I love True Blood. The show’s had a choppy few years drowning in superfluous subplots, but the first few seasons were so darn engrossing, that I always hoped the show would one day return to its former glory. Thankfully True Blood‘s fifth season, while still very flawed, proved to be a highly enjoyable affair. And judging by the season six premiere, it seems like that good luck just might continue.
I was hesitant for a second when I heard True Blood’s showrunner Alan Ball was leaving the show this season. But then I realized he was obviously to blame for many of the show’s recent missteps, and I got excited for the show’s potential again. This premiere didn’t feel wildly different than what came before in terms of tone, but it did start to clear away the clutter that has been weighing the show down. Jesus looks like he’s gone for good, and I’m ecstatic that useless Luna got killed off. All that’s left is for Alcide and the wolf-pack to be done with. Seriously what is the point? We get it: the werewolves are just like a rowdy biker gang and they have weird initiation rituals. Enough already! Surprisingly, I wasn’t annoyed by Andy this week as I found myself entertained by his little gaggle of fairy kids and their accelerated aging. Of course this subplot could get old fast but I’m willing to give the writers the benefit of the doubt.
I’m not too sure what to make of Billith yet. On one hand, Bill was absolutely horrifying in the teaser which brilliantly showcased the direct aftermath of last season’s cliffhanger. However, by the end of the hour, he was pretty much the old Bill again albeit with a zillion Liliths inside him (how bizarre was that?). I do hope the rift between him and Sookie is maintained, as I much prefer our favorite fairy when she’s paired with Eric.
I’m pleased to report that Warlow, the vampire who killed Sookie and Jason’s parents, was finally introduced as our big bad of the season (hopefully). Rutger Hauer is a terrifying presence (he was particularly awesome on Alias) so I’m delighted that he’s on board. I especially love the revelation that Warlowe was Lilith’s progeny. This connection immediately elevates what was previously a lame storyline and ties it to the main mythology in an organic way.
Is anyone surprised that Pam is still as hilarious as ever? All of her one-liners are comedy gold, and her “relationship” with Tara continues to charm. It’s obviously not going to be a conventional one (“this isn’t an epic fucking love story”), but these two wackjobs obviously care for each other very much. Plus Tara’s presence means Pam can stop being Eric’s punching bag and live her own life for once. However if Fangtasia is closed down, I just might quit the show. Pam needs her nightclub of sin and so do we.
Bloody Bits
– Arlene’s speech to Andy about raising kids was surprisingly touching.
– Could it be? Is LaFayette finally fun again? I doubt it will last.
– Loved Bill intercepting Eric and Nora as they flew in for the attack.
– The Governor of Louisiana (Truman Burrell) wasn’t particularly intriguing, but I did like him hypocritically handing Miss Suzuki a Tru Blood factory.
– Obviously the werewolves were never going to be interesting, so the writers solved the issue with the only way they knew how: they gave us gratuitous nudity and a threesome. Nice going writers.
– Part of me kind of feels like Jessica is only standing by Billith to figure out what’s going on with him. Or she could just be really stupid and incapable of fighting the sire bond…
– Eric gave Sookie her house back, and what was her response? She rescinded the invitation. She’s a polite girl that one.
– Jason was pretty dumb during the whole hitchhiking shtick wasn’t he?
True Quips
Nora: Will you shut up? The world is about to end.
Pam: Honey, I don’t know about the world but I’m about to end your face!
Pam: (about Nora) Who the fuck is Mary Poppins and can I kill her?
Lafayette: You want something deep fried, dipped in sugar, and fried all over again?
Pam: I hate the beach… fish piss and sand in your cooch.
Jason: I feel like that little gay boy from that movie “I see dead people.”
Conclusion
A promising and enjoyable season premiere from True Blood.
Nad Rating
B
I think (well at least I hope) we are in for a good season. Season 5 had too many subplots that it became tedious to watch but this is one show I will not give up on.
The premiere was good, I was actually surprised with Luna's quick death at the very beginning of the episode but I am not complaining! She honestly had nothing more to add for this season.
I think Bill's struggle with what he has become and him not knowing the limits of his strengths and capabilities makes the Billith plotline more interesting!
Jason's stupidity is really getting on my nerves! And yes I prefer Sookie with Eric as well!!
P.S. I know the werewolves story is becoming kind of weak but Joe Manganiello makes it worth the watch 😉
Thanks for commenting Tagouga! Really glad to know we share True Blood in common as well 🙂 It's going to be a great year hopefully (enjoy Mangeniello as much as you can, hopefully he won't last long 😛 )