Let's begin with the most important information to come out of the True Blood season finale: Felix, the armadillo, is still well! :)

This properly acknowledged, there was a lot of evil going on. And most of it felt damn good!

Evil goings on #1: Sookie, Bill, Pam, Crispy Eric, Deep-Fried Russell, Talbot in a crystal urn. With cameo appearances by Live Alcide, Brain-dead Ginger, and Phantom Godric. Location: Fangtasia -- the blood-donation, detention, revival, negotiation, garbage disposal, and eye-fucking central.

Sookie wakes up from the blood-loss-induced dream in which she almost boarded that Great Chandelier in the Sky to her Fairy Motherland. It's a rude awakening: Staring down at her is a very concerned-looking Bill. Sookie doesn't scream this time (though I certainly did), but instead wipes the remnants of yet another dose of Bill-infusion from her mouth and proceeds to smack his concerned-looking face. Atta girl!

Bill's objection to corporal punishment Sookie dismisses with "douche, you lied to me again!" Bill counters with his perpetual "for your own good" and "saved you." (He really ought to look into getting those tattooed somewhere. Or order a nice batch of "Say It with a Hallmark" cards. He can get a bulk discount.). At which point Sookie loses interest and looks around for something more entertaining: Eric. Crying Pam fills her in on the fact that Eric is currently outside, enjoying his first sun-bathing experience in a thousand or so years, and thus would not be available until ... ever. But that's okay, 'cause he's got Russell for company, slow-roasting right alongside him.

Sookie's swift reaction of "hell, no!" does not sit well with Bill, who really thinks she should let their good friend Eric enjoy his fiery final death in peace. Dismissing Bill again, for the second time in as many minutes, with "You don't own me!" -- and may I say "independent" looks good on you, Sookie! -- she runs outside.

Where Eric has had just about enough of Russell's admittedly very entertaining company. By way of small talk Russell offers Eric his views on how and why Eric's human family deserved to be slaughtered. Hard to say what Russell is trying to achieve by tossing insults that basically amount to "Yo Mama," but Eric isn't really goaded so much as disgusted.

Russell: All I wanted was a couple of goats for my wolves.
Eric: You slaughtered my entire family for ... for a couple of goats?

Eric should really stop marveling at the crazy person's logic. Russell is not sane. He hasn't been in a very long time, and expecting some sort of palatable rationale for his actions or thoughts is simply a waste of time. I put it down to the sun effects that it actually gives Eric a nasty surprise. Because, really, Eric knows that, of course Russell slaughtered a human family for a couple of goats. Why wouldn't he? Makes absolute Russell sense.

But the sun is brutal, or, perhaps it's the fairy blood working its LSD-like magic, and Eric gets a vision of glowing Godric. Given that Eric is dying and his life should be flushing before his eyes right about now, and since most of his thousand-year-long life involved Godric, it's not a stretch he is there. Except, instead of rolling that film-reel of fun times they had for Eric's dimming vision, Godric starts lecturing him on forgiveness and love. This is bad timing. Almost Bill Compton bad. And Eric is understandably dumbfounded.

Phantom Godric wants Eric to forgive Russell. Coming on the heels of the "couple of goats" convo, Eric understandably wants to know if this request is a joke. Godric tells him that, apparently, there's peace to be head by everyone. Eric will get his once he forgives, and Russell will get it by final-dying. Eric objects vocally and Russell wants him to shut the fuck up with the talking to dead people and just fucking die already. Ironically, this is the moment Eric begins to question his own desire for Russell to just fucking die already. Per Phantom Godric, it will provide Russell with peace. Peace is something Eric wants Russell to have ... never.

This is also the moment Sookie runs out and joins the fun. Russell wants her to take him inside. Eric wants her to leave him alone. Sookie wants to figure out how to unlink the two of them by getting them out of those silver handcuffs. And Russell wants Sookie to use her Shiny Fairy Hand Powers to break the link. (Wouldn't it have been simpler to check Eric's pockets for the key that Pam later found in under 30 seconds? Never mind, Shiny Fairy Hand Powers it is.). Shiny and Fairy though these Hand Powers are, they do not seem to activate at will. But they do activate by goading. And Sookie is nothing if not easily goaded. Russell proceeds to do just that by issuing what seems on the surface like an empty threat.

Russell: I will not surrender to the true death! I will find a way to come back and kill your PRECIOUS VIKING!

