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The original Straw Dogs film was directed by Sam Peckinpah in 1971 and had distinctly controversial subject matter. The concepts of rape, murder and violence was not mainstream material to portray in graphic detail on film. If we judge the film by today’s standards, considering what we see on primetime cable, will this remake directed by Rod Lurie raise as many eyebrows and cause as much furor as it did in the ’70′s? Will it be any more or less controversial now in the year 2011? Are we more or less culturally sensitive now as opposed to 1971? Unless our views on morality and these disturbing issues have changed radically since 1971, I’m certain this remake will at the least garner intrinsically shocked reactions and leave open to question as to how much is too much to depict in film.

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Yet the buzz surrounding this film isn’t only because of the sinister subject matter or its dauntless director Rod Lurie. It’s due mainly to the casting of a Swedish actor whose star is on a meteoric rise. Alexander Skarsgard has gained the attention of fame due to his quasi villainous role as roguish Viking vampire Eric Northman on True Blood. Unlike his loveable, antihero vampire persona on the HBO hit which just concluded its 4th season, Skarsgard’s role as Charlie Venner in Straw Dogs is one that is unlikeable in the extreme. There is no mistaking the fact that Skarsgard is a true villain in the remake of the Peckinpah psychological thriller.

Though both the remake and the original film are based on the novel The Seige of Trencher’s Farm written by Gordon Williams, this new version of the film is different from the original.

The Straw Dogs story centers around L.A. screenwriter David Sumner and his wife Amy. They relocate to her hometown in the deep South and they come into contact with Amy’s ex, Charlie Venner and his crew. Tensions begin to rise between the locals and the Sumners, and the building conflict escalates into violence which threatens their lives.

Skarsgard’s character commits a heinous act that makes him a true villain of the meanest sort and it’s a role that we haven’t seen Skarsgard portray as of yet.

Charlie Venner is truly a detestable character and Skarsgard has promised that he tried to bring a three dimensional quality to David Sumner’s nemesis. Characters like Charlie Venner are risks and challenging to take on. An actor must be confident in his ability in order to go over to the dark side and explore the boundaries of their commitment to the craft of acting. And that was the appeal of the project for Skarsgard. It was a chance for him to better understand his own darker impulses.

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In an interview earlier this year in the L.A. Times, Skarsgard is asked about his role in the film:

“Look around,” he said, “people are always, big shiny white teeth, big smiles, everything’s fantastic. How sincere is that? Are people really genuinely that happy all the time or is there something in there that they’re trying to fight? I know I am. I think it’s really good to acknowledge that there is that inner battle. Of course that’s interesting exploring. It’s scary and it’s dangerous, but it opens up your soul.”

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No matter how much one enjoys Skarsgard in True Blood, his role in Straw Dogs is one that will elicit intense reactions of dislike from audiences, especially from the actor’s female fan base. It is a role that will push Skarsgard to the limit, though I have no doubt that his magnetic screen presence will make his portrayal of the Charlie Venner character unforgettable, no matter how detestable that character is.

Straw Dogs opens today.

FYI ~ the definition of straw dog is something that is made only to be destroyed.

****AVERT YOUR EYES AND COME BACK LATER IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THIS LATEST EPISODE OF TRUE BLOOD BECAUSE THIS REVIEW IS CHOCK FULL OF SPOILERS!!!! BUT MAKE SURE TO COME BACK AFTER YOU’VE WATCHED IT AND TELL US YOUR TRUE BLOOD THOUGHTS!!!!****

Just when you thought everyone was safe in BT Marnie strikes again. A spirit herself now, she’s decided to try possession out for herself and poor Lafayette is once again at the mercy of a spirit except this time this spirit isn’t a nice one. Will Marnie be more powerful in death than she was in life? Jesus better watch his back because I’ll bet you any money Marnie’s wanting to get even with that brujo. Alcide and Debbie are through and Sam evens the score with Marcus. Andy meets another one of the fae folk, Jason’s finding it impossible to not drink Jessica’s blood, Eric’s pissed with Pam but he and Bill are seeing eye to eye for once. And Sookie? Well, let’s just say if her lovers aren’t cursing her name they’re willing to die for her. It was all about breaking the ties that bind tonight for a lot of our BT residents and the severing of these bonds will cause pain that cuts like a knife.

We pick up this 2nd last episode of True Blood with the four amigos on a mission to blow the Moon Goddess Emporium and Martonia to smithereens. Meanwhile, Martonia is neither impressed nor afraid of Bill, Eric, Pam and Jessica. Sookie, Tara, Lafayette and Holly are now also prisoners inside the shop (Martonia’s pretty good at that Harry Potter Apparating spell isn’t she?) which means Martonia now has the upper hand. Her Wiccan group aren’t happy to be trapped, and even though Martonia says they can leave whenever they want, we all know that isn’t the deal. When Casey attempts to get the heck out of Dodge she gets a knife to the chest compliments of Martonia.

Suddenly Marnie spits up Antonia and the only one who can see this happen is Lafayette who gives his pals a play by play. Tara’s blown away by her cousin’s new medium skills but they sure do come in handy. Antonia and Marnie no longer see eye to eye. Marnie’s agenda is no longer in alignment with Antonia’s. Antonia is upset that Marnie killed Casey and accuses Marnie of being taken over by the dark side. Antonia cancels their partnership and tries to take off but good ol’ Marnie won’t give up the ghost that easily. She has no intention of letting her new found power vanish back into the ether so she does what any witch worth her salt would do. She casts a binding spell that binds Antonia to her preventing the spirit from leaving her. Antonia might have started this vendetta but Marnie is sure going to finish it and then some.

Just as Bill and his gang are about to blow up the place, Jason rushes out to stop them. He fills them in on the fact that Sookie is in there and the general response is, “F***ing Sookie!” This gets Jason riled up and he goes toe to toe with both Eric and Bill reminding them that they wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for Sookie so they better not blow up the place. He even calls Eric a chump which is hilarious and makes Bill feel guilty about drinking Sookie’s blood as if she were his own “personal soda fountain”. Bill decides to abort the mission and Eric agrees wholeheartedly which drives Pam crazy because she isn’t enamored of Sookie like her maker and Bill are. Jason also tells them about the magic barrier before trying to awkwardly try and smooth things over with Jess when suddenly Martonia’s vampire zombies attack Eric and Bill. I have to say that I’m pretty impressed with Jason right now, and the way that Pam described Sookie was absolutely hysterically funny and so vintage Pam.

Sam and Alcide are trying to get the Shreveport pack member they were beating to tell them where Marcus is without much success. Alcide defends his huge defection and Luna shows up raging mad and demanding to know where Marcus is with her daughter. Sam tries to calm her down and tells her he’s at the garage looking for Marcus because her ex murdered Tommy. Alcide has burned all his bridges with the Shreveport pack. I know that Alcide is a bit of a goody goody which is something that will make him and Sookie a great couple, but his grand defection from the pack is still shocking to me. Granted he hasn’t been part of his new pack for long but he really seems to be championing Sam. What will he do without a pack? And will this give him a bad name in the lycan crowd? I wonder what the repercussions will be?

Marcus is trying to convince Debbie to leave Alcide and come with him and Emma. He’s dangling every kind of golden carrot he can think of to entice her but Debbie won’t leave Alcide. Marcus even offers to give her the one thing Alcide won’t — children. Even with that tempting offer on the table Debbie won’t go with him. Why was she with Marcus then? To get even with Alcide for being unfaithful. Marcus doesn’t believe that’s the only reason though and continues to try to persuade her. Poor messed up Debbie. She’s getting an offer of what she wants most from a man she doesn’t love while the man she loves is in love with someone else. What would you do?

Still trying to fulfill his mission to oust the spirit from Marnie’s body, Jesus easily convinces Marnie to let him help Casey who he says still has a pulse. Relieved she didn’t kill the girl, Martonia readily agrees and Jesus gets Lala to help him carry Casey’s body into the privacy of the bathroom. Clever Jesus has tricked Martonia. Casey is really dead and he needs a body for Antonia’s spirit. Martonia even unwittingly assists Jesus in her own downfall by allowing him to gather the things he needs for the spell he’ll cast to banish Antonia. Martonia doesn’t even suspect Jesus. Holly and Sookie then try to talk some sense into Marnie, but good luck with that is all I have to say. They should have gotten Jesus to try it because he would have had better luck. It always amazes me how easy deception can be if one has a pretty face and tons of charm. Marnie has probably always been flattered that Jesus looked up to her and thought he was handsome too. Jesus knows this and uses it to undermine Martonia showing that even though she seems all powerful now her weakness and insecurities still got the better of her.

Marnie’s basically getting back at everyone who ever wronged her. She’s power tripping and trying to claim self defense again to justify what she’s doing. She’s finally getting the respect she’s always wanted and likes everyone being afraid of her for a change. Sookie tries to appeal to Marnie by empathizing with her and we get another brief lesson in life according to Sookie. Good tactic Sookie but it’s not going to work out. The power has gone to Marnie’s head.

As a peeved Andy walks home in the dark he’s having a Gollum-esque moment and talking to himself. Out of no where a bright and shining light appears and poof! There’s a strange woman telling him to stay away. Before Andy can say V she blasts him with a bolt of light that knocks him on his rear. Now we all know it’s a faery but Andy doesn’t.What in the world does a faery want with Andy I wonder? Back at the garage Luna gets a call from Emma and when they check the call display Alcide recognizes his number which means Debbie is in big trouble.

Bill goads Martonia into coming out to negotiate. Knowing Sookie’s value as a pawn Martonia takes our favorite faery outside with her. Martonia orders her last vampire zombie to attack Bill and he throws the female fanger into the barrier. The poor vampire gets zapped and bursts and Martonia proudly reveals that her barrier zaps vampires like bugs because she has managed to harness the power of the sun in her protective shield. Bill and Eric demand Sookie’s release and Martonia readily agrees as long as there is a trade. She wants Bill and Eric to kill themselves. They agree and while Sookie cries Pam decides to take matters into her own hands and shoots a missile at the barrier despite Eric’s adamant command not to. It’s a move Pam is sadly going to regret but she loves Eric so much she is willing to risk his wrath. Eric should consider himself lucky to have someone so fiercely loyal to him.

Alcide arrives at home with Sam and Luna in tow. Luna’s relieved to find Emma, Sam is glad he’s found Marcus and Alcide is fuming mad. While Luna stays downstairs with Emma, Alcide and Sam head upstairs for a showdown. They enter the bedroom to find Debbie on the bed in her skivvies and Marcus standing there. Debbie loudly claims that nothing happened but we all know Alcide is seeing red and hearing steam come out of his ears instead of her voice. Sam holds a gun on Marcus but in the end they decide to duke it out mano a mano with no shifting for either of them. Marcus might be a badass but he’s never seen Sam angry and you better look out if Sam is on the warpath, and Sam is far down that path riding high on his righteous duty to avenge his brother’s death. Marcus doesn’t stand a chance.

Martonia and Sookie go back inside Moon Goddess and Martonia is still unaware that Jesus is planning to take her down. Jesus keeps preparing for the spell and warns Lala about the dark magic he’s about to use. Lafayette worries Jesus’ demon face might make an appearance and Jesus can’t guarantee that it won’t. Poor Lafayette. He just can’t get away from that face that scares the heck out of him. Jesus gives Lala the bloody dagger from Casey’s chest and dips a finger in the wound. He then proceeds to wipe some on his own chest, say an incantation and then suck the blood right off his finger. Revolting, yes, but we all know that blood is the magic ingredient that seals the deal for a potent spell.

The explosion dies down and the barrier is still intact. Bill checks to make sure Jessica is alright and she’s scolding him for so easily deciding to give up his life for Sookie. She warns him to never even think about it again when Jason moans in pain. He’s laid flat on his back his face badly burned by the explosion and blinded by it. Jessica just does what comes natural to a vampire and opens up her wrist to give him her magic boo boo healing blood. Jason’s lucky to have his very own fountain of healing but this will complicate matters even more between him and Jess.

While Andy was passed out on the ground the new faery girl was busy reading his mind. Her name is Maurella and she apologizes for blasting him explaining that she only blasted him because he smelled like a vampire hence he is one. She then proceeds to seduce Andy who is easily bewitched by her. Before they get together though she extracts a promise from Andy to protect her. She wants him to swear by the light and he does so eagerly even though he is perplexed about the light that appears in the tip of her pointer finger. They touch fingers to seal Andy’s oath and they start having sex just like that.

Now, knowing what we do about faeries I find all this highly suspicious. And even though there are most likely warning bells going off in Andy’s head right about now, he’s too enthralled by this beautiful creature appearing like magic and wanting him to care. I am surprised though that the E.T. finger didn’t phase him a little more. You should have read the fine print before you swore an oath to a stranger, Andy. If it looks too good to be true it probably is and all this ish that’s happening in the woods right now fits that saying perfectly. I have a feeling that Andy’s going to regret this one. Nice set up for next season though, yeah?

