The truly grand finale of True Blood managed to tie up various subplots, pry open new ones, and cram a vast array of moods, jokes, horrors, and surprises into one hour. Beginning with Maryann wearing the white wedding dress of Sookie’s grandmother and ending with Sookie in a purple gown given to her by Bill (with a choice shot of Lafayette in drag as well), True Blood made good on most of the stories it told this season.
SPOILER ALERT! DON’T READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW THE DETAILS OF TRUE BLOOD‘S SEASON FINALE.
The cliffhanger egg from two weeks ago was an ostrich egg, a fertility symbol, that completed what Andy would later refer to as the “giant statue of meat” that Maryann had built on Sookie’s lawn. Sam, as many of you thought, was indeed meant to be sacrificed (“the perfect wedding gift”) to Maryann’s god, Dionysus, who was to take the form of a white bull.
Instead of a white wedding, however, Maryann got her black heart gored and pulled out of her by a shape-shifted Sam. I was sorry to see Michelle Forbes go, but what a great performance she gave: her Maryann was scary, funny, and creepy, and the actress was able to go over-the-top and pull her performance back to human-scale. Her character’s death closed out the first half-hour with such finality (“It’s all over now,” said Sookie as Maryann lay in a heap and the townspeople came to their senses) that I thought, “Where do we go from here?”
Turns out, the last half of this True Blood became a beautifully ominous mood-piece. I suspect there might be one character some of you didn’t get enough of this night: Eric was relegated to one significant but early scene, playing Yahtzee with Sophie-Ann. When viewed in the same frame, Alexander Skarsgard’s sly subtlety only made Evan Rachel Wood’s archness seem more like over-acting, and the Yahtzee jokes (“We play to five million”) were strained this time around. Oh, well: More Eric next season, right?
As it was, writer Alexander Woo had his hands full mopping up the aftermath of Maryann’s mess in Bon Temps. Andy got his badge back, Eggs was compelled by guilt to own up to what he’d done under Maryann’s spell and paid for it with his life (Jason may have pulled the trigger, but Eggs in effect committed suicide, achieving the death he wanted), and Tara was left once again alone and in misery. Sam sought the truth about his real parents. And, oh yes: Woo worked a cameo of True Blood book author Charlaine Harris into a bar scene.
I must admit that at first I was bored by the scenes between Hoyt and his mother, but that proved to be a set-up for one of the night’s best moments: the sight of Jessica, set loose and hungry at a truck stop, feeding on a horny trucker to the strains of honky-tonk music by Buddy and Julie Miller.
Our next music cue was none other than the fine Southern boy Jerry Lee Lewis providing the dance soundtrack to Bill and Sookie’s date night. When Bill proposed to Sookie with only a few minutes to go, we kinda knew this was not going to be a fairy-tale ending, didn’t we? The shock-shot of Bill being garroted just as Sookie ran into the room saying, “Yes, Bill Compton!” was a fine way to leave us, and Bill, hanging.
It became clear with this finale that True Blood is a great pulp opera. Its initial use of anti-vampire sentiment as a metaphor for homophobia has combined with Alan Ball’s other ambitions: to take a cold, hard stare at romance; to show how you can make an audience catch its breath between laughter and violence; and to offer a much-needed critique of the entire pop-culture vampire craze, without being self-conscious or coy.
Did you watch? What did you think of the True Blood finale? Who do you think has, er, swept Bill off his feet?
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It seemed really slow after MaryAnn died… But the comment about Jason’s pants were great… It just seemed to slow down ALOT after the whole bull scene. I am interested in seeing who Sam’s real family is next season… and more Eric!!!
Ding Dong the Witch is dead. Rub your eyes. Get out of Bed. This is the first episode I’ve enjoyed her character. Her Acting was great but thank heaven she’s not coming back!
i totally agree. i love true blood, but i thought the whole thing was a little predictable, but don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t terrible.
also, i would have loved more eric
Wasn’t the comment about Sam’s pants, not Jason’s? It was between the two brunette chicks in the bar, where the one said, “I’d wear him like a scrunchie!” and the other one (Charlaine Harris) laughed.
Charlain Harris was not one of those two chicks that were talking about Sams pants. She was sitting at the bar when it first opened on the bar scene.
I thought it was a great episode!
I didn’t like the finale and overall i think this season was not better than the first. I’m not psyched about the next season.
What a disappointment. But I must say, Sookies grandma must have been hot if her wedding dress looked so good on Maryanne. Plus Bill look ed like “Stuart”.
Still prefer last season to this one, but seeing Maryann kick it was so wrong and awesome at the same time! Can’t wait for next season as book 3 is my favorite. Alcide!
I agree. Last season rocked and this one feels cartoony.
Season 1 was much better, though Eric’s newfound hotness made for a great summer…Season 2 finale was BORING!! I wonder who was choking Bill–Can Eric hold silver like that and not be burned himself?
AD – The “choker” was wearing black leather gloves so it could have been Eric since the gloves would enable him to hold silver unharmed. My only issue with that is that it’s too easy. Eric promised the queen he’d take care of Bill, and then this happens? I’m thinking they want us to just assume it’s Eric…
I think the “abductor” is Lorena – the hands (even though gloved) looked small and feminine.
Yeah I think the show just wanted us to assume it was Eric. Way too easy. I think it’s Lorena too.
I agree I love club dead i think its going to make for a fantastic season 3 it will definitely top season 2 but, i don’t know if any season will ever top season 1! However they stray so much from the books i’m worried that they are not going to incorporate some of the main elements. Like Bill and sookies relationship because he never proposed in the book so i’m curious to see where they take this.
