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Interview: Stephen Moyer for The Double

angelbaker — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:36:29 +0000

British actor Stephen Moyer has an extensive resume but Stateside, he’s best known for his role as the soft-spoken Bill Compton on HBO’s “True Blood.” In a recent departure, his latest character in Michael Brandt’s directorial debut The Double, isn’t so friendly. Moyer brandishes a stellar Russian accent and a nasty facial scar for his intense portrayal of Brutus, a link in a convoluted chain of gangsters with a faceless leader. We recently got a chance to speak with Moyer about his prisoner performance, his love for Danny Zuko, and how to properly execute a “twist” ending.

Check out our full interview below…

One of the things we like about The Double is its homage to multiple genres. You’ve got the perfect mix of the buddy and spy-cop thriller with a real Silence of the Lambs vibe. What about this project spoke to you?

Stephen Moyer: I think you hit it on the head in many respects. My favorite stuff to watch if I’m looking on Netflix or iTunes is still the same. I go to thrillers. I want to see thrillers. I love the Bourne movies, The Conversation, Three Days of the Condor, and right back to 39 Steps. I love those films. I love the way they’re constructed. I love the way they make me feel. [I love] edge of the seat stuff, you know? So when I read this I was very attracted to that aspect of it. And the fact that it was written by the guy that did 3:10 to Yuma. I love that movie. Also, that Richard [Gere] was attached. I’ve always been a fan of Richard’s so for me, that was a big part of it. And also, there was this really great character that I could really get my teeth into and play with and bring craziness to.

Richard Gere plays a common type of character. He’s a retired old guy that just wants to live his life and watch little league baseball. But he’s distraught about something that he may or may not have done in his life. What do you think he brought to the character that was nuanced and original?

SM: I think what Richard has is this kind of enigmatic quality. He doesn’t need to say a great deal for you to sort of wonder what’s going on behind his eyes. I’ve always thought that when he’s really at his best, is this stuff where you’re trying to read him. You’re trying to see what it is that he’s thinking. It was just so great watching how confident, how relaxed, how comfortable he is on a film set. I spent a lot of time trying to get information out of him. I’d pull up my director’s chair next to his and ask him hundreds of questions. I’m sure he was bored rigid with me by the end of the shoot.

Was there anything particular that he said to you that stuck or was it more just watching his performance?

SM: Richard began in musical theater and I did too. I asked him a little bit about how he started out and I think he rather enjoyed going back over it a little bit. I don’t think its something he gets asked very often. So once we set up that common ground, we rather enjoyed going over it. He played Danny Zuko (from Grease) many years ago, and I played Danny Zuko when I was 17, so we talked about that and it was a lot of fun.

We see a lot of “Russian Gangster” character types in film. There is something so great about the it that it’s recurrent. Why do you think that is?

SM: I think that one has to remember, without being stereotypical is [that character] comes from a very different place to our own understanding of the world. Most of the people who have been portrayed or we are portraying have grown up under the iron curtain. It’s only in the last 20 years (1991 or something) that there was a kind of Glasnost and freedom of speech. They represent to us, in a way, a world that we don’t understand or know about. As much as we’ve read about it, it is obviously very interesting to view stuff we don’t know as much about. Where we can understand the reasoning or the ethics or the moralistic side of a Westerner in a similar gangster situation. There’s an enigmatic quality to somebody from the East in the same boat.

With your character Brutus, you’re obviously a gangster. You’re hard. You’re in jail. You’re isolated. You’re ruthless. But you’re also very fragile when you find out Cassius’ identity. Was that something you brought to the script or was it something Michael Brandt asked of you? How did the dichotomy of that character come out?

SM: I think that that’s something that I tried to instill in him – the idea that he’s this monster, but he has one Achilles heal and it’s one person. That would be this character, Cassius. He’s like a father figure to him, but also a terrifying icon that he’s grown up with. I wanted to set up this monster who’s not afraid of anything other than that. I spent a bit of time in the prison cell. We were working in a working prison in Michigan so that was very interesting because we had to get through a lot of security to get into the prison. The floor we were filming on had some solitary cells so I got put in one of the solitary cells for a while. I liked it. I liked the way it made me feel. I made them lock me in there in between takes. It was a lot of fun, but I wouldn’t want to spend much time there. I tried to use that as an idea of him. In that first scene, he has the ability to leave his cell and I based the idea on the fact that the character doesn’t have a chance to do that very often.

With most spy thrillers, we know we’re going to get a twist when we watch. We know that something’s coming or that someone’s lying. How do you think The Double makes good use of that without having a M. Night Shyamalan kind of moment?

SM: I think that our story [pays] a lot of homage to everything from Three Days of the Condor all the way to No Way Out. What you don’t want to do is something so unbelievable that the audience doesn’t buy it. You want to make it as believable as possible. I remember reading somewhere or being told somewhere along the line that you have to have told the audience about every single character within the first ten minutes. In a whodunit, the person that is the killer has to have been revealed within the first ten minutes of the movie, otherwise people won’t buy it. I think that’s something The Double does. It’s almost like you have to create the end and then you pick it apart until you have the ending.

(Possible spoiler territory)

Did you really swallow the batteries?

SM: I’m rather proud of that shot.

It’s incredible but also disgusting.

SM: I don’t think Michael will mind me telling you that I came up with how to shoot it. It was one of those things. There were lots of ways discussed of how to shoot it. I said the only way to make this truly work is if we do it in one shot. Film and theater and magic are about slight of hand and misdirection. And that’s all I’m going to tell you. I don’t want to give too much away for people reading this.

The Double hits theaters October 28, 2011.

True Blood: Season 4, Episode 12 – ‘And When I Die’ – TV Review

Marisa Stotter — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 03:07:12 +0000

The season four finale of “True Blood” is an event eleven episodes in the making. And by “event,” I really mean the last ten minutes of the episode. The first fifty minutes are extremely emotional and darkly brooding, only to give way to moments that live up to the episode’s title. As soon as the credits roll, you’ll be wondering if you had just watched the same show that has been airing every week at 9 p.m.; I know I felt that way. Does this episode mean to herald a completely new tone for the series? For reasons you’ll see below, I hope not.

The Players:

Director: Scott Winant
Writer: Raelle Tucker
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Nelsan Ellis, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll

Episode Title: “And When I Die”

With the aid of some familiar faces, Sookie defeats Marnie once and for all, leaving Lafayette to deal with the consequences of his actions; Jessica and Jason struggle to define their relationship; Sookie decides between Eric and Bill; the political structure of the vampire community breaks down; Debbie confronts Sookie.

The Good:

Lafayette: Nelsan Ellis comes out on top in this episode with his performance as a man possessed by another person. He and Marnie must have compared notes, because both performances were extremely engaging and entertaining. It was interesting to see such an affected character alter his mannerisms.
Jason and Jessica: Every episode needs its romantic arc, and this one’s involved my new favorite pair. Although these two have yet to figure out that they are madly in love with each other (in my humble opinion – writers, please take note), I enjoyed seeing them sizzle while on screen together.
Sookie’s decision: It’s about damn time that Sookie had a love interest other than the two vampires who have been vying for her attention, so I was pleased as punch to see her kick both Bill and Eric to the curb tonight. Since Sookie will inevitably get with someone at some point due to the nature of the show, I’ll put in my two cents and say that she needs a fresh start with someone new, preferably a man of the werewolf persuasion (read: please, please, PLEASE, pair her with Alcide. I’ve been dying for this to happen for ages now).
The last ten minutes: As much as I disliked this episode, I have to admit that the last ten minutes had my eyes glued to the screen. This is what I watch “True Blood” for: one bloody, action-packed scene after another and cliffhangers that leave you begging for more.
Line of the night: Although the beginning of the episode was very heavy in content and therefore lacking in gems, I found a couple of great ones towards the end. Since this was the finale, I’ll spoil you all with my two favorites. “You can’t trade magic like fucking Pokemon cards.” “I’m so over Sookie and her precious fairy vagina and her stupid name.”

The Bad:

It’s too heavy: Did anyone feel very depressed after watching this episode? I can’t remember the last time “True Blood” has been this emotionally heavy. Between Tara and Sookie, Sam, Lafayette, and, frankly, just about everyone else in Bon Temps, there is a lot to be upset about. There was far too much crying and sadness in this episode for my tastes. While emotion has its place, this episode had an over saturation of it. What about the campy action and humor that makes “True Blood” so much fun to watch?
Marnie’s revenge: Parts of this arc, especially Bill and Eric’s involvement, felt extremely disjointed. Just how did Lafayette manage to get a hold of Bill and Eric? What was Lafayette’s initial reaction to what he had done to Jesus? The episode skipped some scenes that would have been gold mines of entertainment. Plus, it all seemed to wrap up far too quickly, leaving the rest of the episode vulnerable to the high levels of emotional that I discussed above.
Randomness: Rene? Reverend Newlin? The chains that Alcide found? As it has done in previous episodes, “True Blood” once again introduces some arcs using only one scene. Although the show will ostensibly pick up these threads in season five, in the context of the already established arc of season four, these newly-introduced plotlines seem to come out of nowhere.
Tara and Jesus: There was too much death in one episode, I say. Perhaps the show was going for the shock factor this time around, but to take away two beloved characters in one go? It seems a bit unnecessarily cruel to the audience, not to mention to Lafayette, Sookie, and the rest of the victims’ loved ones.

Overall:

While the resolution of the main arc of the season was satisfying, I was disappointed with the majority of this episode. It was too emotionally heavy for my tastes, taking on a tone that is far too serious for the show. Nevertheless, the last ten minutes of the episode do justify watching the whole thing, if not a need to see things through to the end. So much happens in such a short span of time that I’m still scratching my head, wondering just what, exactly, I watched. What I do know is that it’s going to be one long year until season five.

Rating: 5/10

“True Blood” returns next summer on HBO!

What did you think of last night’s episode?

True Blood: Season 4, Episode 11 – ‘Soul Of Fire’ – TV Review

Marisa Stotter — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 04:23:36 +0000

With two episodes left in the season, it’s down to the wire. But about halfway through “Soul Of Fire,” it looks as though HBO didn’t get the memo that there’s still one episode to go, as the main arc of the season appears to be wrapping up quite nicely. Then, in traditional “True Blood” style, we get a cliffhanger that, I’ll admit, almost had me leaping out of my chair and screaming at the screen. I can’t think of a better reaction to have to one of this show’s trademark cliffhangers.

The Players:

Director: Michael Lehmann
Writer: Mark Hudis
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Nelsan Ellis, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll

Episode Title: “Soul Of Fire”

When negotiations between Marnie and the vampires break down, Jesus uses his ancestors’ magic to intervene; Andy experiences a strange encounter with a fairy; Sam and Alcide exact their revenge on Marcus; in the aftermath of the events at Moongoddess Emporium, Marnie proves not to be finished with her plan quite yet.

The Good:

Location, location, location: I think that the show took a fairly big risk by having the bulk of the episode – or at least the bulk of the episode’s main plotline – take place in one location. The writing, directing and acting, fortunately, worked extremely well within the spatial constraints of the Moongoddess Emporium. I was never bored by what was happening there.
Marnie: Forgive me for sounding like a broken record, but for episode after episode, Marnie has just been killing it, acting circles around the rest of the fine cast of “True Blood. Her nuanced performances as good Marnie and an evil, possessed Marnie keep my eyes glued to the television every week, even more so than what is happening to the main stars of the show. I loved that this episode included some backstory that added some motivation to why Marnie practices such dangerous magic. Her desire for respect and attention is something to which we can all relate, even though we as the audience are meant to despise her character.
Jason takes a stand: It was a brief moment, but Jason standing up to the vampires was a great scene for his character. He’d spent so much of this season being tortured and abused, at mercy of others and forces beyond his control; it was about time we saw him take control of his feelings and let them be known. It’s good to see the old, headstrong Jason again.
Honorable Alcide: As a big fan of Alcide, I enjoyed seeing his role get a little more meat this time around. Even though his and Sam’s relationship is tied together by a very thin string, he does what is noble and right by helping seek justice for Sam’s loss.
The deal: As I’ve written before, “True Blood” will never kill off two of its flagship – and most popular – characters. Thus, Eric and Bill’s pledge to die in exchange for Sookie is not as exciting in itself as is how the writers choose to resolve the plot. Indeed, using Pam to do so, and in the process driving a wedge between her and her maker, was an interesting way to go about it. Will Eric really choose love over his duty as a maker?
Sam’s revenge: I did not find Sam’s vengeance against Marcus to be particularly exciting on its own, but it was certainly satisfying to see that horrible excuse for a human being (werewolf?) lying cold on the floor.
Jesus’s magic: I have two words to describe that scene: intense and freaky. In a good way, of course. The mask added a healthy dose of the “freak factor” that the show has been lacking since the early days of season one.
Marnie’s “farewell:” Of course, it’s not over! There’s still another episode left! In typical “True Blood” style, the happy ending is interrupted just before things settle down. I can’t wait to see how this plays out.
Line of the night: As usual, Pam delivers the best lines. I couldn’t decide which one to use, so I went with the first one that made me laugh out loud: “We blow up these Wiccan dipshits already? I got a mani-pedi at four.”

