Air Date: Sunday, July 29, 2012, 9/8C on HBO
RATING:
“I hate this goddamned town.” – Andy Bellefleur
As a long time viewer of True Blood, I’ve been hip to the song titles used as episode names. “Somebody That I Used to Know” is no different; the title gives us a hint as to what the episode is about. Everyone we encounter seems different—they’re not the people we thought we knew—and quite a few characters are examining the change in the people closest to them.
Observations:
Sookie (Anna Paquin) and Jason (Ryan Kwanten) continue their search for the vampire who killed their parents. Well, Sookie definitely bites off more than she can chew in this instance… You have to wonder what makes the brother and sister duo think they can take down a vampire on their own. Not only that, but to what ends will they go for vengeance? Is Jason finally cleansing his system of all things vampire? Will Sookie follow in his footsteps? I think these two are questioning their own pasts and the people they used to be—vampire lovers. While I think Jason will take a stance against the bloodsuckers, Sookie is still linked to two very unperturbed vampires. Plus, this new creature we’ve been introduced to, Warlowe, might shed some light on the secrets surrounding Sookie’s past. Just imagine for a second if this mystery vamp knew about Sookie as a child, you have to figure he’s not the only vampire in the U.S. with knowledge of the sweet smelling half-faery girl. Kind of takes me back to how and why the vampires got wind of Sookie in the first place. You know there’s something more there.
How deep does this faery storyline go? Sookie and Jason should watch their backs.
Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and Bill (Stephen Moyer) have lost their way. They’re no longer on the path of righteousness but one of doom and gloom. At least it appears that way. The bromance is over; the sheriff is just like any other vampire, and King Compton isn’t worried about ruling his territory. Where have their priorities gone? Eric has been awakened from his V-trip and he tries to bring Bill back to his senses, but it seems Bill has other plans. He’s always been a sneaky bastard so you know going along with the new Authority is going to be beneficial to him. Since he doesn’t have the 1,000 years under his belt that Eric does, why do the two react differently to the news that humans are back to being free for all? Shouldn’t Bill be the one in opposition or did Godric (Alan Hyde) have that much sway over Eric that one word from him would change his mind about anything? I think it has a lot to do with Sookie, of course. I don’t know if Bill’s keeping Sookie in mind or all human beings, but he’s young enough to still be tapped into his humanity and feel some compassion. Again, the change in the vampires who imbibed on Lilith’s blood is a frightening one, but not unusual. They are vampires after all and getting back to their old way of life is not surprising. In fact, I’d rather see vampires behave as they should instead of some watered down version of the scariest creatures to roam the night. Isn’t it only natural that they feed on humans?
Lafayette’s (Nelsan Ellis) run-in with Holly (Lauren Bowles) and Arlene (Carrie Preston) left me in stitches. Ellis completely steals the show by turning on his former Lala charm and blows me away. His accent is just right, his attitude is on point, and he hits Bowles and Preston with quips I’m sure weren’t in the script. Ellis ad-libs like no one else and I loved his performance. Now if only the writers would give him more scenes where he can be the Lafayette of old, I’d be happy. As of late, they’ve taken away the content which made Ellis a star on True Blood in the first place. It’s nice to see him getting back to the Lafayette I used to know.
Pam is proving to be an interesting maker.
Sam (Sam Trammell) really does need a new storyline, or at least a reliable place in Bon Temps. He no longer tends bar, doesn’t help Sookie when she’s out solving mysteries (though there haven’t been many mysteries to speak of), and doesn’t have anything interesting to do aside from shifting… into snakes. While I’d like something more exciting for Sam, I’m impressed by Trammell’s skill as an actor. Not only does he do a spot on impression of Luna (Janina Gavankar), he exhibits his depth and range on the show with every new episode. Not everyone can walk around a hospital with their ass hanging out and keep their cool. Last week he was channeling a dog and this week he’s tapped into his feminine side. I look forward to every new episode to see what awaits Sam. I only hope it’s nothing too ridiculous. Trammell deserves better.
Funny lines:
Lafayette to Arlene and Holly: “Hookah, I ain’t in the helping biness no more. I’m in the fuck-off-while-I-smoke-a-blunt biness and business about to pick way the fuck up.”
**
Lafayette to Holly and Arlene: “I’m ’bout to slip my ass in this tub and get high as a motherfucker. Enjoys your day.”
Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) to Tara (Rutina Wesley): “You don’t know me that well. My mad face and my happy face are the same.”
**
I’m still not sure what to think of “Somebody That I Used to Know.” None of the events in the episode seemed to chime in with where I thought the show was going. It was more of a “WTF?!” display than quality television. I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that the Authority’s plan to gorge themselves on all humans is just the beginning of the end. Maybe next season will be the last and the best way to get there is to kill off the humans, which is more than half the cast. I won’t be too disappointed if that’s the case because I’m becoming more and more offended by the diatribes and mockery of religion. I’m not sure how much more of that I can stomach.
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Photo credit: John P. Johnson/HBO © 2012 Home Box Office, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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