Cool Hand Joe

True Blood is at it’s boiling point: Make it or Break it.

Here’s the way I see it. In television, once in a blue moon a show comes along that truly explodes. A show that’s brilliantly executed and adored by the masses. A perfect example is True Blood. I’m not going to waste time writing about the backstory because it’s unimportant but what is important to know is that in its third season, the show has some decisions to make that could extend its reign as one of the greatest television shows of the moment or extinguish it prematurely. Of course, those decisions have already been made and the viewers will just have to wait for the verdict.

This breaking point I’m referring to is the moment when a show has to decide how to balance the consumer’s demands with the integrity of the artists behind the show. Meaning, the viewer finds themselves hungry for more and more of what they want and subsequently the directors, writers, etc. have to decide how much more to give and where to make compromises.

Considering True Blood, I think the burden falls on the shoulders of Eric Northman, ancient viking vampire and fan favorite all in one. Personally, I love the show and I’ve loved the development of Eric over the first two seasons. I now, however, find myself somewhat concerned. Alexander Skarsgard once stated that he based his portrayal of Eric on a study of African lion prides. Now, we find the show in its third season delving deeper and deeper into the character. Exposing emotions, histories, relationships, etc… but why? I like Eric a lot and I always have. I also, however, am worried that the show is exposing Eric primarily because the audience wants more Eric.

Point; this is not Twilight! I don’t understand why there needs to be a battle between Vampire Bill and Vampire Eric over Sookie Stackhouse merely because she is the female lead and they are the two male leads. I liked where the show had initiated the relationship between Sookie and Eric. I liked that he was the ancient vampire and she was the small town girl  and that for whatever reason, he took a liking to her.

More specifically, I like Eric cold with just a hint of emotion. I don’t want him to be a human, I just like him as a person. That’s why this show works. It’s about humans, who aren’t always entirely human, dealing with new kinds of people, if you understand what I’m saying. 

Now, the show has absolutely not jumped the shark as of yet. I think it’s picking up steam in its third season (finally) and I like some of the new characters a lot. Specifically, I strangely enjoy Tara’s storyline surrounding insane freakazoid Vampire Franklin this season. Thank you, team True Blood, for saving Tara for me because I was a little scared that I would never like her again. Franklin is the perfect addition to the cast. Also, I’m happy to see more of Pam and Jessica. Oh, and I tend to ignore the werewolves. 

I may have to take back that thing I said a few weeks ago about vampires.

I’m referring to what I said about Vampire Weekend, the band, being the only vampires worth knowing. It was a result of my frustration surrounding the current vampiric chaos exsanguinating popular culture. Anyway I have to take it back for two reasons. Reason number one being the revival of my favorite childhood television series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer (and Angel too) via dvd and hulu. Reason number two being my new fascination with True Blood.

“You know who I wish would come to town? Buffy.”- True Blood

As soon as I started watching True Blood, I wanted to write a blog comparing it with the Buffyverse. I didn’t, however, find anything striking. Sometimes a crucifix works, sometimes it doesn’t and sometimes the vampires have reflections, while other times they don’t. I guess the biggest thing that I noticed right off the bat was that in Buffy the vampire underworld was a complete secret, whereas in True Blood vampires have been exposed and are in the process of integrating into society. I basically just came up with a bland list. Then, I noticed something a little more interesting…

What really segregates the vamps from the humans in both cases is the idea of a “soul,” or a lack thereof. Humans are supposed to have them while vampires, in most cases, are not. Angel got lucky, apparently. In Buffy’s world, it’s pretty cut and dry. There isn’t any doubt in the existence of the soul. It’s what makes humans people and it’s the lack of one that makes vampires demons. For that reason, I never really understood how Buffy and her friends struggle so much with the concept of death. Is it really that big of a deal? You know there’s something after. You know it’s not the end. As far as the viewing audience can see, you already endure a living hell every day, so why care? Buffy, the character, sort of touches on this after she’s killed and subsequently resurrected, but all of the questions disintegrate by the next season.

I understand that the concept of loss and separation is a big deal. It’s hard to say goodbye. In my opinion, though, True Blood has a more trying predicament because the only thing the world knows for sure, is that vampires exist. Everything else, from slayers to demons and from souls to religion, is completely up in the air.  Then what? How can you distinguish a person from a monster? I’ll use a conversation between Sookie and Bill.

Bill: I have no heart beat. I have no need to breathe. There are no electrical impulses in my body. What animates you no longer animates me.

Sookie: What does animate you then? Blood? How do you digest it if nothing works?

Bill: Magic.

Sookie: Oh, come on Bill! I may look naive but I’m not, and you need to remember that.

Bill: You think it’s not magic that keeps you alive? Just because you understand the mechanics of how something works doesn’t make it any less of a miracle, which is just another word for magic. We’re all kept alive by Magic, Sookie. My magic is just a little different from yours, that’s all.