The So-So:

Andy: It seems as though Andy is just plopped into plotlines in which he really doesn’t belong. Between Hotshot and his V addiction, and now Fort Bellefleur and the encounter with the fairy, the guy just wanders in and out of scenes with no apparent direction. Unless this lack of a path is by design, when will the writers give him something to do? Otherwise, I will continue to fight the urge to change the channel whenever he comes on screen.
Marnie’s spell: The spell Marnie cast bewitching the vampires to walk into her protective wall seemed extremely hokey. Not from the point of view from the mythos so much as from that of the acting, which was shoddy if you rewatch the scene, as well as from that of the whole show’s continuity. Why didn’t Marnie just use that spell in the first place, when the vampires showed up to Moongoddess Emporium? It looked like it was simply thrown in there for spectacle, and it turned out to be a poor-looking one at that.

Overall:

As season four draws to a close, we are graced with yet another near-perfect episode in “Soul Of Fire.” Its strengths lie in its wit, performances and its edge-of-your-seat thrills that sustain throughout the entire hour. It really feels much like a season finale for nearly half of the hour, but don’t let that fool you; once the cliffhanger hits, you’ll become like me and start counting down the hours until next Sunday.

Rating: 8/10

“True Blood” airs every Sunday night on HBO!

What did you think of last night’s episode?

True Blood: Season 4, Episode 10 – ‘Burning Down The House’ – TV Review

Marisa Stotter — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 02:54:27 +0000

While last week’s “True Blood” was lacking in the areas in which it is ordinarily strong, it did set the stage for exciting things to come – events that begin to play out in “Burning Down The House.” This hour kicks off with a brilliant scene and keeps the intrigue coming at the non-stop pace for which “True Blood” is known. And let us not forget what the memorable last shot of the episode promises to show us come 9 p.m. next Sunday.

The Players:

Director: Lesli Linka Glatter
Writer: Nancy Oliver
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Nelsan Ellis, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll

Episode Title: “Burning Down The House”

Sookie uses her powers to save Bill from Marnie, in the process reversing the spell on Eric; Jason asks Jessica to glamour him to save his and Hoyt’s relationship; Bill makes plans to blow up Moongoddess Emporium; Terry stages an intervention for Andy’s sake; Alcide’s allegiance to the pack is tested by Marcus’s fight with Tommy; Jesus, Sookie, Lafayette and Jason attempt a rescue mission at Moongooddess Emporium before it is blown to smithereens.

The Good:

The battle: What a way to start off an episode! And I’m not just talking about Eric and Bill going one-on-one. While combat is always fun to watch, it is almost predictable at this point in the series, since none of the trinity of main characters will die – permanently, that is. The most exciting thing to happen here, in truth, is the sudden reversal of Marnie’s spell, giving Eric back his memory after these many long episodes. The abruptness with which the spell is broken is somewhat comical, but I am mostly thankful to have the real Eric back, however whipped he still remains. I just hope that he gets more of his bark back in addition to his bite in the remaining to episodes of the season.
Conflicted Marnie: Marnie/Antonia delivers a fantastic performance in this episode as a woman facing conflict within her own corporeal form. It is a very physical, very affected dual performance that stands out, once again elevating Marnie/Antonia above all other characters in the series.
Tommy: Sam has some very touching scenes with his brother, very sad ones that at last bring closure to their long and difficult relationship. Although I was never particularly fond of Tommy as a character, I feel sorry for both of them, particularly for Sam. For this plotline to have elicited that response, the writing staff must have done something right.
Sam’s revenge: I’m excited by how Tommy’s fate lights a fire under Sam to seek revenge against the werewolves. His intensity and drive strengthens this subplot and invests the viewer in it a whole lot more.
Jesus transforms: Prior to this episode, Jesus had been taking more of a backseat to Lafayette and other principle characters in the series. After walking through Marnie/Antonia’s magical barrier and personifying the magic he practices, he suddenly went into useful – and bada** – mode. It’s safe to say that he will be given a lot more challenges to overcome in the next two episodes.
Vampire covert ops: Slow-motion shots set to hard-driving rock songs are utterly clichéd, but for a show with as much camp as “True Blood”, the very last shot of the episode is the perfect touch. Of course, it would have been even better to see more of the scene play out before the usual cut to black, but the set up for all-out war that this shot implies is nevertheless a great image to leave with the viewer.
Line of the night: Lafayette is, as always, right on the money: “Find Tara. She’ll be the loudest.”

The So-So:

Fort Bellefleur: It is difficult to care about Andy’s plight when so much else is at stake for the supernatural beings (and some select humans) of Bon Temps. It seems like yet another weak, unnecessary garden path that distracts us from the more important events of the episode. The subtext – which eventually becomes the text of Andy and Terry’s scenes – apparently comes out of nowhere. I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at Andy half the time he was on screen.
Not enough depth: One thing I noticed about this episode was that it picked up on a number of ideas – Jessica’s refusal to glamour Jason, Sam’s revenge – and only showed one or two scenes pushing the respective subplots forward. In that way, this episode seemed to be spread out a little too thin. It may have benefited from greater depth in some areas of particular interest to viewers (I vote for more scenes with Jason and Jessica, but that’s just me).

Overall:

While not a flawless episode, “Burning Down The House” is a great improvement over last week. The events that come to pass in this episode, especially those relating to minor characters, tie together in a way that strengthens the main plotline of this arc. At the very least, I’m incredibly interested in seeing just how the vampires’ plan to finally get rid of Marnie/Antonia plays out.

Rating: 8/10

“True Blood” airs every Sunday night on HBO!

What did you think of last night’s episode?

True Blood: Season 4, Episode 9 – ‘Let’s Get Out Of Here’ – TV Review

Marisa Stotter — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 03:15:59 +0000

When last we left Bon Temps, a full-blown war had broken out between Marnie’s coven and the vampires, the latter side buffeted by Sookie’s powers. But in the final minutes of the episode, the tide had been turning in favor of the witches, leaving our major players in great peril. This week sees the conclusion to the battle and its aftermath, and it is safe to say that grim mortality and the possibility of destruction hang over every plotline in the episode. Since neither side wins this first round, things only escalate from here on out.

The Players:

Director: Romeo Tirone
Writer: Brian Buckner
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Nelsan Ellis, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll

Episode Title: “Let’s Get Out Of Here”

Sookie imagines a world in which Bill and Eric can coexist; Bill and Nan Flanagan butt heads; Jesus attempts to rid Lafayette of the spirit within him; Marcus calls on Alcide to help him deal with Sam; Hoyt asks Jason to deliver Jessica’s things back to her; Marnie continues to plot against the vampires.

The Good:

Marnie: Marnie – or, should I say, Antonia – has been a powerhouse these last few episodes. She continues to steal the spotlight in this episode, this time showing off in a display of power that is the most compelling and frightening for our main characters since Maryann Forrester threatened the livelihood of Bon Temps back in season two. By the time the dust clears, Marnie/Antonia might go down as one of my top “True Blood” villains.
Bill vs. Nan: I always love when politics drive a wedge between characters, especially when Nan Flanagan and her tart tongue come around. Bill and Nan going head-to-head on the burning issues of the day is a well-written and revealing exchange that elevates the political dimension of the show to a whole new level. That, and the quick cut from the shot in Bill’s office to that of Bill, Nan and Jessica chained up in the jail cell adds the perfect touch of humor to counterbalance the necessary seriousness of the situation.
Role reversal: In this episode, we see just how much Jason has come into his own as an officer of the law – and how far Andy has fallen from grace due to his addiction to V. It’s fascinating to see the new partner dynamic unfold, as Jason takes on the role of the sagacious, honorable officer and Andy continues to tumble into oblivion and continuously needs to be held back.
Sam and Luna: The more I see Sam and Luna together, the more I like them. It’s too bad that Marcus and his drama will inevitably tear them apart. Nonetheless, for the duration of this episode, the two of them, along with Luna’s daughter, had the most genuinely touching moments of the whole hour.
Jessica and Jason: Besides the fact that I’m quickly falling in love with these two, I just want to point out how hilarious it is that Jessica and Jason consummate their relationship to the oh-so-innocent Taylor Swift’s CD. Bravo to the HBO executive who made that choice.
Debbie’s betrayal: Debbie’s role has finally been given a little more meat (no pun intended). Things are obviously being set up so that Alcide and Debbie will be fighting on opposite sides when the time comes. That will be a sight to see.
Line of the night: The line itself is fairly tame, but Jessica’s tearful delivery is pitch-perfect: “I wish I was dead. Except I am, and it doesn’t even matter.”

The Bad:

Lafayette’s possession: Although this episode’s performance is indicative of Nelsan Ellis’s amazing talent as an actor, the whole medium/possession plotline just isn’t all that compelling. It feels like it is tacked on to the main plotline of the show simply because of the common thread between them: magic. The only consolation that I have for having been forced to sit through these scenes is that they wrapped up relatively quickly, in the span of a couple of episodes. Nevertheless, the episodic nature of the plotline makes it seem that much more unnecessary. It easily could have been left on the cutting room floor, or at least have been better integrated into the main arc of the season.
Sookie’s fantasy: Some may hate me for this, but I have no problem saying it: the Eric/Sookie lovefest has long outstayed its welcome by this point. It’s getting close to giving me a cavity! While the inclusion of Bill into the mix certainly adds some much needed conflict and drama to the situation, there must be much more interesting ways to settle this love triangle than with yet another retreat into a V-fueled, hazy dream world. Keeping things within the confines of Sookie’s imagination, without any consequences occurring in the “real world,” is also a sign of the cop-out to end all cop-outs. Evidently, the writing staff just isn’t ready for Sookie to make a decision about the loves in her life, and so they are toying with the audience through this dream of hers.

Overall:

Although the main plotline that courses through this arc of the season continues to take us for a thrill ride, the show’s supporting cast – and even some of the main players – have fairly weak plotlines to contend with. Peppered with the usual humor and some exciting moments, the subplots of this episode mostly flounder, leaving me to hope that things will get better come next week. With the witch/vampire war on the horizon, I imagine that everyone will eventually converge on the strongest plotline of the season.

Rating: 6/10

“True Blood” airs every Sunday night on HBO!

What did you think of last night’s episode?

True Blood: Season 4, Episode 7 – ‘Cold Grey Light of Dawn’ – TV Review

Marisa Stotter — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 14:30:05 +0000

This season of “True Blood” has been on a roll for six straight episodes, but like all good things, it had to come to an end at some point. “Cold Grey Light of Dawn” is by no means a bad episode, but it does not pack the same punch of quality that is characteristic of the show. Nevertheless, fans of the series – and of a certain pairing of characters – will love aspects of this hour. It is, as always, an entertaining episode that manages to do many things right despite its shortcomings.

The Players:

Director: Michael Ruscio
Writer: Alexander Woo
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Nelsan Ellis, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll

Episode Title: “Cold Grey Light of Dawn”

Bill issues a controversial decree to save vampires from the power of Marnie; Alcide and Debbie join the pack; Pam gets a spa treatment; Eric chooses amnesia over his memory; Sam confronts Tommy for his transgression; Lafayette becomes a medium; Andy’s date with Holly is a disaster.

The Good:

My Antonia: Just by herself, Marnie added a new twist to Bon Temps’ cast of characters, but now, possessed by the spirit of Antonia, she provides even more intrigue. I even like her better as Antonia; she has an aura of confidence that seems to be even more threatening than her incredible power.
Pam: The rotting of Pam’s body, while not necessarily integral to any of the main plot lines occurring this season, it is a clever play on her vanity and brings out a great deal of humor in the form of her foul, yet ever-so-entertaining, language. Pam is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters solely because of how hilarious every last one of her scenes is, whether it intentionally goes for laughs or is extra dramatic.
Jason’s dilemma: Jason seems to have become the series’ latest emotional punching bag. What is most entertaining, though, is how he handles his growing attraction to Jessica. His scatterbrained, deer-caught-in-the-headlights type of behavior is always fun to watch unfold on screen.
Bill and Jessica: I always enjoy the (few) scenes we get between maker and vampire. Bill and Jessica have a tender, mentor/mentee relationship that I wish would be explored in more depth. It is fun to trace the trajectory of it, considering how defiant and naïve Jessica once was.
Ending on a bright note: I think it’s safe to say that this week’s cliffhanger is one of the best in recent memory. Putting a beloved main character in peril? I’ll admit, I actually yelled at the television when the screen went to black. Next Sunday could not come any sooner!
Line of the night: A little bit of self-reflexive humor poking fun at the ever-growing collection of supernatural beings: “Holy crap! Now there’re zombies?!”

The So-So:

Tara: I was so happy for Tara up until the very end of last week’s episode. Predictably, her past caught up with her in the worst way imaginable. The endless cycle of terrible, traumatic things happening to Tara is starting to get tired. It seems that all Tara does these days is complain about Bon Temps and cry. Although the writing staff has given her a way to join in the assault on the vampires, she could use a much meatier part.
Sookie and Eric: While I’ve enjoyed the sugary sweetness of Sookie and Eric’s storyline so far, it is quickly reaching its saturation point. Last week’s reunion was happy and satisfying, indeed, but carrying it over into this episode with gratuitous sex strained what was just about a perfect moment. Almost as soon as their scene began, I couldn’t wait for Eric to regain his memory so that I could avoid getting a cavity from the sweetness. There is only so much love that can be exchanged before both of them sound like broken records.
The Mexican journey: The subplot concerning Lafayette and Jesus’s trip to Mexico would be far more interesting if the show would relate it better to the immediate happenings in Bon Temps. If I recall correctly, the two went to Mexico to seek assistance from Jesus’s grandfather against the vampires. Not only have they apparently gone off the beaten path, but Marnie seems to be doing just fine without them. This episode could have been tightened up had the scenes in Mexico been left out all together.

