The calm before the Billith
A few days ago I complained about how Jason’s shift towards pure hatred felt especially extreme because of the use of hallucinations. That said, at least it was believable because he’s had feelings like those before – back in Season 2 when he’d gotten himself mixed up with the Fellowship of the Sun. On the other hand, Bill has always been a staunch mainstreamer. It was those beliefs that got the attention of the AVL and those beliefs that got him the assistance of the snipers to take out Sophie-Anne.*
So when you look at a Bill that has for the most part always been fairly pro-human, this shift to a religious fundamentalist felt almost like a 180 degree shift. It’s not to say that Bill was incapable of making that shift; but the mechanism they used – the flashback to his dying daughter – didn’t really work to show us how Bill had made a mistake by not turning his daughter. It was just kind of there. As a result, it left many viewers with this feeling of unease and questioning whether he really believed or was it all an act. Personally, on an Intellectual level I knew he believed – I’d seen the early descriptions of “Save Yourself” and knew that he must be a believed – but on an emotional level, I didn’t buy it. I only bought into it towards the very end of the season, when he killed Kibwe for even praying by the blood. Stephen’s performance really helped sell it in “Save Yourself” but it shouldn’t have had to have been sold by the acting, but rather by the writing.
As for Billith, it will be interesting to see where the journey takes us with his character. Hopefully it’ll be a better trip than the one we took just to get to this point because Bill (and the viewers) deserve better.
Best Moment – Salome’s Death
Yes, I just used this in the previous post, but it still stands here. It was an absolutely fantastic scene and a reminder that Bill really is a fantastic actor himself, playing whatever part is needed to further his own agenda. He was so cool and so polite right before he killed Salome and that swagger was just awesome. I hope that the Billith we see next season leans more in this direction than in the bloody screamer that Lilith appeared as the entirety of this last season.
Worst Moment – His slapping Jessica.
I can’t help it. I felt for the baby vamp. It was just such a cruel thing to do, and it happened before I fully bought into him truly believing. It was very jarring and hard to watch.
*For those unaware, the extras on the S4 Blu Ray made it clear that a “high-ranking member” of the Authority signed off on the use of the guards. Based on what we saw this season, it stands to reason that Roman authorized it because Bill’s mainstreaming agenda aligned so well with his own.
via Fangover: Day 9 – Bill.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 9, Fangover | Tags: Authority, Bill Compton, Jessica Hamby, Lilith, True Blood | Leave a comment
True Blood has shown strong ratings each season. I have been keeping track of the figures for a few seasons. The source for the figures is : SpoilerTV
- Season 1 averaged 2 million viewers per episode.
- Season 2 averaged 4.28 million viewers per episode.
- Season 3 averaged 4.97 million viewers per episode.
- Season 4 averaged 4.97 million viewers per episode.
- Season 5 averaged 4.664 million viewers per episode.
Comparing season 4 ratings to season 5 here is the per episode breakdown for season 4:
- Episode 4.01 (June 26th) : 5.42 million viewers / 3.0% of the 18-49 demo.
- Episode 4.02 (July 3rd) : 2.90 million viewers / 1.5% of the 18-49 demo.
- Episode 4.03 (July 10th) : 5.04 million viewers / 2.8% of the 18-49 demo.
- Episode 4.04 (July 17th) : 5.10 million viewers / 2.7% of the 18-49 demo.
- Episode 4.05 (July 24th) : 5.26 million viewers / 2.8% of the 18-49 demo.
- Episode 4.06 (July 31st) : 5.19 million viewers / 2.8% of the 18-49 demo.
- Episode 4.07 (August 7th) : 5.14 million viewers / 2.9% of the 18-49 demo.
- Episode 4.08 (August 14th) : 5.30 million viewers / 3.1% of the 18-49 demo.
- Episode 4.09 (August 21th) : 5.53 million viewers / 3.1% of the 18-49 demo.
- Episode 4.10 (August 28th) : 5.31 million viewers / 2.9% of the 18-49 demo.
- Episode 4.11 (September 4th) : 4.40 million viewers / 2.4% of the 18-49 demo.
- Episode 4.12 (September 11th) : 5.05 million viewers / 2.8% of the 18-49 demo – Season Finale.
Season 5 figures:
- Ep 5.01 5.201 million viewers/ 2.9 % of the 18-49 demo.
- Ep 5.02 4.417 million viewers/ 2.6% of the 18-49 demo
- Ep 5.03 4.661 million viewers/ 2.6% of the 18-49 demo
- Ep 5.04 4.541 million viewers / 2.6% of the 18-49 demo
- Ep 5.05 4.500 million viewers/ 2.6% of the 18-49 demo
- Ep 5.06 4.629 million viewers/ 2.7% of the 18-49 demo
- Ep 5.07 4.463 million viewers/ 2.6% of the 18-49 demo
- Ep 5.08 4.596 million viewers/ 2.6% of the 18-49 demo
- Ep 5.09 4.498 million viewers/ 2.7% of the 18-49 demo
- Ep 5.10 4.491 million viewers/ 2.6% of the 18-49 demo
- Ep 5.11 4.926 million viewers/ 2.8% of the 18-49 demo
- Ep. 5.12 5.049 million viewers/ 2.8% of the 18-49 demo
So what do these numbers really mean? The ratings show the total viewers live plus same day viewing and the rating among the 18-49 age demographics. True Blood has grown from season 1 where it averaged 2 million per episode to an average of 4.664 million average in season 5. I know that EW recenly posted a higher figure but they are including the second viewing of the episode in their figure. (to stay consistent I used the numbers as reported by SpoilerTV).
It’s not a surprise to me that season 4 ratings were higher than season 5 figures. Season 4 featured the long awaited romance between Eric and Sookie. The storylines in season 5 did not always hold the fans interest. The finale for season 5 did show a slight increase in viewers. In short, the ratings are still very strong for True Blood. It is still rated number one as a cable show on Sunday night.
