True Blood – Death is not the End - Review: "I Fucking Hate Shreveport"
17 Jul 2014
Reviews RO True BloodTrue Blood continued its final season last week with “Death is not the End” (also known as “Sick of Goodbyes”), and surprisingly it was a terrific episode. I really didn’t expect the fourth episode of the season would be so full of action, thanks to a very determined Sookie – I love her 10 times more this way and so funny, thanks to Eric and Pam.
I expected a filler episode or at least something more slow than what actually happened in “Death is not the End”. Everything went so fast : Eric got back to Bon Temps, Sookie got everyone ready to rescue Fangtasia and they did it, putting an end an end to the main storyline of the beginning of the season.
True Blood is making some direct and straight forward turns this season, the writers eliminated many main characters and now they showed they’re ready to wrap up a storyline in one episode. I really love this year choice of writing.
I really love the opening of the episode, when Jason and Sookie called Hoyt and Alice’s father to tell them. It’s rare for True Blood to get so emotional, and I certainly didn’t expect so much emotion for recurring characters in the final season. (Okay, even if they spent a whole episode on Terry's funeral last year). Usually, goodbyes go quickly in final season, there are always some major developments going on elsewhere so there’s never much time to spend on giving the character a final and propre goodbye.
I almost shared a tear when Jason was on the phone with Hoyt, who had no idea who the hell was Officer Jason Stackhouse. It was so heart breaking. Maxine’s death didn’t really matter, she was a horrible woman but Hoyt’s reaction to the news and Ryan Kwanten’s interpretation of Jason made this scene one of the best of the show. Sookie’s call to Alcide’s dad was less emotional and a bit pointless, but still it was nice to see him again.
What was more interesting in Alcide’s death was Sookie’s reaction. It had affected her but in a very good way. I feared she would go crying and being sad, remembering Alice and their love. It wasn’t what happened. She was fierce, determined and strong willed… I love Sookie when she is in that mood.
She was so proactive in "Death Is Not the End" : she put Holly memories back together, so they knew where Arlene and the rest were being held, she made Jessica heal since she hadn’t eaten for 10 weeks (since she killed Adilyn’ sisters) by having a great speech about not carrying about her problems but only her friends’ lives and by finally bringing Lafayette to feed her, then Sookie also made Bill feed on her so he would be strong for the attack on Fangtasia and she ultimately saved Arlene from a certain death, also thanks to Eric. Waw ! That was intense ! I love Sookie making the right decisions and not wasting time with bullshit.
I really enjoyed the new Sookie, like she was in the first season, not too selfish, caring about people even if they were weird and not that nice to her. Bon Temps is her life, everything she ever knew. I like this side of Sookie personality and I'm glad the writers chose to focus on it. Sookie can be so obstinate it's quite funny.
She made all the right decisions even when it was hard, like with Holly. The scene was great, both Chris Bauer and Lauren Bowles really gave a lot of themselves in that scene, and it was very touching.
Sookie’ scene with Bill was enjoyable again this week, it’s becoming even clearer they’re going back together soon. As I said I don’t mind it, and the feeding scene was a nice step forward. I like better when the writers keep it simple and short with Sookie and Bill.
Finally, Sookie saved Arlene. I must say I have a bit afraid about Arlene’s fate, she really seemed weak and dying. It was so heart breaking to watch Terry in the bright light talking with her. So, I guess Heaven exists in True Blood ? Or was it just Arlene’s brain ? Anyways, it was an amazing scene, I loved watching Terry back. They were such a nice couple with Arlene. I’m glad Arlene didn’t die, I really care for her. She’s a great supporting character. She is the normal girl, the reliable friend for Sookie. And I can’t bear the loss of another favorite characters…
BTW, where are you Tara ? I still can’t believe she went off so quickly, she barely appeared in the season for now. I really hope she will be back because now, the mains storyline of the season are wrapped up.
Sookie’s plan to save Arlene and Co at Fangtasia went quite well, except for Arlene almost dying. But, Sam, Jason, Eric, Willa, Violet and Jess saved the day… or the night actually. They got rid of all the infected vampires in Fangtasia, and also a bunch of the stupid people of Bon Temps. Jason and Sam made the stupid decision to tell Kevin’s wife about their plan to attack Fangtasia. So, she told the news to the new (and soon to be former) Mayor and a couple of his friends.
Everyone gathered up at Fangtasia and everyone, but our favorite vampires and friends, was killed ! Finally I was so happy when the Mayor was killed. I couldn't bear his face anymore. True Blood likes to place some very annoying characters, and it's always such a delight to watch them meet their end. I’m glad we got rid of the stupid normal people of Bon Temps fighting off the supernaturals. Those people needed to be more tolerant. And for the infected vampires, they were useless from the start. They never really looked like a threat anyway. The most frightening part from them was their attacks were unexpected and violent. But they were just a bunch of looser and weak vampires. I'm glad they finally died too.