Overall:

“Cold Grey Light of Dawn” is as close as “True Blood” can get to producing a bad episode. It is very much enjoyable on its merits, but it has some surprising faults that one would not expect to come from the well-run production that is this series. There is plenty that occurs in this hour that is pertinent to the overall arc of the season, so it is still absolutely worth watching, if only for that reason.

Rating: 7/10

“True Blood” airs every Sunday night on HBO!

What did you think of last night’s episode?

True Blood: Season 4, Episode 6 – ‘I Wish I Was The Moon’ – TV Review

Marisa Stotter — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:09:26 +0000

I don’t mean to sound biased off the bat, but let’s be honest here. “True Blood” has been hitting the right notes ever since the season premiere, nearing perfection – and sometimes embodying it – with each passing week. Thrilling drama, unexpected twists, steamy scenes, and a whole lot more have characterized season four thus far, and “I Wish I Was The Moon” is no exception. While it isn’t the best episode of “True Blood,” it remains an outstanding example of what this show has to offer.

The Players:

Director: Jeremy Podeswa
Writer: Raelle Tucker
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Nelsan Ellis, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll

Episode Title: “I Wish I Was The Moon”

Eric surrenders to the King; a suspicious fire burns Arlene and Terry’s house; Tommy and Sam fall victim to a literal change-up; Tara deals with the consequences of her deceit; the full moon spells trouble for Jason; Alcide is under pressure to join the new werewolf community; Marnie connects with an ancient spirit; Lafayette and Jesus encounter black magic in Mexico.

The Good:

Starting off and ending with (a) bang: After dragging out the sexual tension for five long episodes – on top of three seasons – HBO finally gives a vocal segment of the show’s fan base what it has wanted for years now. Sure, it’s a bit delayed due to various goings-on in the episode, but it’s here isn’t it? And the scenes in question are, without a doubt, two of the most epic of this season; even fans with nothing but hatred for Sookie and Eric have to admit that.
Pam: Within the first ten minutes of the episode, Pam steals the spotlight from her maker with her rapid-fire, foul-mouthed wit. She has progressed from serving as Eric’s trusty lieutenant to being in the forefront of the show’s action. It’s a shame to see her literally wasting away, her newfound role suits her so well.
The inferno: The “demon baby” subplot culminates in something finally worth our attention, although not much comes of it in this hour. The melodrama seems to have given way to something slightly less absurd. The fallout from the fire, which affects the lives of multiple characters, should be fascinating to watch as it unfolds.
The werepanther: After Jason escaped from Hotshot, I told myself that it would be too soon if I ever saw Jason tied to a bed again. Well, it didn’t take long for the guy to find himself in that situation again, although this time, it was a self-imposed safety measure. Nevertheless, I enjoyed seeing the banter between Jason and Sookie that came of this ridiculous moment; their bond is one of the few relationships on which we can count in this show.
Tara: As a character who has gone to hell and back over the past season and a half, Tara is one person in particular who deserves happiness. As uncharacteristic as it is of “True Blood” for anyone to get what they want without strings attached, it was wholly satisfying to see Tara find peace and love in spite of her past – although it clearly is going to catch up to her yet again.
Marnie: Things are yet again taking a turn for the exciting as Marnie channels the spirit with whom she has been connecting over the past two episodes. While previous scenes involving Marnie have been mostly self-contained, last week’s episode combined with this hour have moved the plot forward in a considerable way. After only minutes of exposure to the spirit as embodied by Marnie, I already want to see more of this Antonia in action, exacting her revenge on the vampires of Bon Temps.
Jason and Jessica: While this implied blossoming love affair is artificially fueled by V, there appear to be some genuine sparks flying between these two. I hate to think of anything coming between Hoyt and Jessica’s love, but in this episode, Jessica and Jason bond in an unexpected way that is peculiarly appealing in its innocence.
Line of the night: “I’m a police officer and a werepanther. Back off!”

The So-So:

Alcide: As much as I love Alcide, it seemed odd to place his involvement in the Mississippi werewolf community – or lack thereof – in the middle of the happenings occurring in Bon Temps and to those who inhabit the town. What connection does his association with the werewolves have to the main arc of the season other than his relationship with Sookie and his brief appearance in Bon Temps in this week’s episode? Future episodes should make the correlation clearer, or drop this line altogether.
Once upon a time in Mexico: Last week’s episode made the reason for Jesus and Lafayette’s pilgrimage to Mexico clear, but this week’s hour seemed to drop the line almost entirely in favor of some peculiar, inexplicable black magic. Without the goal for the trip spelled out, the venture seemed to dissolve into chaos that is difficult to watch with vested interest.

The Bad:

The change-up: Tommy and Sam’s “Freaky Friday” subplot plays out like a bad R-rated comedy. While it certainly doesn’t come out of nowhere and has been plotted out for the duration of the season, it seems out of place in this episode. Without a doubt, “Sam’s” actions are clichéd and ludicrous, as though they were written in by wannabe comedy writers.

Overall:

This week’s episode has its flaws, but it is nonetheless an enjoyable hour of “True Blood” with a payoff in the last five minutes that is sure to please. The consequences of the events from “I Wish I Was The Moon” will undoubtedly be felt several episodes from now, making this an hour of television that builds an excitement fans will feel all week long.

Rating: 8/10

“True Blood” airs every Sunday night on HBO!

What did you think of last night’s episode?

True Blood: Season 4, Episode 5 – ‘Me And The Devil’ – TV Review

Marisa Stotter — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:06:32 +0000

“True Blood” is a show that always seems to know exactly what it’s doing. Every plot twist and turn, no matter how unexpected or farfetched, is executed and later assimilated into the canon with an expert ease that only makes the viewer’s total shock more pronounced. Like junkies in search of a V fix, fans who thrive on that thrill tune in every Sunday night at 9 p.m. with confidence that the next hour of “True Blood” will be just as incredible as the last, if not more so. And this week, just like every other, HBO delivers everything it promises and a whole lot more.

The Players:

Director: Daniel Minahan
Writer: Mark Hudis
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Nelsan Ellis, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll

Episode Title: “Me And The Devil”

Sookie comforts a vulnerable Eric; Tommy escapes his parents and enlists Sam’s help; Pam’s vanity breeds anger; Tara’s past haunts her present; Arlene and Terry seek religious intervention to solve their son’s problem; Jesus and Lafayette head to Mexico to request help from Jesus’s grandfather; Jason’s recovery begins; Bill gets involved with the necromancers; Marnie discovers more about her possessor; Alcide receives an unexpected visitor.

The Good:

The Mickens family reunion: The episode kicks off with a scene that is bound to get your heart pumping. No matter how you feel about Tommy, his “reunion” with his parents is pure intensity offset by a heart-wrenching moment at the very end that will leave you thinking, “What the hell just happened?” When that is your response to a sequence of events, that right there is “True Blood” at its best.
Eric’s old friend: When Eric received a visit from – how should I put this? – an old friend, I almost jumped out of my seat and thanked the gods of “True Blood.” Although the scene is not of much consequence initially, it is a fantastic sequence for those of us who have missed seeing this particular person grace the screen. I like to think of it as a bittersweet reunion for and a nod to the vocal set of fans.
Jessica and Hoyt: Their presence on screen was all too short this episode, but whenever they are together, it is obvious that their relationship will only go south from here on out. The knowledge of their self-destructive ways makes their scenes all the more devastating to watch.
Sensitive Eric: I never would have said this a couple of seasons ago, but if you take away the leather and pithy remarks, there is something very sweet and gentle in Eric. Nevertheless, this is not an organic change in the man…er, vampire. A lot of Eric’s softer side must be attributed to not only his memory loss but also Sookie’s maternal instinct, which brings out a great deal of his vulnerability. The change will most certainly not last, but for now, it is fun to watch this dynamic unfold.
Tara’s past: It’s about time that Tara’s issues have caught up with her. The situation is ratcheting up in a way that is undoubtedly setting the stage for an explosion in future episodes. It’s all just a matter of time for poor Tara, who clearly can’t catch a break no matter how hard she tries.
Marnie’s reading: Two beings with great gifts finally come together as their plots begin to intertwine. Not only that, but we learn something new about Marnie from a very reliable source that makes us question this new character. This scene is a very well-executed moment of revelation using Sookie’s normally suppressed power.
Jason’s dream: If the hour is almost up and you’re wondering where all the sex is, just wait until you get to a sequence starring Jason and two friends whose presence is a steamy surprise. All I have to say is this: wowza!
Line of the night: The credit goes to Bill for this witticism: “Oh, good. The world needs more beekeepers.”

The So-So:

Baby exorcism: Five episodes in, and I still couldn’t care less about Arlene and Terry’s baby. Bringing in Tara’s mother to reinforce the small town feel of Bon Temps was a nice touch, but otherwise, there is nothing particularly intriguing about this supposed demon baby. Rene has been dead too long and too much has happened for his involvement in the show to be considered consequential.

Overall:

Exhilarating, hilarious, and oh-so-sexy, this episode has it all and then some. Between Sookie and Eric’s will-they-or-won’t-they interactions and Pam’s one-liners, “Me And The Devil” exemplifies the best that “True Blood” has to offer. Perhaps it is too much of a stretch to assume that this show can do no wrong, but it is pretty close to being a perfect slice of television heaven.

Rating: 10/10

“True Blood” airs every Sunday night on HBO!

What did you think of last night’s episode?

True Blood: Season 4, Episode 4 – ‘I’m Alive And On Fire’ – TV Review

Marisa Stotter — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:07:02 +0000

Did you enjoy the oh-so-palpable tension of last week’s episode of “True Blood?” Then you’re in luck: “I’m Alive And On Fire” only builds on all the drama and intrigue introduced in the first three episodes of the season. Once again, HBO serves up a tremendous episode chock full of everything that makes “True Blood” the sexy, funny, grip-the-edge-of-your-seat wild ride that it is. As long as the fourth season continues at this pace, you won’t hear too many complaints from me.

The Players:

Director: Michael Lehmann
Writer: Nancy Oliver
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Nelsan Ellis, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll

Episode Title: “I’m Alive And On Fire”

Alcide helps Sookie search for Eric; Jason liberates himself from Hotshot; Bill becomes entrenched in the politics of dealing with the necromancer problem; Marnie delves deeper into her practice to break the spell on Eric; Tommy returns home to an unwelcome surprise; Sam gets to know Luna better; Bill discovers a disturbing connection between himself and the Bellefleurs; Arlene and Terry’s new boy exhibits bizarre behavior.

The Good:

Drunk Eric: This episode opens with the perfect one-two punch of humor and plot. Eric drains Sookie’s fairy godmother, and, in his stupor, runs off. You’ll have to see it for yourself in the episode, but I’ll say this much: Eric drunk on fairy blood might be one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen on this show.
The Eric/Sookie dynamic: It’s fascinating to see Eric as the helpless victim and Sookie take on the role of the caretaker. The shake-up of Eric and Sookie’s relationship is certainly jarring, as Alcide astutely notes, but it works in a bizarro-world sort of way. A remorseful, sensitive Eric is a refreshing change from the always-smirking, bad-boy persona we’ve grown used to. Perhaps it’s because I’m a softie at heart, but I like the new Eric. I’m not naïve enough to think that he will last, but a girl can dream, can’t she?
Vampire politics: As an avid politics junkie, I enjoy when a show parallels the political climate within its own world. The dynamic between Nan Flanagan and Bill, between the anti-vampire fanatics and the vamps, and among all of the other groups involved – both supernatural and otherwise – is as exciting to watch as a competitive election out here in reality. The nuance adds a great deal of flavor to the relationships among all of the beings in the “True Blood” universe.
Sam and Luna: Luna won me over in this episode. The chemistry between her and Sam – and between Sam and her daughter – crackles on screen, especially while Luna is baring her soul to Sam. I may be jumping the gun here, but all three make a gorgeous-looking family already.
The Bellefleur bombshell: I won’t spoil it here, but I will say that the Bill-Bellefleur connection is a good – and somewhat unexpected – one. It ought to make fans desperate for Bill and Sookie to get back together quite happy, as Bill is no longer attached once the information is revealed.
Bill and Sookie: I’ve missed seeing these two in scenes together, as whenever they’re on the same screen, my TV nearly explodes from the fireworks between them. Even in the one tense, dramatic scene they did have in this episode, the sparks are not hard to spot.
Marnie: Up until the very last minute of this episode, I haven’t found Marnie all too compelling. Then, with seconds left in this week’s hour, she went from zero to bada**, using her magic to make Pam look less like a porcelain doll and more like Jonah Hex. I’m excited to see Marnie unlock more of her power as this arc continues.
Shirtless Alcide: All I’m going to say is that this scene is definitely pause-worthy. I think I ought to invest in a DVR solely due to all the man candy this show provides me with.
Line of the night: It’s a tie between these two: “There isn’t any more. You drank the whole fairy.” “Stop saying ‘fuck.’ I can’t concentrate.” I’ll leave it up to you to decide which one takes the title.

