True Blood - Everything is Broken, S03E09

It's hard to see how all the various plot lines of Season 3 of True Blood are going to pull together for the finale. Between the rogue vampires, the insane werewolves, the fairies, and all the normal complications of life, each and everyone of our favourite characters is waist deep in some kind of trouble. And the idea that those troubles are properly interconnected is rather complicated. I can't wait to find out how it all plays out.

I was pleased that this episode focused more of Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) than Sookie (Anna Paquin). Certainly Sookie wasn't neglected. After all, her cousin discovered that her son has the same abilities as Sookie, and she may well learn exactly what that means from Bill next episode, but more pressing that the concern over Sookie's supernatural identity are the political ramifications of Eric's involvement with Russell Edgington (Denis O'Hare).

As I said, I loved Russell's reaction to Talbot's death at the end of the last episode. That was nothing compared to this one. When he arrived home to find the exploded remains of his lover, he grasped them, trying to put them back together. When we watch lovers on television trying to revive an obviously dead corpse, we can understand the pain despite the insanity of it, but to have a vampire react in the same way to blood and guts...well, that certainly had a different impact. And then, when Russell was plotting his revenge on Eric, that he had that crystal urn filled with Talbot's remains - He may not have brought his lover with him everywhere while he lived, but he certainly won't leave him behind anymore.

Eric, meanwhile, had to face the Vampire League. Luckily they believed him, although they tried to refuse to take responsibility for the rogue, werewolf-associating King. Too bad for them that Russell does not take being ignored well at all. His appearance on national television to kill the news host and screw over the Vampire Rights Bill was both brilliant and hilarious. There is no way that humans anywhere in the world are going to feel safe about vampires for a good long while, knowing that not all are willing to give up fresh meat.

Otherwise, I did love that Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) and Hoyt (Jim Parrack) are talking again. They make such a great couple. I'm also glad Tara (Rutina Wesley) is getting help, and that Jason (Ryan Kwanten) killed her vampire-stalker. Finally, I am super interested in what is going on with Sam (Sam Trammell). Sure, he hates werewolves, but we have not ever seen him get that violent before.

Oh where will True Blood take us in the next three episodes? I can't wait to find out.