1707 cdieckmann Edit 2009-09-13 22:11
What the heck?
The first half was great … bur confused about MA saying to Sookie in the house that Sam was her real mate (maybe MA knows something we don’t)… and Sam saying to Bill to not let Sookie see him die … very romantic …
Hints of Sam/Sookie at Merlottes until she got the dress also (OK AB … what are you saying?)
Then, Bill proposes? They fly to Vermont? Why the urgency at that moment … they have only been dating 3 months … he must be very worried about losing her … and, he really had poor timing … the day after the stuff at her house? And, after the Eric pissing match? Maybe he was going to tell her about the queen stuff after the marriage …
And, he is taken? And, she can not go to get him right away because she has to watch the bar for Sam? The only one that could help her would be Eric …
And, Eric, basically saying to the queen that he too was in love with Sookie … interesting that he was saying that and he had yet to taste her blood … and Bill said it after he got her blood … and the Queen knows what she is! Just exactly what is AB saying about how real Bill’s love for Sookie is …
Very Sookie-centric episode … more like the books in tone … except no Eric!
hey you. i rewatched it after i saw you post this on the other site. MA says “It’s fate” so that should at least clear that up.
I agree with you about the whole scene with Eric and the Queen. It does say a lot on who he has fallen for her but I dont know if tit is blood or if its that fact that sha is a fairy. If I still have more love for him. Any ways about the fairy part. I find that AB made Jason to be under Maryann’s spell but if he is truly Sookie’s brother then he is a fairy to, right? haha fairy sorry had to laugh. why could Maryann control Jason and not Sookie?
Yinx-If you run by the books (and w/o giving up details) it’s part basic genetics (you are your parent’s children, you don’t necessarily have all your parent’s natural talents)and part “supernatural genetics”. To grab a line from the world of Sci Fi, let’s just say the Force is not as Strong in Jason…although he’s a lot better guy in the show than in the books…
It was a very sad ending. It will a long time until we find out what happened to Bill. I was happy for Bill and Sookie to get married. They are perfect for easch other and Bill is so sexy! I just hope next season Alan Ball doesn’t follow the books too much, I did not like them. I can’t wait till next season!
I didn’t like the books either! They’re poorly written and too trashy. The show has a great balance of camp and great storytelling. I loved the scene with the Queen and Eric. I can’t wait to see more interaction between Sookie and him. It should be hot.
There would be no true blood without the books. And the legions of faithful fans would disagree with you. I like that AB doesn’t follow the books exactly but AB obviously respects the books and so should you. The world she created is the only reason TB is so good.
And Trashy? There’s more sex in one episode of True blood than in all 9 books. Have you really even read them?
I agree agent227. I’ve read the first 3 books and had trouble digesting most of it. CH takes too much time describing what Sookie is wearing…and I hate it in Sookie’s POV. I do prefer the show and I thank CH for creating a stepping stone for Alan Ball…but if I had to choose, show over book.
I respect your opinion GB and appreciate no bashing like many on these sites. But I’m certainly glad I don’t have to choose. While it wouldn’t be anywhere near Sophie’s Choice (Wanted to kill Will’s wife on Glee for that reference) it would suck.
You say you didn’t like the books? Well, obviously you liked something about them or you wouldn’t have kept reading them. If I pick up a book and don’t like it, then I’m sure not going to finish it or the rest of the series. So, to say you don’t like the books just doesn’t make sense. I thought the season finale was pure greatness!! If season 3 follows book number 3, I’m sad to say that this will be the beginning of the end of Bill and Sookie. Bring on Eric and Sookie!!
I loved the finale! Mixing such a romantic moment with the cliffhanger left my heart jumping in different directions. I’m thankful for the world & characters that CH created, but I hope AB leaves the books even more then he has already. I read the first 3 & couldn’t continue. I also think Eric has something to do with Bill being kidnapped & I thought this when reading the books.
uh. who cares what you do? so you make quick summary judgments of books and refuse to read more? great. whatever. not all of us do that. some of us read to the end unless it is TOTAL crap (esp. if you shelled out money for it), some of us get enthralled with the story even if the writing isn’t that great (yes, i read all of dan browns books), or sometimes a book’s series gets worse the further you read (i’m calling out you, goodkind!) not everyone’s reading habits are the same. not all of us are clones, lisa!
I just find it interesting (from what I’ve come across within friends and all) seems that people who read the books first seem to prefers books over show, but people who first watched the show, then tried to read the books, often can’t digest the books and preferred the show over the books.
I watched the show first, then read the books, and while I disagree on calling the books “trashy”, in fact I think they’re pretty well written, but for me, I thought Alan Ball added a lot more twists and stuff that made the show more interesting than the books. At least for Book 1 & 2, I decided not to read it and skip to Books 3 & 4 instead. Loving book 3 & 4 so far, couldn’t put it down. ESPECIALLY Book 4 ;D
I’m with you Lisa. And luckily there’s more Eric and Sookie to come but Wolves and Tigers and Vampires oh my. Anyone want to help me petition to cast Billy Zane as Quinn.
hooryah for Eric and Sookie! I hope they stick with the books this season. I liked Bill in the first season but he’s gotten bland! I will sign your petition Javabooknut!!!!
No, no, no. Billy Zane is not nearly masculine enough to do Quinn justice.
I wouldn’t have thought of that myself, but that could be a GREAT choice for Quinn! Who do you think should be cast as Alcide? He’s SUCH a big part of the next book!
All he needs is to bulk up a bit. He’s done that for roles and has been hot. The important part is he has the height, the darker skin tone, the Bald and the Charisma!!!
