vampire we all know he is, Eric agrees to take Jessica under his wing.


Let me help you with your jacket, Mr. Northman.

Meanwhile, back in Bon Temps, Sam is staying with Sookie at her house. They are talking, and Sookie and Sam find themselves locked in a kiss. Of course, this would be the time that Bill chooses to burst in and starts to be all possessive and whatnot.

Sookie has had enough of Bill's BS and tells him that he left her with no promise to come back and now he's all mad at the person that's protecting her. Bill's all "I told him to watch you." Sookie doesn't care and tells him to "Get Out!" Of course, Bill has to start the guilt trips already (and it's just the beginning, darling) as he tells her she has no idea what he's done to be able to come back. Sookie puts on her best bitch face and says "I rescind your invitation" and out Billy Boy goes. My favorite part? When Sookie slams the door in man bang's face. Of course Sam isn't finished either. He has to start the "you shouldn't be with him, you should be with me" campaign, and Sookie doesn't want any part of it.

The next day comes around and Sookie finds out her brother is in jail again-this time for the strangulation of his girlfriend, Amy Burley. When Sookie gets to the jail, Rene is visiting his friend in jail. Sookie (AKA dumbass) proceeds to tell Jason she knows he's innocent and she knows the murderer is Drew Marshall. Rene (AKA Drew Marshall) informs Sookie she doesn't even know if he exists, so he might not be the killer.

Sookie leaves and goes to Merlotte's but she realizes that she shouldn't be working since everyone is thinking horrible things about Jason.

Sam tells her to go to his trailer, but Sookie just wants to get out of here. She goes out to her car, but of course it won't start. Rene, being the good Samaritan that he is, offers to take her home. Sookie gets in the truck and off they go.

Sam sees Sookie's car in the lot-along with Rene's vest. He smells Rene's vest and realizes that Rene killed Dawn. Off he goes to Sookie's house...and at Arlene's house, she finds his hidden stash of tapes: vampire porn (Claudette and Liam) and a tape teaching you to talk with a Cajun accent.

Sookie and Rene are at at her house and she's getting him some tea. Rene is trying to hide his thoughts, but he thinks about killing Adele. This is the part that makes me question his killing Adele. In the memory clips, the chairs in the kitchen are totally different than the chairs that are in the kitchen now. But I'll go more into this in another post...

Sookie realizes that Rene (AKA Drew Marshall) is the killer And Sookie is not a good actress. She spills the tea all over the floor, and makes a lame-o excuse about getting a mop, but she really wants to go find a gun.

Rene is on to her, but Sookie is able to get to the gun. Unfortunately for her, Rene has removed the bullets and Sookie screams and hits him over the head with the shotgun-and takes off like a bat out of hell into the graveyard.

Sam pulls in, smells the air and starts stripping to shift to find Sookie. This is about the time that Bill, sensing Sookie is in danger, wakes up from his daytime slumber and attempts to tempt the sun to try to save her.

Sookie decides that hiding in a freshly dug grave is the best place to hide.

Rene, or course finds Sookie and a fight ensues. Sam, in dog form, tries to save Sookie, only to get hurt. Now it's up to Sookie to end this. And she does. With a shovel.

And Rene is minus a head.

Now is the time for Bill to show up, looking like a charcoal briquette. One can only hope this is the end of Bill Compton, but this man seems to have more lives than a cat.

Sam and Sookie bury Bill, and Sookie is afraid he is officially dead.

Of course, we all find out later that Bill is fine (damn) and Sookie and Bill have their reunion. Everything goes back to normal. Or does it?

Eric and Pam show back up to Bill's, bring Jessica home. Of course, Bill wants nothing to do with Jessica. Eric informs him that there are favors, and then there are favors. And Pam pipes in and informs Bill that Jessica is extremely annoying.

The season ends with Sookie and Tara opening Andy Bellfleur's car door and see a dead african american foot with nail polish on the toes.

And there you have it, darlings. This is part 2 of Season 1 Review. Check back soon for Season 2 and 3 Reviews, The Evolution of Eric Northman: Villain to Hero, and The Evil Known as Bill Compton.

