True Blood Sucker Punch: Episode 11
Welcome to Sucker Punch, the only blog post that ranks the gaudiest moments on this week's episode of True Blood.
(Warning: Spoilers Ahead)
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Okay, look... I know it's hard to be a television writer. You've got character development and plot continuity and about six million other things to think about, and you're usually juggling multiple episodes at once. From that perspective, it's a miracle that any episode of any series is ever any good, which is why I can forgive my favorite shows when they have a bad episode or two.
And I'll definitely have to forgive True Blood for this week's installment, "Frenzy." It's pretty much a disaster.
But let's start with the high points -- except for the Sucker Punch of the Week, of course, which will give us a happy ending. (Ew. Not that kind of happy ending.)
Trapped beneath the flaming rubble of this hour, there are a few lovely exchanges between characters. Lafayette and Sookie's scene on the porch, for instance, lets them connect in a believable, low-key way about their mutual ties to Erik, and the episode gives Nelsan Ellis several other meaty moments. Swinging between sauciness, terror, bravery, and loyalty, he delivers a captivating performance.
But you know who's really captivating in this episode? Tara. In one of my favorite scenes of the whole season, she callously manipulates her mother into letting her out of her handcuffs so she can try to save Eggs from Maryann. She can't blame her cruelty on the buggy black eyes---she's choosing to prod her mother's guilt by saying she'll forgive the old lady for her alcoholism and bad parenting. And then once she's broken her mother's spirit, Tara races into a trap for a man she's known for about two weeks. Hardly worth the suffering, you know?
The whole affair just makes Tara seem small and petty and messed up. But good for Alan Ball for writing such a complex scene. It reminds us that in the present day, Tara's not her mother's victim anymore, and while she's certainly earned some empathy for her crappy childhood, she also has allowed herself to become the kind of adult who makes selfish choices. That creates dense and thoughtful drama.
One more thing: I love that Tara's exorcism is what called Maryann to Bon Temps. It means the Maryann storyline is rooted in the ongoing arc of the show and isn't just an arbitrary "complication" that was grafted on for kicks.
However, this revelation is also where the trouble begins.
Maryann's explanation for why she was summoned -- because Tara and Miss Jeanette unleashed some kind of energy, even though Miss Jeanette wasn't actually a healer -- is vague and unsatisfying. Like, if Maryann believes she has to find a vessel for divine power in order to summon Bacchus, and she's been hunting this vessel for millennia, then how could a phony backwoods priestess get her attention? And if this phony priestess really can release that much energy, then why aren't there church revivals and pagan rituals and, I don't know, intense school plays dredging up the same kind of power? What's mythic and what isn't? And why doesn't Maryann seem to know the difference?
Alan Ball's script does nothing to answer those questions.
And it gets worse. You know the whole thing about Maryann needing to summon Bacchus? I don't really understand it, because that information is part of two confusing speeches that Sophie-Anne (Evan Rachel Wood), the vampire queen, delivers to Bill.
Those speeches are confusing partly because of how they're written, and partly because they are so awkwardly inserted into the story. Sophie-Anne has no dramatic reason to give Bill so much expositional information. She can't gain or lose anything by telling him what she knows, yet she tells him anyway, simply because Ball needs someone to tell the audience what's going on. And when explanatory speeches aren't connected to actions -- when they float randomly out of someone's mouth -- they become much harder to listen to and comprehend.
Which leads me to my larger point about Sophie-Anne: Why is she in this episode? She says several times that she doesn't really care about Bon Temps or Maryann or Sookie or any of it. She just wants to read vintage copies of Vogue and play the original edition of Yahtzee.
In other words, since she has no connection to the high-stakes story we've been following all season, she grinds it to a halt.
And God love Evan Rachel Wood for having to play this role. Since Sophie-Anne has no interest in what's happening around her, Wood has very few acting choices available to her: As written, her scenes only let her play "bored" or "tired" or "sassy." It must be tough to make something interesting out of such superficial writing.
Also, while they're shoving in confusing exposition about Maryann -- she's immortal! she's not immortal! she has to sleep with Bacchus! Bachhus isn't real! -- the Sophie-Anne scenes also drop random bombs about Sookie's cousin being in the Queen's court and Bill apparently knowing about it. What? Huh? Before we toss out new loose ends, can we tie up the twenty or thirty that are already littering the floor?