So now, what’s next ? I’ve never expected everything to happen so fast but I’m so thrilled with the writers’ choice. The next episode will mark the mid season, so I'm hoping for some game changing episode. Maybe, now that Eric and Pam are on the look for Sarah Newlin, they can also find a cure against Hep V (and save Eric !)
The best part of the episode was Fangtasia's origins. It was nice to see the Master of the Authority for one last time, I forgot he was such a pain in the ass. Good riddance !
The revelation of what Fangtasia used to be before was so funny and surprising. It was a freaking video club, just like some I knew in the 90's. Good, it felt so old to watch it. It was such a delighting surprise, and I’ve never thought Eric and Pam would actually run it for 10 years without changing it. It was so sad and regular, nothing compared to the Fangtasia we know (or knew).
And it was actually Ginger’s idea to turn the video club into a vampire bar after the vampires went public. Pam stole her idea and glamoured her. She is such a bitch but we can forgive Pam anything.
Even when they were still hidden, Ginger was a huge vampire fan, she was lucky to meet Pam and Eric. The Eric and Ginger meeting scene was so fun and it really showed their personalities. Ginger fell under Eric's charm instantly and he noticed it and started playing with her.
I always loved Ginger, I missed her screams so much. Where are you crazy bitch ? It was wonderful to see Ginger in a regular look, with brown hair.
I’m really enjoying the Eric flashback this season, but I really hope it doesn’t mean he is going to die. I know it’s the final season and all, but still, I couldn’t bear losing Eric Northman. He needs to survive and continue his life with Pam by his side. They’re so perfect together. Don’t be cruel on me True Blood writers, losing Tara was hard enough.
“Death is not the End” was an excellent episode, True Blood is really proving it’s sill one of the best show on air, despite being in its seventh and final season. Of course, it has had its flaws in the past but this actual season is just great. Everything was perfect from the start to the end, I’m really excited for the rest of the season ! Are you ?
So, what did you think of “Death is not the End” ? Hit the comments !
Vampires notes :
• Comebacks of the week : Hoyt, Terry and Master of the Authority. Which was your favorite ?
• I loved Willa’ scene with Eric. The girl has such a temper now. I love her much this way than last year.
• Sookie’s reunion with Eric was really sweet, does this mean the love triangle is back on ? I don’t think so, Eric and Sookie have a special bond but Sookie belongs to Bill. And Eric belongs to no one. (or to me ?)
• So now, everybody knows about Sam, even Arlene…. And how funny was her reaction. Do you think he will stay as Mayor of Bon Temps ?
About the Author - Romain Ossust
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Good spot on review and I agree it was reinvigorating for the series to have Sookie swing into action. One of the best episodes in the series. Pam confessing true origin of Fangtasia and Eric's reaction nice. Arlene/rat so funny.
ReplyDeleteIt just doesn't make sense to show sookie having so much chemistry with Eric and then have her end up with Bill whom she has half the amount with, it's bad writing if that's the endgame.
ReplyDeleteEric belongs to Pam! I'm sure she'll share with you (and hopefully me, too) They should be endgame for reals :)
ReplyDeleteThe best part of the episode was Sookie & Eric's interactions. Forget Bill ,she belongs with Eric, the chemistry between them is amazing and I hope we get to see a lot more of it before the end of the series. The show has always been at its strongest when those 2 share scenes.
ReplyDeleteWell, Sookie and Bill have a great and stronger chemistry than Sookie and Eric. Sookie and Eric's relationship is fun but it's not serious. Sookie is a regular girl, she wants stability, Eric can't offer that, but Bill can.
ReplyDeletelol I'm sure Pam won't mind give her Eric :)
ReplyDelete"BTW, where are you Tara ? I still can’t believe she went off so quickly,
ReplyDeleteshe barely appeared in the season for now. I really hope she will be
back because now, the mains storyline of the season are wrapped up."
She met the True Death in the very first minutes of the season premiere. It's been referenced several times by many characters. Pam even told Eric about it when they were on the plane going back to Shreveport.
Here here! My heart broke in that moment. There was so much love in that reunion, I wanted to cry. They kill me. Sooric ftw!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Ginger. (God I love her) Not to come off as in a gross way or anything. This comment isn't about that. But does anyone else want Ginger to get screwed by Eric? Lol I know it's weird. But seriously she has been looking to screw him since they met. She clearly was the reason for his success with the bar. She was his first employee. She's been with them since the very beginning. She's completely part of the group, always coming in for them one way or another, and the last thing Eric does is saves her life from the Vampire Camp. I kinda feel really bad for her if she can't get a quick screw from Eric before the series ends. At least Kiss her, I mean she's earned it. LOL That really would suck though. I'd feel bad for her.
ReplyDelete