"Your Precious Viking," ladies and gentlemen! What do you know, Russell is an Eric/Sookie shipper! Woot! :)

••• But seriously. Two interesting things.•••

Thing # 1: What is Phantom Godric? Is he Eric's conscience? Eric doesn't seem to accept the forgiveness notion as anything coming from himself. Nor would that make any sense at this point for his character to even entertain such thoughts subconsciously. So, where is this coming from? Is Godric really a vision? Is this Eric's version of fairy blood-induced LSD trip, ala Bill meeting Claudine? But that, ostensibly, was Bill somehow connecting to Sookie through the blood he ingested. So, then, is Fantom Godric also a Sookie production? He would certainly be more inclined to talk wholesale forgiveness -- "God doesn't punish, God forgives!" (nice sentiment, but smacks of wishful thinking) -- except Sookie herself is not in that place anymore. She is about as much inclined toward magnanimity at this point as Eric. Or is it simpler than that? Is it just what Eric imagined Godric to be at the end? All god-like detachment and dreamy benevolence? Eric has been grieving for Godric, however little he chose to show it outwardly, and it hasn't been that long since the sunrise on the roof. This, perhaps, is the anger stage of grief? Anger at Godric for dying and leaving this gaping hole in the lives of those who loved him. Anger at himself for feeling it this acutely. Anger at not having been able to stop him. Anger at those beautiful but unrealistic doctrines and the denial of all that they were for thousands of years?

Thing # 2: Russell: I will not surrender to the true death! I will find a way to come back...

In view of what Russell later tells Sookie about the Talbot goo, this is not an empty threat or a delusional egomaniacal ranting. Russell either truly knows there is a way to reverse final death or he thinks there's one. And not in the abstract "I heard it through the grapevine" kind of way. Russell ... drumroll please! ... is the one behind Hallow's appearance next season. Alan Ball promised Hallow as not simply a powerful witch, but a necromancer. I am betting Russell summoned her to raise Talbot. (And himself, now that he expects to fry and knows she is coming). That's my theory and I am sticking to it. :)

••• End of the Things •••

Whatever his actual beliefs, Russell's ploy works. Sookie gets pissed enough to activate those pesky Shiny Fairy Hand Powers and splits the silver handcuffs in the middle. (She really ought to look into patenting that thing. I feel there is a missed, potentially golden opportunity for Sookie. Welding, demolition, holiday pyrotechnics, large-scale BBQs, jump-starting car batteries ... the possibilities are endless!). But there ends Russell's influence. Nothing can make Sookie drag this guy out of the sun. (At least not for the next 5 minutes or so). She uses her Shiny Fairy Hand Powers again to send Russell flying across the parking lot, and tells him to mind his "fucking language." Atta girl! A fucking lady would never fucking take that kind of fucking verbal abuse from no fucking asshole!

Then she proceeds to drag Eric. Bill-infusion clearly doesn't provide a lot of extra strength, but it's thankfully enough to get a 6'5", slightly wilted Viking back to Fangtasia.

Once inside, Pam jumps in to rid her medium-rare maker of silver and points out that he needs human blood in order to heal. Sookie's game, but Eric at this point is so weakened, he cannot even bite into her wrist. His fangs won't drop. Bill objects to Sookie giving away her blood to someone who isn't him, and, to the delight of many, Sookie gives him a stink-eye and makes him bite her wrist so she can heal Eric. Atta girl!




Sookie wants Bill close by for this, in case -- as she and he well know from experience -- a terribly weakened vampire loses control and can't stop.

••• But seriously. Interesting Thing #3 •••

Controlling the blood lust. Especially a blood lust for a part-fairy blood known as "Vampire Crack." Bill insists (before and later in the episode) that he is the only vampire undead who can control himself enough to stop from overeating while snacking on Sookie. Except that one time in the truck where he couldn't control himself to stop (but could control himself enough to hold his hand over Sookie's mouth in order to prevent her crying out for help).... Right, tricky, that vampire control.

Russell reiterates as much, suggesting that Bill is either very smart and is practicing Vampire Tantra on her, or else, has digestive problems. Either way, supposedly, a vampire tastes Sookie's "crack," they are bound to lose their table manners.

Especially when they are weakened. And dying. Like Bill in that truck. All weakened, with his fangs sharply and forcefully digging into Sookie's neck uncontrollably. No wonder he couldn't stop, poor thing! Like Eric after his walk in the sun, too weak to "drop fangs," needing someone else to make the bite and let the blood out ... Oh, wait!... Wait a darn minute! So, Bill is weak enough to be overcome by blood lust, but his fangs pop out no problem, and his grabby hands are strong enough to restrain? Eric is weak to the point of not being able to use his fangs, and yet he stops drinking as requested?

Russell Edgington, you are a manipulative SOB, but you are fighting for your undead life here, so I get it.

Bill Compton, you are a manipulative SOB liar asshole greedy obsessed bastard, and there is no excuse for you!

••• End of the Thing •••

Eric is healed physically, but Pam, Sookie, and Bill have got to wonder if his mind has been irreversibly damaged. Because as soon as he's able, Eric informs them that Phantom Godric appeared to him and told him to not kill Russell, so they need to go fetch by now well-done King from the outside. No one volunteers and Eric performs an irritated "do I have to do everything myself?" move and is about to go right back out, when Sookie grudgingly agrees. She proceeds to drag Russell inside (with a silver chain, by his neck -- something that, from then on, becomes Russell's habitual mode of transportation). Once she transports him in and chains him by the neck to a stripper pole (there is a joke in there somewhere), she is none too pleased to find out she is getting stuck with the vamp-sitting duties while the others go die for the remainder of the day. Bill bravely volunteers to push through the bleeds with her, but she informs him that she'd rather read a tabloid and trade barbs with Deep-Fried Russell than look at Bill's face. Atta girl!

