True Blood Sucker Punch: Season 4, Ep. 11

Welcome to Sucker Punch, the only blog post that ranks the gaudiest moments in this week's episode of True Blood.

SPOILERS AHEAD

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I liked several things about "Soul of Fire," but since I want us to leave in a good mood, I'm going to save them until the end. First, I've gotta deliver some tough love...

I hart True Blood, but this entire season has been based on a bogus conflict.

For 11 episodes, we've been watching the Witch-Vampire war, and we've been told the war is important because it could result in vampire extinction. Martonia has been determined to obliterate the fangers, and the vampires have been afraid she could actually do it. Scenes like Jessica's slow crawl to the sun have suggested the vampires are this close to getting wiped out, and we're obviously supposed to be worried about it. By extension, we're also supposed to worry for Sookie. In this episode, when Martonia surrounds her in a burning ring of fire, we're supposed to think that she could die for trying to help the vamps.

But we know it's just a tease. True Blood is a vampire show, and on a vampire show, the vampires are never going to lose. Meanwhile, Sookie is the lead character, so even though she's not a vampire, she's not going to die, either. Therefore, all this witch vs. vampire stuff is just a waste of our time. Instead of getting wrapped up in it and wondering how it will end, I get bored and frustrated, waiting for Marnie's inevitable defeat.

AND SO... I don't give a salty damn when Marnie magically binds Antonia to her spirit, even though Antonia wants to be free. I don't care when Martonia kills a defecting witch, then Jesus and Lafayette use her corpse in a secret spell that releases Antonia for good. I don't care that Marnie loses her power once Antonia is set free, meaning her force field around MoonGoddess goes down, and I don't care that the vampires break in and kill her. I don't care, because there was no other way this was going to end.

I am not saying, however, that I don't care about these individual characters. I still love Lafayette and Jesus, for instance... just not in these predictable circumstances.

And speaking of predictable, it seems like Jesus is going to die next week. Now that he's been a hero and saved everyone from Marnie's wrath, he's arguably ended his journey on the show. I'm guessing that Marnie's spirit (which jumps into Fay Fay's body at the end of this episode) will attack Jesus and that Jesus will finish his hero's voyage by rescuing Lafayette and sacrificing himself. I hope I'm wrong, but again, it seems inevitable. Someone is probably going to die in the season ender, and the show is obviously never going to kill off a character from Season 1. And since the writers have just launched a new storyline for Debbie and Alcide, that leaves Jesus. Again, I hope I'm wrong.

Oh, also? The other big problem with this season, along with the faulty "drama" of Witches vs. Vampires, is the insistence on bringing everyone back to life and/or denying them consequences. I've written at length about this, so I won't harp on it, but let me say this: When Jason gets fried by Martonia's force field, it's incredibly boring to have Jessica run right out and heal him with her blood. Again. It's equally boring to have Marnie inhabit Lafayette's body about one second after she dies. If we know the vampires can't lose and we know that no one ever really dies, then nothing means anything.

Okay, okay. I'm being repetitive. Let's move to Andy's woodsy romp with a faerie, which at least was unpredictable. I have no idea how this story is going to play out, and I'm grateful for that. What if something awesome happens? Fingers crossed!

Similarly, I'm not sure what to make of Jessica and Jason's episode-ending decision to love each other, Hoyt be damned. It took a long time to get to this point, but now that we're here, I'm interested to see what will happen next. Will either of these characters grow into something else as they grow toward each other?

I'm also dying to see what happens next with Alcide, Debbie, and Sam. They all end up at Alcide and Debbie's place, since Marcus is there to put the moves on Debbie and (whoops!) he's also brought his little girl. When Alcide and Sam burst in on Debbie and Marcus, Sam drops some revenge punches on Marcus for killing Tommy and kidnapping the kid, but it's Alcide who goes wild. Suddenly disillusioned by both his pack and his girlfriend, he kills Marcus in a rage. After he does that, eyes blazing, he ritually separates himself from Debbie, hurling horrible phrases like "I will no longer share flesh with you." The acting in this moment is incredible. We can see Alcide's wolf nature tearing free and see Debbie's soul collapse as her worst fear comes true. I've heard rumblings that the werewolves and shifters will be the focus of next season, and I hope they are. Right now, they're the ones with the most interesting stories to tell. They're the ones who are surprising me because the series hasn't trapped them inside a phony conflict.

Oh... and Alcide's nasty break-up with Debbie is totally the Sucker Punch of the Week. Turns out, some things are worse than getting dumped via Post-It.

For more, join me at The Critical Condition.

 

Follow Mark Blankenship on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CritCondition

Comments

[HotheadPaisen]

08:09 AM on 09/09/2011

Ruby Jean warned LaFayette last season-
"They're coming for you boy ... vampires, WITCHES, dogs and cats..."
What I wouldn't give to see HER riding in as the calvary to save him in the finale!
LOVE Alfre!

[Lisa Wolford Wylam]

07:30 PM on 09/08/2011

On the question of who's likely to die in next week's episode [POSSIBLE SPOILERS]
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In the book on which this season is based, Debbie tries to kill Sookie and Sookie shoots her in self-defense. It's a major plot turn and the consequences are important in later novels. I think episode 11 sets up good context for the Sookie/Debbie confrontation, though I don't know that anyone could call Debbie a "beloved character."

Hard to predict what will happen with characters that are entirely AB's creation like Jesus. In the novels Luna Garza dies tragically, but that doesn't seem like what that storyline is setting up.

[RationalDem]

05:36 AM on 09/08/2011

I have a sneaking suspicion that Andy's pinky promise with new fairy lady will have consequences.

TB has been promosing that a beloved character will die in the finale. To me that doesn't mean Jesus (although I'm sure he'll die exactly as you suggest), but maybe Lafayette too?

If TB really wanted to shake things up they would off Jessica, just when we think she's safe. But instead it'll probably be Nan.

[hollyglightly123]

11:57 PM on 09/07/2011

While I agree that the predictability is really boring, I wonder how they could create the necessary tension and violence (since it IS a show about vampires) while also saving the very much loved main characters. I too want to be surprised, shocked. But how? Aside from vamp on vamp violence, which can really take us to the edge (like a main vamp being tortured by a more powerful vamp), what can be done? I'm tired of the humans being so easily preyed upon (Tara's rape, Lafayette's torture).

I liked this season's suggestion that maybe the vamps could be vulnerable, since they seem so invincible. The necromancy thing was good and I liked that Eric and Pam were subjected to spells. But in the end, each non-vamp bad guy has perished (the maenad, the witches, the V-addicted weres). I don't know. I want to actually be concerned for once but I don't know how they create that angst for the viewers while still keeping the favored main characters.

[alicetilden]

10:26 PM on 09/07/2011

I completely agree with you, Mark. I have read all of the books. The book this season was based on was far better than the show this time. Usually, I just think of the books and the show as two different versions of the same story and love them equally. I love that Lafayette wasn't killed at the end of the first season as he was in the books and that Tara's part is much larger on the show than the small walk-ons she gets in the books. These are things I like better in the show. That said, I feel that this season would have been much better if it had followed the book a little more. For instance, the weres fought alongside the vampires against the witches in the book even though they hated each other. That battle was more exciting. Also, in the book, Eric does not find out what happened between him and Sookie until a book or 2 later, making for some fun scenes. This episode seemed to drag to me. I wanted it to move faster and with more action. I don't usually refer to the books here to keep from spoiling the story for others, but this was so different that it doesn't matter. I'll keep watching the show until it ends and I hope that is a long time away, but I think that sometimes Ball would do better to follow some of the storylines that made the books so popular.

[dashamarie]

04:45 PM on 09/07/2011

Wait! Has no one pointed out the fantastic scene where Eric rips the heart out of the male witch and then uses the aorta as a straw to suck it dry?! The sound effects were great! That's the true Eric, back to himself. And I loved Bill's look when Eric returned to his side. Kind of like "well, okay, that works".

[Lee Erickson]

02:04 PM on 09/09/2011

Yeah, that was a great moment, and made me realize how much I missed "Old Eric". Also loved how he tossed the heart aside like an apple core afterwards too.

[liberal leaning]

12:26 PM on 09/07/2011

Mark I agree with you whole sumation, however I will not stick around for season five, this show has become stale, and I no longer care what happens to the charaters. Oh, and yes I think it will be Jesus who will die in the finale.

[slimguru]

12:16 PM on 09/07/2011

Agreed: the lack of suspense has been a real buzz kill; for a twisted show about vampires and lust to become formulaic and predictable is just wrong. This entire season hasn't had the frisson of just one episode with Russell Edgington's inspired madness. And while her acting is good, can't stand the constipated look on Marnie's face. The stupefied Eric bored me (that big Viking is meant to be nasty, in the best possible way). And Sookie is just phoning it in.

And did I miss the explanation of why Pam's face quit rotting off? Might've fallen asleep during that...

