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TRUE BLOOD 4x08 Spellbound
True Blood Season 1, Episode 11 "To Love Is to Bury"
Blood and Chaos
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Chapter Fourteen - Dishonour! Dishonour on you, your cow and your dumb face!
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PREVIOUS NEXT
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Favorite Moments in True Blood Season 5:
1.) Pam's backstory. This is one of the few changes I actually preferred. The way Eric turned Pam in the books is something that never sat right with me since Pam never really got a choice about becoming a vampire. In the show, there was a choice for her, and it's one that made sense. I thought Pam's backstory as a prostitute went a long way's towards explaining a lot of things about her character. It explained why she's closed off from other people, why she's into her looks (since she was in a profession where she had to look pretty in order to survive), why she's so devoted to Eric since he's the one who rescued her from a horrific fate when he could have left her behind, and why she has such contempt for Bill since she remembers him and Lorena as the ones who were defiling the girls that worked in her brothel. It was an interesting backstory that fleshed out her character.
2.) Pam and Tara's relationship. I thought this was some nice character development for Pam where she took on the role of a maker and learned to care for someone else outside of herself and Eric. One of my favorite moments in the series is when she takes the fall for Tara murdering Elijah so that the Authority doesn't lock Tara up. Likewise, I thought Tara's story about becoming a newborn vampire was interesting. She had always hated vampires, so it was interesting seeing her come to terms becoming the thing she once dreaded and learning to be okay with it. I still admire Tara for her loyalty towards those she cares about, and that even as a newborn vampire, she cares deeply about not draining and killing people for fun.
3.) Sam and Luna's relationship. I still argue that Sam was better off with Luna since both of them were shapeshifters and it felt more like an equal relationship. It was fun watching them take on the Hate Group that was targeting them (Luna beating the shit out of Sweeite was a delight), and infiltrating the Authority to rescue Emma. I'm not a huge fan of Sam's character, but I found him interesting to watch when he was paired with Luna. I wish there had been more of this relationship.
4.) Sookie and Jason getting more bonding moments. It was nice seeing the two of them interact. Jason making breakfast for Sookie in bed. Sookie comforting a crying Jason when Hoyt left. Both of them looking out for each other. I didn't even mind their interactions with the faeries. I still think it was nice seeing Jason and the faeries go to bat for Sookie when Russell and Steve went after her. Speaking of which.........
5.) Russell Edgington. Russell was fun in season 5 for me. His relationship with Steve. His condescending attitude towards Salome and Nora. His rivalry with Eric. His mockery of Lilith. He had some great lines and great moments. I still love when he gets fed up with the Authority, gives them a "Reason You Suck" speech, and then just leaves to go do his own thing.
6.) Andy and Holly's relationship. It's a small element, but I liked seeing this relationship develop. It's probably one of the few healthy relationships on the show, and it was nice seeing some character development from Andy.
7.) The overarching theme for the season. While I agree that not every storyline in season 5 was good (*cough* Hoyt joining a hate group *cough*) I did like that they felt connected by an overarching theme about a forthcoming conflict and how the demons of the past (both literal and metaphorical) were coming back to haunt the characters. I also appreciated the themes about the dangers of extremism, and how each of these characters were lost and were trying to define who they were in spite of the things that had happened to them. Again, YMMV on how effective some of these stories were, but I would argue they at least felt connected by that theme compared to other seasons.
8.) Seeing a more heroic side to Eric. Say what you will about how the Authority arc was handled, but I enjoyed seeing a more noble and heroic side to Eric. I liked how in spite of not being a mainstreamer, he made it clear that he was fine tolerating humans so long as they didn't cause problems for vampires. I liked how he didn't kiss up to the Authority when both Roman and Salome were in charge, and that even though he was a vampire, there were at least certain boundaries he wasn't willing to cross. It made me respect him a lot as a character.