It will be interesting to see how the ratings fare for the show in season 6. It has already been announced that there will only be 10 episodes in season 6. The season 5 finale left fans waiting for more and hopefully the ratings will remain strong in season 6.
via True Blood Episode Ratings Season Comparison.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 9, Fangover | Tags: Ratings, Season 5, True Blood | Leave a comment
Well we have a few contenders for this one. Sookie and her psychic link to a Vampire and not just any Vampire but the one who murdered her parents and who she is promised to. Finding out that Sookie is promised to the Vampire who killed her Parents. Eric and Bill having a bromance and not wanting to knock lumps out of each other. Russell Edginton having a softer side after all and finding out Salome and Nora were fanatics after all, though Nora making the about turn is still dubious.
The Vampire Lillith Blood induced rampage was also a contender for this, though it was more comical than shocking.
I could not decide on one main event so I have chosen 2.
The first was the forced blood induced vision that Eric had to endure, while Nora endured it willingly. Again we saw Godric talking to Eric and warning him, just as he did when the vampires were on their rampage, only this time Lillith appears and rips him apart. the anguish and sheer terror in Eric’s eyes was shocking as this man does not scare easily and I never seen it coming. I was really shocked and surprised by that scene.
My second was the coming of Billith and that whole build up. Bill had clearly descended into the abyss and had managed to outflank Salome, seducing her before convincing her that Lillith told him she was chosen before switching blood and lacing the new blood with silver so he could kill her. His transformation from mild mannered man to complete religious zealot was shocking in the way it was played out, that he would be so susceptible and yet still let Eric in to affect his rescue, knowing he would do it and seeing that Sookie was there too. I thought that when Sookie spoke, she may have even got through to him and saved him before it was too late but it seems that Bill was too far gone and succumbed to the voices and drank the blood.
At first I thought that the blood had overwhelmed him and his body couldn’t take it so he died. When he reformed I was basically in two thoughts, one was Oh shit and the other was what the fuck…Again I never saw that one coming either.
I just hope they don’t mess it up in season 6 now.
via Fangover Fangathon Day 9 Moment that Shocked Me
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 9, Fangover | Tags: Bill Compton, Billith, Eric Northman, Godric, Shocking Moment, True Blood | Leave a comment
The biggest fail of True Blood S5 is the character of Maurella. Of course she’s beautiful and sexy. She also seems sweet and that light thing she did with her fingers was pretty awesome, so what man or for that matter, woman, could resist her?
I was actually happy for Andy that he “got some,” because it’s Jason that’s always bragging about his conquests. It kinda sucked that after his rendezvous with the faerie, things started to get good with Holly, but I chucked it up to an alternate world; supernatural type of event. Basically, a sexy times abduction. Then, Maurella had to go get herself preggers with not one, but FOUR half-fae babies! What a fucking mess. And who’s even to say that Andy is the father, with the way those fae get their freak on. 😉
I’m all for the empowerment of my fellow woman, but to just orgasm four times and then leave the kids with Andy to raise is a bit out there. Her only wish is that at least half of them survive. WTAF kind of mother is that and how will this even work with the next season?!?
via Biggest Fail – Day 9
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 9, Fangover | Leave a comment
Considering the other four seasons of “True Blood,” Sookie Stackhouse had a relatively quiet few days in Season 5.
It did literally start with a bang. Two bangs in fact. The first went to Tara’s head as she threw herself in front of Sookie in one of most selfless acts I’ve ever seen.
The second was the shot that killed Debbie Pelt, one that I thought was long overdue.
I was surprised Pam showed up and not Eric or Bill, but as I said before, they were snuggled in the trunk of a car headed to Authority Central.
Sookie and Lafayette had to do some serious begging to persuade Pam to turn Tara, and after some skillful negotiating, Pam agreed to turn Tara for a favor to be named later.
Sookie’s relief at Tara’s rising as a vamp was short lived as Tara took one enhanced sniff of her best friend and decided she would make a great first meal.
Pam’s quick moves saved Sookie from being a snack, but our girl soon realized she would need to find a new bestie.
Lafayette stuck around for a day or two to help her cope and clean, but he was one of the next people to tell her what a dangerous friend she was to have.
Yes, our Hookah was grieving for both Jesus and his cousin, but I don’t think he needed to be quite so cruel to Sookie, because she had lost a former lover, a current lover and a best friend in less than 24 hours.
I think her decision to get drunk was long overdue, and Alcide dropping by was a nice distraction and a chance for her finally to have some kind of physical relationship with someone, well, who was not a “dead boy.”
It was a real pity her stomach and Eric and Bill all contrived to ruin that idea, and fast.
I considered the hangover she must have been nursing while trying to deal with her pet vampires, and don’t blame her for practically screaming at them, “It must be Thursday.”
She didn’t have much to do in a couple of episodes that focused mainly on the Authority, Lafayette’s trip to Mexico, Jason and Jessica’s relationship, Terry’s wild ride and Russell and Steve’s Excellent Adventure.
Her real-life pregnancy made it necessary for us to see less of her, and that allowed so many other characters to get a bit more screen time, but while we might not have seen her, she was busy in the background doing things for others.
Personally, after this season, I wish she could have a bit of rest. I realize most of the folks in Bon Temps think she had a year-long vacation while she was in Faery, but she didn’t get any down time.
She has a lot of information to process right now, and probably not much time to do it.
She seemed quite surprised to see Tara and Pam kiss, but by then she was pretty shocky. Her brother has a head injury and while Sook doesn’t realize he’s seeing and talking to his parents, she knows he’s a bit more vacant than usual.
Probably the biggest shock for our girl is what has happened to Bill. I think she always believed that Bill would love her forever, no matter what he said, but after his spectacular parlor trick of rising from a pile of goo with some pretty bitchin’ fangs, she’s not so sure.
Eric, who at the beginning of the season had written Sookie off, saw he might still have a chance with her and got her out of the room as fast as he could, but the new-and-perhaps-improved Bill may be faster.
It’s a bit disheartening to believe that for the next nine months in True Blood time, Sookie is running.
I hope she’s not too exhausted when Season 6 kicks off next year.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 9, Fangover | Tags: Season 5, Sookie Stackhouse, True Blood | Leave a comment
Favorite Flashback
Ha! I bet you thought I was going to say Eric and Pam’s flashbacks! Didn’t you? Don’t you lie to me!