[HotheadPaisen]

08:12 AM on 09/09/2011

Yeah- I didn't know if Sookie had unknowingly broken that spell when she broke Erics...it's possible since they have that 'maker' bond, But I wondered the same thing.

[dashamarie]

10:33 AM on 09/12/2011

Pam has been taking injections prescribed by Dr. Ludwig to stop the rotting.

[MoeB]

11:31 AM on 09/07/2011

Wow...I actually thought the episode was GREAT. One of my favorites this season...as with ANY show, the main characters tend to LIVE. They face obstacles, and the fun is watching them overcome them, or succumb to them.

I knew with the introduction of the witches to the show, that they wouldn't conqueor the vamps...as you said, the show is based around them. We've spent 4 seasons getting to know these characters, so I'm not sure why you're ready for them to die off. Maybe that should be reserved for the final season?

I worried for Sookie when she was surrounded by fire...NOT because I thought she would die, but because I was worried at HOW she would escape. The show may be predicatable to you, but I didn't know that it would be Jesus who would reverse the binding spell...I didn't know that Marnie would even CAST a binding spell on Antonia. I didn't know that LaLa would have Marnie's spirit inhabit his body. I didn't know that Jason would act heroically to not only try and save Sookie, but the vampires as well. I didn't know that Sookie's powers could also break ANY witch spell. I didn't know a faerie would come and make love to Andy. I didn't know Eric would react so viciously to Pam's idiotic decision to blow up the MoonGoddess...but maybe it's just me. lol

[catcrazee]

12:43 AM on 09/08/2011

I enjoyed it too...my sig other is on the same page as Mark. Oh well. However, my "sucker punch" was the True Blood version of the Bottom and Titania love scene in the woods, from Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream", when Andie and the faery create their bond.

[MoeB]

12:23 PM on 09/08/2011

Ah! I didn't even make that connection! THanks for that.

[Deborah Beck]

11:16 AM on 09/07/2011

I tend to follow the thought that whether or not the end is inevitable I like to follow the journey. I admit that your harsh criticism of TB's primary plotline has me wondering just how YOU would write the season? Invevitable ending or not and I'm certain that the writers understand the fans knew this the question is whether or not it's been a fun journey and did the journey take you where you didn't expect to go?

[yellowdogdemocratic]

10:05 AM on 09/07/2011

I thought the same thing at the end of this episode - Jesus is a goner in the finale. I really hope that doesn't happen. He's one of my favorite characters this season. I actually got nervous for this first time this season when Jesus was working his spell against Marnie. I still think his magic family is very interesting.

I don't think Jason and Jessica make a good couple. The writers should have left their relationship the way it was in the previous episode. Having them regret their trist and then insult each other was a more realistic ending to their relationship.

[HotheadPaisen]

08:18 AM on 09/09/2011

Agree about Jason and Jess. I suppose we can't completely blame Jason with her repeatedly giving him her blood, but they both know she dumped Hoyt because she didn't want a human boyfriend. Why would it be any different with Jason? I would have liked to see the writers take her in the opposite dirrection- dumped by Hoyt AND Jason, she could have turned into a viscious little monster, indeed. It's a vampire show- we need SOME of them to be monsters...

[bokiluis]

09:21 AM on 09/07/2011

Pt.2/posted as Pt. 1:

I was happy for Andy as an actor because I am sure he never expected to be given such a chance to stretch. But where is this going?
At least Tara is getting back in form, for now. Hate to see Jesus gone Mark. I hope that is not the case but your theory seems quite plausible. I remember reading an interview with Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette) about him not being too thrilled that Laffie would be tied down in a relationship......he feels that Laffie should be a free spirit. A gay version of Jason's boytoy persona.
All in all, the season ended much too fast.....but I enjoyed it.

[bokiluis]

09:20 AM on 09/07/2011

First of all, bravo to Alcide for a truly magnificent acting job upon discovering Debbie and Marcus' betrayal. It is the stuff of which Emmys are made of. But where does his role go? Besides being one of the many super hot guys on the series, his biggest storyline has been broken and he cannot possible become still yet another one of Sookie's suitors. I am glad to see I am not the only one more than over Sookie and her sort of one dimensional performance.
When Bill looks back at Sookie before the aborted dual, I was instantly reminded why I remain a big fan of his dark, brooding sexuality and vulnerability. (Though the love scenes with Eric were quite lovely and believable, Bill is my choice over Eric anyday). How long will it be drawn out that Sookie must decide what to do when two hot hunks are in love with you and she reciprocates the love in kind? (I could be so lucky).
Sam has been excellent in his scenes as well, just slightly upstaged by Alcide but not really......Sam Trammel's acting and Alcide's (don't remember his real name) performance are two of the season's best.
Just when you thought it was safe, darn Marnie invades Laffie's soul. Oh please gods from above, make this invasion as quick as the creole lady's ended. But who dies this season?
Who knew that Sheriff Andy would get a believable sex scene?

