True Blood Tuesday: Burning Down the House

Season 4, episode 10

 

The Festival of Tolerance:

Here we go! Chaos!!! Antonia is calling for her puppet vamps to kill Bill.  It’s not looking good for Bill—Eric is tossing him around and the other bewitched vamps are closing in.  Meanwhile, Nan is doing the vampire version of Buffy on some of Antonia’s spaced-out vampires, even making use of a pencil, which I believe was a move in Buffy (Willow, maybe?). 

Anyway, Bill whips out a wooden-bullet gun and shoots incoming vamps, including Eric, but doesn’t kill him (basically because Sookie begs him not to).  Eric keeps coming, though, and he’s about to stake Bill when Sookie screams, “NO MORE!”  She pulls out her fairy-light-power and zaps the crap out of the hot Viking.

Holy! Guess what? Sookie’s powers alone broke the spell Antonia had on Eric. Ooh, and, um, Eric’s back. Yep, her zap brought back all of Eric’s memories, but it didn’t erase the time he has spent with Sookie (in the bed…on the floor…in the woods). 

                      

Note: I have got to get me some of that fairy-power-light-zapping stuff. Seriously, how cool would that be? You’re being a giant jackwipe—ZAP! 

Antonia: So while she observes the carnage, Antonia morphs into the real Antonia from years ago and sadly says, “What have I done?” Before Bill could go after her, she had taken on Marnie’s appearance once more and disappeared with her sidekick witch-dude.

Jason & Jessica: Not so much the post-coital bliss Jess was expecting.  Jason is riddled with guilt, even blaming the whole love-making session on drinking Jessica’s blood.  Oh, Jason…did you just ask Jess to glamour away the memory of y’all having sex? Yep. You did. Jess is just having no luck whatsoever, which she apparently realizes: “Effin humans.  I’m gonna go find somebody to eat.” That a girl.

Alcide & Tommy:  Al is driving Tommy to the hospital.  Tommy is bad off.  All the shifting into Sam is killing him and it probably doesn’t help that he got his butt whooped by some werewolves.  Ew. Projectile blood spit-up moment. Tommy tells Al to take him home…to Merlotte’s. 

Note: I want to feel bad for him…and I would…really…but I’m far too distracted by the werewolf.

Tara, Holly, Antonia, & witches: Locked up in Moon Goddess, Holly tells Tara that two strong, angry women can force a crack in Antonia’s wall.  Go get her, girls! Antonia returns with a couple bewitched vampires…and…uh…yeah, it looks like she’s having an internal conflict with Marnie.  Is Marnie trying to break free?

Nan & Bill: Back at King Bill’s—Naturally, Nan is obsessed with public image.  Bill, however, is ready to kill the witch, and if Nan doesn’t agree, he will go to the authority and tell them this situation, this war, is her fault.

Sookie & Eric, also at King Bill’s: Eric tells Sookie that he remembers everything, including the time he spent with her, but that the other Eric (i.e. puppy dog sweet Eric) is still here. He has her look in his eyes for puppy-dog-sweet Eric.  She sees him, the gentle Eric.  But there is a problem: When Eric was about to kill Bill, she couldn’t imagine a world without him.  She loves Eric, but she loves Bill as well.  Here’s where the old Eric comes in: he was none too thrilled about her loving Bill; in his view, since she gave herself completely to him, she should belong to him.  But, Sook reminds Eric of two important facts: she never promised him that she would belong to him and he, in turn, gave himself to her. He said he did and reiterated his love for her. Here comes Pam!

Sookie, Eric, & Pam: Pam tearfully reunites with her maker, but she soon realizes there is more to Eric than before…a softer side…a side devoted to Sookie.  She gives Sookie a “Pam” look (i.e. the “you’ve changed him, you bitch” look). 