Evil is going on. And evil has a new name...Bill Compton.

2010-09-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

The episode opened with our beloved viking burning in the sun. He is willing to die himself to make sure Russell is dead, and that Sookie is safe. Does Sookie realize the depth of Eric's devotion? I believe she is starting to see the light.

She wakes up from her blood draining coma to wonder aloud "where is Eric"? Pam tearfully informs her that he is outside burning. Sookie is on a mission to save him, even after his betrayal, but of course Bill is there to try to stop her from the reality he knows he cannot stop anymore. And Sookie tells him that he doesn't own her. Bill realized the depth of Sookie's feelings for Eric in episode 11. Their car ride with their forced "what if" conversation the beginning of the end for Bill/Sookie. And Bill knows it.

Sookie rushed outside to save Eric, and at first he tries to push her away. Sookie isn't going to hear any of it. She uses her magic fingers to blast the handcuffs apart and save Eric, while leaving Russell to fry.

During this time Eric was outside, Godric appears to him. Why is Godric appearing to Eric? I think Godric is appearing as an extension of Eric's growing conscience, the conscience he had long buried. The conscience that is now reappearing due to his love for Sookie. We watch him fighting Godric (conscience). I think it's important we as viewers to see the reemergence of Eric's conscience played out for us, instead of thinking Eric has changed. Eric is going to fight this, as we see him do through out the episode. It's going to be a long, hard road for Eric to admit that he feels. He has shut himself off from feeling for centuries.

After they get back inside, Sookie willingly offers her blood to Eric. Another important milestone. And she makes Bill bite her wrist since Eric is so weak. Another pointed jab to Bill. Sookie pointedly tells Bill to watch Eric, since they both know what can happen when they lose control. Sookie tells Bill this for a reason-deep down Sookie knows that Bill's excuse for what happened in the back of Alcide's truck is just that: an excuse. And she was willing to accept an excuse before, but not now. Eric has no problem stopping, but wants to bring Russell in. Again, Sookie goes outside to bring him in. This is important. She is working as Eric's partner. She is helping him, showing him that she is his partner.

Russell is brought back in, and Sookie is put in charge of watching Russell while Eric, Pam and Bill sleep. Eric and Sookie are already in tune with each other-Eric pointedly tells Sookie not to stake Russell. And Sookie actually listens, and doesn't argue.

Sookie decides to sit on Eric's throne. Another important thing. Sookie could have sat anywhere in Fangtasia-but she chooses to sit in Eric's seat. This shows her position of power and her need to be close to Eric.

Sookie and Russell have a conversation where he offers to kill Bill and Eric. Or whichever she chooses. Sookie realizes that Russell will never leave her alone, and chooses this time to flaunt her authority by taking Talbot's remains and putting them down the disposal in the sink at Fangtasia. Sookie, thinking more like Eric, wants revenge. And can you blame her?

Let's talk more about Bill Compton. He knows it's the end of the road for him. He has nothing to lose, and everything to gain. In his delusional mind, he thinks if he can rid himself of one final obstacle, he can hide the truth. So, he makes a last final mistake, and shows us how truly evil he is:

Coward.

Bill, not content to just bury Eric in concrete to rid himself of his rival and the one person that can expose his lies, takes Eric's phone, disguises his voice to sound like Eric to order an assassin to kill Pam as well.

Bill comes back to Sookie's house, ready to woo her back. He tells her Russell is dead, as is Eric, Pam and the Queen. Sookie is visibly upset about Eric, and doesn't really hide it. Bill then tells her that he just wants her to be safe and makes a move to leave.

Sookie, starts to ask Bill to stay when we see the door fly open with the truth. Finally.

Eric tells Sookie about Bill's deal with the Queen. He was sent to Bon Temps to procure Sookie for her. Sookie, asks Bill if it's true. Bill, looking like a child caught with his hand in a cookie jar, says yes. Then, Eric tells Sookie about Bill watching the Rattray's almost kill Sookie so he could give her his blood. And this my darlings, makes True Blood Bill worse than Book Bill. I suspected that Bill watched this go down with the Rattray's. He stood back, and watched two psychopaths almost kill a girl. And he waited. Just so he could get his bad blood inside of her.

