It's the halfway point of this season of "True Blood" (yes, already), so I thought it would be a good time to analyze the goings-on in our beloved Bon Temps. So, before I take in episode 7 on Sunday, here's what's been working — and what quite hasn't — so far.
WHAT'S GOOD
Bill's character development: I've always liked Bill, but much about him remains a stoic mystery. Sure, we've learned how he became a vampire and understand all that he'll do for Sookie. But much of his hero status has been pretty one-dimensional. But this season, his kidnapping, his playing both sides of vampire power-grabs and his heart-wrenching Lorena back-and-forths have added much-needed depth to his character. And what is he doing looking into Sookie's past?
Franklin Mott: James Frain's wicked, cruel, funny and misogynistic vamp with a penchant for Tara has been my favorite new character. He's scary one moment, hilarious the next. But is he dead? Is he really evil or just misunderstood? I want more.
The King of Mississippi: Another example of pitch-perfect casting, Denis O'Hare's egalitarian and power-hungry Russell Edgington (right) is difficult to take your eyes off of. Whether he's scolding life-partner-of-700-years Talbot or both feeding and looking down upon werewolves, Russell is the type of complicated character that elevates "True Blood" above soap-opera status.
Lorena coming back: The neck-twisting sex.
The flashbacks: Not everyone loves them (last season's Eric and Godric's flashback-heavy backstory seemed a bit too maudlin), but the World War II scene and the one where we learn how Eric's family met their end were both suspenseful and necessary plot points.
Split decision — Sam Merlotte: Most agree Sam isn't the most, um, interesting character. Most of what he's had to do so far is pine over Sookie, quickly battle Maryann and turn into a dog every now and then. And while his crazy-family subplot used to bring the overall narrative to a loud thud, it's starting to heat up. Hopefully, it can retain that heat.
WHAT'S BAD
Sookie: Not much going on with her this season, unless you count whining and flirting with Eric and Alcide as "something." I don't.
Jason: Did Ryan Kwanten ask for a little time off? After Jason's excellent Fellowship of the Sun departure in Season 2, we now see him trying to be a police officer, fighting high-school kids and generally not growing up. The Crystal love-interest story is promising, but I have my doubts.
Arlene and Jessica — the odd couple: Jessica is funny; it's interesting seeing a new vampire try to adjust. And Arlene is as sassy as ever. But their fighting-waitress shtick at Merlotte's feels forced and unnecessary. My suggestion: Reconnect Jessica and Hoyt and give Arlene something to do other than have children.
Vampire politics: The issues relating to vampire rights, the selling of V and other human-vampire relationship topics have always been in the fringe of "True Blood" world. Why not elevate the politics storyline a bit? It's unique and adds a bit of seriousness, balancing the outlandish action.
SPLIT DECISION — Alcide and the werewolves: I was excited about going into the unexplored werewolf (left) world this season, but much has been a yawn. Besides the redneck bikerness of were-bar Lou Pines (and seeing everyone turn into a wolf), I expected a deeper portrayal of this supernatural world. This season's overall plot has been hinting about an all-out vampire-werewolf war brewing, so I'm hopeful. As for Alcide, the sadness over white-trash ex Debbie Pelt is taking up more time than I want. How about less sensitivity and more badass werewolfness, Alcide? You're a good guy I want to root for.
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