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True Blood Sucker Punch: Episode Two
NOTE: This post contains spoilers.
Welcome to Sucker Punch, the only blog post that ranks the gaudiest moments on this week's episode of True Blood.
Before I get to the latest installment, "Keep This Party Going," let me say that after posting last week's journey through the season opener, I went on vacation. Last night, when I surfed back here to see if anyone had commented on my post, I expected to find five or six responses. Instead, I found forty-nine. That's awesome. I look forward to spending the rest of the season with you guys!
And now back to the important question: When does "Keep This Party Going" go the furthest over the top?
Last week's Sucker Puncher, Maryann Forrester, can almost claim a repeat victory. It's delicious to watch her turn Merlotte's into a writhing almost-orgy, complete with patrons whose eyes turn black as they dance under her spell. You've also got to love a gal who will transform a restaurant owner into a dog. The customer is always right, y'all, and if she says it's time for you to shapeshift, then it's time.
I can't quite give her the prize, though, due to some script holes. For instance, why doesn't Maryann arouse more suspicion when she orders everything off the menu? After what's gone down in Bon Temps, shouldn't the townsfolk be more conscious of strange behavior?
And why-God-why doesn't Sookie do anything after she learns that Maryann's thoughts are both delivered in a male voice and spoken in some crazy ancient language? This is the time to pull Tara aside and say, "Girl, get out. Mercedes McCambridge is doing a voiceover for your hostess at the luxury palace."
But does she do that? No! Instead, Sookie announces in front of the witch lady that she wants Tara to move in. I almost spit out my Fresca when that happened. Doesn't Sookie realize that could put Tara in danger? Is she so wrapped up in her Bill-Jessica-Gran's memory drama that she's lost all sense?
Sigh. Those inconsistencies keep Maryann and all of her subplots from being Sucker Punchable.
Thankfully, this episode also lets Sookie be stupid in an interesting way. Sure, it's a terrible idea to drive Jessica to her family's house, but thanks largely to Anna Paquin's acting, we can sense Sookie's sympathy for a teenager in distress.
And boy, do things get gauche when those two get together! First, how awesome is it that Sookie tells Jessica to change clothes before going to see her family? Jessica's miniskirt is actually a bit longer than Sookie's booty shorts, and Jessica's top reveals much less cleavage.
Later, the show reaches one of its all-time peaks when Jessica threatens to destroy her abusive family. The scene is brilliantly written because it deepens Jessica's character not through dialogue, but through action. When she's holding her father by the throat, we instantly learn about the type of undead girl she has become and the type of soul-dead girl she used to be.
Another nice touch comes when Tara is sussing out Eggs Benedict. It's not particularly gaudy, but when he confesses that he was in prison for drugs, she asks, "Possession or dealing?" That tells you a lot about Tara's life. Rather than being aghast at the thought of drugs, she implies she's created an internal standard for drug-related offenses.
And speaking of drugs... I am once again beholden to my favorite hooker-dealer, Lafayette. For several reasons, he almost, almost gets Sucker Punch honors this week. When he gets shot while trying to escape Fangtasia and still manages a sassy comeback for his assailant? Awesome. When he talks smack to Vampire Pam about being a survivor first and a prostitute last? Awesomer. When he suggests that he could be Eric's bad-ass vampire, if only Eric would turn him? Awesomest. (Bonus points for that scene, by the way, because it lets us enjoy Eric's new haircut and track suit.)
Yet despite Lafayette's strong showing, the Sucker Punch of the week comes from Amanda, the slutty-yet-virginal Christian pop singer who coos the instant classic "Jesus Asked Me Out Today" while performing at the Fellowship of the Sun retreat. I mean, how can you get trashier than that? The song and the singer are both designed to inspire dirty thoughts and then instantly make you feel guilty for having them. That sums up the anti-vamp cult that Jason has fallen into.
And about the cult... could it be more obvious that Sarah "Wife of the Boss" Newlin wants to sharpen Jason's stake, or that Jason's retreat roommate Luke is about to melt with jealousy over Jason's success? I can't wait to see where it all goes. And whatever happens, I hope we get another single from Amanda. I'm anxious to download "Second Date With Jesus (And This Time We Had Beer.)"
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Only two days until episode 3! I just can't wait.
Wasn't the 2nd episode gory and campy and sexy all at the same time? I love it! I couldn't help but thinking that what Sookie was hearing coming out of Maryann's brain was some kind of witchy-woman spell to keep Sookie out of her head! And while I'm speculating, how awesome would it be if BOTH the Newlins want a little piece of Jason?... Looking forward to Sunday with baited breath.
The actress who plays Sookie looks like there's something wrong with her right eye underneath it. She looks like she's wearing make-up to cover up a black eye. Hmmm ???
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Hey Steamboater --- I think Sookie's black eye is from the aftermath of the fight with Renee that closed season one. This season picks up just a few days later.
And can you tell me more about why you think Jason is the hero? I'd call him a major supporting player, but I'd argue that everything in all the narratives ultimately comes back to Sookie.
Sookie couldn't exactly say anything to Marryann; she knows how dangerous she is now and to take Tara aside would have been too risky. Sookie will get Matyann though I'm sure. Why Maryann eats enough to feed an army? She's a goodess and all godesses can eat all day and still remain luscious. What she wants from Shapeshifter though is beyond me.