Sookie, Eric, Bill, & Pam: Bill plans on setting Moon Goddess ablaze.  Sookie protests, reminding him that Tara and other humans are trapped inside.  Eric says, “Well, they bet on the wrong horse.  That’s too bad.”  Sookie tries to plead Tara’s case (if Tara hadn’t warned her about the Festival, Eric would still be a zombie and Bill would be dead).  Bill just tells her he can’t risk the safety of his kind to save one human just because she’s her friend.  Eric: “Loveable, isn’t he?”  Resolved, Bill says they’re going to finish Antonia tomorrow, regardless if innocent people die in the process. Sookie, with a look of determination, storms out.

Note: Loving having the old Eric back, even with this softer side.  Truthfully, I’ve missed his sarcasm.

Alcide, Tommy, & Sam: Sam and Al try to reassure Tommy on the beauty of heaven, but Tommy doesn’t seem to buy it.  He doesn’t believe in heaven, and hell’s a dogfight.  He wants to disappear like he never existed.  Sam tells him he’ll be surprised when angels come and lift him up. Tommy calls his brother a sucker, which brings a smile to Sam’s face. Then, finally, Tommy apologized, saying Sam was the best part of his life.  (Son of a gun, this is sad). Little brother tells big brother not to forget him right away. Sam grabs his hand and tells him he could never forget about him—“You’re in my heart, always. You’re my brother.  Tommy, Tommy, listen, you’re loved, I love you.” Tommy’s gone. Sam vows that Marcus is a dead man.

Note: Okay, I know I never really liked Sam’s family, but this was sad. Every time Tommy did something endearing, he did something cheek-slapping annoying. Still, it was sad.  So, it’s sort-of “Whoo-hoo, but sad.”

Hoyt & Jason: Hoyt can’t live in his house without Jess.  He misses the cute things she did, the way she smells, etc. Oh. Hoyt’s crying.  Okay, Hoyt, I’d have more sympathy for you if you hadn’t been such a jackwipe to Jess. Yeah, okay, he’s kinda touching my heart here. Anyway, he has to shack up with Jason for a while.  Jason’s feeling mega guilt.

Arlene, Terry, & Andy: So this is a True Blood version of Intervention.  After finding some V, Terry and Arlene confront him, but Andy tries to skirt around it and fluff off their attempts. 

Terry takes Andy to their old childhood fort to “save his life.”  Andy does the junkie talk: I’m better on V; V makes me a better man, etc. Terry reveals some hidden weapons near the fort and asks Andy to pick one, saying, “We’ll see who’s the better man.”

Yeah, Andy is failing at this shoot-off thing, but he’s succeeding in airing his feelings of inferiority when it comes to Terry.  Andy angrily talked about how everyone loved Terry, while he was nothing more than an afterthought; he’s angry that Terry got the best meat at dinner, the best of Andy’s old shirts, etc.

Terry saw things a bit differently—he had to take hand-me-downs that didn’t fit; Andy had the money; Andy had everything.  Andy said the money belonged to his grandmother and now it’s gone! Terry is glad it’s gone—that Andy got what he deserved.  Screaming, Andy claims he won after all because he’s a sheriff and Terry’s just a fry cook.  Yep, now they fight.

After a little fighting, Andy says he’s so ashamed of himself he can’t stand it; he doesn’t want to be who he is and worries that the V might have eaten his soul.  He starts to cry and Terry tells him men without souls do not cry.  Aw, there’s some cousin bonding here—they’re even telling each other they love one another.  Andy speaks fondly of the fort and vows to never relapse.  Terry brings the truck around and tells Andy he knows he won’t relapse…and the first step is walking all the way home. Off Terry goes, leaving a ticked Andy in the dust.

Jason & Sookie: Jason is spending time at Sookie’s eating breakfast.  He needed to get away from Hoyt because all he does is cry, rant, talk about Jess, repeat the same story, and fart.  Sookie enlists his help in saving Tara and the other innocents at Moon Goddess before Bill blows up the witches.

Sookie, Jason, Lafayette, & Jesus, Part I: Sook and Jason head to Lafayette and Jesus for help to save the innocent witches.  Lafayette blames Marnie for starting all of this.  Jesus is quick to defend Marnie, saying she’s trapped.  Jesus tells Sookie he can get Marnie to force Antonia out. 