I always pictured Timothy Olyphant as Quin. He is SO hot in the Hitman!
I’ll sign your petition for Billy Zane as Quinn, though I hope they give him color contacts so he actually has the pansy purple eye color that he does in the books.
And I’m hoping they cast someone like Chris Hemsworth (the new Thor), or maybe go a little old school with Johnny Whitworth. I miss me some empire records days
Hemsworth or Whitworth as Alcide*
In the books, Bill was kidnapped by The Kind of Mississippi with the help of Lorena. Eric and Sookie work together to resuce him, that’s how Sookie meets Alcide in the 3rd book.
I can’t wait to see who they cast as Alcide – I love me some werewolf!! And his ex – she’s a nastey one!
That’s right and that is also when Eric and Sookie hook up a little bit after sookie gets beaten up and right before she kills lorena and rescues Bill. Then later when she gets shot, Eric tells her that Bill was sent by the Queen to seduce her.
yes, i can’t wait to see who plays Debbie Pelt.
I love the books and the show! I think Bill is boring too. Can’t wait for season 3. If the same as books Eric is not responsible for kidnapping bill. I can’t wait to see the eric/sookie storyline continue.
I laughed at Jason and Lafyettes, “Bow bitches!” I screamed, “NO SAAAM.” Then flinched when Sam ripped out Maryanns heart. I screamed again when Bill brought out a little black box and screamed a final time when Bill was gooone.
Episode=A Season=A
Give me season 3 now please.
Adios, Eggs!
Hilarious!
LMFAO!
Made my night. seriously.
Why is everyone so happy that Eggs died? He was a good guy when not influence by Maryann.
That hatred has really got to stem from some other stuff, Really.. And what is Tara going to, continue to stay in Sookie’s shadow while all of the men are secretly lusting after Sookie. Really?
I think killing Eggs is probably necessary for Tara’s character development. This is gonna put a major huge dent in her already dented soul. If Eggs hadn’t died, Oh wow I seriously didn’t need to hear more of Eggs going on and on and on about MY HANDS KILLED THOSE PEOPLE!!! (even though it was clearly Maryann who made him do those things)
It’s also gonna be a great development if Tara eventually finds out that Sookie played a part in Eggs’ realization on what he did while he was zombified. Because it resulted in the death of the man she loved, Tara & Sookie’s friendship might be affected. Worse, if she ever finds out JASON is the one who pulled the trigger! Eggs’ death opened a lot of doors for all kinds of interesting development.
Mel, two words- You’re good. Bravo. My eyes are certainly opened for next season. Ciao!
While I missed Eric, I think the finale was very good. I even thought ERW was better this week. I can’t wait for next Summer!
Who is ERW ?
Wait…duh! Evan Rachel Wood.
Only better cause she barely said anything. What a terrible piece of casting that was! She is just so not right for that part. She either doesn’t get the character or doesn’t know how to play it. Could be age, could be experience, could be just not right. Ugg. She’s a good actress, but not here.
I think Bill has been taken by Lorena. She is insane enough to do something like that.She was devastated by Bill’s rebuff and I think she wants revenge.
@ Margaret: Good guess and probably accurate. Remember Lorena told Bill that he shouldn’t have said he never wanted to see her again. The old adage is right – Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned. Since we’ve been through the first 2 books in these 2 season, stands to reason that Season 3 will pick up with plot points from book 3, “Club Dead.”
I actually think Eric was the one who took Bill. Didn’t he tell the Vampire Queen that he would take care of him personally? Plus you know that whoever took him has to be a vampire himself because he was wearing gloves to protect his hands from touching the silver.
TB4ever, this is exactly why I don’t think it was Eric. It would just be too obvious. Like Silkenshadow, I believe that if it wasn’t Lorena, it was most likely someone under Lorena’s orders. I believe that maybe Eric told Lorena something that would get her to resort to kidnapping Bill that way it wasn’t done at his hands personally. After all, he can now sense Sookie’s emotions, and he can’t have Sookie marrying Bill.
You all have good points here about the identity of Bill’s kidnapper. Right off the bat, I was thinking it had to be Lorena, but then I watched the show again and I thought…”Wouldn’t it be just like this show to make it be Eric that abducted Bill? Since they are sooo great at writing Eric as the villain and Bill as this self-sacrificing, angelic, Saint. I really do love the show and the books, but I hate how things are always portrayed like this. And I wouldn’t be at all surprised if they do have Eric behind Bill’s abduction on the show.
I’m with you on that theory even though it’s difficult to figure what twist AB will take on things. Lorena and Eric would know where Bill and Sookie went but kidnapping Bill just isn’t Eric’s style. He’s much too confident in his strength and spoiling for a good fight.
You are absolutely right about Eric’s ego. Nothing would make Eric happier, (besides getting Sookie) than having Bill watch it happen. Sookie & Eric have more interaction next season. Their chemistry is hot like a house afire!
I agree that Eric kidnapping Bill in that manner is just not his style. If he was going to do it, he would not hide it.
I am not convinced it was Lorena either, because she just seemed like such a sad sack. If it is her, then she needs to grow a pair and really end up getting po’d at Bill.
I don’t want to compare to the books (and I have read them all), but it is very, very hard not to when there have been such obvious diversions from the actual personality traits of the characters. The biggest disappointment I had this season was making Bill a wuss and Eric a true bad guy and taking away the teasing banter that had defined Eric and Sookie’s tentative relationship. It would have added a lot of interest to the characters.
yes it’s lorena that has bill… he is doing research for the queen.. and the lorena and the king of ms have him trying to get the info he was getting for the queen
ERIC DID NOT KIDNAP BILL!!! Lorena is behind it. It’s in the books.
