Review of Episode Four of Season Three of "True Blood"

Angst and tension were the key words on this week's episode of True Blood, as the various characters have to come to grips with various unfortunate and emotionally wrenching aspects of their respective lives. Of course, the most emotionally powerful moment in the entire episode occurred when Bill dispassionately informed Sookie that he no longer wanted anything to do with her. This could have been an empty, laughable scene, but instead it was one of the most emotional moments in the series' history. It gave bot h actors an opportunity to flex their acting muscles.

One of the things that makes this episode so different from previous ones is the deftness with which it manages to wave the various plot threads together in a cohesive, concentrated whole. With the number of balls the series currently has in the air, it would be very easy for everything to just fall apart, but I, for one, had no trouble keeping track of what was going on, and each of the various characters has a storyline that manages to draw the viewer in and keep them interested. Sookie, Bill, Sam, Eric, Jason, Lafayette, and even such smaller characters as Jessica and Pam have their own plot threads that intricately interconnect between one another and form an overall picture that is, quite frankly, quite dazzling. It's not every show (nor even every book) that can manage to handle so many threads so effectively.

For all of the strength of the major characters, the two new characters of Alcide the werewolf and Franklin the vampire investigator threaten to steal the show. Alcide is, most would agree, one of the most beautiful and well-sculpted men to grace the True Blood screen, and Franklin, though not nearly as physically appealing, has a feral darkness that surpasses that of any vampire that we've seen so far (including Bill's disgruntled and obsessive maker/lover Lorena.) There's something deeply disturbing about him and his growing obsession with Tara, and it remains to be seen whether the feisty young woman will be able to escape from him before he decides to bring her into the vampire family.

Finally, it's worth dwelling for a moment on the interconnected politics that are slowly coming to the surface as this season of the series continues. The King of Mississippi continued to plot against his colleague in Louisiana, while the cynical and reptilian Magister launched an inquisition against the Queen's minion (and everyone's favorite sexy vampire) Eric Northman. Now his dear Pam's life hangs in the balance. For those who like a bit of politics, blended nicely with all of the unbridled power and sensuality of the traditional Southern Gothic, True Blood serves up a great dish.

All in all, this episode continues the strong showing that this season has given us so far. It does an excellent job of building up the tension and providing just enough solutions to keep every episode cathartic. Of course, the end of every episode also brings up more mysteries to be solved, and we'll no doubt be kept on the edge of our seats until the season finale.