In the meantime, Eric outlines his new Russell Disposal plan which does not include final death.

Pam: "Eric, who the fuck are you right now? He killed your family, rip off his fucking head!"

Pam has a valid point here, but Eric is clearly affected by what Fantom Godric had to say. It's just not the effect that Phantom Godric intended. Eric makes a phone call, sets his plan in motion, and the vamps (minus Deep-Fried Russell) depart for the nap.

Babysitting Russell is fun. If you consider alternately listening to threats, bribe offers, or philosophical musings on how deeply screwed you are no matter which vamp you choose "fun."




(Sookie, you really ought to look at the masthead of this thing. There is a phone number there. Instead of bargaining for bribes we both know you won't accept, you can call that number and sell them a mother of an exclusive: "Last Hours of Russell Edgington: My Shocking Intimate Conversations with the Madman Himself!" You are just missing financial opportunities right and left, aren't ya'?).

Sookie is done with the games and wants to know why Russell would haul a big-ass crystal urn full of Talbot around with him. Surely he doesn't expect to de-liquefy and reanimate? And what do you know? Russell does!

Sookie has been through A LOT. And it shows. The sweet, tender-hearted girl of two months ago, the one who could even spare an understanding thought for Rene's rage, is nowhere to be seen. The Sookie in this moment is vicious. She delights in Russell's anguish as she pours liquid Talbot right out of his crystal resting place and into the garbage disposal. So much so, her laughter is downright maniacal.

••• But seriously. Interesting Thing #4 •••

This is actually a very chilling moment. Her laughter, her eyes aren't quite human. I honestly don't think this was a part of "Sookie fights back" awakening, and I believe this was deliberate. It's not been hinted yet on the show, but Alan Ball spilled the beans already, and anyone who's read the books knows, that the Fae are not all light and giggles in bridal sleepwear. Fairies can be vicious, ruthless, and devoid of empathy. This very well may be Sookie's fairy nature asserting itself, triggered by all the shit she's been through and her activated powers. Luckily, and hopefully, as only a part-fairy, this side of Sookie is not going to take over. Watching darkness swallow good characters is an interesting academic exercise, but if they stay swallowed, it gets tough to wish them well.

••• End of the Thing •••

On the other hand, there are bad guys you just cannot help but feel for now and then. Russell is just too damn good at everything and watching him provide color commentary to the unfolding events is pure delight. You have to give the guy credit. He just lost what was left of Talbot and now has to suffer through Ginger, the terminally perky and jumpy bot, washing out Talbot's resting place and offering rounds of sandwiches. I bet final death looks good to Russell right about now.

He has a momentary surge of hope when he gets a whiff of molted fur and anti-flea shampoo, and thinks his wolves came to rescue him! But no, it's just Alcide, answering Eric's summons to bring his giant-ass construction truck and come babysit Sookie. Again. Understandably not thrilled with the second part of the assignment -- and who can blame him, given how much his balls got kicked in the last time he had Sookie detail -- he is nonetheless pleased to see her. But not as much as Sookie is pleased to see him. She is happy that -- finally! -- a good guy came seeking her company, and is visibly deflated to realize this is a job. (It's okay, Sook! Now that his Were-bitch's gone missing, there will be that second and a half in the near future when the two of you can have a mutual rebound from your psychotic exes and cry into each other's plaid shirts.).

They coo at each other and play footsie, until Russell points out that the good guy turns into a wolf every full moon and chews on living things. Not to mention, the vet bills are probably murder! Alcide pulls his best Terry Bellefleur defense -- "I never killed nothin' on purpose!" -- claiming the only living things he kills are squirrels and such. That's a small relief, and we will sail right past dead Cooter, because, well, that was Cooter. And that other dead pack guy under the truck wheels, because, well, that was a vehicular man/wolf-slaughter. And anyway, Sookie of today will happily sail past such technicalities. Especially when done in her service.

The lively discussion on "good guy-ness" is interrupted by the end of the Vampire nap time. Bill, Eric, and Pam come out. Eric and Pam are sporting matching Velour track suits that no one else in the world could possibly pull off, and yet, they somehow do! Bill is sporting a scowl at the sight of Alcide.

Eric: If you two have finished eye-fucking each other, can we go?




Oh, come on, Eric! Let them! :)

Sookie takes this opportunity to summarily rescind all vampire invitations to her house and goes home. Eric (dragging Deep-Fried Russell by the chain around his neck), Bill, and Alcide board Alcide's giant-ass truck to finish Russell disposal.


***

Evil goings on #2: Eric, Deep-Fried Russell, Bill, and Phantom Godric. Location: Herveaux Constructing --commercial, residential, and ritual burials.

Alcide brings them all to his father's construction site, where two conveniently dug-out foundation holes are all ready to be filled with cement. This will have to suit as Russell's Royal Entombment for the next 100 years. Russell laughingly points out that to a 3,000-year-old a 100 years is a nap. Yes, Eric counters, but it's a nap on an empty stomach and haunted by grief-induced nightmares. Phantom Godric -- who apparently tagged along -- hovers over the hole, trying to talk his wayward child into some wholesale forgiveness. Fat chance! Godric's best Maxine Fortenberry on a guilt-trip impersonation ("Hoyt, you are breaking my heart!"/"You make my heart bleed, child!") has about as much effect on this progeny as it usually does on Maxine's: Which is none at all.

••• But seriously. Interesting Thing #5 •••

Godric: Forgive him, Eric. Love is all...

Love is all?! Godric, who are you right now, Bill Compton?

Not putting down Godric's better angels, but what is a call for forgiveness here? Would it have been better for everyone concerned if Eric simply staked the considerably weakened Russell and ended it all? Certainly. No chance of this wily, brilliant, genocidal maniac ever coming back and regaining power is undoubtedly a better outcome. A wiser one. And half a day before Eric would have agreed wholeheartedly. But this is a different Eric. This is Eric with Phantom Godric whispering things, and while the things he says are seemingly good, sound, and wise, their timing and purpose are suspect.

Telling Eric Russell will get peace was not a good idea. Whether it's Eric's own subconscious that arrived at this conclusion, or some other forces are at work here, providing peace for Russell is the last thing Eric wants or can do. Not now. The higher state of enlightenment that sits so effortlessly on Godric would be a grotesque aberration on Eric. Perhaps he needs anther 1,000 years to arrive there. Or perhaps it's not in him. But personally, I am glad. The peace/love/brotherhood idyll calls for wider spread enlightenment. If you are the only person in the room peacefully forgiving while others kick the shit out of each other, you are not helping, you are not rising above it, and you are not setting an example. You are just a schmuck who stands idly by.

I am not advocating revenge here. Revenge is clearly a troublesome thing and a scary trigger that sets all sorts of bad things into perpetual motion. But I cannot in all honestly sit in judgment of Eric for his refusal to forgive and grant Russell peace.

They say forgive and forget. Sure, give me a realistic step-by-step, and I promise to try. If it were the other way around, I could understand. Forget and forgive works, because if you do not remember the transgression, then there's nothing to forgive. But if the memory is there, and the sin is neither atoned for not avenged, how do you forgive? It's undoubtedly a healthier thing to let go of your hatred and purge your burdens. And I'm sure there are people capable of such mental and emotional discipline. I am not one of them. I can move on, move past, and even get over.

But there is no forgiving the unforgivable. There is only forgetting.

So I get this from Eric. Perhaps he could have absolved Russell of his crime, had Russell sought absolution. But that wasn't the case. "A couple of goats" is not an excuse nor is it a serious plea of "not guilty."

By the same token, I would not expect Russell to forgive Eric for killing Talbot. The same rules apply. It's a vicious circle, and it would be wonderful if it could be stopped by an enlightened idea. But begging pardon of Real Godric, his self-annihilation did not bring any peace to anyone but him. It left a void, pain, and rage, and his Fantom's preachings ring hallow because of that.

Godric: You make my heart bleed, child. So much hatred.
Eric: This is who I am! This is what YOU MADE!

Right or wrong, you have to give Eric credit for owning this. This is not Bill Compton blaming Lorena for the loss of his fabled humanity. This is Eric turning Godric's denial of self back on him and declaring its presence. "This is what we are. And maybe in time I won't feel like I belong, either. But not today. And not like this. You made me. I'm here. I belong. And I take full responsibility for the hate, revenge, and the consequences."

Godric may tempt with peace, but it's a bit of a phantom, just like him.

••• End of the Thing •••

Russell: You will regret this.
Eric: Maybe. But right now, it feels fucking good.



This will not end well, that's for sure. As Russell keeps making future promises of his own vengeance, Eric keeps fending off Phantom Godric, and Bill keeps verbally kicking Russell while he's down, I get uneasy. And sure, as soon as Russell is securely tucked into his cement bed, Bill moves to shake Eric's hand as congratulations for the mission accomplished and general bygones. And then pays homage to Eric's earlier plan by surprising him with an unexpected pair of silver handcuffs. Momentarily stunned by Bill's treachery and silver burn, Eric doesn't get a chance to react. Bill quickly explains that such an opportunity to get rid of his sheriff/rival/Sookie-drinker is impossible to pass up, as he grabs Eric's phone, pushes Eric into the hole #2, and pours cement over him.

Yep. That happened.



Sorry. couldn't resist. :)

And as I sit there contemplating who this guy is and what the fuck happened to the "noble" Mr. Compton, he pulls another punch. Bill places a call to Eric's on-staff assassin (every business needs one of those!), and, in a darn good impersonation of Eric's voice, orders Pam killed!

*Crickets*

****

Evil goings on #3: Tara. And Sam. And Lettie Mae. And Reverend Douche. And Sookie. Location: All over Bon Temps and away, away, away...

Tara starts her morning well. Pancakes that smell like bacon and TV minister vs. TV Vampire debate that smells like bullshit. What's not to love? Sam made her breakfast, and they realize it's the first time he did. Mainly because Tara never sticks around for one. She tells Sam that it's not him, it's her: She finds him deeply weird for barking in his sleep. Sam gladly explains that there's a reason for that. Tara begs him to not tell her he is a werewolf! Of course not! He is a shifter. Totally better. Tara is not impressed. She is pissed at Sam for breaking the human-supe dating protocol by not telling her he was a shifter before sleeping with her (that's a third date revelation, right?). She is fed-up with all the supernatural shit around her. She just wants something normal, and human, and regular. (Tara-girl, wait until you dig into your own heritage!). Sam, reasonably, points out that not all of her problems are supernatural-inflicted.

Tara: I wish I could just reboot. Be a completely new person.

Sam tells her she can. It's easy, especially for someone as smart as Tara. And if the old you catches up -- and it inevitably does, Sam can attest to that -- you just keep on running/"rebooting" elsewhere. It's a way of life, certainly, but somehow I don't think Sam is endorsing it for Tara so much as cautioning her against it.

As is her default when lost, grieving, or angry, Tara goes to see her mama. Because that woman is a grounding force and a font of wisdom! Tara arrives at her childhood home to find Lettie Mae, in the middle of someone. Namely, Reverend Trite from the beginning of the season, whose "all happens for a reason" sermon drove Tara to near suicide not so long ago. As Tara stands there, gawking, they attempt to pull on some clothes and make this not at all awkward, Reverend Cheat tries and fails to come up with a plausible explanation for this here situation. Tara has had enough and leaves the house. Lettie Mae catches up to her and with the eyes shining as fanatically as ever asks her daughter to understand. You see, Lettie Mae is going to be happy! For the first time in her life, the drug inducing this happiness will actually be organic: endorphins. She is in love. And she is going to be Mrs. Reverend Asshole as soon as he divorces his wife and mother of his children.

And then something interesting happens. Instead of going into her regularly scheduled meltdown Tara decides to just let go. To let it be. Oh, she knows perfectly well that this new development has disaster written all over it. But it finally dawns on her that this is not her disaster. She does not need to be in the middle of or on a periphery of it. She can be there for her mother if Lettie Mae needs her and she can step back if she doesn't. But there is a choice of neither judging nor trying to fix, and Tara makes it. It's not the Godric-style wholesale forgiveness, and it sure as hell does not bring peace, but it's some kind of acceptance.

So Tara decides on the "reboot" option, changes her hair, and ultimately leaves town. I don't think Tara is rebooting in the sense that she is abandoning her old self completely. I hope she is just taking a break. A break she needs badly. Maybe even from herself. Yes, the hair-cutting ritual is a cliche. But it's a cliche for a reason. There's something cleansing in shedding the old look, leaving the victim (at least the outward appearance) behind, letting a new person emerge, hopefully stronger. It's a ritual. And while it only takes care of the visible, it does help the invisible, too. It's a mental kick-start, a declaration, a small way of reclaiming power, if only over these superficial things. It helps.

Before Tara drives off, Sookie comes home and she and Tara share a quiet moment, acknowledging without having to explain, that they are in a similar place emotionally. Sookie needs a reboot of her own. Knowing Sookie, though, it won't be the hair or a road trip. But at least she kicked all vampires out of her house and life. She needs to gain some distance and perspective. She needs to reevaluate and regroup. She probably needs a good night's sleep. Hanging with vampires at night and working days is not conducive to sound decision-making.

****

Evil goings on #4: Sookie, Bill. And Cement Eric. And Black Widow Sophie-Anne. And the Cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

After hard evening of piggyback-riding someone else's plan, backstabbing, impersonation, and assassination ordering, Bill shows up at Sookie's for some damage control. She invites him in (well, that didn't last long), but it's not an entirely welcoming gesture. Bill opens by announcing Russell's demise (not accurate, but okay). Then he casually drops that he killed Eric. And Pam. And plans on killing Sophie-Anne. And anyone else who might know who and what Sookie is, tasted her blood, looked at her funny, or whatever else Bill might find offensive or dangerous to his way of life Sookie's safety.