It kinda-sorta cannot be Eric… because if they do not do Eric loses his memory season, I will ABSOLUTELY flip out! And you can’t really have that romance and the afteraffects if Eric moves against Bill ‘that’ obviously — although, if it can be hidden so Sookie never finds out, then okay.
well yes she has him.. i’ve read all the books and he ends up making love to her numerous times through out the time she has him..
So Disapointed. I really wanted more Eric and I thought the second half was boring. I thought Bill proposing to Sookie was so lackluster and really desperate. I thought Alan Ball would go deeper into the Eric/Sookie relationship but it seems like he is suck on Sookie being with Bill. All in all I like it but I could have been much better.
i think ab is definitely setting up the whole eric thing bc bill seems more and more secretive and desperate and eric more sympathetic. you might have the right observation, but made a completely wrong analysis.
I completely and totally agree with everything you said here. I was soooo disappointed. Like I’ve been anticipating this show the entire weekend, I rush home from working night shift and immediately play it on my DVR and then I’m like…”That’s it?” Total letdown.
I SO do not agree with you! That date was so great: the dress, the dance (Anna & Stephen so enjoyed themselves in that scene!).. the proposal!!! OMG, WHY did Lorena (I guess that’s her who took Bill, but I wouldn’t be surprised if evil Eric helped the b*tch!) had to ruin this! Sookie was going to run to Bill and say YES!!! Rrrgh! Hate cliffangers! I hope that Sookie will save Bill, and maybe she will be fooled by “nice” Eric for a time, but we all know that she belongs to Bill, her true love!
Great finale!
Well, in the first two books Sookie is pretty much stuck on Bill, although that has the possibility of change for season 3…. And I’m not so sure Sookie’s “true love” is Bill….
Having started with the show and then moved to the books, I can say definitely that Bill from the books IS NOT THE SAME CHARACTER as Bill from the show. That is neither a bad or a good thing. It is just is.
Oops! I meant “It just is.”
So dead on. I’m sick of being spoon fed Bill & Sookie. It’s killed their relationship.
Why is Bill so desperate that he has to propose at the worst possible time? Did we just suffer through a whole season of that Mary Ann mess just to prop Bill up?
So disappointed in this show.
Yeah, that whole scene seemed to be set up for ratings. With all that Sookie had been through lately, I find it hard to believe she would have agreed so quickly to marry him. And why the hell is he pushing it? He must be pretty insecure in the relationship and the potential threat Eric poses, but then again, do you really think Eric would ever allow a wedding to happen?
I just don’t like how Bill dissed Eric all season. He is way below Eric in the vampire hierarchy and really should have been staked or severely punished for his insolence and goading.
To ByteMeBill..I didn’t think Sookie agreed to marry him fast at all. She got mad, sad, cryed, was frustrated and ran to the bathroom, while Bill waited. If that was a quick answer to a proposal, I’d like to know what you think a ‘long’ answer would be. I immediately assumed it was Eric who kidnapped Bill, until reading here that in the books its Lorena and The Kind. And I also agree that it isn’t Eric’s style to do it that way. And I don’t see much chemistry between Sookie and Eric. From him, yes, but it’s more fascination at this point in my opinion. AB has gone away from the books for the show it seems, and is just taking ideas and plot points where he can, but adding and twisting things too to complete his vision. The show is based on the books, not a complete re-enactment. I haven’t read them – this is just what I surmise.
If the show keeps going with its plots of each season being each book that Charlaine Harris as wrote to date,then Bill’s maker has kidnapped him and Sookie gets to go to Club Dead.Werewolves will now be on the show and Eric gets to give Sookie more blood.I also think Bubba shows up now.Are the writers going to put him in the show as who he really is.I think a younger Elvis is called for.Can not wait to see were Alan Ball takes us with Sookie,Bill and of course Eric on HBO,but also wanting for the next book in the Sookie Stackhouse novels.
I noticed that Jason called Andy, “Bubba”. Could they be going another direction rather than having an Elvis impersonator? AB’s said that he didn’t think that would fly too well.
I noticed that, too–although I can’t see Andy doing even half the things Book Bubba does–especially the cat blood
1. AB said no bubba. 2. a young elvis wouldn’t make sense since bubba was made at his death when he was old.
And besides that, Bubba’s entrance in the books was in Book 1, not Book 3.
Didn’t know that AB said that about Bubba. I suppose they would have to get permission to use EP’s likeness in that capacity from Lisa Marie/Priscilla/EP’s estate? Though it has been portrayed in TV before (dunno if authorized) and certainly impersonators abound in TV and movies.
At a DragonCon interview Charlaine Harris conveyed that AB didn’t want to do Bubba b/c he didn’t want it cheapen the show. That an impersonator would be just that – and comic book like. Did not get the impression at all that the decision had to do with auth. from the estate
I’ve missed “Bubba,” too, but, can see where they’d have a problem with Elvis’ estate. Still, it could be done, as long as they never showed his face, maybe rear and low angle shots, and shots of the other characters’ amazement, when they realized who Bubba actually was, and vocal imitations of Elvis are a dime a dozen, so, that could be done, easily, too.
I think instead of Alan sending Bubba on the trip with Sookie and Eric, he might choose to send Pam, although someone will need to watch the bar. Imagine Pam walking in on Sookie and Eric after she was attacked. She could make that a funny scene and we DIDN’T get to see enough Pam this season. Pam could take the place of Bubba in season 3 although she wouldn’t be able to enter without permission like Bubba could because he didn’t turn out right.
I highly doubt Bubba will be written into the series. AB had said in previous interviews he does not feel they could write it plausibly without it coming off like an Elvis impersonator. Sad, but true. Maybe that’s why they let Lafayette live, to fill the void?
I didn’t hear Sam ask Sookie to watch the bar. He was just telling her he was going away for a little bit. Eric may have had something to do with Bill’s kidnapping since he basically told the Queen that he would take care of Bill. But who knows. I hope Hoyt and Jessica are together next season. The ending left a lot of possibilities for next season.
PS If Stephen looked like Bill when he proposed to Sookie in real life —- OMG!!!
Where do they get their money? No one goes to work it seems.
Sam asked Sookie if she “could look after things for a few days.”
If they’ve conned enough people over the centuries–or killed, or invested–then the older vampires should have quite the amount of wealth. -SPOILER-SPOILER- In the books Bill owns a local strip mall, and sells a vampire directory he compiled; but here on TB that would just seem tacky.
I loved Michelle Forbes it was sad seeing her go, but you knew that she would only be in this season. I found Maryann to be the best character this season and the whole sex orgy story was very very very interesting. I tuned in every week just to see what was going to happen. Am excited for Season 3. I just love True Blood
Have to say I thought the finale dragged in some parts, but was still the best TV out there. Bringing Sam’s search for his parents into the mix will be good for next season. I thought the Bill and Sookie scenes were sweet and heartfelt. Bill looked very hot in his suit. I can’t decide if it’s Eric, Lorena, or maybe even Rev. Newlin who took Bill. I do have to agree, not enough Eric.
Alan Ball must have laid that ostrich egg while his head was stuck in the sand. I expected BillStruck AB to do this but thought better of Alexander Woo, Now I’m wondering if Woo and Ball are in a Bill three way. This was so juvenile I am waiting for Bill to sparkle in the sunlight.
Canceling HBO until June then giving True Blood 2 weeks before I cancel forever
Rude much?
Wow, you really are stuck on “how things are done in the books” aren’t you?!? All of you “by the book”ers, don’t you think it would be boring if you already knew exactly how everything will turn out? And, sorry, but your Eric is just creepy on the show.
Nope. I would not be bored in the least. The cast is so great, I would love to see those wonderful stories come to life. However, I do not care if AB follows the stories in the books. Take them to Amsterdam, take em’ to Washington and introduce them to the sparkly ones, send them to Broadway, I don’t care. But I do want Sookie to be independent and able to kick ass, as opposed to screaming for Bill everytime she’s in trouble. I would like to see Bill be ambiguous and mysterious and I would like Eric to be a bad ass with a soft side and to retain his great sense of humor from the books. We have none of that with this show. They’re all one dimensional.
I will give season 3 one or two episodes before I turn it off. If Eric is in anyway responsible for Bill’s kidnapping I’m gone.
I had been a huge booster of this show. Loved the first season. Have turned on many many people to the show. Had parties every Sunday and gathered more and more people together. But the last three episodes were dreadful and if this is an indication of Season 3. I don’t feel like bothering.
I love that he changes some things. But sometimes he goes to far. And I didn’t really start rooting for Eric till at least book 4. Especially book 4. So I think AB’s doing a good job on that front. Having Bill kidnapped instead of returning to Lorena on his own is a little annoying and ruins the tradectory a little too much for me. But will continue to watch. Jessica go back to hoyt!
Totally agree. Don’t get the Eric love. I’m going to miss Bill and Sookie together.
I completely agree. It’s Bill & Sookie for me, now and for always. Eric is just a manipulative being… and even if the curse thing happen, I think Sookie will be fooled by him for a little time, then realized that it’s Bill her true soulmate.
I also can’t wait to dive more into Sookie’s fairie heritage.
I was going to respond here, but Amelia said pretty much everything I wanted to say. I personally love a lot of the changes made from the books to the show…like Jessica and I absolutely adore show Jason and Lafayette, Andy, Terry, and Arlene. But I am sooo tired of seeing Bill constantly glorified and Eric always supposed to the the evil one. Eric is such a complex character and he doesn’t deserve that…neither does Bill for that matter. It’s obvious I’m not and never will be a Bill fan, but at least in the books he has many more facets…more of a vampire and less of a do-gooder. I’m definitely hoping Season 3 will bring more to the table than the Season 2 finale.
Totally agree. Creepy ERIC! :S I really hope the story doesnt follow according to the book. I really hate it if Sookie ends up with Eric. Though Eric is good looking, but still… I feel Sookie is good with Bill. :S
Bravo, Amelia! My thoughts exactly! I wouldn’t want to see the books totally regurgitated on TV, but what I don’t like is the harsh changes in the main characters’ personalities.
I think that people are flipping out unnecessarily — TV and books are different mediums. In the books, CH can tell you how Sookie feels when she finds out about Bill’s betrayal, I think for TV that message is more effective to the audience after seen a proposal — and it also makes the audience wonder, it Bill or is it Bill’s Agenda that brings about the proposal?
yah gay and boring, and you are prolly one of those people that started reading the books after the show aired, and now acting like a book snob. just read the books and doont watch the show. im sure we’ll all be much happier. BOOSH!
Ughh gawd. How many websites must I go to and still see the same lame comment written by the same person:
“Alan Ball must have laid that ostrich egg while his head was stuck in the sand. I expected BillStruck AB to do this but thought better of Alexander Woo, Now I’m wondering if Woo and Ball are in a Bill three way. This was so juvenile I am waiting for Bill to sparkle in the sunlight.
Canceling HBO until June then giving True Blood 2 weeks before I cancel forever”
How about you do yourself and everyone a favor and just cancel HBO right now.
Really. Really? I thnk your the one with your head stuck in the sand. I for one hope that they use MORE MORE MORE Alex next season. He is beyond good looking, and an excelent actor, who uses subtlty making Stephen Moyer’s character look like a bad stage actor. If they continue with the goody goody Bill plotline, they might just loose more vewiers then they think. I am a series fan, and enjoy that they have mixed up the plot line, so we can expect the unexpected. However they need to stop taking the characters that CH created and making them into somthing they are not.
Does that “BOOSH” have anything to do with Frisky Dingo? Because if it does, marry me.
haha
Amen Emmalily89. Perfectly put. If he doesn’t muss bill up it will be for fans and not for the continuity and growth of sookie as a character. That will be a shame.
Emmalily89 – This a quote from Alan Ball’s interview with TV Squad:
“I think a book and a television show are two different mediums. If I were to follow the books, it would be all about Sookie, because Sookie narrates the story, and the other characters would rarely even show up. Jason would come into the bar and hug her in an attempt to make people think he loves his sister so he can pick somebody up. Tara wouldn’t even have existed until this season, and she’d be white. Lafayette would be dead. So all I can say to those people is, it’s based on the books, but it’s not a literal adaptation of the books. I’m doing what I think is the best way to turn that story into a television show. Also, if I just stuck to the books, there would be no surprises. You could go pick up the books anywhere and know exactly what was coming. So personally, I don’t see any benefit of making a carbon copy of the books for TV.”
And speaking about Jessica:
“And again, if we had followed the books, we wouldn’t have that. So the people who love the books, more power to you. You will always have the books. We’re not taking any of that away from you.”
Also, I would like to add that BOTH Stephen and Alex are FANTASTIC actors. In fact when the two of them are on screen together you can practically see the chemistry between them it’s so electric. The scene earlier this season when Bill is shopping for Jessica; One of the best this season. Eric – “You like my new look?” Bill – “Yes, very much.” Great stuff. They bring out the best in each other and frankly I find that they have some of the best chemistry on the show.
@calisto – I so agree with the chemistry between Bill and Eric. It is electric. I love to see them both on the screen.
Also, I have read posts on TB before and I have never seen anyone address that Bill always looks sexier after he has drank from a human. He has really been mainstreaming this season. Drinking True Blood occassionally from Sookie. I am the only one who see’s this? He drank from Sookie before seeing the Queen and he looked d*** good.
JCT – that is a very astute observation. I never noticed before but I think you have a good point! He did look incredibly hot walking in to see the Queen and in Dallas he looked stricken. Good point.
And yeah — There is one character that absolutely proclaims loud and clear that AB has the right about not doing literal translations of the book.
Jason — I LOVE AB’s Jason over CH’s Jason… I think that actor deserves an Emmy on the spot. Come — “I love the smell of nail polish in the morning!”
He’s my favorite translation of a character from a book into real life EVER.
I thought stephen was a good actor last season but this season I actually think the times he seems like the worst actor are the scenes with Eric. Cause Alex is such a nuanced and subtle actor.
I really enjoyed the season finale. I can not wait until next summer. Some of my characters will be introduced for season 3 and I can not wait. So in the mean time I will just read the books and wait to see who AB casts for next season. AB did a great job.
Alan Ball must have laid that ostrich egg while his head was stuck in the sand. I expected BillStruck AB to do this but thought better of Alexander Woo, Now I’m wondering if Woo and Ball are in a Bill three way. This was so juvenile I am waiting for Bill to sparkle in the sunlight.
Canceling HBO till June then giving True Blood 2 weeks before I cancel forever
to jaded
it will be your loss
Forgot to say big KUDOS to everyone on the show for making it such enjoyable TV!
I hope the next season won’t be like the third book, that would be too predictable and boring. Alan Ball, be more original!
Bill is super sexy!!
please, get a brain. why don’t you go watch something else if you dislike what the whole series is based on so much? rose…colored…..glasses.
Bill was sexy this episode. But mostly he’s been a wet blanket. I actually didn’t dislike him till the 3rd book and started to like him again in the last few. But his portrayal has been horrible. I think AS needs to be in some dramatic movies because he is the master of subtle acting. If he can out act people so easily on a campy show I’d love to see what he does in a dramatic piece.
Check out Alex in Generation Kill, he gives a powerful performance. Also, the role he is filming of the remake of Straw Dogs will be very dramatic. The original version with Dustin Hoffman was very disturbing and Alex’s character in the remake has a really violent rape scene, so, he is not going to be playing a lovable, romantic guy, though I hope his new founded hotness has made Hollywood want him cast in a romantic comedy down the road.
Totally agree with Javabooknut’s comment that AS is out acting everyone else on the show. Eric as a character on the show has been so dynamic because of Alex Skarsgard’s acting. If some other actor had been cast in the role of Eric, I doubt there would be as many fans.
Thanks Mimi. I think AS understands how complex Eric is. Which is what everyone so into team eric/bill bs doesn’t. Yes i love Eric in the books but i also love Alicide and Quinn and the confusion bill gives sookie down the road. I love to see her grow. I get frustrated when people say book is dumb and week cause that’s not how she is in the books.
I doubt they’ll be able to use Bubba, due to “copyright” on the personna of that famed character. They’d have to pay rights to use it? Note: the name is NEVER used in the books … More ERic. But more Eric will happen in the future, if the plot follows the book. Patience, ah, patience for more of him. I’m definitely on the Eric camp. Shame we have to wait again…
I thought the first half was excellent, the second half boring. kinda of predictable, except for the Sam story with the parents. It’s obvious it is Eric’s doings at the end with Bill. I still love the show though.
