Everybody wanted a little somethin’ somethin’ this week in Bon Temps, which made for a much more entertaining episode than last week. Even if it still served primarily as a setup episode, “Trouble” had a little bit of everything, from horny Vikings to vampire wedding proposals, so let’s get started.
Like an undead Jersey Shore, we had hook ups all over the place. Some of the most entertaining scenes of the night were between Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) and Jesus (Kevin Alejandro), as they fumbled their way into each other’s loins like awkward teenagers. What I love about this future couple is that it’s one of the few storylines that can still completely surprise me: I have no idea where it’s headed. And seeing more of Lafayette doing anything on screen is just win.
And for the first time since well, maybe ever, I actually enjoyed Tara (Rutina Wesley) this week. Perhaps it’s the fact that she was tied up for most of the episode. More likely, it’s because she’s finally been paired with someone crazier than she is: Franklin (James Frain). Someone needs to get this fanger to a vampire shrink, stat. (I vote for someone to bite Dr.Phil) One of the things I’m looking forward to most this season is learning what caused Franklin to be so … overprotective? You just know it’s going to be all kinds of crazy cake. I really enjoyed the way Tara played him. Some of her facial expressions were priceless. As for being his vampire bride? Talk to the hand because the face ain’t listening. As much as I’d love to see this, it seems more like a simple plot device then an actual possibility. Let’s hope that I’m wrong.
Then there’s Jason (Ryan Kwanten), once again being led to impending doom by his baby maker. I guess he kind of forgot about that whole being under the spell of a maenad thing until you’re eyes turn black and you’re humping the nearest barstool, because you know, that was so two seconds ago. I haven’t read the books, so I have no idea whether Crystal (Lindsay Pulsipher) is a nymph, siren, faerie, Frankenstein or what, but I hope the answer surprises me. There’s a doofy sweetness between the two of them that has me rooting for them, even if it’s likely to end up with someone eviscerated.
Even Hoyt (Jim Parrack) seemed charmed by the one line to which men are completely immune (“Make me some babies!”), while Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) was drooled upon by Tommy (Marshall Allman), who’s apparently in heat. Bad news, this. Next to Lafayette, Jessica is my favorite character right now because her arc is the reason I love vampire lore to begin with: exploring the psychological toll of what it actually MEANS to be a vampire. Through Jessica, we get to see the process through newborn eyes. Whatever is going on with Tommy and his daddy issues (if Joe Lee is even really Tommy’s father), he’s still flying a bit under the radar now but this is going to explode big time. And Jessica is sure to be hit by the shrapnel.
This was also the episode where Bill finally got some of his “Sookie” back. I realize there are deeper genealogical secrets here to do with Bill’s ridiculous motivational mood swings since the start of this season, but I also have a feeling Stephen Moyer must have gone into the last break realizing that Bill was becoming a major wuss. I think he stormed into Alan Ball’s office and demanded Alan make Bill a bad ass. “First, I want to fight a pack of werewolves, alone, with nothing but my super duper vampire strength. Second, I want to set someone on fire. Third, I want to melt someone’s face off. And no more pining after Sookie like some Twilight pretty boy. Instead, I want to have angry sex during which I twist someone’s head around to show how virile I am.” What’s next for Bill? I’m guessing crucifying someone, followed by ripping off their limbs and peeing on their corpse.
Eric (Alexandar Skarsgard), on the other hand, is quickly becoming the far more interesting vampire. He’s receiving the most flashbacks, as well as the better storylines. Despite the terrible werewolf CGI in the Viking scene, True Blood’s flashbacks have always been one of the best parts of the show, and this was no exception. It sets up a wonderfully complex dilemma. Eric needs Russell desperately right now, but how long before his desire for vengeance gets the best of him? It will be interesting to see how Eric navigates between his desire and his need.
As for Sookie (Anna Paquin), meh. Give her something to do please. She’s been relegated to standing around lecturing people. We’ve seen her zap people before. If the writers continue to drag out the “why/how” of her special sauce for much longer, we’ll start to lose interest. There are simply too many other beautiful monsters to care about. Grade: B-
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