TRUE BLOOD Season Finale: The End is the Beginning
The True Blood season finale was all about knowledge and whether it is best to have it or to remain in ignorance. First, Maryann (Michelle Forbes) prepared for her nuptials to the god-who-comes and once again asked Sookie (Anna Paquin) “What are you?” Sookie’s response “I’m a waitress. What the fuck are you?” was humorous, but unenlightening. We could also hear the fear in Sookie’s voice — what is she really?
While Sookie is frightened by her own ignorance, Hoyt (Jim Parrack) discovers the perils of learning the truth. While under Maryann’s influence his mother (Dale Raoul) reveals that Hoyt’s father did not die bravely, fighting off a burglar, but took his own life. And the desire to keep his mother safe from an imaginary burglar is what kept Hoyt from going to college, leaving home or having a life of his own. “I should’ve known the truth when I was 10!” he screams before walking out on his mother. This knowledge may permanently destroy his relationship with her (good riddance, I say).
There were other examples of the knowledge/ignorance theme in the finale. The residents of Bon Temps have agreed to practice collective amnesia, rather than admit to the things that they did while under Maryann’s spell. Ignorance may be the best policy, however, as evidenced by Eggs (Mehcad Brooks), who could not handle the knowledge of the murders he committed. He appears to lose his mind and demands to be arrested.
But there was more to this finale than the simple tying of loose ends. What I really appreciate about True Blood is that it has used its finale episodes to put the next season’s plotlines in motion. So here’s what we can expect from Season 3:
1. Sam Merlotte’s Origins
We know that Sam’s (Sam Trammell) adoptive parents were terrified by his shape shifting and consequently abandoned him at a young age. In the finale he returns to their home for answers about his past. In keeping with the theme of the evening his mother warns him that it is in Sam’s best interest to remain in ignorance. His biological parents are “bad people,” she tells him. But then we see a close up of a monitor. Who is on the other end? In the next shot we enter a room loaded with medical equipment and pervaded with the sucking and beeping noises of a body kept alive by machines. This is Sam’s estranged father and he is dying. I loved that there was no attempt to explain what was wrong with Sam’s father — he simply handed Sam a scrawled note with the names of his biological parents. At the bottom of the note were the words “I’m sorry.” I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds in Season 3.
2. Bill’s Kidnapping
Like many fans of the show, I have very little tolerance for the blissful romance between Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Sookie. I rolled my eyes continuously throughout the scene in which he takes her to a fancy French restaurant in a gag-worthy lavender cocktail dress and then (ugh) proposes marriage (I did, however, enjoy learning that it is only legal for vampires and humans to marry in Vermont). Although the writers likely wanted my eyes to fill with tears as Sookie jubiliantly reentered the dining room to tell Bill that yes, she will marry him! only to find him gone, I actually cheered a bit. This means that Season 3 will open with Bill and Sookie apart and, I’m guessing, Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) moving in for the kill. Sweet! Oh yeah, I’m on Team Eric all right.
3. The Murder of Eggs
I was not particularly sad to see Eggs die. First of all, I never caught why people called him Eggs [note: since posting this I have been schooled: Eggs is a play on his real name, Benedict]. Also, his relationship with Tara (Rutina Wesley) always seemed somewhat artificial to me — created under and perpetuated by Maryanne’s spell. I’m confidant that she can find a better mate (like Sam perhaps? Hint, hint, writers). Jason (Ryan Kwanten) shot Eggs in an attempt to grab at the heroism he feels he missed during the Maryanne debacle, and although Frank Sobotka, errr, I mean Andy (Chris Bauer), created a believable cover story for Jason, I’m betting the truth will out as Season 3 progresses. In fact, I’m betting Jason will out himself. The boy has a guilty conscience.
4. And then there’s Jessica
Man does Jessica (Deborah Ann Wohl) hate being an eternal virgin. The question is, how long will her blood thirsty rampage last before Daddy Bill finds out? Oh wait, Bill’s been kidnapped. Horny truckers across Bon Temps better watch out.
judgmental observer 
September 14, 2009 at 10:26 pm
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September 15, 2009 at 11:10 am
People call him Eggs because his real name is Benedict. And, yeah, I’m not shedding any tears over him–he was never very interesting and certainly not up to challenging Tara’s issues, not by a long shot.