The So-So:

The rape of Jason Stackhouse: This absurd subplot is just reaching uncomfortable levels. When that little girl walked into the room with Jason tied to bed, telling her about what her first time should be like, I cringed. I can understand that “True Blood” often goes for shock value, but using rape and sex with an underage girl for that shock factor seems to be cutting it too close.
The writing on the wall: Fortunately, Arlene and Terry’s baby is only in one scene, but even those couple of minutes are overkill in the drama department. Between the musical cues and Arlene’s screaming, there is far too much melodrama surrounding this subplot.
Little-to-no Jessica and Hoyt: What gives, HBO? Nancy Oliver, this episode’s writer, left one gaping hole in an otherwise nearly perfect episode. Let’s hope that next week’s episode has a double dose of the lovers in order to make up for this transgression.

Overall:

“I’m Alive And On Fire” is a solid episode that packs tons of intrigue into an hour that seems to fly by. While there’s a lot less sex and violence in this episode, it’s hard to miss all of that spectacle when there is so much gripping drama to feast your eyes on. This is “True Blood” in its element: a well-written, character- and plot-driven script that is interpreted beautifully by the actors and the episode’s director. And, as usual, there is plenty of humor to keep the laughter coming.

Rating: 9/10

“True Blood” airs every Sunday night on HBO!

What did you think of last night’s episode?

True Blood: Season 4, Episode 3 – ‘If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin’?’ – TV Review

Marisa Stotter — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:20:28 +0000

With every summer, fans of “True Blood” have come to expect the series to outdo its previous season and step up its game even more, as if that were even possible. As it turns out, it is definitely possible, and “True Blood” is absolutely crushing with its first three episodes of season four. HBO follows up two solid episodes with a third outstanding hour of all the sexy, gory, vampire-y goodness that makes us ask, “Is it Sunday yet?” every night of the week.

The Players:

Director: David Petrarca
Writer: Alan Ball
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Nelsan Ellis, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll

Episode Title: “If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin’?”

Sookie agrees to take care of a befuddled Eric; Jessica seeks advice from Bill and goes to extreme lengths to repair her relationship with Hoyt; Tara, Lafayette, and Jesus convene over how to deal with their vampire problem; Andy’s V addiction continues to get him into trouble; Sookie reconnects with Alcide and asks him a favor; Tommy cooks up a scheme while living under Mrs. Fortenberry’s roof; the panther transformation takes hold in Jason; Marnie taps further into her powers; Eric interrupts Sookie’s reunion with her fairy godmother.

The Good:

The humor: “True Blood” is known for employing humor to punctuate intense scenes at just the right moments, and this episode certainly delivers on that score. Most of these moments, perhaps unpredictably for the first time in “True Blood” history, involve Eric’s new-found sense of sheepishness. Between Eric absentmindedly calling Sookie “Snooki” and him guiltily smirking after biting Sookie’s fairy godmother, the vampire provided plenty of laughs in this otherwise dramatic hour.
Jessica and Bill’s heart-to-heart: As twisted as Jessica and Bill’s lives have become, it’s nice to see Jessica and her maker get some screen time together, however brief it is. It’s an especially interesting juxtaposition, between Bill’s previous action condemning a vampire to death and his touching moment counseling Jessica. The two sides of Bill have never been more starkly contrasted.
Eric and Sookie: I have a confession to make that Eric/Sookie fans probably won’t like. I wasn’t much of proponent of Eric and Sookie before this episode. I’ve always liked Eric’s character, but I could never see him and Sookie together; I always thought of Bill as Sookie’s true love. That being said, now that I’ve seen a softer, more vulnerable side of Eric, I honestly don’t mind the direction in which this plot line is inevitably headed. If – or should I say when – the two get together, I can’t say I’ll be terribly disappointed. Besides, watching Eric shirtless for the better half of this episode wasn’t a terribly excruciating exercise for my eyes.
Hoyt and Jessica: It is so heartbreaking to see their world crumbling before my eyes, but I love whenever they are on screen. There is so much drama and tension between them that always threatens to explode across the screen. I am constantly at the edge of my seat whenever scenes involving these two are on.
Alcide: Since Alcide was one of my favorite characters from last season, I couldn’t wait until he popped up again. Thank the gods of “True Blood” that he came back in this episode! The chemistry between him and Sookie, which I’ve always loved, is just as potent as ever despite the presence of Debbie. I would love to see the writers further explore Alcide’s complicated relationship with Sookie.
Tommy and Sam: Finally, Tommy and Sam’s relationship is back to what it should be: dramatic, fueled by anger, and strained until it reaches a breaking point. I find their relationship particularly exciting to watch, especially since Tommy is such a loose cannon. Sam will undoubtedly continue to have his hands full with his younger brother as the season progresses.
Easter egg: The Charlaine Haris novel that Sookie held in her hands towards the end of the episode was a nice, albeit subtle touch. It’s such attention to detail that’ll keep legions of fans coming back for more every week. Well, that and just the general awesomefest that is “True Blood.”
Line of the night: “You just killed my fairy godmother!” Cut to Eric’s guilty grin.

The So-So:

Jason of the panthers: No matter how hard I try, I can’t get into Jason’s subplot. I feel no sympathy for the panthers or their plight, nor do I care about Jason writhing on a cot for an hour. Crystal, in particular, has become nothing more than a creepy, irritating cultist.

Overall:

“True Blood” is on a roll this season, although that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise given the overall quality of the show. This episode packs enough intrigue to keep even the most casual of viewers riveted for the full hour. As always, the script and acting are top-notch and nuanced with the unique brand of “Truebie” humor that we all love so much. Save for Jason’s subplot, I can’t imagine a more perfect episode than this.

Rating: 10/10

“True Blood” airs every Sunday night on HBO!

What did you think of last night’s episode?

True Blood: Season 4, Episode 2 – ‘You Smell Like Dinner’ – TV Review

Marisa Stotter — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:32:14 +0000

This week, “True Blood” is all about adjustment. We accompany Sookie as she comes to terms with all the changes in Bon Temps, although some are certainly easier to handle than others. While the season premiere offered a series of character-focused vignettes featuring the show’s protagonists in their new situations, this second episode drives forward with more of the juicy plot for which we’ve been waiting all these long months. HBO delivers the goods and then some, leaving this particular Truebie extremely satisfied.

The Players:

Director: Scott Winant
Writer: Brian Buckner
Cast:Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Nelsan Ellis, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll

Episode Title: “You Smell Like Dinner”

Jason gets more than he bargained for while taking care of Crystal’s clan; Eric makes an interesting offer to Sookie; the origins of Bill’s new position are revealed; human/vampire relations continue to deteriorate, hitting close to home for Hoyt and Jessica; Andy lets his addiction to V cloud his judgment; Sam and Luna start something new; Arlene sees odd behavior coming from her new boy; Tara comes home to see Sookie; Bill sends Eric after a coven of dangerous witches.

The Good:

Punk Bill: You really have to watch this episode in order to understand just how awesome this is, but imagine Bill Compton as an English punk – spiked hair, leather, and all – in a UK punk club. Yes, it happens, in a flashback to 1982. It is a wonderful scene to behold, and one pregnant with details relating to Bill’s appointment to the kingship of Louisiana. I can’t wait until the show is available on demand just so I can re-watch that scene over and over and over again…
Tying up loose ends: Relating to the above, we finally learn of what came of Bill and Sophie Anne’s showdown, among some other cliffhangers from last season. Questions are being answered, which means, besides the obvious fact that information is being conveyed, that the show really respects its viewers and isn’t pulling a “Lost” on them.
Pushing the plot forward: This episode did just what I expected and hoped for with moving the plot forward after the premiere established the new “True Blood” universe, one year after the events of the third season. True to the usual “True Blood” form, plenty of intrigue is introduced in the last twenty minutes of the episode, so be sure to watch every second of the last half of the hour. You won’t regret it.
Jessica: May I say that Jessica is becoming a total bada** this season? Although I mourn her crumbling relationship with Hoyt, Jessica is really coming into her own as a strong, sexy young woman grappling with her vampiric powers. I look forward to seeing what becomes of her as the season progresses.
Tommy and Sam: I wasn’t too interested in Sam’s subplot with his new found shifter friends, so I was thrilled when Tommy came back into the picture late into the episode. My hope is that the third episode explores just what happened between the time Sam shot Tommy and the present; there are just so many lingering questions begging to be answered.
Line of the night: Nan Flanagan takes the cake: “Now go clean yourself up. You’re covered in queen.”

The So-So:

Arlene’s demon baby: Last week, Tara supplied the show’s weekly dose of melodrama. This time, Arlene takes a turn with the fuss surrounding her new baby boy, whom she believes is possessed by the devil or some such thing. This subplot would be far more compelling if the baby actually did something remarkable. All he does is allegedly cause a blood vessel in Arlene’s eye to burst and make her freak out whenever the subject of the child is brought up. Furthermore, Carrie Preston, who plays Arlene on the show, may benefit from toning down her performance and express Arlene’s paranoia with a bit more subtlety.
Jason and the panthers: I have very little interest in Jason’s story this season. Perhaps it is because Crystal’s character has seemingly done a 180 without much explanation. I don’t want to spoil the details here, but her loyalties have made an odd change that needs to be clarified.

Overall:

“True Blood” does not disappoint in its second episode of the fourth season. It has everything for which the show is beloved and a whole lot more: it’s steamy, it’s riveting, and it has a healthy dose of that Bon Temps humor to temper the drama. Don’t miss this episode! (At the very least, watch it for Punk Bill.)

Rating: 9/10

“True Blood” airs every Sunday night on HBO!

What did you think of last night’s episode?

True Blood: Season 4, Episode 1 – ‘She’s Not There’ – TV Review

Marisa Stotter — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:23:29 +0000

The supernatural saga of Sookie Stackhouse continues as “True Blood” heads into its fourth season. When last we left Bon Temps, quite a bit had happened to its denizens: Bill attempted to destroy both Russell and Eric, Sam shot Tommy, Sophie-Ann and Bill commenced a brutal battle to the death and we learned of Sookie’s own paranormal origins. Could the season four opener possibly measure up to all that? Well, read on to find out! (hint: the answer is yes.)

The Players:

Director: Michael Lehmann
Writer: Alexander Woo
Cast: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Nelsan Ellis, Ryan Kwanten, Sam Trammell, Rutina Wesley, Deborah Ann Woll

Episode Title: “She’s Not There”

Sookie escapes from the realm of the fairies when it ends up being not all it’s cracked up to be, only to find that over a year has passed on earth. A lot has changed in that time: Jason now dons a police uniform; Lafayette and Jesus hang out with a coven of witches; Arlene and Terry’s new son worries his parents with his odd behavior; Tara moves and reinvents herself as a lesbian MMA fighter; Hoyt and Jessica play house, problems and all; Mrs. Fortenberry takes an injured – and apparently reformed – Tommy under her wing; Sam bonds with other shapeshifters; Bill has a new position in the vampire community; all the while, the vampires of Bon Temps go on a PR tour to win back the hearts and minds of humans.

The Good:

The exposition: This episode spends a fair amount of time explaining what various characters have been up to over the past 13 months. The arc of the episode covers the gamut of principle characters, showing short vignettes that offer a glimpse into their new lives. By the end of the episode, you’re not even aware that little plot development has taken place. The premiere functions mainly as a subtle character study that brings the viewer up to date and provides a peek into the psyche of each character.
The Bon Temps flavor: The unique, supernaturally-tinged Bon Temps spirit is in full swing in this episode. While a good deal of time has passed, it feels as though we have never left the town and its inhabitants. The consistency from last season melded with appropriate and expected change lend Bon Temps its genuine feel.
The sexy factor: “True Blood” certainly hasn’t lost its sex appeal in the premiere’s jumble of scenes. Bill and Eric, in particular, are as appealing as ever, and Tara and Sookie get their fair share of, ahem, “attention” in that department. Still, this episode continues last season’s more subdued sexual philosophy: sex is shown when it is vital to the plot and not used as mere spectacle.
Hoyt and Jessica: The perfect not-so-perfect couple, Hoyt and Jessica steal this episode. Their first scene, in which a trivial fight at home ends in warm-hearted laughter, is authentically written, beautifully acted, and brilliantly nuanced. We get a sense of the problems plaguing their otherwise happy home, and it sets the stage for Jessica’s future near-indiscretion.

The So-So:

The land of the fairies: While “True Blood” is known for pushing the envelope in asking viewers to suspend their disbelief, the fairy plot introduced last season and continued in this episode seems to be asking a bit too much. “Fairyland,” as I like to call the realm of the fairies, is certainly beautiful, elegant, and befitting the fairies who inhabit it, but it’s cheesy even by “True Blood” standards. It simply does not fit with the dark, somber tone and atmosphere of the show.
Tara: Poor Tara endured a lot last season. It seems only natural that she should make some major changes to her life, but these particular changes, and the way in which they are glossed over without explanation, make Tara’s subplot feel as though it took a turn for the melodramatic. I hope that next week’s episode will go deeper into the changes Tara has undergone and bring her psychology to light.

Overall:

It’s sexy, it’s fun, and this episode in particular has some genius moments of psychological introspection. “True Blood” has awoken from its off-season slumber and is well worth watching, both for die-hard fans and new viewers alike.

Rating: 9/10

“True Blood” airs every Sunday night on HBO!

What did you think of last night’s episode?

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Interview: Stephen Moyer for The Double

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The Players:

Episode Title: “You Smell Like Dinner”

The Good:

The So-So: