Tonight True Blood season 3, episode 1 premiered. With all the hype and attention the show has received in its first two seasons it seems almost impossible that it could possibly live up to its fans expectations. Maybe it is because the vampire market is oversaturated right now but the first episode came off stale and overdone.
It wasn’t that the episode was bad, it jus was too commercial, mainstream, and polished. What made True Blood great was it rawness, southern trashiness, and the overall dirty sexual vibe. With all of its recent popularity it feels like the producers have traded in their artistic grittiness for commercial mainstream appeal.
The episode starts off with Bill being abducted. In the past Sookie has been this strong southern belle, who you can’t admire. This episode she lacked character, and spunk instead whining to other characters about her beloved Bill. I know there is a lot of people out there pulling for them as a couple, but they have gotten a little boring. Sookie needs someone dangerous and sexy. Lately Bill has felt cold, and too contrite.
My prediction is that this is the season that Sookie and Eric hook up. Already it seems like the producers are going to kill the sizzle in the Eric, Sookie chemistry. When Eric said to Sookie “I want what Bill has” inferring that he wanted her, it felt out of character. Eric is predatory, he watches and broods- it just didn’t seem right for him to be vulnerable to her rejection.
The worst part about the whole episode was the reappearance of the vampire queen played by Evan Rachel Wood. Last season she was crazy and power hungry. She had no scruples and no fear. It was weird seeing her be contrite and obedient to the Magistrate. Her power was effectively diminished, and after that you have to wonder why even have her at all.
Perhaps the best part was the overtly homosexual tone that was consistent from start to finish. The sex dream between Sam and Bill was a little weird. No it was really weird, and out of character for Sam and Bill. I just didn’t understand why these two overtly heterosexual males would be in that situation. There was really no basis for it. I did giggle though. On the plus side Eric’s Sapphic sidekick, Pam, is getting more screen time, and is queerer than ever. Plus she is strong sexy, and not stereotypical.
I don’t want to pass judgment too soon, but I have my doubts. True Blood needs to remember why people watch, and not let its success ruin it. Maybe I am wrong, we’ll see.