9.) Jason's backstory and his talk with Jessica after the experience with his teacher. This will probably be a controversial one, but I thought what they did with Jason's teacher was a heartbreaking moment. I like that the show made it clear that what his teacher did to him when he was a teenager was rape, and that it didn't try to play it for laughs. I've seen this happen before on other TV shows where Male Rape by a woman either gets brushed under the rug, or it's treated like the guy got lucky, which disgusts me. Thankfully, they didn't do that here. It also went some ways in explaining why Jason tied sex with his self-worth, and how he had subconsciously internalized that trauma from all those years ago without realizing it. It still remains one of Ryan Kwanten's best acting moments IMO. I also liked that conversation he has with Jessica later where she initially wanted to have sex with him, but once she realizes he's in a lot of pain from what happened, she opts to talk with him instead. It's the moment that made me realize there was a possibility of them being friends.
So in spite of how controversial season 5 is, these are a few elements I liked. There's more, but I don't think this season is as deserving of the hate it gets.
Nothing is funnier than Jason Stackhouse saying “I wanna be new Jason” in the saddest voice ever when told to go get laid
Andy: You gotta act normal, which for you means goin’ out and gettin’ tail
Jason: No, that was the old Jason *pouts*
True Blood MBTI
Sookie Stackhouse: ISFP [The Artist]
ISFPs tend to be quiet and reserved, and difficult to get to know well. They hold back their ideas and opinions except from those who they are closest to. They are likely to be kind, gentle and sensitive in their dealings with others. They are interested in contributing to people's sense of well-being and happiness, and will put a great deal of effort and energy into tasks which they believe in.
They're original and independent, and need to have personal space. They value people who take the time to understand the ISFP, and who support the ISFP in pursuing their goals in their own, unique way. People who don't know them well may see their unique way of life as a sign of carefree light-heartedness, but the ISFP actually takes life very seriously, constantly gathering specific information and shifting it through their value systems, in search for clarification and underlying meaning. ISFPs are extremely perceptive and aware of others. They constantly gather specific information about people, and seek to discover what it means. They are usually penetratingly accurate in their perceptions of others.ISFPs are warm and sympathetic. They genuinely care about people, and are strongly service-oriented in their desire to please. [X]
Bill Compton: INTJ [The Mastermind]
INTJs live in the world of ideas and strategic planning. They value intelligence, knowledge, and competence, and typically have high standards in these regards, which they continuously strive to fulfill. To a somewhat lesser extent, they have similar expectations of others. INTJs spend a lot of time inside their own minds, and may have little interest in the other people's thoughts or feelings. Unless their Feeling side is developed, they may have problems giving other people the level of intimacy that is needed.
The INTJ's interest in dealing with the world is to make decisions, express judgments, and put everything that they encounter into an understandable and rational system. Consequently, they are quick to express judgments. Often they have very evolved intuitions, and are convinced that they are right about things. Unless they complement their intuitive understanding with a well-developed ability to express their insights, they may find themselves frequently misunderstood. In these cases, INTJs tend to blame misunderstandings on the limitations of the other party, rather than on their own difficulty in expressing themselves. This tendency may cause the INTJ to dismiss others input too quickly, and to become generally arrogant and elitist. [X]
Sam Merlotte: ESFJ [The Supporter]
The ESFJ takes their responsibilities very seriously, and is very dependable. They value security and stability, and have a strong focus on the details of life. They see before others do what needs to be done, and do whatever it takes to make sure that it gets done. They enjoy these types of tasks, and are extremely good at them.
ESFJs are warm and energetic. They need approval from others to feel good about themselves. They are hurt by indifference and don't understand unkindness. They are very giving people, who get a lot of their personal satisfaction from the happiness of others. They want to be appreciated for who they are, and what they give. They're very sensitive to others, and freely give practical care. ESFJs are such caring individuals, that they sometimes have a hard time seeing or accepting a difficult truth about someone they care about. [X]
Jason Stackhouse: ESFP [The Performer]
ESFPs live in the world of people possibilities. They love people and new experiences. They are lively and fun, and enjoy being the center of attention. They live in the here-and-now, and relish excitement and drama in their lives. ESFPs have very strong inter-personal skills, and may find themselves in the role of the peacemaker frequently. Since they make decisions by using their personal values, they are usually very sympathetic and concerned for other people's well-being.
They're usually quite generous and warm. They are very observant about other people, and seem to sense what is wrong with someone before others might, responding warmly with a solution to a practical need. They might not be the best advice-givers in the world, because they dislike theory and future-planning, but they are great for giving practical care. ESFPs are likely to be very practical, although they hate structure and routine. They like to "go with the flow", trusting in their ability to improvise in any situation presented to them. They learn best with "hands-on" experience, rather than by studying a book. [X]
Andy Bellefleur: ISTJ [The Inspector]
ISTJs are quiet and reserved individuals who are interested in security and peaceful living. They have a strongly-felt internal sense of duty, which lends them a serious air and the motivation to follow through on tasks. Organized and methodical in their approach, they can generally succeed at any task which they undertake. ISTJs are very loyal, faithful, and dependable. They place great importance on honesty and integrity. They are "good citizens" who can be depended on to do the right thing for their families and communities.
While they generally take things very seriously, they also usually have an offbeat sense of humor and can be a lot of fun - especially at family or work-related gatherings. ISTJs have tremendous respect for facts. They hold a tremendous store of facts within themselves, which they have gathered through their Sensing preference. They may have difficulty understanding a theory or idea which is different from their own perspective. However, if they are shown the importance or relevance of the idea to someone who they respect or care about, the idea becomes a fact, which the ISTJ will internalize and support. Once the ISTJ supports a cause or idea, he or she will stop at no lengths to ensure that they are doing their duty of giving support where support is needed. [X]
Lafayette Reynolds: ESTP [The Adventurer]
ESTPs are outgoing, straight-shooting types. Enthusiastic and excitable, ESTPs are "doers" who live in the world of action. Blunt, straight-forward risk-takers, they are willing to plunge right into things and get their hands dirty. They live in the here-and-now, and place little importance on introspection or theory. The look at the facts of a situation, quickly decide what should be done, execute the action, and move on to the next thing.
ESTPs have a strong flair for drama and style. They're fast-moving, fast-talking people who have an appreciation for the finer things in life. They may be gamblers or spendthrifts. They're usually very good at story telling and improvising. They typically makes things up as they go along, rather than following a plan. They love to have fun, and are fun people to be around. They can sometimes be hurtful to others without being aware of it, as they generally do not know and may not care about the effect their words have on others. It's not that they don't care about people, it's that their decision-making process does not involve taking people's feelings into account. They make decisions based on facts and logic. [X]
Arlene Fowler: ENFP [The Inspirer]
ENFPs are warm, enthusiastic people, typically very bright and full of potential. They live in the world of possibilities, and can become very passionate and excited about things. Their enthusiasm lends them the ability to inspire and motivate others, more so than we see in other types. They can talk their way in or out of anything. They love life, seeing it as a special gift, and strive to make the most out of it.
Most ENFPs have great people skills. They are genuinely warm and interested in people, and place great importance on their inter-personal relationships. ENFPs almost always have a strong need to be liked. Sometimes, especially at a younger age, an ENFP will tend to be "gushy" and insincere, and generally "overdo" in an effort to win acceptance. However, once an ENFP has learned to balance their need to be true to themselves with their need for acceptance, they excel at bringing out the best in others, and are typically well-liked. They have an exceptional ability to intuitively understand a person after a very short period of time, and use their intuition and flexibility to relate to others on their own level. [X]
Tara Thornton: ISFJ [The Defender]
ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers. They constantly take in information about people and situations that is personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems. It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occurred, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ.
More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set. Many ISFJs learn to express themselves, and find outlets for their powerful emotions. [X]
Eric Northman: INFJ [The Protector]
INFJs have uncanny insight into people and situations. They get "feelings" about things and intuitively understand them. As an extreme example, some INFJs report experiences of a psychic nature, such as getting strong feelings about there being a problem with a loved one, and discovering later that they were in a car accident. This is the sort of thing that other types may scorn and scoff at, and the INFJ themselves does not really understand their intuition at a level which can be verbalized. Consequently, most INFJs are protective of their inner selves, sharing only what they choose to share when they choose to share it. They are deep, complex individuals, who are quite private and typically difficult to understand. INFJs hold back part of themselves, and can be secretive.
Because the INFJ has such strong intuitive capabilities, they trust their own instincts above all else. This may result in an INFJ stubbornness and tendency to ignore other people's opinions. They believe that they're right. On the other hand, INFJ is a perfectionist who doubts that they are living up to their full potential. INFJs are rarely at complete peace with themselves - there's always something else they should be doing to improve themselves and the world around them. They believe in constant growth, and don't often take time to revel in their accomplishments. [X]
Jessica Hamby: ESFP [The Entertainer]
ESFPs live in the moment, enjoying what life has to offer. Because they'd rather live spontaneously than plan ahead, they can become overextended when there are too many exciting things to do. An ESFP hates nothing more than missing out on the fun. Although they are characteristically fun-loving, ESFPs are also typically practical and down-to-earth. They are grounded in reality and are usually keenly aware of the facts and details in their environment, especially as they pertain to people. They are observant of others and their needs, and responsive in offering assistance. ESFPs enjoy helping other people, especially in practical, tangible ways.
ESFPs are typically warm and talkative and have a contagious enthusiasm for life. They like to be in the middle of the action and the center of attention. They have a playful, open sense of humor, and like to draw out other people and help them have a good time. [X]
Pam De Beaufort: ESTJ [The Executive]
ESTJs live in a world of facts and concrete needs. They live in the present, with their eye constantly scanning their personal environment to make sure that everything is running smoothly and systematically. They honor traditions and laws, and have a clear set of standards and beliefs. They expect the same of others, and have no patience or understanding of individuals who do not value these systems. They value competence and efficiency, and like to see quick results for their efforts. They are self-confident and aggressive.
The ESTJ needs to watch out for the tendency to be too rigid, and to become overly detail-oriented. Since they put a lot of weight in their own beliefs, it's important that they remember to value other people's input and opinions. If they neglect their Feeling side, they may have a problem with fulfilling other's needs for intimacy, and may unknowingly hurt people's feelings by applying logic and reason to situations which demand more emotional sensitivity. [X]
My Top 10 Favorite True Blood Characters
Just like I did with my Top 10 Least Favorite True Blood characters, I am doing a list of my Top 10 favorite ones today. All of the characters on this list are ones that I either connected to strongly or were the reason I kept watching the show, even into the later seasons. Like I’ve said before, this is just personal opinion, and my favorite characters are probably different from other people’s. With that being said, here’s my list.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR TRUE BLOOD SEASONS 1-7 AHEAD!!!!!
10.) Andy Bellefleur
I rank Andy low on the list because I hated him initially in the first season and a half. He was a lousy cop and an asshole, and I thought it was creepy how he kept harassing Jason and projecting his issues onto him. I’ve always been bothered how he never got called out for that, or ever apologized to Jason for it. I also have some issues with how he handled things as a cop, especially since he’s suppose to have been in law enforcement for a while and should know better.
That being said, I started to warm up to him in season 2 when he was trying to protect Sam from Maryann and her brainwashed followers, and when he worked with Jason to save Sam’s life by playing “The God Who Comes.” I also appreciated that he and Jason were able to work out their issues with each other in order to take on Maryann. Even though they didn’t succeed, I loved the bromance that developed between the two of them, and that they came to understand and accept each others flaws and shortcomings.
What I also liked about Andy was his character development during the show. I liked seeing him work through his flaws (like his V addiction in season 4) and try to be a better sheriff and decent person. I especially loved his relationship with Holly and him becoming a father in season 6. He’s an example of one of those characters I disliked initially but grew to care for, and I love when a show is able to do that.