Holly & Tara: Holly is looking over some spells that will free them from Moon Goddess.  Tara wigs over having to read Latin, but Holly says that magic is about energy and intention and that the goddess will know what they mean, even if they say it wrong.  It’s about faith, which Tara doesn’t have much of.  Holly implores Tara to believe in herself.

Antonia & Marnie: Oh crap! Antonia splits free from Marnie! Oh my! It was Marnie ALL ALONG! Marnie wants to murder all vampires! Antonia turned to necromancy to control death and save her village from fever; she was a healer and saved lives.  Antonia wants nothing to do with Marnie’s desire to kill.  It’s the classic the bullied versus the bully—Marnie is sick of being bullied and treated like an outsider. Marnie tries to regain Antonia’s spirit within her body by appealing to the pain she suffered, the death she endured.  It worked. Antonia rejoins Marnie to rid the world of vampires. Marnie needs Antonia’s necromancy abilities, you see.

Eric, Bill, Jess, Nan, & Pam, silvered in the cells: Nan wants to kill Bill, but Eric tells him not to listen, since her time is coming to an end, which, of course, causes Nan to threaten our Viking. Pam warns her not to threaten Eric.  Nan then promises the true death to Pam and Eric, too.  Jess doesn’t care what happens as long as she gets to “kill sh*&.”

Sookie, Jason, Jesus, & Lafayette, Part II: Outside of Moon Goddess, Sookie listens for Tara’s mind.  When she finds her, she is loud and pissed off.  Jesus decides to try and get into Moon Goddess to save the others, including Marnie.  But, Antonia has not only turned the town into a ghost town, she has also created a protective barrier around the shop (think a big golden bubble that you can only see when someone passes through). Jesus walks through, but not without some pain. Tara and Holly see Jesus through the window and know there are reinforcements with him somewhere.  Antonia walks outside to greet Jesus, but before he is welcomed back inside, he must pass her test…by walking towards her—picture more painful, golden, bubble stuff he has to walk through. 

Um, yeah, Jesus just turned into some devil-looking-creature, which Lafayette calls “A Latin thing.” Once he passes all the way through, and returns to normal-face Jesus, Antonia welcomes him with open arms.

Debbie & Marcus: Ugh. Is she flirting with Marcus a little?! And is she smoking weed with him?! YES, she is!!! Ugh, bitch!!! Deb, aka bitch, wants a baby, but Al doesn’t because it’s too tough to be wolfy these days.  Marcus tells her she needs to hook up with a different wolf.  And…GET THIS…she says, “I’m just about ready.”

Note: Ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh, ugh!!!! And here I thought my dislike for Debbie couldn’t get any stronger. You have Al and you’re thinking about hooking up with that sleaze-ball, Marcus?! Seriously, Al needs to dump her furry butt!

Alcide & Sam: Ooh, two hot men out to avenge a senseless death.  Sam and Al head to the garage, where they find one of the werewolves that beat Tommy up.  Since Marcus is busy flirting it up with bitch-Debbie (and I can totally call her that because she’s a female dog, er, werewolf), Al helps Sam take some of his anger out on this were-dude. 

Jesus, Antonia, Marnie, Sookie, Lafayette, Jason, Holly, & Tara:  Inside Moon Goddess, Antonia informs Jesus that he should never have been able to breach her boundary; she tells him he has a demon to serve him.  She then expresses a keen interest in having Lafayette join the circle, recognizing his gift. Jesus says Lafayette is too scared to rejoin, but should she allow them to leave the shop for a while, he may be able to bring Lafayette around.  Antonia says it’s impossible—the protection spell is their strongest defense…for now. 

Jesus then asks to speak with Marnie, just wanting to say hi to her for a moment.  Antonia grants this wish.  Marnie becomes the primary and is elated to see Jesus.  He quickly tries to help her, but Marnie just as quickly tells him this is not possession—this is human; “her (Antonia) desires are my desires.”  Jesus is freaked and telepathically tells Sookie that Marnie is running the show, which she relays to Lafayette and Jason. 