Sookie violently rescinds Bill's invitation to her house, and this made Jason's "Get the fuck out" to Bill look like a gentle whisper. She also tells Eric to leave, but not before he tells her that he never would have handed her over to Russell, and that he is sorry to see her suffer, but she deserved to know the truth.

Where does this leave us for Season 4? Russell is not dead-he is only buried under concrete with silver on him. Bill is not going to give up on Sookie so easily. Eric will want some sort of revenge on Bill. But what will Sookie want? I can only hope it is the beginning for us.

Fresh Blood Synopsis (or Eric Northman's Road to Redemption)

2010-09-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

There are many themes and emotions going through this episode.

Fear:

Doubt:

Resolve:

Regret:

Anger:

Acceptance:

Redemption:

Love:

Eric is on the road to redemption. He confronts Russell, explaining why he killed Talbot. Russell tells him it doesn't matter since he will kill him regardless. Eric then offers Russell the ultimate vampire fantasy: day walking. Russell, being intrigued, goes with Eric.

I have explained Resolve.

Now I will recap 'Fresh Blood', telling the story from the above mentioned themes and emotions.

Doubt:

Bill and Sookie have escaped Fangtasia, and have a surreal conversation about their future. To me, this conversation seals their fate. They both know it's over as they ponder 'what if'. Bill speaks of fishing with Jason and teaching 3rd grade (eye roll). This conversation is important for many reasons. It lets us, the viewers, realize that their whole relationship has been based on 'what ifs', wishful thinking and lies. Sookie wishes that Bill could be the man she wants him to be, and Bill, knowing he can't be that man, simply lies. They are stopped on their return trip by Russell and Eric.

Anger:

Flash to Sam Merlotte. He is angry and bitter. We've now watched him slip as far down as I think he can go. Gone is the friendly face of Sam. We are now seeing a spiteful, hateful man. I think we are seeing this side for a reason as well. Sam's downward spiral is mirroring Bill Compton's true inner turmoil and spiral as well. Bill Compton has a calm outer appearance, while we are seeing his inner turmoil reflected openly in Sam Merlotte. I wonder if the Sam we are seeing now has to do with the consumption of Bill's blood at the end of season two, or if it is subtle storytelling by Alan Ball, or both?

Regret:

Tara, filled with grief confronts Andy Bellfleur about the night Eggs was killed by Jason. She tells him she knows the truth about that night. We see, for the first time Andy Bellfleur express a true emotion: regret. He regrets the real truth about that night. He regrets being hailed a 'hero' for something he didn't do. He regrets the lies.

Acceptance:

We see Jessica and Hoyt together. Hoyt tells Jessica he doesn't care what she is or what she's done-he just wants to be with her and doesn't feel complete without him. Jessica tells him about the trucker she killed, but neglects to tell him about Gus (the werewolf). Is this half-truth important? Maybe, maybe not. Again, Hoyt accepts Jessica and tells her to drink from him.

Redemption:

Eric is willing to sacrifice himself (again), because he has a plan. He had accepted final death in episode 10 as he was having his will written. Spurred on by Pam, he formulates a plan to save his life, Pam's life and yes, Sookie's life. Russell, not being able to resist the thought of revenge and control, cannot resist the thought of day-walking. But he wants Eric to go first. We watch Eric regretfully drink from Sookie, and take his first steps to redemption, and to the light.

He is willing to die along with Russell, if that keeps the women that he loves safe: Pam, his vampire 'child' and Sookie, the woman he has grown to love.

Fear:

Pam, afraid to lose Eric, asks him "What if this doesn't work" and cries. Eric tells her that he likes her when she is "cold and unfeeling". She fears for the loss of her master, her father. She cries as she watches him on the video cameras, facing the sun for the first time in 1000 years.

And finally, Love:

As Eric prepared to drink from Sookie, the amount of emotion we saw from Eric was enormous. Eric showed love, regret, and wordlessly begged for forgiveness for what he was about to do.

