August 16th, 2010
01:05 PM ET
Everything’s broken on ‘True Blood’Editor’s Note: This post contains spoilers for the Sunday, August 15 episode of HBO’s “True Blood.” Breaking news! Everyone on this show is a total train wreck, but you already knew that, didn’t you? Let’s get to it. Eric and Pam were thwarted in their attempt to flee Shreveport when Eric was taken into custody and questioned about the Magister’s disappearance. He told his tale of woe to resident ball buster Nan Flanagan and the Authority – a mysterious panel of unseen vamps present via webcam. I spent the majority of this scene trying to figure out if Pam was wearing fuchsia Uggs. Anyhow, the gist of Eric’s testimony was this: Russell’s terrible.
The Authority later granted Eric permission to do away with Russell, but to do so quietly as to avoid raising any ire toward the pending ratification of the Vampire Rights Amendment. Game on, ladies and gents! Russell, meanwhile, took to flying about with Talbot’s gooey remains in a crystal trifle bowl vowing to seek revenge for his beloved’s demise. Did you swoon? Because I did. What a romantic, that Russell. In Bon Temps, Sookie rehashed her trust issues with Bill for the gazillionth time. Bill claimed that all of the questionable things he’d done were to protect Sookie and Sookie countered by telling him she was perfectly capable of protecting herself, thank you very much. (Yawn. We get it, Sookie. You’re an independent woman.) Moving on - Sookie later received a frantic phone call from Hadley, who summoned Sookie to confess that she told Queen Sophie-Anne all about Sookie’s telepathic abilities and that her actions were to blame for Russell’s unwanted attention. We also found out that Hadley’s little boy was a telepath, much to her horror. Hadley fled with the child once her suspicions were confirmed and refused to tell Sookie where she was headed. It also seems, much to my great dismay, that the corny alternate universe from Sookie’s near-death experience a while back was not a one-time affair. Bill visited the bizarro Bon Temps cemetery in something akin to a dream (since when can vampires dream?) and encountered Claudine. We were led to assume she told Bill the truth about Sookie. Whatever. Between the gauzy costumes and Vaseline-smeared “look” of these scenes, my eye-rolling muscles were working overtime. If there’s one advantage to the influx of new characters this season, it’s that we’re seeing less of Sookie. Sorry Sookie enthusiasts, but she has been tap-dancing on my last nerve since the middle of season two. Call me when she uses her telepathic gifts to save a basket of kittens from an oncoming freight train and maybe then I’ll reconsider my stance. I’m over the big mystery surrounding Sookie, and the Norris Clan too, for that matter. I’ve grown weary of the stilted conversations and excruciating exchange of pained glances. If I wanted that I’d watch reruns of “The Hills.” Get on with it already! In “Couples We Don’t See Enough Of” news, Hoyt confessed to Jessica that he hates his new girlfriend Summer. (Ugh; he’s not the only one.) Why can’t those two just work it out? I sure hope their inevitable reconciliation doesn’t happen until the finale because I love them together and can’t get enough of their “twoo wuv.” The only two characters who didn’t appear to be wrapped up in some terrible personal dramz were Lafayette and Jesus, who continued to marinate in the glow of their rekindled romance. Along with the terrific Alfre Woodard guest starring as Lafayette’s mother Ruby Jean, these three have been woefully underused this season. I’m crossing my fingers that whatever happens to them during the remainder of the season is a setup for a bigger piece of the plotline pie in season four. As usual, the best was saved for last. A fragile Tara, who took steps towards healing by attending a rape survivor’s support group earlier in the episode, became even more frazzled when her presumed-dead tormentor Franklin (!!!) made a brief but still totally creepy appearance. Unfortunately for those of us on Team Franklin, he met his end after being staked in a most-nontraditional fashion thanks to Jason. So, to those of you who theorized that we’d not yet seen the end of Franklin, congratulations! Each one of you gets a virtual gold star. Finally, Russell validated Eric’s earlier charges against him when he outed himself as a total wackadoo during a televised takeover of news network TBBN. His inspired, bloody rant against the human race was perfectly timed, as it interrupted pro-human Nan, who was waist-deep in the company of a comely young woman. So much for that "True Blood only" nonsense, eh Nan? Just when I think this show has lost me, I get sucked right back in with a spine-tingling final few minutes. What did you think of last night’s episode?
