The second episode of True Blood was even better than the second-season premiere last week. The series has found a wonderful tone of humor mixed with suspense, with a dollop of eroticism (that is, when it isn’t ladling on big spoonfuls of eroticism). I’m thinking of short but potent scenes last night such as Bill and Eric in the department store, and the way the saleswoman is turned on by Bill — vampires are irresistible. And the bigger, more important scene later on, when Maryann casts a spell over everyone in the restaurant and they all start wiggling sensuously.
The subplot I’m most enjoying is Jason’s time at the Light of Day leadership conference, where he’s charming both leaders, Steve and Sarah (Jason + Sarah = it’s just a matter of time, isn’t it?). That silver “honesty ring” is going to come into play in a pretty dramatic way, I’m guessing. True Blood is avoiding cheap shots about evangelical Christianity in favor of a more nuanced exploration of the way people want to find and follow leaders, whether they’re charismatic spiritual instructors or powerful otherworldly creatures like Bill or Eric.
Last season, Lafayette swanned in and out of scenes with a devil-may-care attitude; now, he’s in league with the devil… or whatever it is Eric represents in his infinite cruelty. As for voluntary cruelty, you can’t beat Jessica trying to get back at her parents for by baring her fangs, can you?
So: what do you think? Oh, and what do you make of new-waitress Daphne?
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Excellent episode, although I’m mildly surprised your quick summary above didn’t find a way to squeeze “graphic scenes of dismemberment” somewhere between humor, suspense and eroticism. Lafayette’s tool of escape was pretty revolting, although I suppose that’s the point. Strangely enough, I’m finding Sookie to be the least compelling character on the show. It’s sort of like The Office — the supporting cast is what really makes the show shine.
i find it hard to imagine how they are going to get this show to where the books take you considering how far they’re straying from the storylines now.
I have loved True Blood since the first episode last season. And it only gets better and better. I LOVE what they’re doing with Lafayette. The bone scene was pretty grotesque, but they always push the line. I’m not sure I like the Jason subplot, but I imagine it’s going to get bigger once Sookie finds out what’s going on. The social commentary is awesome, but the little nuisances make the show. I hope Jessica is still recycling!
I have loved True Blood since day 1! It only gets better and better. Lafayette’s story is by far my favorite, I love what they’re doing with him. I hope he becomes a vampire..that will be awesome. I don’t blame Jessica for bearing her fangs…I was literally on the edge of my seat..especially when he told Sookie to get the hell out. Whew! But it’s really the little nuisances that make the show. I hope Jessica is still recycling!!
At this point I’m disappointed when Sookie is on screen unless she is naked. She’s a drama queen who isn’t happy unless she’s fighting or making up with someone, she’s boring.
awesome show… loved, loved this episode.. some of the minor characters are truly the most interesting… right now it’s lafayette and jessica’s subplots. That ending was fantastic and had me on the edge of my seat. Wonder will happen next week. Will Bill be the cleaner?
This was a great episode, although a little more gory than I would have liked. Sookie is true to the character in the books–she has just lost her grandmother at this point and it takes her a while to become stronger and more independent. Sookie’s journey is part of the charm of the books–she is a fairly regular girl (except for being able to hear other’s thoughts) thrown into a world of vampires and other creatures. They have moved away from the books, but I like it because I don’t know what is going to happen. The casting is fantastic, as far as I am concerned. Everybody is exactly as I pictured them. Can’t wait for next week and I hope that little girl survives.
I watched the whole first season in 2 days. So watching this season is painful. Painful because I need to wait a long 7 days for another fix!
Damn this show is good. Episode 2 was better than the first (was it possible?)
However, Jason still annoys me.
http://tvdonewright.com/2009/06/22/tv-tonight-monday-june-22nd-2009/
True Blood really does keep getting better and better with each episode. It’ll be very interesting to see whose name is on the Emmy ballot when nominations come out next month.
Allison, I think you meant nuances, not nuisances.
There’s only one legitimate place I’ve found to watch it, the rest seem like scams :-/ You can see it over here though: http://vostuu.com/watch28015.html
They make you do a little survey but after that it’s good to go
You are right-the second episode was better than the first. However, I was so relieved to find Lafayette alive! He and Tara are my two favorite characters. This season, as someone has pointed out, Sookie’s role has been relegated to that of the drama queen. I too an curious what role Daphne will play, as well as who and what Tara’s new boyfriend will bring to the show. True Blood is definitely appointment TV.
I love True Blood and I am so excited to see that it has so far successfully avoided the sophomore slump. It seems to me that this season is shaping to be the best. With awesome mysteries and shady characters there are many avenues the show can take to secure more mind blowing twists and turns. It pains me that they leave every show with such taught cliffhangers. After this episode finished I wanted to cry with how anxious I am to see next weeks episode.
It is the hottest show: http://www.actressscene.com/search/label/Anna%20Paquin
Having a interest in vampires is pointless and juvenile. Why are you wasted your time with this poorly acted series? Anna Paquin is a horrible actress folks. She is has no range and is exactly the same in the every movie she is in.
America loves anything magic and or vampires. Ghey.
Having a interest in vampires is pointless and juvenile. Why are you wasted your time with this poorly acted series? Anna Paquin is a horrible actress folks. She is has no range and is exactly the same in the every movie she is in.
America loves anything magic and or vampires. Ghey.
This show and type of mythical characters and regular cast of characters are so very creative it allows people to ecscape. This vampires and humans are adult not teenagers and could have adult problems in a “world” where issues like these could be real. That is why this show is such a hit. I am waiting until the show is over to read all the books because I have read that the show is soo diffent. But I enjoy the show more and more every week!
I love Lafayette/Eric story line. I love Jessica and Sookies friendship. I love the Jessica character in general. The whole episode was fabulous. Obviously the reason that last year was so successful was the relationship between Bill and Sookie. I love that they continue to go strong.
TRUE BLOOD is so addictive….
Daphne will be a force to be reckoned with. As far as Jason, for playing such a dumb character he sure is engaging. My friends want to know if I am right about vampires being substituted for gays. I think it is fairly obvious but not sll my friends agree. What do you guys think? Allegory or not???
watch Anna Paquin Hot Nipp
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When True Blood first premiered, it took a while for me to get into it. I found it’s odd pacing, campy story lines and odd batch of characters to be hard to get into. But it is those odd elements that make this show a hit for me. By mid-season I was hooked. Now season two is proving to be superior in every way. I am completely lost in each episode. I am sad to see Lafayette get turned, but hopefully he’ll have a greater role in this season. As for Jason, even though he as dim as a 1 watt bulb set half way on a dimmer, I would be him instantly. If True Blood stays strong, it just may trump all of the other HBO shows, including Six Feet Under and the Soprano’s. I’m already betting so.
Amazing episode. I really can’t stand Sookie, though, and I don’t know if it’s the character or Anna Paquin’s acting. I agree she has no range at all. The rest of them – all of them! – are mesmerizing.
I’m guessing Bill had to Glamor the whole family to cover them seeing their vampire daughter. That what he meant when he told Sookie he had to clean up her mess. I don’t think he would harm the mother or the little sister but Jessica had to be taught a lesson. As for Sookie, she had to realize her idea of being a strict parent leaves a lot to be desired. As for Lafayette, I don’t think he’s going to be enjoying his stay with Eric and Ruth, although I wouldn’t mind being chewed on by Ruth. She’s a very hilarious character at times, going back to when she helped Bill bury Jessica last season. Poor Sam. I thought it was interesting the way Mayann was chanting in her mind while she spoke, giving Sookie basically nothing, or was it something that will be brought up and she’ll have to do some research on her native tongue. I’ll not digging the christian subplot, but I like the fact that Jason still feels guilt for what he did to that vampire. So good to be watching a non-reality series.
This episode was nothing short of entertaining. I love what the writers are doing with Lafayette and can’t wait to see him as a vampire and hopefully he and Eric will have more homoerotic scenes. The dismemberment scene was revolting but awesome. Even the chick who shot Lafayette was amazing and funny. Jason’s story is interesting and Ryan Kwanten’s acting is just as spectacular as his torso. Jessica is fiery and impulsive and I love her storyline. Maryann is downright weird and dangerous and can’t wait what she has in store for everyone and what the hell is “evakoos, evakoos.” Whatever it is I’m in cause true blood is the best show on tv right now.,
Just for the record, the actor playing Lafayette has stated publicly that he didnt intend there to be ANY homoerotic subtext between him and Eric, he wasnt trying to work in any of that when he played the role, hes just trying to play it as pure fear. He has been surprised at the reaction as he didnt see any subtext in the script. Just interesting, maybe we are projecting? Or he’s not being completely honest?
To “Scott” if you think this show sucks so much, why are you even posting here?… Maybe deep inside you know you like it, and you love Magic as most american’s do.
I love the show – have done from the beginning – was a little disappointed that they are changing the story line from the books. Although Bubba is one of my favorite characters in the books I understand that they couldn’t put the storyline into the show. I think that’s why they changed Lafayette’s storyline to replace Bubba’s!
I hate to do this but brad…her name is Pam not Ruth..Pam is one of the best characters in the book and they seem to get her spot on..on the show
I love the show – Sookie is my least favorite character. I am disappointed that they are straying from the books but understand why they can’t do the Bubba character. Perhaps that is why they haven’t killed off Lafayette.