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?
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.