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I believe Sookie and Bill have both had their personalities changed by the major exchange of blood. I think when he attacked Sookie he has a little bit of Sookie in him as well as Sookie has a little bit of Bill maybe that's why Bill got to see the fairy land. Sookie and Alcide definitely hot, just when I thought Eric and Jason were hot they bring Alcide in wow! Woof! ...Jesus, I believe knows about Lafayette’s Mom as someone had suggested and Lafayette does have probably some witchcraft or voodoo. As far as Tara I think she rocks. She is a strong woman who fights back whereas Sookie is still trying to play "the poor me I don't know what I am yet” Jason’s character makes him so dumb it's almost too silly. Sam is getting himself into a position and I think his Mom and Jason's new girlfriends Dad are linked somehow. Sam's mother is scary to me and we will see her evil side and her husband. I bet. I love the show and wish they have more episodes per season. I haven't read any novels so all my comments are guesses. I think the entire cast is great together.
Say what you want about Sookie and her sickly sweet disposition and desire to be seen as a strong woman... (finger down throat) No Sookie no TrueBlood! Her character is the reason we have the show (Thank goodness!) I did enjoy it when Bill nearly killed her. I take it all instride however I so wish we could have kept Franklin. Not to torment poor Tara but just cause. He was awesome in The Tudors and I loved his character in this. The only bad thing i can say about the show is that it is only on once a week and only for an hour.
So how much time is supposed to have passed between the end of Season 1 and now? It seems to me that there has been more than a month or two since Sookie killed Rene. And Arlene thinks the baby she is carrying is his, not Terry's. It seems to me that she should be showing more, at least a small baby bump if it's Rene's. I mean, look at Arlene, she's skinny and not showing at all! I'm just sayin'...or am I misreading the timeframe here and it COULD be Rene's baby after all?
I have read the books also and at first I was put off by the differences, and some of them still bug me. But then there are others that are pretty cool. Like Lafayette. I loves me some LaLa (as his mom calls him), he is too fun for words! I like the way his character has been developed.
As for Tara's whining, it is annoying, but put yourself in her shoes for a moment: How would you react if you were in her place? Vampires are terrifying creatures, especially Franklin the nutcase. They can't all be Bill Compton. Or even Eric Northman for that matter.
Russell slays me. He is truly entertaining. I liked Talbot and will miss him. And I love Jessica. She has a blog called BabyVampJessica, which has some pretty fun stuff in it ( "Did you just call me Cheeto?") Check it out. I don't have the URL, but I bet if you Google it you will find it.
We haven't seen the last of Alcide...at least I hope not, he is delicious! I also love Pam. (she called Jessica "Cheeto" on BabyVampJessica)
Okay people. read the books...True blood is getting plain ridiculous. Who is Jesus... he isnt in the books, in the books Sookie isnt "revealed" until later... so am I safe to assume they don't expect this show to last 5 seasons... in that case bring on Quinn if we are running it together.... he is my pick...Lafayette EVEN though he is currently my favorite character..DIES in the first book...ugh. Jessica.. not even in the books...if season 3 is suppose to be based off of book 3 which is club dead... I wish they would have used that story line it's much better than this mess.... more alcide scenes...its just all ridiculous if you ask me. It's really sad, they semi stuck to the story in season 1, they have been getting more and more off course. Annoying
I'm hoping it isn't pessimism towards the show's lifespan so much as they just want to zip through the remaining literature so they can have exclusively TV plotlines, which I would love.