Sigh. I'm exhausted by this episode. But at least I can savor the great moments mentioned above, plus Sucker Punch candidates like Lafayette tempting Arlene and Terry with a trail of pills, Maryann deflecting a bullet into Carl's head, and a giant egg showing up in Gran's bed.
And then there's the gruesome, awesome sight of Jane Bodehouse chopping off her own finger as an appetizer for the coming god. Talk about finger food! Ha! That little snack reeks of tasteless fun, which is why it's our Sucker Punch of the Week.
But I'm hoping the season-ending Sucker Punch (airing September 13) will be connected to the narrative, you know?
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As we wait breathlessly for this Sunday night, I thought I'd give us all something to enjoy - a "True Blood" music video, with Depeche Mode singing "Corrupt" - enjoy, my fellow fang-fanciers: http://www.hbo.com/trueblood/video.html? ..Eric = meowrr, and then some..! ;) ...
I think not knowing how all these loose ends are going to be tied up is half the fun. Alan Ball is putting a different spin on the show and making it more exciting and different from the books.
truebloodnet.com
Good post.
I prefer the show over the books. I truly enjoy AB’s True Blood - the books were okay. I'm willing to stand by my favorite show and see where it takes me and how the characters develop. Its pure escapism and I'm not going to try to psychoanalyze vampires, shifters, maenads, telepaths.... because it’s all make believe and I just want to sit back and enjoy. (I just don't want them to become humanized - now that would be boring.)
It was a painful episode to watch. It brought back unpleasant memories of Twin Peaks during it's decline-flashes of billiance while treading some very murky water.
Y'no, its also Ok, even when you love a show, to acknowledge that even very good writers can have an off day or, and this can really smart, discover the did not anticipate that yawning plot hole early in a story arc.
But, for once, every post here added to the unique pleasure I get from True Blood. Now if only the actors that can...well, act, could use their best stuff. You can just see the various director's heads dropping knowing that they've gotten the best from a particular cast member, "And their ain't no more", and having to figure that into the tone of an episode as well as, awkward...., asking other actors to dial back their talent.
I am a fan of TB and now its the end of season two and I've just discovered your very interesting comments and analysis. What fun. Thank you for enlightening me. I must read the books because the series always leaves me wanting more. Erik is definately a find and I hope Bill's character adds layers in order to become more interesting. Michelle Forbes is a fine actress but I am tired of that storyline as well. Tara is also getting on my nerves. When the hell did she fall in love with Eggs? Did i miss something? Love the turn Jason is taking with Andy, good comic relief. I was disappointed that the queen was Evan Rachel Wood. She is a very capable actress but i expected older, daunting, mysterious. Perhaps she will reveal herself to be those things. All i know is my husband and i will be there for season 3.
I am a fan of shows like Six Feet Under, Sopranos, and Entourage and I really enjoy a good vampire flick but I think this show..um......sucks. REALLY bad acting and a crappy storyline. Worse than Twilight by a country mile.
Never watched even one episode of any of those shows. To each his own.
I think Tara killing her childhood self, the act of violence, lack of empathy, and even the strength to push through the baggage in her life, if only for a moment, is the reason for it being more powerful than a high school musical, but for all we know Maryanne does this every year and sifts through the psychic calls until she find one that feels right. If I remember correctly she was also sleeping with Sam at the time right? an added bonus to the psychic feel? The queen was excellent I thought. She is very aware of what is going on in Bon Ton. She is looking for something, even if she says she isn't. Her conversation about the taste of the boy is important because Sookie doesn't taste like anyone else. She also has knowledge that would perhaps allow her to know more fully what sookies is, and if sookie has power does anyone else in her family. The queen reacted strongly to the information that Bill only drank from Sookie, which seemed out of place. Eric's desire for Sookie seems also, out of place or too strong. Bill threatened Eric and perhaps we're going to see a war next season. by the way, loved the superman in a suit move. fantastic.
j
I didn't think this was the strongest episode. But here goes:
I didn't mind the Queen. I think she is bored and changes how she acts whenever she feels like it. Today she's a 40s era valley girl playing Yhatzee, tomorrow she might be something else entirely. I thought that last little bit where she told Bill she WAS looking forward to meeting Sookie was the REAL Queen- all the rest is just bored play acting.
Hate it that Lafayette was so stupid to go to the house with Sookie. The only excuse I have is that he still feels guilty over not seeing Tara was in trouble and trying to do something about it earlier. I just don't think they should have gone there, with him being possessed. Sookie being dumb enough to wander back to the house I can understand- its in her character.