I’m surprised you didn’t comment more on Sookie’s battle with ignorance. The whole reason she sets up the admittedly predictable anticipation of telling Bill yes is that she is overwhelmed by all the things she DOESN’T know about herself. I notice Bill never mentioned her cousin yet, either.
One thing that the audience is ignorant of is who kidnapped Ol’ Billy-boy. Personally, my money’s on Eric, not only because he told the queen he’d take care of Bill personally, but he would also be familiar with silver’s effect on vamps, and could fly Bill out quickly and quietly. Go Eric 🙂
Speaking of Sookie, Bill and Eric, I can’t help but be reminded of the Buffy-Angel-Spike dynamic. Cute blonde girl with supernatural powers falls for dark and broody vamp with a conscience; meanwhile, blonde Euro-vamp with the bad-boy charm starts to horn in on broody vamp’s territory. Hijinks ensue. I’ve seen it before, but I hope it plays out in a different way this time.
September 15, 2009 at 11:39 am
I can’t believe that I never put the Sookie/Bill/Eric love triangle together with the Buffy/Angel/Spike triangle! I always really disliked the love scenes between Buffy and Angel and I hate the love scenes between Sookie and Bill even more. And the moment Spike fell for Buffy I was smitten, much as I am smitten with Eric. And I don’t even like blondes.
It isn’t a perfect fit but there are enough similarities that Joss Whedon could cry foul.
Also, I totally missed it when Eggs explained why people call him Eggs. Ignorance indeed.
September 15, 2009 at 4:16 pm
If only Eric were funnier, I’d have a man-crush on him like I did for Spike. Maybe the writers will have him do an impression of Bill, like Spike used to do for Angel (pleasepleaseplease).
September 15, 2009 at 6:30 pm
I just started watching Season 1 last night and I’m hooked already (I’ve read all the books, though – I’m a huge dork).
September 15, 2009 at 7:18 pm
I nearly had to look away during the French restaurant scene, that’s how unbearably cheesy I found it. But loved Eric’s pause when The Queen asked if he loved Sookie.
I was generally underwhelmed — the season’s narrative peak seemed to be in the escape from the compound/Godric’s death/sexy Eric dream.
But I did love “I’d wear him like a scrunchie.”
September 16, 2009 at 9:51 am
Good point, Annie, re: the series’ “double climax.” Having 2 distinct villains this season was fun, but it did lead to a less exciting 2nd climax. I’m not sure if I would change anything though–I really enjoyed how Sookie, Jason and Bill leave Dallas thinking all of their problems have been solved and then arrive in Bon Temps to complete chaos. But, yes the Fellowship of the Sun showdown was much better than the Maryann showdown.
And those bar ladies was right–Sam has a great ass.
September 17, 2009 at 10:32 pm
I’m convinced that Eggs was cast simply for spectatorial pleasure. His role was miminal, but boy what a bod! I agree with you about the Sookie/Bill relationship, and I’m looking forward to the Eric complications (I’m a big fan–he’s so, well, bad). And, good riddance Maryann. The narrative arc was interesting way back when, but how long could we really gain pleasure in wathcing the townfolk party in togas? Enough!! Hopefully Season 3 will expand in compelling ways.
September 23, 2009 at 8:05 am
I think we’re gonna see a lot of trauma emerging next season, lots of issues with memory.
And I actually think Eric’s pretty funny. Esp. when he shows up at the mall in that track suit.
October 15, 2009 at 11:27 am
Hey, I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say GREAT blog!…..I”ll be checking in on a regularly now….Keep up the good work! 🙂
– Marc Shaw
October 23, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I don’t really think the parallel between Angel/Buffy/Spike is the same. For one Angel left Buffy of his own free will… and it was a season or two before she hooked up with Spike. Angel never came back into the picture… except the subject did come up later when Spike made his way over to Angel & Co.
But indeed the funniest part was when Spike did impressions of Angel.. Especially the one when he was still evil..sitting on top of the building watching Angel rescue some damsel.
I do see Eric doing that about Bill.. his impression in the church playing a “follower” was hilarious…