I really love to watch TrueBlood, I'm in Korea~ anyway, I hate Sookie!!! I like Eric !~~~ ♥.♥
Worst recap I've ever read. This isn't even a recap, it's mostly just you whining about how you don't like anything about it.
sadu..
bhikaari...
dats it!!!!!!!
hey....
looooooooooookin 4 more fuuunnn...... 🙂
hii..
wassup!!!!
all cooool ryt
Reading all of the various comments has really added to my enjoyment of the show. I would just like to mention that while Tara has became a whiny little whatever, she was the toughest female on the show when it started so she still has some potential if they use it.
I'd like to see more of Hoyt and Jessica, Darnell and Jesus and more Eric, Pam and Russell! I love Eric and Pam. They are the standouts in my opinion. So interesting.
I am so over Bill and Sookie. Their relationship is even more boring than it is in the books. They just had Alcide pop in for a few shows when he's got real potential. And Tara? Her constant whining is killing me. I was glad that Franklin was killed off so that we'll (hopefully) see less of her in the future. It's obvious she's here to stay so I'm hoping they make her into a kick-ass woman.
...who is Darnell?
In the eighth novel, From Dead to Worse, Sookie meets her great-grandfather, Niall Brigant, who is a powerful fairy prince, and the grandfather of her friends, the fairy twins Claudine and Claude. It is also revealed that Hadley left a young son, Hunter, who is now five. He also possesses telepathic abilities. The origins of the telepathic ability are not clear, although an unrelated character states that it is not a fairy trait.
Sookie IS A FAIRY!!!
That's just wrong!
Loved last night's episode. LOVED Russell's rant at the end. After lamely carrying around The Jello Formerly Known as Talbot, he needed some coolness. Can't wait for Eric to go all medieval on the King! It will be EPIC! 😀
Franklin – James Frain- was the BEST THING ABOUT SEASON 3...it was the only story that brought any real dark humor. what a waste to have killed him off. tsk tsk Alan Ball. speaking of....where did all that dark humor go? I have a feeling TB will be losing bunch of viewers...stories are all too watered down...it' true it is all broken...so sad.
I think, the VIKING will come out very soon..... Love the books and the series..
When I first heard the Sookie books were being made into a TV series I thought "great". Then I saw the series. Ugh! I'm a fan of the books, big time, but I hate the series.
You forgot to mention the new Sheriff. He's hurt. He's tired. He's got a bag full of V in his drawer that they apparently took from the guy out in the woods. Prediction: He's going to take some V to heal himself up, and that's going to cause trouble.
I liked Tara at the mansion when she was trying to get away from Franklin and save Sookie but otherwise I have always found her character annoying. Arlene is annoying as well. I am disappointed in Sookie and Alcide this season. They were definitely not given enough to work with. Also,I can't stand the Hotshot storyline...ugh BLAH! However, I think Russell and Franklin are great (sorry to see you go Franklin!). I love it when Russell says "pumpkin." Bill is back to being a wuss again which is unfortunate because I love Bill and Sookie. They have great chemistry on screen. I also love Eric and Pam. The scenes with them this week were awesome. I don't like the Lafayette and Jesus storyline. I don't know exactly what it is, but it bores me. The Sam storyline is boring me too. I want more Jessica and Hoyt! Lastly, what do you think of the new waitress Holly? I think she has something to do with next season. If this follows the books then we know what happens with Eric don't we? I am so sad its almost over...Alan Ball please make some TB movies for us!
Horrible of me to say, but I was really hoping that Franklin would kill Tara out there by Merlottes. Or if not kill her, then turn her. Like everyone else, I'm tired of her lip quivering cries. I was kind of upset that Jason killed Franklin, but whatever. I'm loving Lafayette and Jesus – I want much more of them. I'm also interested to see what's up with that new freaky looking waitress. Lastly, I don't think anybody is going to kill Russell. I think he's gonna somehow kill himself. I don't know how, but that's what I see happening. Because seriously...who can kill him?! Bill and Sookie – I'm not tired of them yet. They're the center of the story. And now for the weather. TIFFANY! 🙂
Tara needs to be killed off the show, oh wait leave her on her boring whiney all about tara spots give me a chance to go grab a drink.
I love True Blood...and the books are awesome. I think everything will come out nicely with the Hot Shot crew and the whole "what Sookie is question". BILL.....what a wuss. I'm totally on team Eric here. And as for Crystal and Jason, I like seeing Jason as someone who seems to have it together, even if he is in love with a nut case. My thoughts on Franklin..what a great character!! Very sad to see him go...Russel is great too. My jaw dropped open last night when he showed up on the TV and ripped the news casters spine out. Classic! The one character I honestly and truly can't stand is Tara...maybe it's the story line she has been given, but I don't like seeing this broken down girl. It makes me depressed. I'm going to be so sad when the season ends in three more episodes 🙁
Oh please won't someone use one of those wooden bullets on the King? His over the top queeny character and plotline is a great distraction from the main characters. I hope an even older vampire takes Russell out...and soon...I'm very sorry to see Franklin go as he did madness incredibly well – Russell could learn from him....I hope Jason becomes a wolf soon...
WOLF? Don't you mean panther?
another great episode... they just keep coming.. http://www.watch-a-movie.org/tv-shows/watch-true-blood-season-3-episode-9-everything-is-broken/
I do not think Sookie and Bill are boring together at all. Did you all watch the same episodes I did? Bills acting was Emmy worthy. Russells is too of course. The show is always exciting, even when it slows, and I have read all the books many times. They are truly different from one another which I love. This is the best show on tv. Don't take it so seriously. It is fantasy, not reality. It is campy. It is wonderful!! and now the weather Tiffany. lol lol lol
To each his own, but sorry to disillusion your Bill love but you never see professional critiquers rave about Moyer's performance. At beast it is meh. I agree with the articles I've read for three years now that say the secret to True Blood success is not the mains but in its supporting cast. Headed by Skarsgard, Ellis, Woll, Lowe, Bauer and the much underused Bauer van Straten.
I do think there are a lot of story lines to follow this year. I can only imagine that everyone is going to come together in the next few episodes and go after Russell – Although as creepy and weird as he is, I love his over top rant yesterday! I couldn't stop laughing at the ending with "And now for the weather....Tiffany.." I think that Nan will be "taken care of" by Russell at some point. There hasn't been enough Layfette or Jessica – who has really grown on me this season – I love Eric, but like the author not a fan of Sookie or maybe Anna Paquin in this role not sure. Happy to see Franklin gone he was too creepy. There is still too much unknown and I think the new waitress is going to bring a whole new twist. Regardless, I will keep watching and enjoying the nonsense of it all and loving it! Already hating to see the season draw to a close, but will look forward to the next one with equal excitement.
I loved the visual symbolism of Russels two hands at the end of the show when he is on the news talking about the vampire world and the human world, one hand was bloody and the other was clean and as he was talking about the plans for them to coexist his hands were intertwined but as he went further into his rant he pulled them apart and used them to show the vampires dominance. Just thought that was pretty cool.
good catch!
I was sorry to Franklin go. He and Tara had the BEST lines. RIP Franklin. Sick of Arlene and her whining. Hope the Russell and Eric plot move forward. Russell with T's remains was great. I have to agree with some of the others that Sookie is BORING as is her brother/Crystal plot. Don't mind if Bill/Sookie take a back seat for awhile and let the other actors have some glory. Wish Sam would get laid, he's the only one NOT getting some. Hoyt's gfriend is absolutely horrible- I'd say Duct tape is in order! As far as fairy land is concerned, all ya'll need to read the books!
Sounds like you need to read the books, if I remember correctly Claudine doesn't even live in Fairy Land. So far the depiction of much of that story line leaves something to be desired. For example they portrayed the fairies as being afraid of vampires, but in the books they are not. In fact I believe the vampires are pretty much completely enamored with the fairies.