For love, he is willing to sacrifice himself if it kills Russell, freeing Sookie from Russell's need to "collect" treasures.

For love, Eric is willing to step into the light.

It's been a long road to redemption for Eric Northman. And it's been worth the wait.

I will leave you with one final picture. It is of Eric, walking though a door at Fangtasia. If anyone reading has any doubts about Alan Ball and his subtle hints and imagery, please look at the stickers on the door. And I believe they are there for a reason.

Note the stickers that say "Stole your woman". These first appeared in episode 10. And I think this is a direct message to Bill:

Eric Northman has stolen your woman.

Come one, come all. Let's see the real Bill Compton-Season One Review, Part One

2010-08-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Even muttering his name should be a curse. He walked in to Bon Temps and in a matter of weeks has turned a whole town upside down. How could one person cause such havoc and mayhem? It's not one person, darling. It's one evil, conniving vampire. Or as Lafayette would say "He's satan in a Sunday hat". And who is this vampire? Why, it's Bill Compton.

He walked into Merlotte's like a man on a mission. And of course, now we know that's exactly why he walked into Merlotte's. He was sent to procure her on the orders of Queen Sophie-Anne Leclerq. But we didn't know that in season one. We were also being romanced and procured just like Sookie. Many of us had our suspicions, but we had no idea how dangerous this vampire could be. He needed "saved" from the Rattray's, right? How dangerous could Bill Compton be?

Oh, Sookie. We wish we could have warned you. You were given warning signs, but they were so easy for you to ignore. For the first time in your life you were able to not hear another beings thoughts. That must have been blissful. That must have made you want to ignore the obvious warning signs that you were shown. Ignorance is bliss. But ignorance can get you killed.

In the matter of a day or two, Sookie was almost killed by the same people that tried to drain Bill Compton. Bill waited long enough to swoop in to save her-it was important that he waited long enough that he would be "forced" to give Sookie his blood.

This way he could keep tabs on her-of course for her "safety". Of course, Bill. She's met you twice, and he supposedly has no attachments to her-it makes perfect sense to want to protect Sookie, right? Something in the milk isn't clean. But Sookie, being naive and gullible, buys into everything. Bill even asks Sookie if he can call on her. Awww, he's a Southern Gentleman, err Vampire.

We watch as he shows up to "call" on Sookie (is this the nice word for procure?). He charms Sookie and Adele with his genteel southern charm. Who wouldn't be charmed by such a smooth operator? Bill asks to take Sookie for a walk, and plans are made for Bill to speak to Adele's group, "Descendants of the Glorious Dead". Sookie even offers to help Bill find an electrician for him home, since he moved back to Bon Temps to reclaim his ancestrial home. We hear one of Bill's first lies when he tells Sookie about his past as a vampire, "I killed a few by accident at first. I was never sure when I was going to get my next feed. But it's all different now. There's Tru Blood, I can get donor blood from a clinic in Monroe, or I can glamour someone into letting me feed on them for love, and then they'll forget all about it." What a nice way to smooth over a past that we will soon find out is not as nice as Bill wanted Sookie believe he had.

Wow, this sounds like the beginning of an epic love story, doesn't it. True love conquers all-even a century old vampire and a telepathic barmaid can find true love in the strangest of circumstances. I wish this was the case for Sookie Stackhouse, but she has unknowingly opened a Pandora's box that won't easily close. Women start dying. Two that can be linked to Sookie's own brother: Claudette Perkins and Dawn Green. People are scared, and if they aren't, they should be.

Sookie shows up to Bill's house, armed with an electrician's name. But what she is greeted with would make anyone with common sense RUN!

But Sookie doesn't have common sense. Or if she does, we've not been able to see it. She is confronted with three vampires that are not mainstreaming. And three vampires that should have made her question Bill's character. And she's scared, but we all know it doesn't last long. She gives Bill the phone number, and proceeds home. She's upset-her life was in danger again. And who is waiting for her: Bill. Sookie informs Bill that she doesn't want to see him anymore, but he tells her that she will never find anyone more suited for her than him as he is the only man she will ever be able to relax around. Bill, what sacrifices you make for a woman you've known for a matter of days.

Women start dying. Both of the dead women can be linked to Sookie's own brother, Jason. Adele begs Sookie to use her "gifts" to clear Jason's name. And Sookie asks Bill to take her to the vampire bar, Fangtasia in Shreveport. And of course, being the helpful man we all know Bill Compton to be, he agrees.

Flash forward to Fangtasia. Sookie begins to ask questions about the dead women, and is summoned by Eric Northman, 1000 year old vampire Sheriff of Area 5. Begin to swoon, darlings.

Eric is intrigued by Sookie. So much so, that we see a lot of fist clenching from Bill-and he can't wait again to claim Sookie as "his". Eric is even more intrigued with Sookie, as he should be-she is able to warn Eric of a police raid and they are able to flee before the police can get to them. Bill and Sookie head home, but Sookie says she needs things to "stop". Bill stops the car and within minutes a police car pulls behind them. Pay attention, darlings. We get to see another glimpse at Bill's "other" side.

Sookie is scared. She's afraid Bill is going to kill the officer. And she should be scared. After they leave the officer (alive, but so scared that he pees his pants) Bill admits to Sookie that he would have fed on the police officer if she hadn't been there. And we know now that Bill would have killed the officer if Sookie hadn't been there. Bill promises to not see Sookie again and leaves. I know I breathed a sigh of relief, but I knew it was going to be short lived. Bill is on a mission, and anything he says about leaving her alone and not seeing her are just lies.

Finally, it's the night that Bill talks to Adele's group at the church. We are shown Bill, sitting in the church's kitchen, sullen. We had no idea at the time what this means, but now I'm sure I know. He is cold. He is calculating. He has been spurned by Sookie, who is on a date with Sam Merlotte.

Bill speaks to the crowd, and he puts on his "nice, charming Southern Gentleman" face. He is charming when he chooses to be. We're aware of this fact now-there are two sides to Bill Compton. One the public sees, and another where we see the true face of Bill Compton. The one that will lie or kill to get his way. The one that we see when he's not with Sookie.

The public face of Bill Compton

Sam and Sookie's date ends badly. Sookie doesn't want to hear anyone speak the truth about Bill Compton. Especially that he's dangerous. Sam takes Sookie home where she is greeted to this horrible, horrible scene.

We all know at this point this murder should not be connected to Claudette and Dawn's murder. They were both strangled. Why would a serial murderer that strangles women change his MO-especially to such a brutal, bloody way of killing? Exactly. They don't. Someone that strangles a person is looking to not get their hands dirty-it's a very efficient way of killing. Adele Stackhouse's murder was brutal. It's obvious there was a lot of rage behind this murder. And guess who shows up to save the day. Yep, you guessed it. Mr. "I promise not to see you anymore" Bill Compton.

Oh, he's quick to tell anyone that will listen that this couldn't be the work of a vampire because there is too much blood. That's always Bill's mantra. And I think we all know at this point that Bill Compton could have very well killed Adele Stackhouse and planted a false memory in Rene's mind. Remember, vampires are skilled at glamouring people-and he had the opportunity to do so with Rene either at Merlotte's or at the Stackhouse residence. And we know that Bill can withstand the temptation of blood. Sookie was near death after the Rattray's attack and he was able to save her and not feed on her. But we'll touch more on this later.

We watch Sookie mourn Adele's passing at the wake at her home and at the funeral. We watch her return home and eat the last piece of pie and sob for her grandmother. My heart aches for her-she loved her grandmother. Imagine my surprise to watch Sookie pull out a gown (and where exactly does one find a gown like this-a renaissance fair?!) and run down to Bill's house. She's a woman on a mission.

Bill (of course) hears her coming and runs out to meet her. I can't imagine having sex (especially for the first time) as something I would do after walking in and seeing my grandmother brutally murdered and attending her funeral, but hey, that's just me. We are forced to see a love scene that looks like Bill had pre-planned, like he knew Sookie was coming over. It reminds me of a cheesy, romance novel love scene-from her flowy white gown (we get it, Sookie-you're a virgin) and rug in front of the fire place.