[libwingoflibwing]

10:36 PM on 09/07/2011

Joe Manganiello.

To me this break up with Debbie opens up possibilities of a relationship with Sookie. Alcide has always had a soft spot for Sookie, but he had this sense of loyalty to Debbie or maybe loyalty to his earlier love for her that kept him honor bound to only be the platonic defender of Sookie. Now that is over. But what isn't over is that Debbie, despite her rejection of all Alcide stands for, still wants him, and will return to her blaming Sookie.

I think Sookie might distance herself from Eric and Bill after their viciousness in taking down Marnie and her one loyal follower, especially Eric's ruthless taking of a living heart. So she is open for a new relationship and I think she wants someone who isn't a vamp this time, some one who deeply cares for her. Sam is out of the picture with Luna. But Alcide is ready.

I'm hoping season five isn't a total departure from book five and without saying any more that would mean more emphasis on the wolves.

[yellowdogdemocratic]

10:05 AM on 09/08/2011

The scene with Eric sucking on the heart ventrical was so gross.

[dashamarie]

01:09 PM on 09/08/2011

Eric ripped a heart out when Marnie and Bill and their respective posses met in the woods. And Sookie still loved him. I think Sookie has been hurt and scared enough by Marnie that she will overlook the violence against Marnie. I really think the hardening of Sookie toward violence is a big part of the character's evolution. I am watching Season 1 again with a friend and early on Sookie tells Bill that they shouldn't see each other any more becasue of the danger she has been in since she met him. Now the violence is almost commonplace and she is sticking up for herself and others in ways she would not have before.

Also, did you see the look Sookie gave Bill and Eric after they had glamoured everyone in Moongoddess? They have both now shown that they would die for her and I think she is more torn than ever between the two of them.

[RationalDem]

05:41 AM on 09/08/2011

Marcus's death sets up a struggle for a new packmaster, and Debbie's one-way ticket to crazy town.

I think that Sookie and Alcide may make a go of dating, but it won't last. Eric needs some competition. Bill? Who's Bill?

[purpleandpumps]

08:11 AM on 09/07/2011

I think I might be at the point where I enjoy this commentary more than the show . . . but I still 'like' the show. Lafayette really makes it for me! He has had really good story lines this season, his character seems to have really expanded and showed different sides of him as an actor. I am really sick of the Bill-Sookie-Eric thing. It's getting boring now. But I am excited to see what will happen with the wolves and Sam. That should make for sme interesting television.

[RationalDem]

05:44 AM on 09/08/2011

One of the challenges of keeping Lafayette on the show after S1 is that they have to find him storylines that (hopefully) mesh with the main plot. Same with Jessica. And Alan Ball has to find ways to make Bill's character relevant since he really isn't front and center in the books after Book 3. Hence the stupid forced triangle. It's my least favorite thing on the show. Bill's had Sookie for 3 seasons, it's time to move on or the show WILL become stale.

[MadZelda]

07:39 AM on 09/07/2011

I guess this is what happens when you build a show around immortality/life/death and that interplay and then can't kill anyone substantial. I am kind of amazed that I still watch this show...I guess it's like a sugar fix of glam, glitter, and the grotesque. I was laughing most of the time during the recent episode. It seems much of True Blood has become a self conscious joke on itself.

For anyone wanting truly awesome sucker punches...3 words...Game of Thrones.

[yellowdogdemocratic]

09:58 AM on 09/07/2011

I still can't bring myself to watch the season finale of Game of Thrones, even though I want to watch it. I was so shocked that they went ahead with the execution of Ned Stark in the episode before the last one. I'm afraid of what they'll do to other characters on the show that I like. That show is merciless on good characters!

[libwingoflibwing]

10:38 PM on 09/07/2011

Watch it. It's fantastic.

[catcrazee]

12:45 AM on 09/08/2011

You MUST watch it. It is amazing.

[P Murphy]

07:58 AM on 09/08/2011

Absolutely! I have not been able to get the same pleasure out of TB since I watched Game of Thrones. Oh my God, what a show! I could watch a whole year of just GOT, Mad Men and The Hour (started this season on BBC).

[libwingoflibwing]

07:55 PM on 09/08/2011

I adore Peter Dinklage. He should get an emmy.