The fight is on at Alcide’s place and Sam and Marcus are throwing each other around the crowded bedroom. Alcide is keeping Debbie out of the fray and wouldn’t you know it but she’s trying to defend Marcus which isn’t winning her any points with Alcide. Sam wins the fight, proving his dominance by pressing his knee on Marcus’ throat and proclaiming that he must live with being a loser. Sam gets up and predictably turns his back on the defeated supe. Marcus’ eyes glow with a wolfy fury and he grabs for the gun intending to shoot Sam in the back. Alcide to the rescue once more. He tackles Marcus who shoots off a bullet and misses and Sam can thank Alcide for saving his life and doing the dirty work of killing Marcus.

Alcide hits Marcus in the throat and holds him down by his juglar looking like he’s barely holding onto his human form and not shifting into a wolf. Alcide manages to get a hold of himself but Marcus dies on the bedroom floor. He looks horrified just like everyone else in the room is and before Debbie can start pleading too much, Alcide severs the tie that binds them. It’s heartbreaking but Debbie must have seen it coming. I also think for Alcide this was an out for him. He saw his chance to leave Debbie and he took it. He knows what’s in his heart for Sookie and it was now or never for him to make a clean break, and this way he doesn’t have to admit to Debbie the truth of his feelings for another woman. This way it’s all on Debbie. That being said, I do think ending it with her caused him a good amount of pain. Poor Debbie. I wonder how long it will be before she blames Sookie?

Antonia divines the future in the pool of Casey’s blood that’s on the floor. What she sees frightens her. Seeing her own death prompts her to try and get the group to join hands once more and form a circle. She urges them to defend themselves against the vampires intent on slaughtering them by casting a protection spell. Yeah right, Marnie! No one is eager to join hands.

As Lafayette watches anxious and worried and a little scared, Jesus continues working his dark place magic to cast Antonia out of Marnie. He cuts symbols into his forearm then instructs Lala to tie Marnie’s pilfered scarf around his wrists. It represents the bond between Marnie and Antonia Jesus explains to his lover. Then he tells Lafayette to rub the mixture of herbs he’s put together into the bleeding markings. Yes, there is some powerful juju in the air.

Miraculously Martonia manages to convince everyone to join hands. Even Sookie joins the circle. Why they keep trusting Martonia I’ll never know. Protection spell my a**! Martonia is now able to weave a spell that controls the vampires outside like marionettes. Against their wills Eric, Pam, Bill and Jess start making their way towards the sun barrier. No matter how hard they try they are unable to resist. Jason is trying to pull the vampires away from the barrier but he can’t and is instead getting dragged towards the barrier too. He cries out in his mind for Sookie to stop this and luckily she hears him. With a blast of her faerie powers she busts the circle, stopping Martonia’s control spell.

Eric is livid. He’s so mad at Pam. I have never seen him be menacing like this to Pam and as she tries to explain that her actions were out of love for him he rages at her, telling her to get out of his sight before he kills her. Harsh words for a woman who loves you. This time Pam doesn’t hesitate to obey and disappears like her maker ordered. It’s so sad. I always knew Sookie was going to come between Eric and Pam. Eric isn’t thinking rationally, I know he loves Sookie and he’s furious that Pam’s disobedience could have killed her, but this is Pam, Eric. How can you forget that Pam would do anything to save you? Sookie is nothing to her compared to you. It was a simple choice for Pam to defy Eric in this and Eric surely broke Pam’s heart. Is it irrevocable? Maybe. It’s definitely a splintering of the tie that binds them, a moment in their 150 year old relationship that will alter the dynamic between them in some way. Just how bad it will be or just how it will change is yet to be seen.

Martonia is furious at Sookie and accuses her and everyone else of betrayal. Sookie tries to explain she didn’t do it on purpose and Tara even comes to her defense but Martonia is having none of it. She erects a circle of magical flames around Sookie.

Jesus is doing his best to work his brujo magic while Lala urges him to hurry before Sookie burns, and of course Jesus’ demon face manifests itself. Eric and Bill feel Sookie’s fear and Martonia finally feels Jesus’ spell, and it is working. Flames shoot out of the demon’s mouth burning the scarf Lala tied around Jesus’ wrists. Marnie struggles to hold on to Antonia but finally Antonia breaks free of Marnie and with a relieved look, her hands folded together as if in prayer, Antonia’s spirit evaporates. Jesus has saved the day, heroically breaking the link that bound Antonia’s spirit to the necromancer. This does not make Marnie happy. Sookie is also freed as the fire circle is extinguished.