9.) Holly Cleary
Out of all the people in Bon Temps, Holly seemed to be the only one who had her priorities straight. She’s a generous friend to everyone in town, but she also has boundaries and isn’t afraid to call out others when they act like assholes. I also think her being a Wiccan with knowledge about the supernatural and a single mother is pretty amazing! 🙂
Something that doesn’t get acknowledged that much (and probably should be) is that Holly technically is the one who saved Eric and Bill from Marnie: She’s the one who put a protection spell around them with salt so Marnie was blocked off, and she’s the one who summoned the spirits of the dead to take Marnie back to the afterlife. It’s a great example of how her Wiccan powers saved the day! I wish there had been more moments like that on the show.
Also, out of all the relationships on the show, I loved her romance with Andy, and I’m glad it’s one of the few things that survived the bad writing in the last season. They were cute together, and I think Andy is lucky that Holly still wanted to be with him even after Maurella and the faerie babies. I would even argue that the last episode should have been Andy and Holly’s wedding instead of Jessica and Hoyt’s. There was enough of a buildup in that relationship to warrant that! Oh well! 🤷♂️
8.) Luna Garza
One thing I really appreciated about True Blood is how it showed that you can be a mother and still be amazing! Luna is the definition of a “Mama Bear” who will do anything to protect her kid, and I admire her for it. I also admire that she’s someone who doesn’t put up with other people’s bullshit, and will go to whatever lengths she has to in order to protect the people she cares about. Her relationship with Sam was a highlight, and I enjoyed their scenes together. One of my favorite scenes with her is when she catches the person who was the mastermind behind the Hate Group in season 5 and beats the shit out of them. Loved that moment! She was a great character!
7.) Jessica Hamby
I wasn’t a big fan of Jessica when I first saw the show, but that’s changed for me upon rewatch. Out of many of the vampires on the show, I found her to be one of the more relatable ones. She’s a teenage girl who had her human life violently taken away from her, she got stuck with a maker who was neglectful and even abusive towards her (and you’d better believe I’ll be doing a post explaining my issues with Bill and Jessica’s relationships and why Bill was a shitty maker to Jessica), she had a bunch of impulses she didn’t know how to manage, and she felt lost and was looking for a place to belong. All of this is stuff I can relate to.
Unlike Bill, who always had a manipulative agenda and was never honest with others about his motivations, I actually believed the “she struggles with her nature” explanation with Jessica. She had impulses she tried to control, and she did have some teenage self-absorption, but she wasn’t actively malicious or sadistic. She was kind. She tried to become friends with others. She was loyal to people she cared about. She tried to be there for others when they were struggling. Deborah Ann Woll did a fantastic job with this character, and she was a joy to watch!
6.) Terry Bellefleur
If I was to pick someone who was arguably the heart of the show, it would be Terry. Probably one of the kindest men in Bon Temps. He was a character struggling with his demons (one of which unfortunately came back to haunt him in the later seasons), but he always tried to do right by others. He was one of the few people who stood by Jason when he was being accused of murder in season 1. He loved Arlene with all of her flaws. He helped Andy get off of the V. He cared deeply about others, and I love him for that.
I know that it’s become easy for the fandom to rip into him given what’s revealed about his past in season 5, but I don’t think that taints the character the way people think it does. He made a really bad decision that he was deeply remorseful over and wishes he could take back. And that decision was one in a series of long regrets from the war that he wishes he could change. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the reasons he was kind when he got back is because he recognized that dark place he went to and didn’t ever want to venture there again. For what it’s worth, I do think he made a positive impact on his friends and community, and he did deserve better.
5.) Godric
Godric is one of the few vampires on the show that I legitimately liked and wish we’d gotten more of. He was also MUCH BETTER than his book counterpart. I still maintain that the decision to change his personality and have him become Eric’s maker was a huge improvement.
Godric on the show was complex: He had a bloody history and did a lot of awful things, but he also recognized how his actions (and the actions of other vampires) had caused humans to fear and hate them, and he genuinely reformed and made an attempt to foster peaceful relationships between vampires and humans later on in his life. I admire him for that, and I admire his willingness to forgive others. He’s one of those “let he who is without sin cast the first stone” guys. He also brought out a positive side to Eric’s character, and most likely helped instill the qualities into Eric that people admire: Integrity, Loyalty, Devotion, and so on. I wish they’d kept him alive as I believe he could have been a positive force on the show, and I wanted him in more episodes!
4.) Jesus Velasquez
I know that Jesus wasn’t in the books, but I still loved his inclusion on the show. His relationship with Lafayette still remains one of my favorite LGBT+ pairings on TV! He was a great boyfriend for Lafayette, and he had a nurturing side to him that I adored. His backstory as a Brujo and his attempts to escape his grandfather’s influence were also interesting and kept me invested in his character. He recognized the power and responsibility that came with magic and never used it for evil purposes like so many other characters did. He used his magical abilities for good and even helped save the day on many occasions (helping Mavis find peace, separating Antonia from Marnie, etc). There are times I wish the show had made this relationship the focus instead of the tiresome Bill/Sookie relationship.
3.) Lafayette Reynolds
One of the best characters on the show! I love Lafayette! 🥰 He’s funny, he’s kind, he has a great understanding of how the world works, he’s protective of the people he loves, he’s got a good read on people, he has some of the best lines on the show, he had a wonderful relationship with Jesus and Tara, and he’s the kind of guy you’d want to spend time with. He’s fantastic!
I always enjoyed his scenes and his stories, from selling V to discovering he was a medium to even his relationship with Ruby Jeane (his mother). All of them were interesting and engaging!
The AIDS burger speech is still an iconic moment, but I also love this line that deconstructs the problem I sometimes have with ghost stories: “Dead Folk, why y’all gotta be so cryptic! It ain’t cute!”
2.) Tara Thornton
Tara’s the smartest person in Bon Temps, she’s fiercely loyal to the people she loves, she doesn’t take bullshit from anyone, she’s the kind of person you want on your side when you’re going into battle, and she’s there for others. Rutina Wesley is amazing as an actress, and brought a lot of heart and passion to Tara’s character. I was deeply invested in Tara’s story, and always hoped that things would get better for her.
I’m going on record in saying that the hatred that’s been directed at her character was extremely unwarranted. She was one of the best characters on the show. Period. She had everything I looked for in a character, and she deserved so much better than the shit she was put through. To this day, I’m still angry about what happened to her in the last season, and I refuse to consider it canon because of that.
As far as I’m concerned, Tara got a happy ending in season 6: Pam came back to continue their relationship, Tara developed her friendships with Jessica and Willa, and she reconciled with Sookie and Jason. And she cut her abusive mother out of her life for good. That’s my headcanon, and I won’t hear any arguments against it!
1.) Jason Stackhouse
I know that Jason has a lot of problems and isn’t everyone’s favorite character, but I can’t help it: He’s my favorite character. I love him and feel bad for him simultaneously. I get where he’s coming from. I get that he’s trying to find a purpose in his life, and wants to be a person others can depend on. I get how trauma from being raped and taken advantage of and feelings of low self-worth drove a lot of his actions. I get he’s made mistakes and bad choices that he wishes he could take back. Unlike many other characters on this show, I actually believe he tries to be a decent person and wants to improve himself. He’s got a big heart underneath. I also don’t think he’s as stupid as he’s made out to be, and that a lot of the hatred that gets directed at him is either unwarranted or involves twisting his actions/words out of context to justify hating him for petty reasons.
But even with that, there’s a lot I love about him. He’s hilarious at times, he works to be a good brother for Sookie, he brave and loyal and willing to put himself in danger for the people he loves, he can be genuinely sweet, he does have a selfless and caring side underneath, he’s willing to re-evaluate his stance on the supernatural, he does have some good insights at times (even if he isn’t fully aware of it), and he does strive to be a better person. His character development was one of my favorite things about the show.
Ryan Kwanten’s performance as Jason is both underrated and underappreciated. He brought Jason to life in a way that was believable and relatable, and I hold that he’s a phenomenal actor. I really hope in the future he gets more recognition for his work!
And that’s my list of favorite True Blood characters! :)