Liked seeing a little bit of the old, mean Tara back. She is really selfish, even when not possessed.
The Egg just looked sort of silly to me. Will it be a bird? A baby Maryanne? who knows...
Thought the bits with Sam and Arlene's kids were among the best tonight. PLEASE do not let Erik eat Arlene's kids! I would really have trouble liking him after that...
This whole MaryAnne business has gotten totally out of hand.
What really struck me about this episode was the Jessica and Hoyt scene. It was just so sad. Obviously Hoyt simply doesn't understand that Jessica, as a new vampire, has little to no impulse control, and her losing control in the moment isn't necessarily a reflection of her overall character. Bill is so caught up in everything that's going on that he's not being any sort of father at all to her. She's been practically abandoned by her maker for the moment, has no one there guiding her, showing her the way, showing her how to control herself. But of course Hoyt just doesn't have enough information to understand her situation.
Between this and her perpetual virginity, and of course the main fact that she was turned involuntarily, I feel so bad for her. I hope she doesn't get ignored in the season finale while this God awful Maryanne storyline is wrapped up, and I hope Bill or Sookie or someone is able to intervene with Hoyt. She needs someone to care for her, and Bill doesn't seem to be keen at all in taking responsibility for his "daughter."
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@TheBlackCat --- I agree that the Jessica/Hoyt scene was really sad. It was like watching a regular girlfriend fight with her boyfriend about his mother, only instead yelling at her mother-in-law, Jessica almost killed her.
In general, I love the Jessica/Hoyt relationship because it takes the basics of courtship and adds a supernatural layer to make them even more emotional and electric.
Yup I just hope they touch on this again next episode, I don't want to have to wait until next season to see how this is resolved!
Yes, the scene touched me as well. However, later in the episode when Hoyt's mom was telling him all of that stuff about his dad, I think his eyes were opened about his mom. I'm hoping he'll try to make up with Jessica. But, and here's the thing, we don't know what Jessica did after she cried out and started crying her tears of blood. Bill did say that many new vampires don't make it. I'm hoping she doesn't do something to herself, or worse, turn rogue.
That's what I'm afraid of, as well, marijam..hopefully, Hoyt will be back, now that it's nightfall (and before poor Jess does something that may be irrevocable)...
or turn hoyt...
I read an article interviewing Evan Rachel Wood. In that article she says she wrote and asked Alan Ball ," to keep her in mind" for a part. She is supposed to be 15 years old when she is turned. Having been around several 15 y/o lately, she was spot on as to how they would act as a Queen of the Vampires. She is still 15 even if she has lived 1000 years. I loved where Sookie cold cocked the old man. What is Jessica going to do with her disapointment and rage? Layfayette was brilliant and scary at the end. What is that Egg? Eric's character is growing as Bill's is pulling back. Jason and Bellfleur are going to become the comic relief. What will Sam have to do for Eric's help? What are all of you complaning about!
right on! Could not have said it better!
Even if she was 15 when turned, 1000 years would endow her with some maturity. And if she is so immature why is she queen?
I look at it like this: you are in a sort of suspended animation. There is only so much growing and maturing you can do when your brain was turned at 15 years old. Could you imagine?!?! I would be mortified if I were stuck at 15!
Exactly! Godric was very young when turned and look how he matured. Oh Alan Please please PLEASE let us see more of Godric. We'd love to see him mentoring Eric through the years.
It doesn't make sense then. If the vampire queen was 15 yrs old when she was turned, then she should not only sound like 15 which she does, but look 15 which she doesn't. Bill looks the same, Eric looks the same as when they were turned and Godrick always looked like a youth. It's ridiculous.
Finally watched it last night. I didn't think it was God-awful, although the vampire queen did leave a lot to be desired. The thing I took away most is how observant Sookie is about her surroundings. Whether it's an ashtray or a frying pan, she's like Rambo in using whatever she can find as a weapon! Lafayette is officially my favorite character on television...period...unless Deadwood comes back.
Me too...love Lafayette! I agree about Deadwood. Calamity Jane takes the cake!
Deadwood? Too many cs'n hoopleheads!
My vote for the sucker punch this week would have to be Layfayette going all crazy-eyed. It was definitely a placeholder episode with next week being the payoff, only, next week's episode is the last episode for the season so I know there's going to be a cliff hanger and I'm not sure that I care to find out what happens this time because things are just going to slow and too much was left out from the books concerning the shape shifters.
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