With the shield gone Eric and Bill rush into Moon Goddess. Silly Roy stands infront of Marnie to protect her and Eric makes quick work of him, ripping out his heart and sucking blood out of one of the arteries like a straw right in Marnie’s face. It’s very scary and very Eric. Marnie is defiant to the end proclaiming that not even vampires live forever. Bill takes care of business and shoots Marnie in the chest a few times and once in the head, and with her death Marnie’s vision of her own demise comes to fruition.

Sam comes out of Alcide’s house to a waiting Emma and Luna. Emma asks where her dad is but Sam doesn’t tell her he’s dead. He and Luna just stare at each other. She probably thinks Sam killed him and even though she’s pissed at Marcus I don’t think she’d be thrilled about her new boyfriend killing her ex. Maybe.

Andy finally gets home to find everyone worried and Terry out searching for him. He tells Arlene about what happened to him but she writes it off as him being crazy because of the V. If only she knew the truth, hey Andy?

Bill has Eric glamor the recent events out of everyone’s mind, Sookie watches them and they watch her and it’s all very awkward. Jason thanks Jess for saving his life and admits that he thinks about her all the time. It’s messy and complicated and Jason knows he’s probably going to lose his best friend. Poor Bubba. Sort of. I’m still mad at him for how he treated Jess.

Lafayette and Jesus are at home in bed. Even though Jesus saved the day he lost a friend. And is it just me or does he look worried? Like his tampering with his magic that comes from a dark place might have negative repercussions? Lafayette is just proud of his partner and tries to make him feel better about everything. And just as you think everything is going to be alright who should appear hovering above the bed? Why it’s none other than Marnie’s spirit appearing out of the ether of the dead. Before Lafayette can say hooker, Marnie possesses him.

This does not bode well for anyone in Bon Temps. I can see everything going from bad to worse and to hell in a hand basket. Don’t you? I guess it isn’t over until Marnie says it’s over and something tells me that she’s going to be far more dangerous dead than she ever was alive. The finale can’t come soon enough. What do you think is going to happen?

ΩPhoto Credits and Sources

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This was the summer of unforeseen circumstances. It is due to these unforeseen circumstances that I’ve been away from The Scribe’s Desk for the last few days. Mayhem has ruled the roost this week at The Scribe’s Desk headquarters and unfortunately (and with my apologies) the usual True Blood post you wait for every Sunday/Monday is MIA, but never fear. I will be posting an abbreviated version of the review and finish the week with some great ish.

And even though things have been hectic, chaotic and filled with the unforeseen this summer, things at TSD headquarters have been abuzz with a stellar amount of creativity that I can’t wait to share with you in the coming months. September is right around the corner which means the Youngling will be back at school and we’ll return to our regular scheduled programming at The Scribe’s Desk.

So I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you, my wonderful readers, for your loyalty, your continued reading, and of course, for your patience. You rock!

Can I get a show of fangs, please? How many of you are happy that True Blood has been renewed for a 5th season? I know I am. I wonder if season 5 will be the year of the wolf and we’ll see Sookie and Alcide hook up? How many of you are stoked for that storyline?

Anyways, I thought I’d post some True Blood quick bites. Let’s go inside last week’s episode. In case you missed it click the link for last week’s review of “Let’s Get Out of Here”.

1. Do you think Sookie is greedy?
2. Who do you think Sookie loves more? Bill? or Eric? Or is it just the blood?
3. Do you think the Lafayette/Mavis storyline was corny even though it is a necessary storyline?
4. Do think Terry and Arlene should still be super pissed at Lafayette for stealing Mikey?
5. Do you believe in possession?
6. Do you think Andy needs an intervention?
7. Is it just me or is Alcide reminding you of a knight in shining armor?
8. Do you think Eric will get his memories back? If he does, what will happen to him and Sookie?
9. Will Alcide find out that Debbie fell off the wagon?
10. Will Hoyt find out about Jason and Jessica?

Favorite quotes from episode 409 “Let’s get Out of Here”:

“I might be parrot-phrasing… a little.” ~ Jason to Jessica

“You got it, bitch.” ~ Lafayette to Mavis

Sneak peeks of episode 410 “Burning Down the House”.

Andy, Andy, Andy. How long did you think you could hide your ish from people? Well, looks like your number’s up!

Tara is some mad now. So is Holly. Antonia better watch out. We all know what Tara can do when she’s angry and she is enraged this time. As for Holly, well, she looks like the kind of witch who has no problem with getting even.

The remorse is starting to set in for Jason now that the deed is done. That boy just never learns. His weakness of the flesh gets him into trouble every time, and Jessica is trouble with a capital T.

There are only 3 episodes of True Blood left. Thank goodness for season 5. Unfortunately it’s going to be a looooong, excruciating wait and #waitingsucks. I can feel the #tbwithdrawal already.

ΩPhoto Credits

****AVERT YOUR EYES AND COME BACK LATER IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THIS LATEST EPISODE OF TRUE BLOOD BECAUSE THIS REVIEW IS CHOCK FULL OF SPOILERS!!!! BUT MAKE SURE TO COME BACK AFTER YOU’VE WATCHED IT AND TELL US YOUR TRUE BLOOD THOUGHTS!!!!****

This week’s episode left me screaming, “Nooooo! Not Jessica!” Then I remembered she’s a baby vampire and so she won’t burn as fast as Godric did so there’s hope left. But some vamps didn’t have a hope in Hades once Marnie, or should I say Antonia got her spell cast. For instance, Maxine’s neighbor went up in flames, curlers and all. No hope there. Every vampire in Bon Temps who knows Bill went to ground in silver, but no matter if you are Eric, Bill or baby Jessica, if you are a vampire you found yourself under Antonia’s control. And that woman seems to be all about control. The vampires have good reason to be scared.

Katie is playing Plants vs. Zombies, which is hilarious BTW, as she makes her way down to Bill’s dungeon. She’s tricked into entering Marnie’s cell when she sees Luis looking like he’s going to take a bite out of the witch. Katie threatens to shoot him with silver bullets but in one swift vampire move, he manages to disarm her and throws her to the ground. After Luis glamors her and ferrets some info out of her, Antonia orders that he kill Katie since she is a traitor. But Antonia won’t let him kill her the vampire way, nope. No blood for Luis.Once he’s done his job as executioner, Antonia gives him a message to give to Bill. Antonia Gavilan de Logrono has returned.

Pam is terrifying Tara and Naomi a bit before exacting her revenge. Tara predictably pulls a gun on Pam and Pam easily swats it out of her hands, but as Pam goes to finish Naomi with her fangs, Tara whacks Pam up against her head with a garbage can lid and a good chunk of scalp and blonde hair goes flying. I can only figure it’s because she’s rotting that these two girls even have a chance with Pam as angry as she is. Naomi gets the chance to scramble into Merlotte’s and for a minute you think she’s running for her life. Pam is holding Tara in the air by the neck so that her feet are dangling off the ground and wouldn’t you know it but Naomi has gathered a bunch of people to see the vampire violence outside. A crowd shows up with cameras snapping pics. So the show is over for now because Pam can’t be caught on film hurting a human in this post Russell Edgington world. Pam does make a spectacular and menacing promise to Tara to watch her back.

“I will hunt you down and shred you like confetti.”

Back in Mexico, Jesus is telling his grandpa off in spades. The news is out that Lala is a medium, grandpa just brought the drama to prove it to Lafayette is all. No harm done because he never wanted to kill Jesus. He knew all along Lala would save him.

Alcide and Debbie have officially become members of Marcus’ pack. Alcide is worrying over Sookie which doesn’t exactly thrill Debbie. Here it is a special night and he’s thinking about the faerie. Surprisingly, instead of throwing a fit Debbie agrees to give Sookie 10 minutes of their time and they go looking for her! And they find her alright…in the arms of Eric rolling around in the grass. Well, the look on Alcide’s face gives it all away, and Debbie doesn’t miss that look either, because while Alcide is looking at Sookie, Debbie is looking at Alcide. Oh boy.

Luis goes to Bill as ordered and gives him the message. Bill is surprised, and not just by the fact that Antonia has returned, but by the fact that Luis shoots him. Luis goes for the fancy stake to finish Bill off, but  Bill shoots Luis and there is a mad dash and scramble for the ceremonial stake. Bill manages to win that scuffle and questions Luis while holding the stake to his heart. Luis stakes himself and mutters the word, “Resurrection.” That can only mean one horrifying thing.

Tara and Naomi are sitting in Merlotte’s parking lot. Naomi wants to take off but Tara knows there is no running from a vampire. So she does the only thing she can do to keep Naomi safe. She breaks up with Naomi. Naomi leaves and Tara sobs. It’s sad but Tara didn’t really have a choice.

Jason is fantasizing about Jessica even though he’s trying not to and Hoyt rings the doorbell. He’s just checking up on Jason since Jess is over at Bill’s.  And he’s worried about Jason. Jason reassures him everything’s OK. But Hoyt isn’t. He’s having relationship problems. Not wanting to talk about Jess, Jason offers to make Hoyt some food. Oh boy.

Bill is bringing Jessica up to speed about Antonia. It reminded me of a dad telling scary ghost stories to a child. And technically Bill is Jessica’s father since he is her maker. And like a father he wants to keep Jessica safe and in order to do so he needs to tell her about the real danger that Antonia poses to all vampires.

“Okay. Well, I sure as hell don’t wanna fry in the sun.”

Bill gathers his sheriffs and orders them to tell every vampire in their area who chooses to stay must go to ground in silver. It’s not a popular command but it is the only choice they have if they, as Jessica would say, don’t wanna fry in the sun. They must brace themselves for the Resurrection.

Meanwhile Eric and Sookie are rolling around all over their house. Their relationship might be brief but they are definitely making the most of their time together. In the afterglow, Eric is listening to Sookie’s heartbeat. He asks her if she wants him to remember. If she would still love him if he was his old self. Sookie doesn’t sugar coat it and answers honestly that she’s not sure. But she really, really wants to.

Pam is suffering the torments of hell for the sake of beauty and is getting a peel. She has enlisted the help of the woman who helped Sookie after she was attacked by Maryann. The good doctor can’t stop Pam from rotting but she can get her to look pretty again and give her a bulk discount on her shots. And that’s 6 shots 4 times a day in the buttocks, arms and temples forever. Ouch!

Sam has taken Tommy to the hospital and thinks it’s a simple case of food poisoning. He’s all concerned too. Oh boy. Isn’t he going to flip when he finds out what Tommy did.

Bill visits Sookie and Eric to tell them about Antonia. Sookie thanks Bill and Sookie wants to spare him the details of their reunion so she shushes Eric who means no harm when he innocently and truthfully answers Bill’s question. Lol. Bill tells them about Antonia and knew Eric wouldn’t leave so he came prepared. Bill tells Sookie that if she cares about Eric she’ll make sure he’s silvered and leaves her the pile of silver chains he brought them.

Tara’s back on the bottle and stumbling aimlessly down the side of the road trying to wash away her sorrows. She hears a rustling in the woods and at first she thinks it’s Pam come to finish her off. Luckily for her it’s just Antonia. Antonia tells her that Marnie is no longer in control of her body and makes Tara an offer she can’t refuse using their similar pasts and suffering as the common bond that unites them. Something tells me Tara will live to regret this. Antonia is using her just like she’s using Marnie.

Bill’s prepping for the Resurrection. Jessica’s getting silvered by Bill’s employees and is howling in pain. Unable to stand her torment Bill takes over. Feeling pity for her he makes a bad decision and goes light on the silver, not even laying a chain across her neck. It’s a decision many parents make. They don’t like to see their children suffer so they go easy on their offspring even though it goes against their better judgement. And something always usually goes wrong because of these decisions. It’s universal, but I guess Bill doesn’t know this because he’s never really raised any children before. Even when he was a human he was away at war, so he didn’t really know any better. Sometimes what’s good for the child isn’t fun, Bill. Case in point: children must eat their vegetables so they can be healthy. Vampires must be silvered securely so they don’t fry in the sun.

Bill does however request that his man put twice as many silver chains on him. He should have put the same amount on Jessica.

Ginger predictably has the task of giving Pam her injections and getting Pam ready for the Resurrection. Pam is looking hideous but she is still glamorous all decked out in a pink suit with a fancy, quilted, and tasseled pink designer/custom made coffin. Ginger lays some fancy silver chain mail over Pam who screams in agony and voila. All ready.

Sookie is silvering Eric, apologizing and telling him she’s lost too many people and so she can’t lose him. Eric asks her to stay with him and she lays down beside him, determined to wait the ordeal out with him.

Jesus and Lafayette are talking about what it means for Lala to be a medium. Jesus is convinced Lala is the answer because he can connect with the dead just like Marnie. They don’t even know yet what is going down in Bon Temps. If Layfayette thinks he’s got troubles now just wait til he gets back home.

Sam gives Luna a call trying to be all flirtatious and doesn’t expect to be told off by her. He is baffled. I can’t help but laugh because this ish is getting more painfully funny. You know it’s going to be one helluva shock  for both of them when they find out what happened.

Tara is campaigning to get every Wiccan she can to help Marnie out. And she’s pretty convincing too. Despite her misgivings and her children, Holly decides to get on board with Tara and Marnie. Operation be safe from vampires for good looks like it will be a flaming success.

Bill and Jess are having a heart to heart. Neither of them know if they will live to see the night. Jessica confides in Bill that she doesn’t love Hoyt the way he loves her. She feels bad and Bill gives her absolution. Bill is just feeling bad about himself and his life. In turn Jessica tries to make him feel better. And she does put a smile on his face with her ferociousness. I almost think I would feel sorry for Marnie if Jessica got her fangs on her. And Marnie could actually say an evil spirit made me do it. Lol.

Eric asks Sookie to remove the silver and even though he asks sweetly and tries to distract her she’s won’t give in. He really doesn’t want to go back to being the old Eric. And as much as I like this little interlude, I want the old Eric back. Things will get really interesting then don’t you think?

Doggedly determined, Sam goes to see Luna. He actually thinks she’s playing hard to get which is comical and tragic all at once. Luna gives him the 411 by questioning him if he remembers anything and whether or not he has a twin brother and Sam finally puts 2 and 2 together. They both feel sick and freaked out. Oh boy.

Needless to say Andy and Holly’s date does not go well. Not only is Andy clueless, he’s also jonesing for V big time. I almost feel sorry for Andy. Almost. He takes off like the hounds of hell are nipping at his heels leaving Holly baffled. Poor Holly, but I think you just dodged some drama.

Lala’s back at work and sees Mikey’s ghost. She starts singing and it freaks the heck out of him. Poor Lala. Once the ghost is out of the coffin there’s no going back. Unless Lafayette learns how to control and work with his abilities he’s going to go crazy.

Later on in the intimacy of their bedroom Debbie reveals her insecurities about Sookie to Alcide. Alcide admits to worrying about Sookie but that is all because he is in love with Debbie. He promises to love her forever. Now I’m sure he’s trying to convince himself and Debbie that that is true, but it was written all over his face. We all saw it. It’s only a matter of time before Debbie loses her man to Sookie for good and goes crazy.

“I seek only the assistance of the willing.”

Antonia reveals her true self to the gathered witches. She tells them that they are at war with the vampires. She gives them the option to stay or go. Some go. Most stay. She tells them about Katie’s treachery and that she has paid for it. She tells them that vampires aren’t immortals. She tells them that humans are more powerful because their souls are immortal. She tells them that this time they can defend themselves. And they must strike or the vampires will destroy them in the worst ways possible. 400 years have passed and the time has come.  Antonia has her coven and it looks like she will get her revenge.

“Vampires are not immortal. They are only harder to kill.”

Sam confronts Tommy and he has had enough. Tommy has screwed up big time and there is nothing he can do or say to fix things now. Sam tells him to get the hell out. So much for being brothers.

Antonia begins to cast the spell that will destroy the vampires. She looks so righteous as she utters the incantation that will control the vampires and force them into the sun to burn. As she stands in the middle of the coven circle she levitates clear off the ground demonstrating her power. A mighty wind begins to blow throughout the shop and throughout Bon Temps.

Jason stops by Sookie’s but Sookie can’t talk because she is trying to make sure Eric doesn’t get up to go and fry in the sun. Jason does some fast thinking about what this means for Jessica and takes off running hell bent for leather. I love it that he thinks he can rescue her, but can he?

And here is where I gain a whole new respect for screaming Ginger. Even if you do think she is a screaming, ditzy, ninny, here’s the thing. Even though she is terrified out of her head half the time and probably isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer she tries her best to help her vampires. As Pam is screaming her fanged head off, screaming Ginger climbs on top of that pink coffin and hangs on for dear life, screaming. But I’ll bet she won’t let Pam out no matter what Pam says.

Bill, Jessica, Eric… It seems every vampire worth their fangs is screaming to be let out into the sun. And that witchy wind is blowing inside and out infecting them all with this crazy longing for the blazing orb. None of them are in their right mind.

Maxine’s neighbor goes up in flames right before Maxine’s astonished eyes, curlers and all, and even though it’s horrific I’m sure many of us laughed at the craziness of it all. And Maxine, well she knew her neighbor was a vampire all along and this just confirms it.

Jessica breaks free of the chains holding her to the bed. She tricks Bucky and snatches his keys to the silver jail. And even though Bill commands her as her maker to come back and to release him, she doesn’t. She crawls her way upstairs, opens the doors and stands in the blinding glare of the sun.

And here’s where I scream,”Nooooo! Not Jessica!”

Everything is falling apart and it seems like Antonia has all the control.

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