I don’t think it was Eric. Without Eric she wouldn’t be able to find him and why would Eric help her if he took him. Also, if Sookie ever found out Eric had anything to do with Bill’s disappearence, they would be no possibility of a Sookie/Eric relationship and I’m looking forward to seeing how Bill and Sookie act when they are not together.
BOOK SPOILER* BOOK SPOILER* I know it’s still a ways down the road, but I am actually looking forward to getting to see Bill’s relationship with Selah Pumphrey. I think the show will be much more interesting when the Sookie/Bill relationship fizzles.
Well we all KNOW who had Bill grabbed. No, there won’t be any Bubba in the series. Period. Why won’t people accept that they can’t do it because of legal issues with the estate. Poor Jessica. She’s just going to really have a rough time of it going forward, isn’t she. Something I do miss from the books is the development of the friendship between Pam and Sookie. I like how they tied up Maryanne but wish they had done it weeks ago.
We do??
Im sorry but the thing that absolutely ruined the books for me (I am on book
is the whole fricking Bubba thing. I mean come on seriously? Such ridiculous tripe.
It was a cute homage to all the Elvis sightings over the years. And it was never overdone in my opinion. Probably wouldn’t work on the show but I love it in the books.
I loved Bubba. I liked how when he is introduced, he isn’t directly called Elvis. I had to reread the part a few times and I liked that Alan Ball isn’t putting Bubba in the series. With the book, I can sit back and imagine Elvis sitting on Sookie’s porch and just staring off into space.
More Eric, but also more Pam!
Amen!
Might give up on the show soon. The first half was so stupid and cheesy that I was about to turn it off. The second half was just awkward and felt like a reunion special. Once Sookie and Bill left Dallas, this season went to hell in a hand-basket.
i agree. I think it would have been great if they ended after Godris met the sun. The last few episodes after that seemed a bit like a bad soap opera. If they had left it there, i would be waiting breathlessly for the next season, instaed of wondering if they can pull the show back up from the hole they have dug it into.
For me, “I Will Rise Up” when Godric met the sun will be what I consider as the finale of Season 2.
HATED when they were in Dallas. That could have been wrapped up in 2 episodes. It dragged and they made Sookie look like a fool. I think it was sloppily written.
@Timeforyou – I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree then.
Because for me the Dallas episodes were absolutely the best. The scenes between Allan Hyde and Alexander Skarsgard were so powerful and moving. I still cry every time I watch Godric’s death scene and that scene was one of the best I’ve seen Anna Paquin perform in on the show.
And IMHO I think Sookie has often looked like a fool…in Dallas and in Bon Temps as well. Ex: Tara’s escape from Lafayette’s house…I mean really…Sook couldn’t have smacked Lettie Mae with the statue before Tara got away?
I second, I mean forth this! As far as I’m concerned they are still Dallas.
great episode, kind of a book spoiler here, but did anyone else notice a spark between jessica and bill? think they’d set that up instead of bill with andy’s sister? just wonderin’.
ha! I thought that, but didn’t know if I should read too much into it. Now, I’m not so sure. Wouldn’t that be really weird? Although maybe Sookie and Eric could hook up? Just kidding. Sort of.
Jenny? Did you read the books. Jessica didn’t exist in the books, Bill and Portia was actually in book two and they were both using each other and they knew it. Bill to make sookie Jealous for breaking up with him after Dallas and Portia to prove andy innocent.
Eww..no! It was more like a big brother- little sister thing!
or was Bill just in a good mood because of his plans for the evening and just wanted everyone else to be as happy?
Bill has had a romantic relationship with his Maker. Why couldn’t he have one with someone he Made? I don’t think it will happen, but just a thought.
I thought the episode was good. There were so many hilarious one-liners. My favs: “I’m a waitress, what the f**k are you?” “Worship him bitches!” “If a tree falls in the forest, it’s still a tree.” Love it, can’t wait til next summer!
I like how maryann died in the end but thought alan ball drop the ball in the finale. He should had put eric more in the finale. Alan changed the ending to much. lorena is the one who kidnaps bill in book three and i hope the end of the episode. I think alan ball going to make eric out as the bad guy, next season. Make eric behind the bill kidnapping. Which he shouldn’t fans love eric more than bill. The second half of the episode was very lackluster. But i still enjoy it just not as much. Can’t wait for season 3!
Maryanne saying “Oh I’m the sacrifice.” in such an innocent tone had me laughing hysterically.
very cool !loved the cliffhanger.I love Sam’s character ,he’s my fave.I think maybe a new character took Bill.I think Lorena will rescue him and try to put herself back in his unlife.
Highly dissapointed. All the hype, all the talk, all the lead up and it was over just like that? I mean the first half of the show was where the excitement was. And where was Eric?Such a small part in this episode. I feel…cheated really.
“Cheated” is definitely a good word to use here. I feel much the same.
I wish people would PLEASE stop talking about this series as if it does/should follow the books completely. If it doesn’t follow the books, you’re leading non-readers into a red herring. If it does follow the books, you’re SPOILING plot points for people. If you want to talk about the book, please find somewhere else to discuss it. It’s pretty clear that Ball ISN’T following the books completely, but closely enough that a few people on here have probably ruined a good portion of the next season. PLEASE STOP IT. I read the recap and comments to know more about the TV SHOW. If I wanted the books (and future plots) spoiled, I’d read them.
All in all, I think it was a good episode, if a bit surreal and over the top in the first half. The goring scene was really well done, and Wood did a better job this time around; she didn’t seem nearly as overdone. Obviously would have liked to have seen more of Eric, but I’m sure he gets his licks in next season. I’m disinclined to think he’s the one who snatched Bill, both because A) some person already said who grabbed him in the book; thanks! and B) it’d be too obvious after Eric’s promise to the queen. It’s an intriguing cliff-hanger.
I tend to agree with you. I love to come here and see what others thought about the episode but instead wind up spoiled with major plot points from the books. Yes, they might not all come true but its a bit frustrating. I suspect most don’t do it intentionally. They want to discuss this show in addition to the books to compare similarities and highlight the differences. Hopefully some will try in the future to be more considerate but there will always be the type that likes to spoil for the sake of it. Not sure who gets a thrill out of that but there are obviously plenty that do.
I try not to spoil major plot points but it’s just as unfair to us not to have the opportunity to discuss the differences. I respect Linda for seeing that. And to be honest whether it’s a red herring or a spoiler who cares. The truth is I’ve read the whole series twice and rarely know what’s gonna happen next. That’s half the fun. If it’s such a big deal to you I’m sure there’s a comments page only for non book comments only. Let us have our fun too. And I’ll try to not to spoil anything. Cause i do understand where you’re coming from
I agree with you! Discuss the show – NOT THE BOOKS!!!!
I’m with Javabooknut – I’ve read the books, and am still taking shots in the dark about where TB will go next. I think by now we can all agree that the readers are guessing just as much as the tv-only fans!
And there was a serious lack of viking in the finale.
My main issue is the stark alteration of the Eric, Bill, and Sookie’s personalities. I wouldn’t want to books regurgitated, but I really miss some of the Eric and Sookie interactions. I liked how romantic Bill and Sookie were the first season, but could not help but feel they were so forced this season. Eric and Sookie had way more chemistry. I was waiting for him to pop into her head when she was pondering the contrived proposal. That is just so wrong. If she were really to accept it, there would be no Alcide, Quinn, or Eric!
ByteMeBill — you know why the stark alterations of Eric, Bill and Sookie personalities from the book? Because the books are Mystery ROMANCE NOVELS that are targeted to middle aged women and True Blood is a TV SHOW – which reaches across a broad demographic – over age, race, sex and income. If anyone wants to watch a harlequin romance play out, they can easily tune in to any of the major networks during the week for daytime soap operas.
I like that the series is slightly different than the books in that we get to see the 2nd tier book characters have a bigger part of the TV series. Tara, Lafayette, Arlene, Andy and Jason are 2nd tier characters in the books, but have a much bigger role in the TV series. What irritates me is that the TV series mirrors the books in relation to the major book characters of Sookie, Eric and Bill. The only difference is in the TV series St. Bill is getting the Eric’s lines and actions in regards to Sookie in Season 2. Book Bill really doesn’t exist anymore at this point and is a 2nd book 2nd tier character. I don’t buy the argument from people that say we shouldn’t get mad about the TV series matching the book. It really is in regards to the main characters only the male lead actions are reversed.
I agree. It’s the same thing last season when they showed Lafayette painting his nails and then showed the foot falling out of the car with the same color polish. I think they want people to believe it is Eric. Eric can’t be the bad guy both seasons. He took Lafayette is season 2 he can’t take Bill too. That’s too much.
The “slowness” was just to torture us hoping for more Eric as we watched the hour dissolve away. AB knows perfectly well that the double sexy tension about Bill v. Eric is what keeps us watching! Sookie wants it all—so do we. And now we wait long enough for a woman to have a baby. Agony.
The first half hour kept my interest-the egg laid an egg and so did most of the rest. I can’t believe no one thought this ending where Bill proposed was anything but crap. Sorry….the books carry it better. I thought when Sookie went into the restroom to compose herself she would realise that she really didn’t know enough about their relationship and herself to commit. Is their real life effecting the story line? I was really disappointed in the ending. Bill had to be taken-the next book is Sookie looking/saving him. Wish I could act and get a job on TB….how many minutes do the actors have in front of the camera? Also think that Eric, who I think is a fantastic actor, should have much more play time-great lines and delivered with such panache.
BOOK SPOILER ALERT! DON’T READ IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW!!!
Except I don’t know how Alcide will work into next season now. The tension in book 3 is that she believe Bill left her willingly and is torn when she’s attracted to alcide. She goes after bill because she loves him but is torn because he left her without a goodbye.
@Javabooknut- I just wanted to say that I’ve found all of yours posts thus far to be insightful, balanced, and eloquently written. And once again, you’ve hit upon a very interesting question. A large part of the next book (and something I think many fans probably were looking forward to) is the sexual tension between Alcide and Sookie. I’m wondering how they’ll fit that in with Sookie looking for her “fiance” and not for the boyfriend that was kidnapped on his way home to break up with her.
Thank you for the complement Pam’s Girl. And great point. That’s what i was thinking. Also for you I’m hoping for some Pam time too. She’s such a cool character in the books and i think she was well cast. Can’t wait for Olivia. If that’s one of the things AB moves up More power.
Just a quick note on future casting….am I the only one who thinks the actor who played Stan, the hot sexy Dallas vampire, would have been perfect for Alcide? I can’t really think of anyone else playing him, so, looking forward to that casting. Also agree with the choice of Billy Zane for Quinn, as long as he stays bald, and bulks up even more .
I couldn’t help but wonder some of the same things you’ve questions, as well as wishing for more Eric. Two weeks between episodes, a season of being devoted to this show, knowing we’ll have months and months before the next season begins…and we only get like 5 minutes of Eric.