previously on True Blood
After a disappointing return to Bon Temps I was all primed for something closer to satisfying from the second episode of this storied show's fifth season but instead of excitement the True Blood team offered more set-up as if this were part two of the season opener rather than a stand-alone episode or a compelling stakes-raiser. When will this season actually begin? Any movie that hadn't begun after 1 hour and 30 minutes would be universally shunned but unfortunately TV series can get away with doing nothing for hours on end, everyone assuming (generously) that "something will happen next time."
In a complete dereliction of duty, and a complete absence of self-awareness, True Blood refuses to de-clothe Chris Meloni in "Authority Always Wins"
As far I can tell there are 5 major story threads going on...
- The Authority vs. Russell (Denis O'Hare) who they thought was dead. Starring Bill & Eric.
- Tara is now a Vampire after we thought her dead. Starring Tara, Sookie, Pam & Lafayette.
- Werewolf PackPower Struggle once their pack leader is found dead. Starring Sam, Luna, & Alcides.
- The love between Jessica ♥ Jason has died and now everyone in Bon Temps is lovelorn and lonely... particularly the plain ol' human characters and solo girl vamps who used to always hang with their makers. Starring Jason & Jessica & Hoyt & Reverend Newlend & Sheriff Andy & Holly & Pam.
- War vet buddies are haunted by a dangerous loose cannon among them. Starring Terry & Arlene.
Within these five general stories are (presumably) little minor stories starring only one or two of the characters bringing us to the very obvious conclusion that there are too many characters is not enough of a show-running directive / understanding that "ensemble" actually means 'a large group of characters' rather than 'abundant solo acts.' Frankly, I'm losing interest. It's like a very mild (hopefully tentative) version of that time a few months back when Glee returned from hiatus and I suddenly and violently knew I simply Could Not anymore with that show. Ugh.
the only emotionally engaging thread in "Authority Always Wins" took place a century ago!
Draining the Episode Dry
Body Count: 2 (Humans in Pam/Eric flashbacks); Sex Scenes: 0; Fresh Meat: The sickeningly sexy Chris Meloni joins the cast of the most naked show on television... completely clothed. Which tells you everything you need to know about the catastrophe that season 5 is threa... you know what? I CAN'T. I CAN'T.
Today I'd much rather talk about Teen Wolf.
Ten Best Things About Season 2 Teen Wolf (thus far)
10 Even when the relationships make you groan/giggle -- almost always -- you can still care about them. Maybe because they're teenagers and you can forgive teenagers a lot. Maybe because it's only been 1 Season and they aren't replaying the same drama for years on end (yet). Maybe because the show doesn't take itself too seriously but genuinely seems to be fond of its characters.
09 Season 2's supposed edict "more emotions, less clothing" is so far totally true.
eight more bests after the jump
Click to read more ...