She listens, stunned, to his plans of pursuing his long-standing career as a serial killer. All in her service, naturally. For he loves her! Even if they are not to be, he will dedicate his undead life to wholesale murder in Sookie's name. Bill has never loved before, you see (poor Caroline, may she rest in peace), the way he loves Sookie. His miracle. His boo. His little *fucking* fairy. She shell never know danger from vampires again, because Bill is there to make sure they don't go near her! For he is the only vampire who can control himself around her! The others? Even if it will occur to them, they won't be able to, like Bill. Who is special. Tantric Bill. Bill the Protector. Bill the Destroyer. A Man with the Plan... (No, he seriously ought to get that tattoo. And the Hallmark cards. It's got to be tiring, repeating this shit over and over again.). Bill tosses his exiting line, hooded eyes checking for effect, and makes for the door.

This is abuser/abused programming at its best. Those are trigger words. And just as expected, their knee-jerk reflex is activated and Sookie asks Bill to wait a minute (as my eyes roll so far back in my head it's unhealthy). Bill opens the door, and, as he is about to score himself some kind of a future shot at reconciliation, Eric walks casually up the driveway, covered in cement, hands in pockets, and conversationally asks if Bill has bothered to mention that he was sent by Sophie-Anne to procure Sookie for what she might be.

It's a loaded moment. Funny, for Bill's reaction and Eric's nonchalant attempts at getting cement out of his hair. Bill, the Man with the Plan, indeed. Bill's plans seldom appear to work out. He actually thought he could keep Eric in that cement grave. Never mind that, unlike Russell, Eric healed after the sun exposure and wasn't bound by the heavy duty chains. Never mind that he has a child nearby he can summon for help. God, even if Sookie were actually going to accept the proposed "Bill Compton's Saving Sookie By Slaughtering All Others Plan," how in the name of all that's holy was Bill ever going to accomplish that? He couldn't beat Pam, who is younger and weaker than him. He couldn't keep his own ass from constantly getting kicked. What the hell was he talking about with his grand delusional murder plan?

It's also a very sad moment for Sookie's bewilderment and pain. And it's about to be trumped. Bill is at the ready with the defense: Yes, he was sent on a scavenger hunt for Sookie. But he didn't know her then. And once he did get to know and love her, he did everything to keep her away from the Queen. Who knows if Sookie would have swallowed that, but Eric has had enough. He drops the final bomb, and it's a nuclear one:

Did he tell you he arranged for two psychos to beat you within an inch of your life so he can feed you his blood the day you met?

And just like that, I am floored. Floored.

Now, I never liked Bill. His fakey-fake Southern charm never did anything for me except aggravate to the point where I wanted to -- as Michael Scott would say -- "attack him with the North!" His whiny laments for his mislaid humanity made it even worse. And his insidious use of love as an excuse for anything damn near drove me nuts. I knew he was a liar, a manipulator, a shifty, cold-hearted, and controlling bastard. But I have never, ever expected the show to expose him as downright evil. I mean, sure, we've seen bloody flashbacks. And his dead eyes. But that was always conveniently accompanied by a nifty justification. There would always be some reason why. Some possible thing to hold on to in order to cover for what we saw.

Hell, I get it. Vampires. All of them are killers. Every single one. (Except, perhaps, for Eddie, and I am not sure about him, either). They go through lifetimes and changing circumstances. And if the choice is to be with them, then the choice has to include the possibility of a very murky past. But Bill's stance has always been: that's the past. The monster is laid down, and I come here to try and be more human. So the love is freely given, because killer instincts are acknowledged and tempered, and it's possible to see the goodness inside. The killings? The blood lust? That's an instinct. It's nature. The bloody past? That's Lorena. That's nurture. And it is firmly in the past. But the goodness? That's all Bill's own. That's what he sells to Sookie and that's what she thinks she's fallen for. And with every uncovered lie, with every harsh deed, there is a Great All-Cleansing Love to wipe it away.

What is forgivable? What should we allow to give up of ourselves in order to hold on to love? What is possible to justify and ignore? And what should never, ever be justified by any kind of a future love or greater good? How about an arranged vicious beating to the point of near death? "I had to bind you to me, Sookie, but I couldn't glamor you. I had to get two psychos to crush your internal organs 'til they poured out of your ears, so I could 'save' you by pumping my blood into you. You understand, right? I just wanted you to love me. And it's okay now, 'cause I fell for you, too, and my love has magical 'bygones' powers! How 'bout you put that ring I stole for you right back on and agree to be my Stephord Wife, mmkay?"



Ain't true love grand?

I never thought the show Bill would be taken this far into the darkness. This is unforgivable. It should not be forgiven. I could not be.

Forgiveness is furthest from Sookie's mind. She rescinds Bill's ass all the way to the pavement. When he offers his stale "I love you for who you are, not what you are!" she damn near spits in his face. It's irrelevant, Bill! Your broken heart (and it is broken, I am not doubting that), your bleating assertions, your homicidal devotion, it's all irrelevant. You do not get this one back. There is no forgiveness for you here. And no peace anywhere else.



Eric stays behind, and gets in the way of Sookie's grief and anger. She lashes out at him, too, and it's understandable. This is painful, and he is the one who broke the news. (Though, clearly, he tried to make Bill spill it himself before. A quick trip to a cement grave has shown Eric there was little hope of that. And yes, Sookie absolutely needed to know.).

Eric: I’m sorry to see you suffer like this. But I thought you had the right to know.

That's a book nod, right there, and I'm glad they did it. Sookie might not believe it now, but we have seen how reluctant Eric had been to give her the details before. It's an unenviable position. Sure it takes care of Bill, but how well is she going to be disposed toward the guy openly vying for her affections who brings the news that is inevitably going to break her heart? But it isn't about that for Eric. Bill may proclaim it all the time, and he may even believe it himself, but it's Eric who is concerned with Sookie's best interest. However loath he may be to admit it.

Bill gets home and changes into "cool guy" leather jacket, because ... oh, who the hell knows. It just seems to be his uniform for when he sees Sophie-Anne. And what do you know? The Queen is at the door! Clearly Bill called her, because she knows she is a widow now, and is dressed accordingly in what has to be the most festive funeral garb ever. She is downright giddy. First, her dear, dear, gay, unwanted husband of less-than-a-week is dead. Second, she is about to get her long-standing dream of "crack" production line all set up, courtesy of one *Fucking* Fairy and her Vampire Sunscreen blood. Third, she may soon have a yacht! All this is making her magnanimous, and Sophie-Anne is deciding to overlook the small matter of Bill's recent defection and treachery. After all, we've all got flaws.

Turns out, her happiness is premature. Bill has no intention of supplying Sookie. In fact, he invited the Queen here in order to murder her. You know what that means? It's time for Bill Compton's stupid plan #569! He informs the Queen that she is here to die. Or kill him. However this may shake out. Sophie-Anne asks Bill if he realizes his odds can be summed up by words "slim" and "none." Apparently he does realize that. However, Bill states in that Greek tragedy voice of his that is straight out of community theater, HE HAS NOTHING LEFT TO LOSE!

And somewhere not far away, in her potential new home with Hoyt, Jessica is going: "God damn it, Bill! You really ARE the worst maker ever!"

Bill doesn't care. He is executing his signature Ninja-Monkey move that will never ever stop being funny. The Queen responds in kind, only with more grace. While they are re-enacting Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in Bill's creepy, archaic living room, Cement-covered Eric saunters back into Fangtasia. He is met by Pam who has just taken a shower. She needed it, what with helping dig Eric out of the fresh cement (that stuff is hard to get out of the hair!) and dispatching a suddenly-gone-berserk house assassin. Pam is in no mood for this shit! She really, really hopes Eric killed Bill "Effing Ruins Everything" Compton. Eric says that Bill's been punished with something far worse. Eric has clearly discovered that final death is not the final word in the art of handing the enemy its ass.

••• But seriously. Interesting Thing #6 •••

Just wondering: Is Eric still Sheriff of Area 5? With his open throw-down with Sophie-Anne, and with Russell gone (not that it would have mattered, Eric would not have worked for Russell in earnest), what exactly is his situation? Presumably Sophie-Anne is now dual Queen. Do we hope Bill kills her and the new Royal, whoever that would be, keeps Eric where he is? Or do we hope Sophie-Anne kills Bill and offers Eric a truce? Or do Sphie-Anne and Bill come to some sort of understanding over a friendly, protracted game of Yatzee and a couple of bottles of True Blood, and decide that what they really need to do is combine their efforts and kill Eric? Just wondering.

••• End of the Thing •••

Sookie discovers that "alone" is a relative term. She used to think she was alone, but she had her Gran. And she had Tara. And Jason used to hang around a lot more. And Sam was nice. And she didn't know nor expected to know the kind of heartbreak a betrayed love can bring. This is alone as alone gets, and in her desperation, she runs to her Gran's grave. And gets approached by Claudine. Finally out of Sookie's head and very much real. And she brought some half-dressed friends. As she assures Sookie she is not, in fact, alone, Claudine again invites her to go with them. This time Sookie doesn't even ask any questions. Going somewhere that is away from her still Marianne-filthy, warewolves-trashed home, from her heartbreak and her fears... To reboot! To become a completely new person... She doesn't hesitate. She is gone in an instant.



This is not much of a cliffhanger, since exactly no one thinks Sookie will be spending the rest of the show trapped in a giant Chandelier (or wherever it is that it takes her). And I am perfectly fine with that. I hate cliffhangers as a rule. Such manipulative and often pointless things. Season 2 cliffhanger of "Who took Bill?" might have been mildly compelling if most people actually gave a damn about Bill's whereabouts. My reaction was: "Whoever took him, could they please keep him?" I suppose Bill and the Queen fight outcome is a cliffhanger, but I am not losing any sleep over it. Bill is not going anywhere (whether it's a good thing or a bad one is open to interpretation), and while I actually like Sophie-Anne as a character, I mostly like her for what she brings to the power dynamic. If she is dead and they find another Royal pain to bitch-slap these guys around, I am fine with that. Russell, on the other hand, is emphatically not dead. And I am guessing he isn't staying put for a 100 years. Or 12 episodes. And that, too, is fine with me. Dannis O'H is too good of an actor, and Russell is too compelling a character to lose. I have never been a fan of killing off the "big bad" at the end of each episode. I am all for "the evil we know" if that evil is as mesmerizing as Edgington.

Other things hanging off the cliff:

I don't believe, and I hope I'm right, that Sam is shooting Tommy. A warning shot, perhaps, or a shot at that money bag, but if Sam is getting Tommy in the back? That's it for Sam. It's no more forgivable than what Bill did to Sookie. But while Bill is actually benefiting as a character by turning much more evil, Sam is not. Bill as a boyfriend, wrapped around his relationship with Sookie and having no other purpose was a bore and an annoyance. A darker loner Bill with an agenda and something else to do? And minus the thin fake veneer of "humanity"? He actually might be interesting and even a tragic figure he was forever described as but never quite displaying enough signs of. Remains to be seen. Sam's darkness is troubling. And while it's easy to see why he is spiraling, it's not at all easy to keep feeling sorry for him. And perhaps I shouldn't. I know, though, that he needs Tommy more than Tommy needs him. This messed up, pitiful kid is Sam's chance at redemption. Shooting him will be Sam's end.

Hoyt and Jessica are getting married. And moving in together. I'm glad for Jessica to be out of Bill's creepy-ass house, but try as I might, I cannot shake the worried, anxious feeling that nothing good is going to happen with those two. When Jessica says she cannot imagine what she would do without Hoyt and he replies she won't need to find out, because he isn't going anywhere, that's practically a spelled out disaster. Something's going to happen to Hoyt. The omen-like doll on the floor of their new digs is ... ominous. And if that wasn't enough, there's Maxine, arming herself Steve Newlin style. She is going Jessica-hunting, but it'll probably be Hoyt she'll hit by mistake. How's that for a Greek tragedy? Still, I could be wrong, and I'll try to stave my worry.

Lafayette and Jesus talked it out. Lafayette is definitely seeing things. But what are they? Visions of what has been or predictions for the future? Sam's bloody hands and his sinister "cross me and I'll kill you" can easily be his past manifesting. Or it can be the fate of Tommy. Same for that vision of Rene with his hands wrapped around Arlene's neck, talking about "evil" baby. It might be Arlene's fear radiating off of her, or it is the future, and the "evil" baby will, indeed, be evil (I hope not, though.). I am glad, however, that, no matter what this newly activated gift of Laffy's is, he is still definitely all human. (This is more like Sookie's telepathy. Unrelated to her Fae blood.). Jesus, on the other hand, can still turn out to be a were, a shifter, or another supe of some kind. He is also a which, but these are taught powers, not a non-human trait.

Lafayette: You’re a witch who’s a nurse who’s a dude.

Yep. It needed to be said. :)

And then there is Jason, the newly anointed leader of Hotshot. The deeply inbred, dirt poor, meth-fumes-breathing, emaciated, illiterate, and malnourished community. Of werepanthers.

Yep. That happened. Faster than you can say "Happy Birthday, Uncle-Dad!" Jason Stackhouse found his calling. Forgive me while I finish laughing. Or crying. Because ... the hell? Now, most days I like Jason fine. He is amusing. And rather kind. And brave. But let's face it: It's a bit of a wonder that he doesn't fall down more. The boy is dumb. He tries, he has kind of instinctual insight sometimes that can take you by surprise, and he's got his own logic that is both hilarious and surprisingly effective.

Jason: If we stop 'em, somebody else just gonna start up, right?
Andy: You just rationalized away all need for law enforcement!
Jason: I don't know what that means exactly.

But what can he offer Hotshot? They need money, medical attention, and, possibly, a visit from Hazmat. They need improved living conditions, basic education, and food. And then there is probably a multitude of problems inherent specifically to being weres. I cannot imagine what Jason can possibly give them. I guess that's the cliffhanger I am wondering about.

Jason: Sometimes the right thing to do is the wrong thing. And I did the right thing!

I rest my case. :)

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I am going to stop now, because this epic can go on indefinitely. I have much more to say, but seriously, why scare people. I am excited for the next season. And I'm sure I'll have something more to say about this one in the weeks to come. I just want to say thank you to everyone. This has been an incredibly fun experience for me, especially enhanced of all the discussions.

Screencaps courtesy of www.ladymanson.com (Thank you!)

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ETA: 9/28/10. My deepest apologies for the sporadic and late replies. I have been buried under cement work, and now I am out of town for two weeks. I will not be able to get a reliable internet connection until I get back home. But I promise to get back to everyone! And thank you to all for a wonderful discussion and kind replies!