Episode Commentary: “I’m Alive and On Fire”
Sure, this week’s episode of “True Blood†continued to introduce more characters [TV legend Katherine Helmond was casted to play Andy Bellefleur’s grandmother] and develop far too many storylines at once, but there was enough development to satisfy.
With Eric Northman and Jason Stackhouse’s situations radically changing their roles on the show, it’ll be interesting to see where these characters go and what becomes of them. In a way, the same thing can be said of Bill Compton, who aside from adjusting to his new role as King, must real with the fact that his most recent physical partner, Portia Bellefleur [Courtney Ford], shares his bloodline. These three storylines in particular solidified the episode, as Eric’s softer side and the trials and tribulations of Jason provided an infectious viewing experience, while it was nice to see Bill have more time on the show. Overall, to see these three in different roles continued to prove that the cast of “True Blood†is one of the deepest on television today.
Now, if only the writing could slow down a bit and develop more, the show could reclaim its former glory.
Like previous episodes, there’s just so much going on. It’s nearly impossible to get attached to many of the newer characters. Between the return of the werewolves, added focus of panthers and the witches, “True Blood†is a far different than the show it was even last season.
Nevertheless, it would be unfair to say it’s not sexy.
It’s just Victoria’s Secret sexy and not Fredrick’s of Hollywood sexy.
Some will complain of the lack of cleavage and sex scenes that played a role in previous seasons, but it’s the drama that led to those steamy moments that made the show so orgasmic. Through the first two seasons, the core of characters on the show was so closely ingrained into the main storyline that it made the sub-plots stronger and more of a treat when the story drifted away a bit. Now, those same characters are so much more loosely connected that there isn’t that same camaraderie and fluidity. At times, “True Blood†feels like a different show, depending who is on-screen.
Luckily, it never feels like a bad show.
The fact that several storylines from last week were given less time and Sookie, Eric and the Witches were allowed to develop their story, made this episode enjoyable. If the creative team behind the show can continue to use this formula the rest of the season, “True Blood†will have a more than watchable fourth season.
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