For a vampire-themed show, the latest episode of “True Blood” is as far from vampire lore as the show has ever gotten. With the Dallas storyline out of the way, the cast of “True Blood” finally confronts the terror that is Maryann, with some very interesting results.
I have to say, I love villains. They bring a layer of complexity to a story that always makes the story as a whole more interesting to watch. Maryann is a very original and unique take on the portrayal of villains. She is unabashedly single-minded. She has no dysfunctional past that scarred her innocence, nor does she house some neurological handicap (well, one assumes). She is, plain and simple, someone whose sole purpose is to cause carnage and chaos.
As Sookie, Bill and Jason return to Bon Temp, it becomes clear that Maryann’s presence has completely mutated the town. In terms of production value and set design, the episode is by far the most complex, extravagant and immersive experience one can find on television right now. One look at Sookie’s transformed residence and it becomes clear that the show’s immense success also means a much larger budget. While it is out of form for me, I have to compliment the production team for the effort, because it shows.
While most of the season has kept the vampire, maenad and telepathic mythology separated, this episode brings Sookie, Bill and Maryann face to face. Ironically, Bill becomes the damsel in distress for much of the episode, as it becomes all too clear vampire fangs are more or less useless against Maryann. Sookie, on the other hand, reveals additional powers against the maenad. With the combined power of Bill and Sookie, Tara also recovers from her trance. The development is surprising, and I hope it leads to more revelation regarding the origin of her power. Sidenote: watch out for some delicious Lafayette bitch-out moments.
“True Blood” also offer another surprise in that it can be very funny. It is a bit awkward to see fantasy/horror mixed with comedy, but the Sam/Andy/Jason storyline is perhaps one of the most animated and comical storyline we’ve seen on the show. It shows that when appropriate, “True Blood” doesn’t take itself too seriously. Although Sam remains unchanged much of the season, it is nice to see Andy and Jason’s character development shine in the episode.
What little vampire lore the episode provides, it does so with flare and allure. The end of the episode finds Bill seeking out the Louisiana vampire queen. Again, the set is awe-inspiring and looks like something out of a gothic Lolita fairytale. The show takes its time revealing mythology and the episode shows exactly why it pays off. Just with the shot of a foot, the episode leaves viewers cringing for more.
This episode seems to personify Maryann: over the top, loud, extravagant and fun. True, the campiness does take away from the tension, but it’s a nice example of the versatility “True Blood” has instilled within the confines of the show.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment