Almost reaching mid series, the fourth episode of True Blood brought with it a whole new world of change. The character dynamics have slowly been changing from the get-go of Season Seven, but it was more than obvious in this episode that there is a new force to be reckoned with, and her name is Sookie Stackhouse. If you've watched the ep (or simply want a spoiler-filled recap) then read below, or alternatively, scroll down for the review of the latest episode.
Short Recap:
After the death of Alcide in 'Fire in the Hole', Sookie calls up Alcide's father, Jackson, to inform him of the news, and he seems notably upset, despite their differences. Meanwhile, Jason telephones Hoyt and also tells him of the death of his mother, at the hands of a vampire. Sookie and gang head over to Andy's/Holly's in order to ask her about where the vampires are keeping the rest of the people. After much encouragement, Sookie manages to get through to Holly and they figure out that the vampires are holding the people at Fangtasia. Whilst all of this is going on, Eric and Pam are travelling on a plane back 'home' to Streveport, Louisana (as Eric reveals) and the two reminisce their time in Louisana.
This prompts several flashbacks sequences related to the founding of 'Fangtasia' which was formerly a video store that the authority forced Eric and Pam to own and run after their little escapade in France. It is revealed that Fangtasia was formed upon the suggestion of Ginger (who also turns up in the episode as a local girl looking for some vampire research) that they turn the store into a nightclub, complete with stripper poles, but that Pam glamoured her into forgetting it was her idea, and stole the idea for herself to impress Eric (who enjoys the story from Pam on the plane).
Back in Louisana, Sam and Jason go to Rosie's house to inform her that Kevin is dead (which was revealed by Holly when Sookie talked to her), and it is clear she has been brainwashed by the rest of the crazy townspeople, but allows them into her house nonetheless. Sookie and her gang go on over to Bill's house, to reveal where Arlene and Nicole are being kept, and Bill says he will round up the troops. Sookie has a stern talking to with Jessica, who is avoiding eating, and Sookie takes a distinct 'IDGAF' attitude and forces her to eat and woman up. Jessica does so, and uses Lafayette as her meal, upon the insistence of her boyfriend. With the troops rallied in the living room of Bill's house (in the form of usual suspects like Violet, Jason, Jessica and beau, Bill, and a few unfamiliar faces).
There is a sudden knock at the door, and none other than Pam and Eric arrive and upon hearing his voice, Sookie runs out and embraces Eric, only to notice he has contracted the HEP-V virus. Sookie tells him about her boyfriend Alcide's death, and Eric is upset to know she carried on dating magical creatures, but she tells him he died this morning, and he realises she is still in mourning and apologises. Eric ropes Willa into coming (although she isn't too happy) and after Eric has an unsuccessful attempt at breaking down a wall, Bill blasts it with one easy punch. Pam insists that she will go instead of Eric, and rat-Sam inspects the place beforehand. Bill and Pam get Nicole and another out, but Arlene has unfortunately been taken upstairs to be fed on.
As Bill waits for an opportune moment to attack, Eric and Sookie barge in the front door and Eric cues to Bill and co. to attack, only for the idiotic townspeople to show up and ruin everything. The vampires manage to defeat the HEP-V bunch (although there are a few human casualties), but Arlene is almost dying and Eric can't save her due to his condition. Arlene begins hallucinating about Terry, and Sookie begs her not to go with him, and fortunately James (Jessica's beau) shows up and feeds Arlene his blood to restore her health.
So, what's our review on this week's episode?:
Having played the damsel in distress far too many times, you might expect that Anna Paquin’s Sookie would be in a state of disarray following the sudden death of her werewolf beau, Alcide, in the previous episode. Instead, Sookie steps up to the plate, by showing everyone in Bon Temps that she means business and nobody can get in her way. ‘Superwoman Sookie’ does her fair share of rallying the troops, choosing a variety of tactics ranging from the sympathetic with Holly, to the downright stern with Jessica; turning her into the matriarchal figure of the episode.
Carrie Preston and Anna Paquin are particularly notable in the episode, with Paquin stealing the scenes she is in. Her dialogue and connections with her co-stars (in particular, the female ones) are on point, and there are some genuinely endearing and moving moments to enjoy. It’s great to see this different side to Sookie, as she and her fellow women show what they can achieve when they battle it out. Rather tragically, Paquin’s character appears to be at her best when the odds are against her, because those are the times when she is able to put it all behind her, muster up the strength and carry on with her missions like none other. This shift in character dynamic has been occurring slowly throughout the season, but it is no more evident in this episode as, rather surprisingly, Sookie seems to be the most competent character, whilst former heavy-weights (such as Eric) lay vulnerable in the shadows.
Of course, you can never truly get rid of the Ex-Sheriff. Skarsgard’s Eric may be gradually wasting away, but he still maintains his suaveness and charismatic aura, whilst putting on a brave face, even though it’s quite clear he is not the man he used to be – made evident in the several flashbacks we are treated to throughout the episode. In the flashback department we finally see the founding of Fangtasia, offsetting the rather heavy storyline developing in the present, by mixing it with the lighthearted return to the former cheap video store that Fangtasia used to be; complete with past Eric, Pam, and none other than Ginger herself.
Bauer Van Straten and Skarsgard are back as the slightly less dynamic duo, as Pam is forced to pick up the slack and unite with old enemies to help rescue the hostages at Fangtasia. Still, there are plenty of Pam/Eric moments to keep audiences interested, as the two play out like they are on a sleepover, reminiscing about old times. It’s particularly haunting to see how things have changed in the hierarchy of vampires, from the thumb of the authority, to the decadent Sheriff and all that glimmers in between; it’s clear that things nowadays are nothing like they used to be for Louisana’s favourite vampires.
With episode four reaching some resolution with certain plot-points, there are plenty of things to look forward to in the next episode. Especially what lies in store for the inhabitants in Louisana.
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