When Luke first appeared on the scene I thought, uh uh, he's gonna hit on Jason down the line but probably not, and Jason is having second thoughts about this sun cult so like I said last week, he's the hero of this piece and like Jason and the Argonauts, he's our hero and will bring down that cult but not before Sarah goes down on him.
True Blood is a show that doesn't revere anybody, but that's the point of it. It's poking fun at people being so narrow minded.
I read an interview with the guy who plays the character of Lafayette over on the Loving True Blood in Dallas web site and evidently, his father hates his character. Also, somebody made the comment on a you tube vid of one of Lafayette's scenes, that he wasn't impressed with yet another stereotyped gay, sassy man. And another person said ditto for the stereotyped sassy black woman.
With all the hoopla over the latest Transformers movie having two stereotyped robots, it makes me uneasy about my favorite show. Tara and Lafayette make that show, as portrayed by the actor and actress and just wouldn't be the same without them.
I hear the show has been picked up for a third season based on the dvd sales being over 1 million in only 4 weeks time. If I were the actors, I'd be laughing all the way to the bank.
very nice synopsis BUT you really did miss the best scene and/or funniest quote
when jason was brushing his teeth (in only that slung-very-low towel of course) and luke pops his head in the loo saying something about the broken flagpole and jason being some kind of muslim, buffy with a d**k. that brought tears to my eyes
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Rosebush! It's funny, because I laughed at that joke and then didn't remember it when I was writing my recap. AND YET, it's the only joke I've repeated to someone else this week. Clearly, it deserves a mention, so thanks for doing it.
The show is full of great writing and some of the craziest humor. Seeing Bill get after Jessica for not separating the trash in glass and garbage was too much. It was such a low key moment, but a hoot. Then, having Jessica be so annoying - I love that. Didn't we all just know that a ride over to her parent's house would not turn out well? And, Sookie's utter horror when Jessica zapped herself up to the door.
More low key humor was Eric worrying about how Pam was going to be ticked about blood in his hair. I mean first of all, the foil in his hair cracked me up - what self-respecting vampire is going to have his hair foiled? Add to that his discomfort when Lafayette tells him, 'yes', there is blood in his hair. And, Eric sitting in the kitchen while she works on his head trying to salvage the dye job. All that was too much for me.
You're absolutely right about Paquin's acting and pulling off that scene when she realizes her ride over to Jessica's house has turned into a disaster.
I can't wait to see how Bill manages to save the slaughter of an entire family - if he does. And, don't even get me started on the anti-vampire cult and the way it plays off the whole Christian Rock music thing.
So glad I found this blog, Mark. I have to go read your first one, now.
The major theme of the show isn't about vampires; it's about Gays with those bigoted against vampires the real vampires sucking the blood out of society with their intolerance and hatred for anyone they perceive as different. .
I thought Tara said, "Possession or dealing." I don't see a distinction between selling and dealing...
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My bad. She did say, "Possession or dealing." Because of course selling and dealing ARE the same.
I totally agree with you on calling the sucker punch this week. The Christian group was just something else. It describes the hypocrisy that some Christians are showing right now towards s e x: stay pure while dressing and acting like a complete tart. It actually made me feel uncomfortable, especially with all of the guys hooting at them from the audience. I hope Lafayette survives this episode. He's my favorite character.
Best episode by far! Lafayette is crazy. "Make me a vampire" dude is trying to save his life anyway way possible. I am so glad that Tara realizes that something just ain't right with her living arrangements. Good 4 u Tara!
This episode had everything. Comedy, drama, sexiness, and spookiness all rolled into one entertaining episode. I can't wait until next Sunday.
Oh yeah one last thing, Eric is looking HOT with his new look.
Love the recaps. Im a huge fan of the show. I was a major Bill fan last season but that is changing. His interactions with Sookie are lame. He has been around for almost 200 years. Can't they have some more interesting conversations. Also i love that Lafayette is still around. He is my favorite. I wish they would recast Sookie. Can't stand Anna Paquin.
No! They had better not change a thing. I think she's terrific. I like all of the actors and actresses and if they change one thing, the chemistry will be ruined. Lafayette and Tara are my favorites, but I like them all.
i'm not sure i agree that it's a plot hole for sookie to have mentioned her offer to tara in front of maryann. i got the feeling sookie deliberately mentioned it after hearing maryann's thoughts.
Excellent assessment (again), Mark. I feel sorry for poor Jessica, unlucky both in life (and un-death, too), and I probably would have done the same thing Sookie did..trying to help, though, sometimes only makes things worse (and that appears to be what's about to happen, now that Bill's uber-mad at Sookie). And I'll bet my last gyro that was Greek we heard Maryann mentally chanting.. ;) ...
Love your recaps of True Blood. Since the start of season 2, right after each episode ends, I come here to read what you have to say about the episode.
I wonder what latent talent Tara has that that crazy WoMan Maryann is looking to exploit? I don't think she's after Sookie. Shouldn't Maryann know about Sook's telepathy?
That concert was something else... oh, and that song.
Hafta say, I don't get this show at all. When it's not being gross it's just dopey.
My husband, on the other hand, is adicted to it. We are still getting cable only so he can watch it.
Somebody help me....
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