Loved the show – I agree that the Hotshot family and Crystal are so boring – I'm sad that Talbot is gone that Franklin is gone and soon Russell will be gone. Those 3 brought a lot to the show. That fairyland is a bit much though – come'on ! And Bill dressed up in white? walking on water??? We need a reassessment of how the fairyland is going to look in the future, somehow I don't see Sookie's grandfather in that kind of environment.
I agree the Hotshot family is a little boring and the fairyland scene is not intresting at all. It has become the opposite of Mary Ann and almost to predictable. I'm not sure where they are going with this one.
I'm patienly waiting for Eric to have his revenge on Russell. You don't kill the family of the hottest man on the show no matter how good your story line is getting (pinning over Talbort – in the jar) ! What is Sookie? So what she's gotten a little boring this season (if it wasn't for her – there would be no show). And poor Franklin, was it really his fault his freaky butt fell in love (with Tara) ? Give the girl a break, she was terrorized by him. Three (3) episodes left and being a true fan, I won't miss a beat. True Blood ROCKS !
Loved the epi. I agree, "Hotshot" is boring and so is Crystal. I can't believe only 3 more episodes. I love Russell, he's so weird and funny. Sookie and Bill are a little boring but a necessary "evil". Eric, is hot! Jessica and Hoyt should get back together, a fun couple. Sam, what's up? Not that Crystal's dad didn't deserve a ass-kickin'.
Can't wait for next week. More Alcide please, he can protect me anytime.
Great ending to the show last night, love that Russell and his way with words..."and now the weather"! LOL...And his love for the beautiful Talbot, so genuine. Maybe we can still see Talbot in a dream. Please, PULEEEEZZZZZZ don't kill off Russell, he brings life into this show!
Too bad Jason hit Franklin with the wooden bullets, I was sad to see him go. Jason should have taken out whiney, boring Tara. Can't stand her character. Why you ask: she is whiney, complains, is a poor reflection of a Southern African American young woman...and so on and so forth and her acting is not so good either.
Yes, Sookie's character is getting so dull, same converstations season after season. Blah blah blah
Let's give Tara a chance. Herfirst time running away from Russell's plantation was something special. Gave me chills. Talk about an historical reference!
Sometimes, Alan Ball can tend to go a little too gay in situations that don't exactly call for it but in last night's episode, I thought they balanced it perfectly. I am also glad to know that I'm not the only one annoyed by Sookie and Bill's overly dramatized back and forth relationship which is akin to a cross between daytime television and an episode of COPS. I was sad to see Franklin go but I must admit, the thought of Tara's constant whining as an immortal staple on the show made me cringe. I am curious to see how Eric plans to eliminate a 3k year-old queen like Russell, that should be interesting...
He's going to get help from the queen, of course. She's more powerful than Eric, right?
no she isn't remember when he payed her a visit a few episodes ago when told her she may be the queen but he was older and much more powerful
NOT EVERYONE READS THE BOOKS. IF YOU KNOW WHAT SOOKIE IS, POST "SPOILER ALERT" SO PEOPLE WILL SKIP PAST THAT SO AS NOT TO BE SPOILED. YOU PEOPLE ARE THE WORST!
Relax, no one has posted anything that are "spoilers". Sheesh.
Get over it......no one said what she is, can't believe you haven't figured it out yet.
Sorry, but if you haven't figured out what Sookie is yet, just because you haven't read the books, then you're so slow it's going to have to be spelled out for you in giant block letters. You don't have to be a reader of the books to have figured out that mystery by now – you just have to actually listen and watch the show. It's all but been spelled out what Sookie is.
I agree, I am anxiuos to see how Russell gets taken care of, and I'm excited to see what happens to Eric afterwards. But I am unfortunately sick of the whole Crystal/Hotshot plot. I've never blatantly disliked a character before this, but she is plain irritating.
ALSO! I've felt my first inklings of mistrust towards Bill. How could Eric have an unusual interest in Sookie when Bill was the one who introduced them in the first place? Highly suspect, Mr. Compton!
