TV Series Lounge

I know True Blood fans are all excited to hear this, this show is officially renewed for a fifth season by HBO.

“I am thrilled that True Blood continues to enjoy a phenomenal reception from both subscribers and critics,” said HBO president Michael Lombardo in a statement. “Alan Ball and his gifted team have devised the greatest thrill ride on TV.”

Season four has done an outstanding job giving a new spin to the show’s main love triangle, as Bill has been crowned the King of Mississippi and Eric has lost his memory.

What can you say about this news?

You can check other True Blood Season 4 Reviews and Spoilers HERE.

One question raised by True Blood fans: This show can’t really kill off Jess, can it?

According to TV Fanatic, here’s how episode 7 titled “Cold Grey Light of Dawn” goes: I’ve longed for the show to trim its roster for seasons now, as there are simply too many characters and too many storylines. There’s also a severe lack of consequences – in the form of significant deaths – for a series that treads so deeply in blood, gore and the supernatural.

But… not Jess! She’s the one individual whose been underused through the years, and I’ve been digging the possibility of her and Jason getting together.

I can’t imagine the show actually kills her off. Jason is right outside the front door, after all, and it takes more than a few rays of sunshine to end a vampire. It’s nice that no one actually knows the answer (Jess was not a character in the book series), and I can’t say I’d truly be upset if she does perish. It would certainly add a surprising jolt to the series, wouldn’t it?

Overall, “Cold Grey Light of Dawn” moved pieces and characters into place for the second half of the season.

Granted, there was A LOT of talking – the exchanges between a chained-up Bill/Jess and Eric/Sooke dragged on – but the episode did a strong job bringing arcs together, as Tara is now teamed up with Antonia/Marnie, and, just like Arlene’s baby, Lafayette is seeing singing black women out of nowhere. Sam and Tommy? Ummm, well, they are simply still around.

Let’s return to Eric and Sookie for a moment, though, and a point my colleague brought up in last week’s True Blood Roundtable: doesn’t getting the two of them together in this manner feel like cheating? Sookie admitted here that she’d never have hooked up with the old Eric, which is what so many viewers had been clamoring for. So that problem is solved by erasing his memory and making him into the sweetest supernatural being since Casper?

You can check other True Blood Season 4 Reviews and Spoilers HERE.

I know you have several questions for True Blood season 4: Who the heck was that person standing on the lawn outside of Arlene and Terry’s burned-down house? The one, seemingly, seen by only their (possessed?) baby?

“That’s not the last that we’ll see of her,” Carrie Preston teased to me today. “And it will affect other storylines, as well. From there, the show goes to an interesting place it hasn’t gone to before.”

That’s all Preston would reveal, but it should be enough to keep viewers guessing and wondering over the next few weeks.

Overall, Arlene has stepped into the spotlight more than ever this season. She labels the baby arc as “very exciting and fun,” although it “presents challenges.” Such as?

There’s often someone with a squeaky toy standing behind the camera.

“Acting with a baby is not something that comes naturally,” Preston said. “They’re really good babies, but they’re babies nonetheless.”

While she mostly knew all along where things were headed (“The writers don’t keep us in the dark.”), Preston enjoys this storyline because it keeps the audience guessing.

“They aren’t sure if it’s Arlene being her histrionic self, or if there’s something really wrong with the child.”

It sounds like we’ll find out soon enough, however.

What do you think of these spoilers?

You can check other True Blood Season 4 Reviews and Spoilers HERE.

Talk about episodes on relationships, episode 6 of True Blood titled “I Wish I Was the Moon” gave us another one.

TV Fanatic: Think about it: can you ever recall an installment concluding with a ballad? With a forlorn look on the face of a character? With a sensual love making session? I’ve wondered about Eric and Sookie having sex since season one, but I never imagined their first time would be anything but violent and physical, based on lust more than love.

But this is a new Eric. He may infuriate Pam, but he actually teaches Bill a lesson. Forget the true death. True love means letting Sookie go, actually wanting her to be happy, even in the arms of another. Who knew Eric had that in him?

As a result, he soon had himself inside Sookie, as Team Eric fans across the nation let out a collective cheer.

The triangle that is Eric/Bill/Sookie (Erilkie?) was far from the only relationship examined this week, though. Consider:

Jason and Jess: Nothing happened… physically. But both sides recognize a connection here, as evidenced by their agreement to keep their evening together a secret from Hoyt. It’s hard, and irritating, to believe the entire Hotshot angle was simply meant to lead here, to a frank discussion about Jason’s insecurities and a nice speech from Jess over why he is, indeed, special, but whatever. I’m down with these two getting together. (Sorry, Hoyt.)

Alcide and Debbie: Call me crazier than the latter, but these two won’t last. We all saw the look Alcide gave to Sookie (above), as he watched her prance into the woods with a shotgun.

*Side note: this season has been heavily based on the happenstance of people crossing paths with each other. Why, exactly, were Alcide and Debbie wandering through the forest on the way to that pack meeting? And think of everything that was set in motion simply because Sookie drove by Eric immediately after he was cursed, or by the good fortune of Hoyt and Jessica driving by as Jason collapsed on the highway.

Jesus and Lafayette: I don’t really have a clear idea of what happened in Mexico, but Lafayette was able to summon a spirit because he’s totes in love with Jesus. This has actually been the most stable couple on the show, which is easy to forget because they’re often cursing at each other. But in a cute way.

Sam and Tommy: Apparently killing one’s parents has results that go beyond mere self-loathing. At first, I was appalled when Tommy considering sleeping with Luna, but then she took her shirt off and, come on. How many guys out there would have done the noble thing there?!?

Sam did seem legitimately concerned about his brother when he found him passed out, however. That may change when he learns about what/who Tommy did. But I can at least say the storyline between these siblings kept me interested for one week.

Tara and her girlfriend: Don’t smoke, kids, no matter what identity you take on. Other than that: blah.

Marnie and that old witch: Scary, cool stuff, huh? Marnie is by far the most well-developed villain the show has given us yet. I want Bill to eventually take her out, but I also wanted her to kill that vampire guard/former raping priest. A strong baddie must have an understandable backstory and Marnie has layers to spare.

This is why I love True Blood. Did you like the same?

You can check other True Blood Season 4 Reviews and Spoilers HERE.

There are lots of things to consider on True Blood season 4. In fact, several secrets are yet to be revealed. As to the story, the show will go deeper this season. So what can we expect from it?

Creator Alan Ball took a few minutes at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour last night to offer up some season five scoop. For starters: there will definitely be one.

“Everything ends, and there will be an end for me on this show at some point,” Ball said, confirming he’s signed a new deal with HBO. “But I don’t have any desire to leave because I’m having more fun than I have in my entire life.”

Ball also said the writing team has already starting plotting for next summer and teased that it will “explore how one of the vampires was made,” while also introducing new characters.

The producer didn’t say into which vampire’s past we’ll delve, but it’s safe to assume Pam, don’t you think?

What’s your comment on this one?

You can check other True Blood Season 4 Reviews and Spoilers HERE.

For the past seasons, True Blood is famous with its great story lines, strong acting, and even sex scenes. But wait, in season 4 episode 5 titled “Me and the Devil,” we are amazed with its props and make-up!

It’s not easy to make Pamela Swynford De Beaufort into a hideous mess, but mission accomplished, cosmetics people. Unruly, rotting, abhorrent mission accomplished.

Of course, this is all just the preamble before getting to the heart of the episode. Or should I say the lips: ERIC AND SOOKIE MADE OUT! And it wasn’t some quick peck, or some drunken regret.

It was an all-out, saliva-heavy, I-can’t-bear-the-thought-of-you-leaving-me-so-come-here-and-taste-what-you’ve-been-craving-right-this-very-moment passionate embrace. Celebrate, Team Eric members! But then come back to reality.

Bill doesn’t know about this lip lock, but he’s been told of Eric’s whereabouts. He knows Sookie has been lying. She’s covering for his sworn frenemy. Will Bill walk in on these two in the shower? That would definitely ruin the moment many fans have been waiting over three seasons for.

Bill is relishing his power almost as much as I’ve been enjoying watching him yield it, but will he react in the same punitive, cold, calculated manner with his ex-girlfriend as he did with that rule-breaking vampire from “If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin’?” I doubt it.

But that’s a moral dilemma for another Sunday. Here, the king and his sheriffs started to tackle a broader, more pressing problem: how do you deal with a partially resurrected 16th century witch who is taking over the body of another wiccan and holds a vendetta against vampires? (Look out, Google and Fox News executives!) I know Nan warned Bill against any human deaths, but surely someone can convince the politician that Marnie is anything but human.

Taking her out, in a subtle manner, of course, would be a move made with the greater vampire good in mind. It’s naive to think differently, Nan.

But there are also other story plots to consider, read them below:

• Tommy and Sam bonded over their mutual love of murder. Perhaps they want to continue having that conversation on a remote island someplace, far away from Bon Temps and HBO cameras.
• Is Jason actually crushing on Jessica? Or is he just under the spell of her blood somehow? Funny, disturbing stuff with Hoyt in that dream, but he and Jessica need to work on their communication issues. Guess that’s a challenge when one half of the couple is glamoured.
• Welcome back, Tara’s mother! Typically, I’d assume this Arlene/Terry/Possessed Baby thing isn’t going anywhere, but with Marnie also sub-consciously channeling a spirit, maybe this will tie in to the witch storyline somehow. Or maybe that’s just wishful thinking on my part because the thought of Michael Raymond-James as Rene makes me think of Terriers. And that makes me happy.
• An even more excited welcome back to Godric! It was a brief return, and I doubt we’ll see him again, but who doesn’t adore Eric’s maker?!?

True Blood panel visited Comic-Con and guess what? They gave us more spoilers for the ongoing season!

What did they say?

• We’ll see how Eric made Pam on season five.
• We may see Claudine again because Alan Ball said fairies are made in “litters” and are often identical.
• Will Tara remain gay? Ball said we haven’t seen the last of her and Sam without their clothes on.
• More supernaturals will be included next season.

The panel includes Alan Ball, Stephen Moyer, Kevin Alejandro, Nelsan Ellis and Ryan Kwanten.

You can check other True Blood Season 4 Reviews and Spoilers HERE.

Episode 4 of True Blood is definitely alive and it was on fire! I enjoyed the episode and I’ll discuss below why.

TV Fanatic: Oh, Eric, you adorable, innocent, cursed viking of a vampire, you. While the actions of this deliciously drunk blood sucker were cuter than ever on “I’m Alive and on Fire,” think about the ramifications that are befalling those trying to help him:

Sookie has lied to Bill, Alcide has revealed to Debbie that he’s been to Bon Temps and Pam has lost her face. Is seeing Eric more vulnerable and less shirtless than ever really worth all this trouble? Various characters might not share your answer to that question, female fans.

There have been few funnier scenes in True Blood history than the opening shots of Eric slapping Sookie’s (beautiful) butt, and the subsequent back-and-forth between him in the water and a naked Alcide on shore, alongside Sookie.

Later, an interesting point was raised: is this the real Eric? When he eventually regains his memory, will he be a changed being due to this run of naivete? Or will he return to the arrogant, dangerous vampire we all love… but Sookie could never really love?

Over in Tommy land, meanwhile… just kidding. Who the heck cares? I can’t be the only one hoping Joe Lee actually kills him, can I?

At least Tommy’s boring storyline is making his brother look interesting by comparison. Are we headed for a Shifter vs. Werewolf battle over Luna? And, if so, might Sam benefit from the assistance of a certain dog-fighting family? At least that would bring these arcs together.

Speaking of bringing people together, is the show teasing a Jessica/Jason hook up? Or am I reading too much into the latter’s nearly-dying gaze at his savior? Hoyt’s a nice guy and all, but sorry man. If your girlfriend is struggling with her natural vampire urges, and a sweaty Jason Stackhouse has his eyes set on her, you should just start crawling back to that lioness who kicked you out before. You’re gonna need a place to live.

Then again, Jason might have other concerns at the moment. The kind related to full moons and ghost daddies and the forced implanting of his seed and… yech.

Finally, it really doesn’t appear as if Marnie is in control of her powers. Vengeful, Burned-at-the-Stake Crazy Deceased Witch Lady means serious business. Moreover, unlike the history between werewolves and vampires, there’s no long-running feud here. Only Bill is concerned. Nan blows off the possibility (funny, relevant reference to Salem), Pam is unafraid to confront Marnie. What’s so special about this wiccan? Why has she chosen Marnie? And, seriously, has an hour of television ever featured more male rear ends?

What do you think of this episode? Do you have any questions in mind?

You can check other True Blood Season 4 Reviews and Spoilers HERE.

Good thing that True Blood will remain inline with Charlaine Harris novels in this season. So what can we expect then? Well, expect an unexpected romance.

In another, though, the series veered away from its source material last Sunday when Eric chowed down on Sookie’s fairy godmother. The character of Claudine sticks around for awhile in Harris’ world. Why did creator Alan Ball go in this direction?

“After everything that was going on with the fairies in the first episode, I think we wanted to sort of put a pin in that, but obviously it’s not over,” Ball told EW. “I felt it would have more impact if it was someone we knew as opposed to just a random fairy.”

What other craziness is ahead on season four? Ball touched on a number of topics with just one quote. Prepare to be spoiled/teased below.

“It gets ugly between the vampires and the witches. There’s more than one fight coming up. There’s also a very unexpected romantic attachment which you’ll start to see the beginnings of I believe in next week’s episode. We’re gonna find out a lot about Jesus’ magic that’s in his family. We’re gonna get to the bottom of what’s going on with Arlene’s baby.”

Any comment about these spoilers?

You can check other True Blood Season 4 Reviews and Spoilers HERE.

Episode 3 of True Blood season 4 titled “If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin?” showed us how interesting Bill Compton is. In fact, we can say that this is the his best season.

TV Fanatic: It’s been a thrill to watch him lay down the law, as this is one monarch – unlike Sophie-Anne and Russell Edgington – who isn’t corrupted by power. Quite the opposite, in fact. He’s abiding strictly by it, placing the cause of the American Vampire League above any sympathy he might feel for that poor blood sucker.

The rise of King Bill is placed in contract to the fall of once-mighty Eric.

We asked last week whether Eric is sexier without his swagger and bravado. Reader opinion seems mixed, but Sookie’s view is clear: she’s more intrigued by this lost soul than ever. And he does still look like Alexander Skarsgård, so I expect these two to be shower hopping together in no time.

It’s also worth tossing this quote out there, only because it’s such classic True Blood:

Sookie: You killed my fairy godmother!
Eric: Sorry.

So any comment about this episode? Did you like it?

You can check other True Blood Season 4 Reviews and Spoilers HERE.