Sookie obviously feels comfortable with Bill, so they snuggle up in a big bathtub and Sookie chooses this time to tell Bill about her Uncle Bartlett and the fact that he molested her. She doesn't realize what a foolish choice she has made.

She has her back to him and doesn't see the look on his face. At this point we know that Uncle Bartlett's days on this green earth are numbered. And I'm not saying that Uncle Bartlett wasn't deserving of his punishment. Sookie didn't realize she was signing off on Bill to kill him. And we just didn't factor in that he would die so quickly. Bill barely let Sookie go to sleep before he was off to kill Uncle Bartlett. And my dears, we are starting to see the true face of Bill Compton.

Meanwhile, Sookie is at work at Merlotte's. This is a much different Sookie. She wears a scarf to hide to bite marks from Bill, because she knows how people will react if they know. She is on top of the world. Sam and Tara (and the rest of the bar) are judgmental to Sookie about her romantic choices, but we see a new Sookie. A Sookie that is starting to show the effects of consuming Bill Compton's blood.

Enter Malcolm, Diane and Liam.

The show up to Merlotte's to start trouble and to let everyone know they have moved in. Bill shows up to save the day (eye roll) and they only agree to leave Merlotte's if Bill comes with them and leaves mainstreaming behind. Bill agrees, telling Sookie that he is vampire and belongs with them. Sookie is heartbroken, but three bar patrons plot to kill the vampires.

Sookie is frantic. She tries to call Bill many times, with each call going to voice mail. She feels the need to warn him about the plans she has overheard. She even gets Sam to try to intervene, but he refuses to get involved.

Why, Sookie, why? The sex can't be that good.

Sookie goes to Bill's house, searching for him. There is no sign of Bill Compton. At this point, I would be washing my hands of Bill Compton. He had told Sookie (publicly too I might add) that he wants to be with vampires. He is unpredictable. But this is Sookie we're talking about, and to call her tenacious is an understatement. She decides to sleep it out on Bill's sofa.

Early the next morning, we see Chuck, Wayne and Royce at the vampires house. And they are going to set the house on fire, burning the vampires during their daytime slumber.

Burn, baby, burn.

And with this darlings, I end my review of the first 7 episodes of Season 1. Stay tuned for Part 2.

Meet the true rat of "I smell a Rat" (HINT: It's not Eric Northman)

2010-08-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

I know how I felt after I watched episode 10 last week. Everything was fine and wonderful-we got to see Sookie actually doubt Bill Compton's words and actions.

We were given (another) dream sequence with Eric and Sookie-and a REAL, if not brief, kiss. A kiss that had obvious effects on Eric. At that point it was crytal clear that he loves Sookie.

Enter Pam (who we also learned in this episode is royalty). She doesn't understand Eric's feelings for Sookie-and his willingness to give up his life for a human. She will do anything to spur action in Eric. It's also obvious the love she has for Eric.

Then everything went to hell in a handbasket. We watched Eric hoist Sookie over his shoulder and take her to the basement and place a chain around her neck! Really, Alan Ball?!? This is how you are going to reward your Eric fans? With this:

I've had time to reflect. I've had time to reassess the situation. And now I'm not just mad, I'm ready to see Bill Compton exposed to be the liar, serial murderer and con man that he is. And I'm ready to see Eric take control of the situation.

Let's go back to the earlier scenes-when Eric stopped by Jason's house to say goodbye to Sookie.

He played Bill like a violin and was able to get him to admit that Sookie's blood will allow daywalking, if only for a brief time. Bill underestimates Eric's intelligence and strength, and overestimates his own. Sookie is a mirror of Bill-she overestimates Bill's honesty and intelligence, and underestimates Eric's. I blame Sookie's misguided feelings on her consumption of Bill's blood-and the fact that she cannot hear a vampire's thoughts. This is another reason Sookie is easily taken advantage of by Bill. She's at a disadvantage when she has to trust herself in reading body language.

Why did Eric feel his only option was to lock Sookie away in the basement at Fangtasia? Because if Sookie was a man, we would accuse her of thinking with the wrong head. She has been dickmatized and brain washed by Bill Compton and his "bad blood". She is running off half-cocked and going blindly into battle. Hmmm, remind you of anyone?

Yes, I 'm talking about Bill Compton and his hideous man-bangs. We have watched this man for almost three seasons now. We've watched him enter Merlotte's in season one. He was brooding, dark and mysterious.

Bill Compton, procurer

We can re-watch those scenes again with fresh, knowing eyes. It's apparent to us now that he was on a mission. He knew exactly who his mark was: Sookie Stackhouse. We were seduced with a love story-a vampire that was trying to regain his "humanity", and now it is apparent that that is all for show. We watched him "save" Sookie's life from the Rattray's. We've watched him kill and threaten anyone that he feels will take away "his" Sookie. We keep waiting for Sookie to wisen up and tell Bill she is no one's possession. Alas, we are still waiting, But enough about Mr. Compton.

Let's talk about Eric Northman.

Eric Northman, BAMF and VILF

We've watched his character grow from a minor character in season one to a main character in season three. His character is much more developed than Bill Compton. Is there a reason for that? Are we seeing more of Eric because of Sookie's obvious attraction to him? Or is it because Eric Northman is just more interesting? I think it's a little of both.

But I digress. I'll touch base on the misdeeds of Bill Compton and good deeds of Eric Northman in another post.

Back to Episode 10. Jason saved Tara from Franklin, while very entertaining, was a psychotic rapist. We watched Jason Stackhouse grow up in one episode-he finally had the courage to tell Tara about his hand in killing Eggs AND kick Bill Compton out of his house:

I enjoyed watching the vampire I loathe lurch backwards out of Jason's house. Could Sookie be the next one to remove Bill from her life? We can only hope.

I'm not sure what to make of the strange scenes between Lala and Jesus, just as I'm not able to figure out if Jesus is good-or Satan in a Sunday hat. We are being told that Lafayette is powerful, but how is his power going to be used?

Next on the list to discuss is Hoyt/Jessica/Summer/Tommy. We watched Summer try to seduce Hoyt.

And we watched Hoyt go to Jessica. And I cheered when Hoyt sucker punched Tommy.

Tommy, thinking he would get even with Hoyt, proceeded to shift and attack Hoyt. Jessica, out of love for Hoyt, offered her blood to him. Does this sound familiar to anyone?


Jessica, saving Hoyt Season 3


Bill, saving Sookie Season 1

The big difference, darlings-Jessica and Hoyt have an established relationship to each other. Sookie had met Bill twice at his point-and doesn't know anything about this vampire. Is Jessica doomed to follow in her maker's footsteps? Or will she also break free from Bill's influence? I think the scene with the burning cross and writing on Bill's house was set up for a reason. To make her trust Bill and make him look like a caring "father". Even his words sounded hollow: “It’s more important than ever that we restrain ourselves. Even if it is against our nature.”

We had a major revelation about Sam Merlotte. We were shown Sam's past for a reason. Trust that fact. We are shown that Sam is not so different from Bill. They both have lied, stolen and murdered. Another fact to tie them together: Sam has also ingested a large quantity of Bill Compton's blood. Are we seeing this because of Sam's guilt-or the influence of Bill Compton's blood in Sam Merlotte?

Arlene finally admits to Terry that the baby she is carrying is not his. And we watch Terry accept the situation and choose to love Arlene, the unborn baby, and to do the right thing. Too bad Arlene isn't going to do the same.

And finally, we see the depth of Russell's grief and insanity. We watch him with Tony, a male prostitute Russell picks up off the street. We watch Russell confusing Tony for Talbot, trying to make up for his mistakes and his absence when he met his final death. Intense? Yes. Insane? Hell, yes!

So, the only questions I am left with are these: Who is the rat they are alluding to in the episode? And what is the common theme-regardless of the character? We have manipulation and we have people using each other for different reasons-for love (Arlene/Terry), grief (Russell/Tony), for control (Sookie/Bill, Eric/ Bill AND Jessica/Bill) and to save lives (Sookie/Eric AND Jessica/Hoyt). And to address the final question-who is the rat? That's easy, darling. It's Bill Compton.