Actually, I really enjoyed the flashback of Bill seeing his daughter. It showed that he did still have his “humaniteh” and that he still truly cared for his family as a father would. It must have been torture to see his child laying there, and knowing that he would not help her. I thought it was interesting that he still may have hated what he had become. What other reason would he have to not “save” his daughter. He didn’t want to condemn her to his immortality. Perhaps he knew it wouldn’t be everything she expected. I have heard a lot of hate about this scene; but I just don’t understand that. He wanted to see his daughter one last time. To speak with her. To let her know she was loved. Hate Bill all you want, but he was a father. And father knows best.
via Fang-A-Thon: The Fangover: Day Nine.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 9, Fangover | Tags: Bill Compton, Favorite Flashback, Season 5, True Blood | Leave a comment
What a lovely bland picture for a band of bland vampires.
If you pressed me to pick one reason why I think the season just didn’t quite gel as a whole this year, the Authority would have to be it. I stand by what I’ve said on True Bites: there were hints of good ideas in here, but they were underdeveloped. It’s as if the producers got the idea ‘We want to tackle the separation of Church and State’ but couldn’t quite figure out how to make it all work in an interesting manner.
On top of a lack of a truly cohesive plot, another issue that must be brought up is the fact for the most part, the Chancellors were a rather dull personality-less group. Salome showed promise, but that which allowed Bill to defeat her was also why she was ultimately uninteresting as a character: she believed, but she couldn’t really put anything into motion. She wasn’t a schemer. As a result, she walked completely blind into Bill’s trap just as he knew she would. It would have been more interesting had she had she a cunning mind to go along with her faith. Even Roman- the single most hyped character of the bunch – didn’t really have much to bring to the table.
Throughout the first four seasons, the Authority was built up to be this shadowy group that, unless you were seeking to join them, you did not want to draw the attention of because odds are that True Death (or worse) would soon be following. This season shone a light on them and they were revealed to be just as petty as the vampires on the ground. Russell remained more intimidating than Roman and all the Chancellor’s combined. We had no reason to be scared of them anymore and that proved to be a huge issue.
I will say that Salome fared the best of the lot them – the writers did a great job with the subtleties of making her a believer. Her words, her actions all pointed to someone who wasn’t playing a game. If the others had been more fleshed out, it might have been a stronger arc overall.
Best Moment – Salome’s Death
Aside from the fact that we got a fantastic scene from Bill, I picked this death as the death of the night because it showed how to the bitter end she was a true believer. When she realized that she was dead, she wasn’t mad, she wasn’t even upset. She realized she wasn’t the strongest and therefore not the one that had been Chosen. She met the True Death believing that Lilith had found a perfect champion in Bill and was comforted by it because that is what she had worked towards all these years.
Worst Moment- Roman, as a whole.
I think the blame for this one had to go to HBO itself. HBO knew that Christopher Meloni had a huge fanbase – one that actually originated on HBO – so it makes perfect sense that they’d want to trumpet his joining the cast. The problem is there just wasn’t much for him there even considering how short his stay ultimately was. Though I think the character would have been a disappointment regardless of the actor playing him, having him hyped up did him no favors.
via Fangover: Day 8 – The Authority.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 8, Fangover | Tags: Authority, Nora Gainsborough, Roman Zimojic, Salome Agrippa, True Blood | Leave a comment
It has been a week since the True Blood season 5 finale aired. Fans are still wondering just what did they see in the finale and what will it mean for the new season next summer.
Here are a few questions I know I have:
What will Andy do with 4 half fae daughters?
Maurella delivered not just one baby on the pool table at Merlottes but FOUR! She left the babies in Andy’s care with the comment that it is his duty to make sure at least half of them make it to adulthood. Will they grow quicker than human babies? Will Andy manage with 4 newborns? Holly is a saint for helping deliver the babies. Not sure she will be willing to raise the babies (but she just might to help Andy out). Alan Ball hinted that the babies may go live with the fairies as protection (in the TV Guide interview)
Who is Warlow?
Jason is seen in the bonus scene shown on HBO Go calling out that he’s out for “Warlow”. Nora looks quite puzzled that Jason is aware of that name. Sounds like Nora will have some insight for him as to the identity of Warlow. What will he want with Sookie? What will it mean? Is he a friend or foe? He did kill the Stackhouses (or so we are led to believe). Have we already met this vampire? (Or will he be a new one shown in solid form not the spirit form shown in season 5)
What is Billeth?
Inside True Blood blog posted that : The blood of Lilith should come with a warning label. May cause a thirst for power and possible hallucinations. Or is she real? “Whether this creature is an apparition or a deity, it doesn’t really matter,” says Alan Ball in the Inside the Episode video. “She’s pitting them against each other to get the strongest to survive.” In the interactive features on HBO GO, Stephen Moyer says Lilith is setting up “a giant, bloody game of ‘Survivor.’
In the season 5 finale Bill Compton drank the vial that contained the ‘blood of Lillith’. This caused him to liquify and what appeared to be a ‘final death’. Looks were definitely deceiving when we next see Bill rise up from the blood and appear to be the new version of “Lillith”. Just what is this incarnation? (Billith) Is it still Bill Compton? Vampire Bill did go very dark in season 5 so now this new incarnation is another shock for fans.
Will fans see Eric and Sookie ‘together’ again in season 6?
No I don’t just mean in the same scene. Will they rekindle the romance they shared while Eric had amnesia? (I might have hated the whole witches story line but Marnie’s spell did give us a great chance to see Amnesia Eric). Eric and Sookie did share a tender moment when they both thought that Bill was truly dead. Will they join forces to battle Billith?
Will they find that love again? Eric has admitted his love for Sookie. Will any of that be shown in season 6? Again Alan Ball teased fans with “But right now we don’t know how Sookie feels about vampires. The fairy elder said, “There’s a reason you give your heart out to every fangster you meet.” That’s going to be very interesting to find out why.”
The season finale of course answered and finalized some story lines but also left even more open for season 6. Hopefully the storylines will make sense and not cause for cluttered and rushed episodes. Season 6 will only have 10 episodes so how it will all play out will be interesting.
via True Blood Season 6 Questions.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 8 | Tags: HBO, Season 6, True Blood | Leave a comment
I am actually quite glad about Sookie’s character this season for the simple reason that as in the book, she has gotten on with her own life and is determined not to be involved with Bill or Eric. This is a nice tie into the books as that is what she tries to do, though as in the books things do not go according to plan.
Sookie is still very much act first think later, especially with Tara when she begs Pam to turn her. She also will still do anything to defend her friends and those she cares about, even though sometimes her friends do not like it too much. She also risks a lot for Jason when they have their plan to deal with Russell Edginton and fight not to mention risking her life when she stumbles on the hate group that has been chasing non humans and finding Hoyt.
Just like in the books she is soon hip deep in trouble as she has to deal with an Angry Tara and then find out Russell is on the loose again. She also nearly dies in a car crash and in her drunken haze manages to get cozy with Alcide. That was always on the cards but the delicious twist of Eric and Bill walking in on them was a great way to illustrate the wrong time aspect and also the three men in Sookie’s life scenario, which first reared it’s head in book 3. I do regret there not being the moment with Eric Sookie and Bill which was in the books and suggests a menage a trois, however we did get the dream sequence about that in season 4.
Sookie, just as in the books can’t avoid the Vampires and all too soon she is helping them out and is involved in their problems as always though this time there is very little protest and a lot more guts from her. Instead of being weak, she is now showing more strength and is fighting for herself as well as trying to solve her own problems. She is becoming more like the independent book Sookie that I like.
I hope we see more of the independent Sookie in Season 6 and maybe we will also see how her relationship with Eric resurfaces and defines itself too as it is going to happen.
via Fangover Fangathon 8 Sookie Stackhouse
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 8, Fangover | Tags: Season 5, Sookie Stackhouse, True Blood | Leave a comment
THE Russell Edgington is my favorite villain. I admit, I detested him in S3, with all of that werewolf control and V shit, not to mention the way he just grabs the innards out of people. But he certainly grew on me this season.
Oddly, enough he actually brought a bit of normacly to the Authority. I love how he accused them of basically being “school marms,” when the rest were talking about teaching The Vampire Bible to all baby vamps. That’s when things started to really unravel and the Authority fell apart one by one.
I only wish his death scene had been longer. I really wanted to see Eric get his revenge but drag it out a bit. I know Russell has suffered in the past but this was OH FUCK! I’m dead. Where was the foreplay? Maybe Russell could’ve helped Bill see the fucking light and he wouldn’t be Bililth! Then you could kill him.
RIP Russell. I’m gonna miss you and your hot mess…
via Favorite Villain – Day 8
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 8, Fangover | Tags: Favorite Villain, Russell Edgington, Season 5, True Blood | Leave a comment
This year, the main focus of True Blood was vampire business to the point nearly everyone else’s business focused on it too.
There were exceptions, and we’re peeking in on those today.
I thought Terry and Arlene’s story line this year was stupid. Why did Rene even show up at the end of last season? She paid no attention to that Halloween visit and welcomed Patrick with open arms, even when Terry clearly was not glad to see him.
Patrick’s role was pretty much a place holder so Terry and Arlene, perhaps the only happily married couple in Bon Temps, could have their own story line, miss each other and take right up with their lives next season.
We all knew Terry has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but we didn’t know why. Seeing Patrick brought back both those memories and his terrible mental state.
A slaughter in an Iraqi village was no big plot surprise until one victim cursed the soldiers who shot her.
She calls up in Ifrit, an Arabian fire monster, to stalk and kill them..
I’ll give them that. The Ifrit was cool.
Terry’s road trip was a waste of plot time we’ll never get back, and the lone soldier in the Dakotas was only there to be Ifrit food.
Arlene though, had a better season. She knew something was wrong, really wrong with her husband and started asking for help – first Holly, then Lafayette.
Wasn’t they séance was great?
Patrick got a big dose of “Damn it’s real!” and Terry, who had already accepted his death, got a chance to redeem himself when Lafayette channeled the Iraqi woman.
His apology, while it didn’t fix everything right away, got Terry the forgiveness he needed, but with one caveat. He had to kill Patrick.
We all know what happened next. I’m glad Arlene had the gumption to fight for Terry and her children herself, giving Terry the courage to do what needed to be done to Patrick and get his life on track for the first time in a long time.
It’s all sunshine-and-roses between Terry and Arlene now but I’m thinking they won’t be having any more kids right now.
Surprisingly, Andy Bellefleur will be the one on Daddy Duty.
His night with Murella and the ET-like finger touch cost the sheriff dearly, though that birth scene was much needed comic relief. Like everyone else, I think if we orgasmed while giving birth, there would be a lot more people on this planet.
I’m not clear that all four babies are girls. I’d like to think there are two boys in the mix. Whatever, Andy will have his hands full and a whole lot of explaining to his grandmother when he brings those bundles of joy home.
We can only hope those half-fairy babies will grow up at super speed and they’ll be school age in no time. And, even if they are telepathic, I don’t think Sookie is going to start a career as a tutor.
And it can’t have been only me, but I wonder when Chris Bauer started working out, because wasn’t he a buff boy this year? Perhaps it was knowing he had to do a nude scene at last.
via Fangover Day 8: Arlene and Terry and Andy, Oh My!
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 8, Fangover | Tags: Andy Bellefleur, Arlene Fowler-Bellefleur, Season 5, Terry Bellefleur, True Blood | Leave a comment
Storyline You Wish You Had Seen More Of
Eric and Pam
I was very excited when it first came to light that we would be seeing some flashbacks of Eric and Pam. Although, I thought it would be a lot more. While it did show that Pam was aware of something supernatural even in her human life, I wish it had gone into further detail. There must be more to the story of why Eric turned her; why Eric chose her. I just don’t see him suddenly feeling sorry for a human. I wish we could have seen the first feeding, or how they had to live back when the entire world didn’t believe in the existence of vampires. We got to see how Jessica and Bill, and even how Pam and Tara had to learn to deal with this suddenly new relationship. I just wish we could have seen a bit more of that with Eric and Pam. Oh well, there’s always next season. You hear me, HBO? NEXT. SEASON.
via Fang-A-Thon: The Fangover: Day Eight.
via Fang-A-Thon: The Fangover: Day Eight.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 8, Fangover | Tags: Eric Northman, Pam Swynford de Beaufort, Season 5, True Blood | Leave a comment
I wanted more of that Eric. The suit and the attitude both.
Ask a Trubie why they watch the show and you’ll get a multitude of answers. Ask them to list their top three reasons and Eric will probably be on that list in some way shape or form. The devotion to the character goes beyond the physical attraction many feel towards Alexander Skarsgard because of the character: the attitude, the pose, the power. Eric spent much of last season neutered, a shell of his former self due to his amnesia and I at least was hoping for a return to form in Season 5.
We got that. Sort of.
The old Eric was unquestionably present at the beginning of the season – definitely through the first two episodes. He was also present in the last two episodes of the season. The other eight episodes in the middle…eh kind of. Aside from the scene where he released Pam from the Maker/Child bond (whose emotional impact I still maintain was a part of the use of Godric’s theme – the music that played when he met the sun) that bulk of the season he was just kind of there. While it’s true that he was limited in part due to having to play along with the Authority, it also felt that for long stretches of it that he was sitting back and not necessarily doing anything. And unlike Bill, whom it felt like may actually be planning something, Eric just seemed to be there only really stepping up when there was little doubt that Bill was just flat out gone. It just didn’t feel like the Eric that we’d known and grown to love. As I put it on True Bites on night – I preferred Amensia Eric – who in addition to no memories had no personality – to this eric and that says something.
Going forward, just as Season 3 marked the shift from Sookie to Bill, Season 6 is going to mark a shift from Bill to Eric not only in terms of character focus but romantic interest (I feel you Team Bill shippers but I think the rise of Billith pretty much puts a nail in the coffin of that particular relationship) as much as such thing can happen in light of the vamp with a claim on Sookie, Nora’s jealousy and Eric trying to stop Billith will allow. Crossing fingers it’s the Eric we love and not the Eric we’re indifferent over.
Best Moments – The Bromance
No, it didn’t technically last too long since Bill drank the kool-aid, but you could just see the connection between Stephen and Alex and just how good friends they are how much fun they have doing this show. Case and point: the piggy back ride. Totally improvised. If you need even more proof: Alex and Stephen were literally brought to Alan Ball’s office to remind them to tone it down because they weren’t supposed to be BFFs.
Worst Moment – The stuff with Nora
The first sex scene was a bit shocking. The second sex scene was really? And the jealousy bit…why? Ultimately just felt unnecessary.
via Fangover: Day 7 – Eric
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 7, Fangover | Tags: Bill Compton, Eric Northman, Nora Gainsborough, Sookie Stackhouse, True Blood | Leave a comment
True Blood season 5 ended last Sunday. Yes this is the first Sunday in a while that fans do not have a new episode to enjoy. Still recovering from the finale fangover? Well here are a few favorite True Blood quotes to make the wait less painful:
The image above has one of my favorite quotes from Vampire Pam. She has had over the seasons some of the best quotes ever! The one featured in the image:
“My mad face and my happy face are the same” is one of my favorites from season 5. Kristin’s delivery and timing make it extra sarcastic and oh so enjoyable to hear her say it!
These quotes below are from the Season 5 Finale: “Save Yourself”:
Pam: “Must all roads lead to f—cking Sookie?
Andy: “Her kind don’t welp in the hospital.” (little did Andy know that Maurella would really be having that many babies!)
Arlene: “Who knew watching an alien give birth could be so comforting?”
Lafayette: (to Arlene): “It’s always the weird stuff that’s the best.”
Eric: Oh sweetie dont be a fool.
Jason: If I want to be a fool then I will be a fool! That is my God given right as an American!
This exchange between Eric and Jason was my favorite from the finale:
Jason: “Something funny, fanger?”
Eric: “Yes, blood bag.”
Jason: “Leach.”
Eric: “”Breather.”
Jason: “Dead f***.”
Eric: “Meat sack.”
Jason: Before things what, spin out of control? That train has already sailed.
Jason Stackhouse has had his fair share of funny quotes. You have to love a character that can say what he says and not crack himself up.
Rosalyn complains about Bill and Salome: “Compton and Salome are off buttering each others’ biscuits half the time.”
Bill: “I told you, the first night we ever met: Vampires often turn on those they love the most.”
Pam said this in the season 5 premiere: “I’m wearing a Walmart sweatsuit for y’all. If that’s not a demonstration of team spirit, I don’t know what is.” (the sweat suit she wore for the episode was recently auctioned for the “Out of Africa” charity and raised over $1000!)
Pam has had some of the best quotes this season. Would love to hear some of your favorites from the show. These were just a few of the many quotes in the finale.
via True Bloodless Sunday Fangover Recovery Day 7:Favorite Quotes.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 7, Fangover | Tags: Fangover, Quotes, True Blood | Leave a comment
Well we had a few of those this season. From Eric and his badass killing of the guards in the finale to Nora in episode one, we have not been short of the blood and goo of dead Vampires. We have even had dead humans in the form of Bud Dearbourne and the nutter who runs the weapons shop in a very classic “you saved my life” scenario between Sam and Andy, I mean how honourable is that?
The best death in Season 5 however had it’s foundations laid in season 3 or to be more precise more than 1,000 years ago when Eric Northman watched his family being slain and his father’s crown stolen by a mysterious, hooded man, who later turned out to be Russell Edginton. Though Eric regained his father’s crown in season 3, Russell still lived and at some point you just had this feeling that that ancient grudge was going to surface once more. In a clever twist though, we had Eric forgiving Russell for his past misgivings when he was playing up to the other Vampires, who had been ensnared by the madness of Lillith. Of course it was going to take a lot more than that to control Eric, but ever the master he is, he played along and entered the spirit of things. He kept his enemy closest of all, just like any mafioso would and waited.
Of course, Eric was rewarded. Russell, true to form went mad once again and wished to resume his pursuit of day walking, even though it was against the Vampire Bible. He shunned it at that point because it no longer was of use to him. he had already been rescued and healed and was fully strong once more. He thought that with Eric’s forgiveness he was invincible, of course he was wrong.
This leads us to a glorious death scene. Russell, having managed to drain a full fae and not just any Fae but the eldest on the planet, is intoxicated and feeling mighty pleased with himself, especially since he can now see all the other fae as his ingestion of blood has weakened their magic. He is so dizzy with intoxication and the prospect of more fae blood that he loses himself in the moment and critically for him he lets his guard down. He doesn’t know that Sookie and Eric have tasted each other’s blood and formed a bond and he doesn’t know that Eric is wandering freely, having escaped the madness of the Vampire Authority.
When he is aware of it, it is too late. Eric has the stake embedded in him and is growling above him while he is left to face his fate. The way Eric turns his head to shield himself from the blood spatter and Russell’s last words complete what is truly the best death in season five. We are then treated with a classic Eric quip to finish the scene.
This was by far and away the best death in season 5.
via Fangover Fangathon Day 7 Best Death
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 7, Fangover | Tags: Best Death, Eric Northman, Russell Edgington, True Blood | Leave a comment
Because I watched Seasons 1-4 in succession, the history of True Blood is still fresh in my mind and it’s without doubt that I crown S5 my least favorite season. I truly lived the life of a vampire while watching S1-4! I just HAD to know what happened next, so I wouldn’t go to bed until the sun rose. Then, this season happened and I was no longer wanting an instant fix. Things did pick up in the middle though and I quite enjoyed watching the Lilith/Bilith storyline unfold.
It was intriguing to witness the unraveling of the role reversal between Bill, the sensible one and Eric, the ruthless. Eric was the only one with his wits about him that ended up not giving into the hype. He wanted to save everyone from destruction, especially his sister Nora.
I can understand why the power was so seductive to Bill. He’s been so used to playing second fiddle; always having to answer to a higher being but his first taste of control was when he became King of his Parrish. Even though Eric is older, it was Bill’s turn to boss him around. I call this the foreplay. Drinking Lilith’s blood was the orgasm. The beautiful release into immaculate power.
I’m hoping that Sookie is the one who can bring Bill back to the light, metaphorically speaking. I love them together and they have been apart long enough in television land. Imagine the sex that might be had because Bill will be even more attracted to his once fae love. He needs someplace to release all that energy into. 😉 Keep him occupied Sookie, please!
via Favorite Storyline – Day 7
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 7, Fangover | Tags: Bill Compton, Season 5, Sookie Stackhouse, True Blood | Leave a comment
When Marnie-as-Lafayette killed Jesus, I was mad.
Finally, our favorite Merlotte’s cook and medium found his true love and that bitch took him away.
In “True Blood’s” first episode of Season 5, I honestly thought Lafayette might not make it through.
I loved Gran’s return from the grave and her taking care of Marnie, but the shell of Lafayette was so weak. Then, when his cousin is shot by that bitch Debbie Pelt, well it was almost more than a man could stand.
I was glad Pam agreed to turn Tara, because it gave Lafayette a chance to want to live. That long night, waiting to see if Tara would awaken in a new life, was a bad one for our boy.
And, when he decided to clean up and reached for that razor…
I like Lafayette’s new look, and after he preached at Sookie about leaving a trail of dead bodies in her wake, I still was a bit worried.
I think everyone was scared when he started doing strange things around Merlotte’s kitchen and actually tried to kill our favorite telepathic/fairy/waitress. It certainly scared him.
His haring off to Mexico to discover what was happening to him was a misstep in the season I think, but I was glad to see the poor pregnant wife take her husband out before he could do any more damage.
I like to think Jesus will visit Lafayette from time to time, because after the last visit, we got our swaggering, bodacious, gayer-than-gay Lafayette back.
It was like Springtime to see him return with his glittery makeup and outfits, that smart mouth going ninety-to-nothing and his swagger, and totaly bad-assness intact.
The season finale brought it all home.
First, he changed the tunes playing in the club to a much more jazzy blues, and I agree it was a welcome change from that redneck music we generally hear.
When he came out with Cajun Margaritas and a pithy play-by-play of Maurella’s delivery of a litter of fairettes with the equally funny Arlene, you could tell he was in a better place.
Has he found some kind of inner peace at last? That being said, what will next season bring?
I have an idea.
There is a Gay-American-Vampire on the run right there in the neighborhood. He doesn’t know many people in the neighborhood and most of the ones he knows are down in New Orleans with a newly-risen Bill at the Authority.
Yes, Steve Newlin would be just the thing for Lafayette.
Lafayette has a history of doing bad things with vamps. He has no problem either using or selling “V,” and Steve could use a little more soul, don’t you think?
I do hope they let these two fabulous men hook up. Can you see the fun they’d have and I’d give a lot of cash to see Steve’s face when he got a look at all the religious icons inisde Lafayette’s house.
‘Nuff said. Bring it on.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 7, Fangover | Tags: Lafayette Reynolds, Season 5, True Blood | Leave a comment
Best Death
All jokes aside, I truly thought there was going to be a MUCH higher body count this season. I thought Alan Ball would take as many out as he could. That sick bastard. That I love. There were a few good deaths, but the only one that left me truly impressed was Rosalyn Harris. How could you not have loved that death? Kudos to Sam. He should win the big award at the next “My Girlfriend Turned Into Me And Then We Almost Kissed” Awards. I’m sorry. It was just so fucking cool. And creative! One of very few ways a vampire could not fight back. Also, I’m pretty sure I’ll never be able to sing that “There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly” song ever again without being reminded of what happens when that fucking fly is Sam Merlotte. I’m sorry to see you go, Chancellor Harris. But what a way you went.
via Fang-A-Thon: The Fangover: Day Seven.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 7, Fangover | Tags: Best Death, Rosalyn Harris, Sam Merlotte, Season 5, True Blood | Leave a comment
Yeah girl, you earned that drink.
Starting in Season 3 True Blood began to shift its focus. It became less about the waitress from Bon Temps and more about the vampires in her life, but especially Bill. While personally I don’t mind this shift, one of the undeniable victims of the shift has been Sookie herself. She spent much of Season 3 and Season 4 looking for them/trying to save them/generally focused them and having little of any storyline that was uniquely hers. So when they announced that Sookie wouldn’t get back together with them for at least a period time in Season 5 (probably lengthened by Anna’s pregnancy) I was happy: the writers would finally have a chance to give us something new for her and reinvigorate the character. Now that the season’s come to end though, I’ll admit it: I missed Sookie with the vampires. She had the must spunk, the most attitude, the most Sookie-ish behavior when she was around them.
This is another instance of where the writer just hasn’t done the character justice. I can’t say that I was a fan of Sookie at the beginning of the season, but there her behavior was justifiable as was her emotional state. Once the aftermath of Debbie Pelt was neatly swept under the rug however, things began to fall apart and by the time she’d lead the vampires through the factory to find Russell that was pretty much the end of where she was interesting.
As with Jason, this whole plot about Warlow just not good or entertaining. She had some good scenes here and there – like the chats with Jason, she had some scenes stolen – Lafayette channeling Gran and a lot of scenes that made you stare at the screen with an expression of WTF on your face, like the meeting with the fairy elder. To be fair, the fairy elder stuff was exacerbated by the fact that director/cinematographer did a really distracting job of trying to hide Anna’s pregnancy.
It is clear by now that the whole theme of “who is Warlow?” is going to play a large part in Season 6. At this point, I just hope she doesn’t stay away from the vampires because she needs them as much as the audience enjoys watching them.
Best Moment – Sookie taking the vampires through the factory.
She was still buzzed and she was lecturing Eric and Bill like they were a couple of stupid teenagers who’d never watched a horror film before. Great scene and a reminder of just why she really shouldn’t be kept from the vampires, even if we sometimes wish she would be.
Worst Moment – The whole way the Debbie Pelt situation was handled
There’s no question that the Debbie situation had to be handled, but it ultimately came across that the writers didn’t really want to commit to it and so swept it under the wrong with a few lies from Alcide and some convenient glamouring from Jessica. If they wanted to make it go away, why not just claim self-defense? Given that Tara was shot and killed, you’d have a pretty solid case for it and it’d felt less forced. But if they went that route you couldn’t have had Alcide trying to take advantage of drunk Sookie, could you?
via Fangover: Day 6 – Sookie.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 6, Fangover | Tags: Bill Compton, Debbie Pelt, Eric Northman, Sookie Stackhouse, True Blood | Leave a comment
HBO enlisted chef Marcella Bienvenu to create the new “True Blood” themed cookbook. The book titled, “True Blood: Eats, Drinks, and Bites from Bon Temps” will be availabe for sale on September 5, 2012.
Chef Marcelle Bienvenu explained to Access how she crafted the scrumptuous Bon Temps-inspired recipes in the book, including the cake on the cover, which she’s already indulged in several times.
AccessHollywood.com: When you got the call to contribute to a ‘True Blood’ cookbook, what went through your head?
Chef Marcelle Bienvenu: I don’t get HBO. I was kind of wondering about it because I knew it was set in Louisiana, and of course, I teach culinary at a university and the students knew about it, so they were just wild! And of course, when they sent me all the series to look at, I went ‘Woah!’ (laughs). But it was interesting and there is so much mention of South Louisiana food in the show that it was really kind of a big challenge to be able to pick up the dishes that they mentioned and work on them.
Access: What were some of the dishes that you had to try and figure out how to make?
Chef Marcelle: The first ones we did — and it was really fun — [were] the drinks that they served at the Fangtasia bar. So it was like Tequila Moonrise instead of Tequila Sunrise. We had a Vamp-Aid instead of Kool-Aid. We had Lovin’ in the Coven, we had a Dead on the Beach drink, so it was kind of fun trying to find drinks that would be something that you could drink, that would tie in with the series. The dishes were pretty easy. We had a shrimp cocktail, we had an oyster po boy, we had red beans and rice and an okra gumbo, crawfish boil, chicken fried steak, chess pie, fried apple pie — so it was very southern, very Louisiana, so it was not that hard to come up with real recipes.
Access: It’s still before breakfast here, but just hearing you read those titles, yum!
Chef Marcelle: Working on it, I gained about 8 pounds, because not only do I teach culinary [at Nicholls State University], I had to test all these, and of course, I had some of the students help me because they were just so excited about it, but eating all of the food I have to eat in class, plus this, really put on some weight.
Access: Were any recipes easier to come up with than others?
Chef Marcelle: I think probably the easier ones were like the shrimp cocktail or a gumbo. They wanted me to do a [vegetarian] burger which I went, ‘Nahhhh!’ but we finally came up with something that was pretty good. And they wanted to do several things with crawfish… Instead of a sweet donut, we made like a little savory puff, and that took a little while to kind of come up with something that would work. Also they wanted to do things like fiery chicken wings, with a dipping sauce. We, of course, ran into a lot of things that had red in color. We [made] a white cake, but it had to have a berry sauce dripping over it, so it looked like blood, but it looks very good. I made four of those!
Access: How many did you consume yourself?
Chef Marcelle: I became very popular on campus, all the faculty were coming over to the kitchen where we were testing things, so they had a good treat.
Access: What did you think of the show? And are you watching now?
Chef Marcelle: I’m definitely hooked, and at school, we watch it on Monday nights because there’s several of us who have been following it, so now I’m hooked. I have to admit it.
Access: Do you have a favorite vampire?
Chef Marcelle: Bill. I like Bill. I’ll stick with Bill.
Access: Stephen Moyer is British, how do you think his accent is?
Chef Marcelle: He does remarkably well! I mean, I was afraid they’d make it to Georgia southern, I was afraid they’d make it too Cajun-y, but they do pretty well. I’m very pleased with it… Plus, he’s darn fine good looking too.
Access: And how about that Alcide, the wolf?
Chef Marcelle: Um… I kind of like him (laughs). All the guys love Sook!
SOURCE:
Here is one of the recipes from the book: “Sookie Stackhouse’s Fried Chicken”
1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Lard or vegetable oil… for deep frying
Two 3-3 1/2 pound broiler-fryer chickens cut into serving pieces
Combine the flour, salt, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne in a large plastic or paper bag. Shake to mix.
Heat about 2 inches of lard until it registers 360 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer in a large, heavy pot. Put four chicken pieces in the bag, and shake well. Add the chicken to the hot fat and deep-fry until golden brown and cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes.
Drain the chicken on paper towels.
Repeat the process with the remaining chicken.
Serve hot or warm.
via True Blood: Eats, Drinks, and Bites from Bon Temps Cookbook.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 6, Fangover | Tags: Bon Temps, Cookbook, Cooking, HBO, Recipes, True Blood | Leave a comment
There was really only one contender for this and that was the moment Eric released Pam. I understand why it was done, and the tension leading up to that moment with the istakes and the hunt for Russell was well executed, but it seemed to be a reinforcement of the disintegration of the relationship between Eric and Pam in Season 4. Granted Eric is starting to accept that he has human emotions and more specifically human emotions for Sookie, but to cut off Pam is just going too far.
That being said, at least they had some dignity in the scene where he releases her and it is partially brought on by Pam herself, though I wish it never happened that way. I did not want to see Eric release Pam at all. Their relationship is a strong one and they need each other, that has been apparent since season 1 so for this to have happened is quite a lot to take on board. I just hope that this does not affect their relationship in season 6.
via Fangover Fangathon Day 6 Storyline I wanted to change
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 6, Fangover | Tags: Eric Northman, Pam Swynford de Beaufort, Russell Edgington, Sookie Stackhouse, True Blood | 1 Comment
Can I just take a moment to talk about how annoying Arlene is and how she needed to GTFO Terry’s business?
Arlene is annoyingly sweet, basically hair-brained but a fairly decent friend to Sookie and the others but this season she was annoying ANNOYING! Honestly, the whole Ifrit storyline needed to go but it didn’t make things any better for her to be prying even further into Terry’s business. In a way, she made him run to Patrick and get caught in that shit hole.
I don’t even understand where this storyline fit into the spectrum of things. Usually, the side stories, always come together at the end, but this was just so out there. Not to mention it was treading on some very thin ice. True Blood has never shied away from controversy but the Muslim faith is a very sensitive topic and with a certain anniversary coming up, it almost went over the line.
The glimmers of hope were Layfette and his medium services. I love how he was trying to BS the whole Ifrit thing (YAY LaLa!) but he actually ended up calling upon the spirit who created the curse! Haha Oops.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 6, Fangover | Tags: Arlene Fowler-Bellefleur, Lafayette Reynolds, Least Favorite Character, Season 5, True Blood | Leave a comment
The Storyline You Wish You Could Change
As if I could keep track of all the story lines running around without any parental supervision this season. Seriously, at first it seemed to me that Alan Ball doped everyone up on Pixie Stix and then took everyone to the zoo. If I had to pick just one, I suppose it would be the whole Bud Dearborn/Sweetie/Obama/Pigs storyline. I’m still not so sure what the point of it was. Except maybe to promote Obama masks. I like to wear mine to church. I just thought that they could have explored that whole crazyfest a little bit more. It just seemed a little far fetched to me. And that’s saying something in a show mostly concerned with supernatural creatures. For the longest time, I was convinced Hoyt’s mama was in on it. Okay maybe I just wanted to see her dance moves again. Still, it was a nice little story filler. Although I was sorry to see Bud go. He reminded me of my creepy uncle.
via Fang-A-Thon: The Fangover: Day Six.
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 6, Fangover | Tags: Bud Dearborn, Season 5, Sweetie, True Blood | Leave a comment
During the pre-season “Fangathon,” I made some predictions about what would happen during Season Five of “True Blood.”
The one I was happiest about was thinking Pam and Tara would wind up together and would be “Hell on Wheels.”
It took all 12 episodes to get them there, but the season finale gave us what we wanted — a hot, steamy kiss between Tara and Pam.
Let’s look back over their stormy relationship these past 12 episodes.
Pam did Sookie and Lafayette a big favor by turning Tara, and her warning of Tara turning into a “Fucktarded” vampire was not even her best line.
I will always remember her dressed in one of Sookie’s sweatsuits from Wal-Mart, taking one for the team as she went to ground with her new child.
I loved how, even though she tried to keep up the tough as nails exterior, Pam was kind to Tara from the beginning, soothing her in every way she knew how except sexually. She got Tara willing donors and one bitch of a woman who was mean to Tara became her slave.
They shared “dinner” that night, but Pam made sure Tara didn’t make more of it than intake of needed calories.
I enjoyed seeing Tara dressed in some seriously hot outfits. She looked the best I’ve ever seen her, even though she could not believe she found herself behind a bar again, this time at Fangtasia, working for her Maker.
After Eric released Pam, I think Pam cherished Tara even more, though it was hard for her to admit it. Since they didn’t part on any sort of bad terms, I know Eric will be back around the bar when he can, and I look forward to the interplay between the Viking and his grandchild. Yeah, Eric’s her grand-maker.
Tara, at first so angry at becoming the thing she hated most, started to enjoy her new-found powers and her growing attraction to her Maker.
What’s not to love about Pam? She always looks hot (even in yellow sweats), gets all the best lines and keeps her kick-ass attitude front and center at all times.
When the new Area Five Sheriff showed up and started extorting money from Pam, Tara didn’t hesitate.
She took action.
Uttering one of my season-favorite lines: “I don’t know nothing about birthing no vampire babies,” she beheaded the sheriff.
As a total aside, I totally loved the outfit Pam was wearing when she took the blame for the sheriff’s death and was arrested by Rosalyn. The waist cincher was too, too cute, and Pam looked great in it, even lying in a prison cell.
When Tara and Sookie showed up in the Authority prison to free them, watching Tara go into action was wonderful.
She finally, fully inhabited her role as vampire and accepted that Sookie and Lafayette did her a favor by getting her turned rather than letting her die, though she did not let Sookie forget for one second that she owed Pam.
When Tara grabbed the silver door of Pam’s jail cell and grabbed Pam, all wishes were granted.
Tara got a real kiss from her Maker, Pam realized that Tara could be “The One” and kissed her right back. Sookie’s debt to Pam was retired and for a split second, all was right in the world.
Heaven knows what will happen in 9 months, when Season 6 kicks off, but I think “Hell on Wheels” is on.
via Fangover Day 6: Pam and Tara: I called it: “Hell on Wheels”
September 5, 2012 | Categories: Day 6, Fangover | Tags: Pam Swynford de Beaufort, Season 5, Tara Thornton, True Blood | Leave a comment
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