Finally, I am excited to find out more about Holly. I know what the book says, so thank you Dear Readers, no need to try to spoil it for others. But the show stands on it's own so I'm looking forward to seeing what they make of Holly, and Jesus, for that matter!
I thought the episode was great. Overall I am enjoying this season over last year. I am not a big fan of the weird fairlyland, but let;s give it some time to see what developes. Hoyt and Jessica are great and I like that Sam is getting a more interesting . I like the old "this is my Cousin Darryl" Sheriff better. Can't wait to see what Eric has in store for Russell.
Most curious about two things: Does Lafayette really have a power or some kind of untapped ability? What is Sam's new girlfrend. Are the cat people? Snake people? What? I get frustrated with all of the cliff hangers. They only have 3 more episodes and then they will go on hiadous too long again.
I think Lafayette has some sort of power and his mom is not crazy. I think they're keeping her drugged and loopy for a reason. And Jesus is in on it.
Yeah – Lafayette as well as his mother have some sort of gift/power that has been suppressed with drugs, medications and alcohol. Watch out when they get dried out!
Since Russell seems invincible, it will require a concerted effort of many characters to bring him down – or – Sookie will start to manifest incredible powers. Might require the entire vampire league with wolves being exterminated from helicopter by Sara Palin.
My first and only immersion into a TV series so hold off on the "get a life" admonishment. I know.........
I love everything.... What more can I say but keep it coming Alan Ball you are great.
Great episode! I am a fan of the books and love that the show is so different. I'm really interested to hear what Bill learned about Sookie to see if it coincides with the book. Russell's character is awesome! He is a total sicko and flying around and talking to Talbot in that covered candy dish is priceless. I'm sure he will meet an untimely end but who can kill him? He's so fast and so strong. It was good to see Franklin again but I wish we got a little more before he got shot/staked. Also, I wonder if Tara will become obsessed about Jason again (she loved him since she was a little girl) since he was her night in shining armor. Anyway!! Great epi!! Can't wait until next week!!
I thought the king and Franklin were great. Sorry to see Franklin go. I was hoping to see Tara walk down the isle and become Mrs Mott.
I agree that we do not need to visit each storyline and character each week if there is not going to be any progress. Some of the stories are heading to an obvious conclusion.
I was thinking that fairyland was a figment of Sookie's imagination. Bill could not imagine the very same world so I must assume that Fairy World is real. Geez...corny.
I agree, "fairy land" sucks. And who decided Claudine needed to be some English accented 40 yr old chick?? NOT happy with that selection.
Love Hoyt and Jessica! I also enjoyed Pam and Eric's scenes together. They were surprisingly tender. Sookie is a snooze fest. Her storyline right now is almost as boring as the Crystal/Hotshot storyline. Does anyone even care what Sookie is anymore?
I don't give a rat's ass about sookie and bill makes me physically ill.
I was bored with the first part of the show, it did not have the luster of the previous shows, which had me sitting on the edge of my seat.
I thought it was great as usual.
No mention of Sam here. He looks to be headed down a dark path after beating Crystals dad. Also, what are we suppose to think about the V in Andy's desk? Is he doing V? Last thing: does Jesus's tattoo have more meaning? I'm wondering if he's a werejaguar or something.
That was the V Jason planted on Crystal's fiance that Andy said had been entered into evidence.
Interesting idea, Jesus as a werejaguar ... I was thinking he was some kind of a witch or something. I absolutely agree that trio is drastically under covered. Sam is quickly becoming the resident bad-ass and it's awesome. I will be both sad and elated when Erick helps Randal meet the true death. Another great episode. Although I for one think Summer is awesome, "I really want you to taste mah biscuits!". Come On! How many men have wanted a woman to say that to them ... me (that's me raising my hand)!!! That was one of the funniest things I have heard in True Blood period.
oh and sorry for the refrence to a previous episode.
I think he lied to Jason about the V because Jason had a problem with it before.