Tara and Holly are busy casting a spell to break Antonia’s protection barrier.  Meanwhile, Marnie shows Jesus her pet vampires and all is peachy until…treachery…Antonia takes over, recognizing her protective spell was broken.  Jesus telepathically screams for Sookie to get out of there, but when she sees Tara and Holly running towards her, she, Lafayette, and Jason—who was lagging behind a bit—run for them.  Antonia steps outside, re-casts her spell, blocks Holly, Tara, Lafayette, and Sookie within the golden bubble, and causes them to disappear, leaving Jason alone in the street. 

Nighttime hotness: Eric, Bill, Pam, and Jess, clad in black, are heading to Moon Goddess. Okay, this is sexy: the four of them pull up to Moon Goddess, climb out of the van, form a line, and walk in slow motion towards the storefront, while some sexy music sets the mood for war.    

One problem: they don’t know Sookie’s inside.  Is Jason hiding somewhere? Will he get to them in time?  Only 2 episodes left…

…stay tuned. 

Award Monday--I'm Digging It!

J. Day surprised me last week with the "I Dig Your Blog" award--thank you, darlin', you made my week. I love reading about J. Day's adventures with all those adorable animals! Her blog is refreshing, fun, funny, and endearing. If you haven't visited, you are really missing out on something special.

Now, for this award, we:

1. Thank the blogger who gave us this award (see above)

2. Reveal 3 random facts about ourselves:

a. I love flashlights. Not only are they handy to have in case of a power outage, but they're just freaking fun. I never knew how many different kinds of flashlights there were until we had a brownout and I was dragged to the Home Depot. Let's just say I walked away with a boatload of things that put out light in very different ways. My favorite flashlights? My Harry Potter and Hermione light-up wands. What? They classify as flashlights...really...they do.  *the fact that I swish and flick and say "Lumos" is completely irrelevant.*

b. Single Gal Behavior Alert: Sometimes, when I'm really bored, I'll braid my hair in a bunch of little braids.  After a while, I'll take them all out and...ta da...I'll have Daryl Hannah hair, circa Splash!

Disney

I loved that movie when I was little, even pretended to fall out of the bathtub with a "fin." My mom knew when she heard a "thud" that I was playing Splash again.

c. Garbage Disposals freak me out.  I stand sideways and as far away as I can, press the button, and scoot backwards as quickly as possible.  Why? Well, I've had a couple of unfortunate run-ins with them basically deciding to regurgitate all over my face. This is so not ideal for an anti-germ person. Having totally freaked my mom out with the idea of germs covering her skin and/or clothes, she decided to try and "outrun" the spit-up.  This, however, proved less than effective when she tripped on her own feet and fell flat on her butt.  We heard a little jog, then the squeaky sound of a shoe, followed by a high-pitched, "Oop!" and a thud.  One minute, there's mom, standing in the kitchen, and the next it's, "Um, where's mom?" "I'm on the floor!" she laughed. To this day, we all laugh to the point of tears over that one.


3.  Pass this award to five fellow bloggers (by far the toughest part...which is why I always add to that)

* Jay

* PurpleMist

* Anna

* Chanel

* Barsola

* According To Jewels

* The Average Girl

True Blood Tuesday: Let's Get Out of Here

Season 4, Episode 9

Sookie, Alcide, & Bill: We pick off where we left off at the end of the last episode—Al has Sookie in his arms and is running for her house.  This lasts maybe three steps before a flash of Bill whips by and snatches her right out of Al’s arms.  Ooh, Al’s eyes began glowing in angry yellow for a minute.  Hot.  Once at Sookie’s, Bill tries to feed her some blood, but she won’t take it.  Al overhears Bill apologizing for allowing her to join the battle and quips, “Why did you then?” Bill: “Werewolf, I’m going to need you to shut the eff up right now.”  Me thinks Bill is still deeply in love with Sookie.  Really, was there ever really any doubt?  Wake up, Sookster! Ah, she’s waking up…and asking for Eric.  Al doesn’t take her wanting Eric too well: “Am I the only one here who thinks this is bastsh*& crazy?!”  She almost died because of fangers and yet she wants to find Eric—Alcide is done and walks out.   

Note: Now, what healed Sookie?  Was Bill's blood on her lips enough to heal her?  Or was having Eric's blood still in her doing the trick?  Maybe it was her own fairy power.  Whatever it is, I swear, Sookie is the luckiest woman on the imaginary planet. Vampire Bill and Vampire Eric and Werewolf Alcide, oh my! Really, I need to infuse myself with fairy blood or something.

Antonia, Tara, Holly, & Witches: Back at Moon Goddess, Tara, Holly, and some of the witches are more than a little uncomfortable with Antonia’s judgment.  Some want to leave, but Antonia magically closes the doors, locking the lot inside.  Eric is still under Antonia’s spell and completely at her mercy.  Tara asks what would happen if they tried to leave.  Antonia dares her to try and find out.  Her next target is the upcoming vampire event, Festival of Tolerance, where she, the witches, and Eric will show the world just what vampires are all about.

Sam & Luna: Sam isn’t afraid of Marcus.  He’s so down-to-earth-manly-man.  Luna worries for Sam, should Marcus later return.  But Sam is more worried for Luna and Emma, especially after recognizing how uncomfortable Emma is around her father.  So, Sam suggests taking Luna and Emma camping…right now.  And so the cute little shifter trio (well, Emma could be a werewolf) were off to get back to nature. 

Al & Debbie: There’s sulky Debbie, pretending to be asleep when Al returns home after rescuing Sookie.  Deb keeps sniffing—she must smell Sookie on him.  Oh dear chicken fried steak with white gravy!!! A full bottom shot of Al crawling into bed.  My, my, my, my, my.  My. My.  Sorry, lost my concentration for a moment.  Phew! Okay, anyway, um…yes, well, Al cuddles up on Deb, who has the audacity to let her eyes go all angry yellow.  Really, Deb, don’t waste a good thing. 

Jessica, Nan, & Bill: By girl-cry-talking for over two hours, Jess had effectively reaffirmed Nan’s choice to stay career oriented and not ever become a maker.  Bill, Jess, and Nan head downstairs and get silvered to the beds.  While Jess cried, Bill filled Nan in on everything with the witches.  Bill wants to cancel the Festival of Tolerance, but Nan refuses and blames Bill for allowing things to get out of control.  Bill strikes back, saying this is all her doing, but in her eyes, she is never wrong. 

Lafayette, Baby Mikey, & Hoyt: Hoyt packs up Jessica’s belongings, including a Twilight book and Taylor Swift CD (such Jessica items!).  Lafayette suddenly bursts in Hoyt’s house, brandishing a gun, claiming it’s her house.  Ah, so this is where the haunted house and reappearing rot-doll come into play! Hoyt calls Jason, who is with a frantic Arlene and Terry, not to mention Andy, who quickly takes a hit of V before heading to Hoyt’s. 

Sookie’s Dream Sequence:  Everything has a 1950s-1960s feel—the music, clothing, etc.  Eric shows up in the daytime looking like old Eric with a little Danny Zuko vibe going on.  Sookie, wearing a little red wrap-dress-thing, embraces Eric and they begin to kiss, but Bill appears and gladly interrupts their fun.  Eric wants to know why Bill is there.  Bill has no idea, suggesting he ask Sookie because it is, after all, her dream.  Sookie doesn’t know why Bill is present, but Bill telepathically tells her, “Yes you do.  Tell him you never stopped loving me.”  Eric can hear their telepathic conversation and asks if she loves Bill.  Sookie says yes, but blamed it on Bill giving her his blood.  The situation escalates when Eric and Bill attempt a showdown.  Sookie doesn’t let them fight and asks them to follow her to the living room for a little talk.

While Bill and Eric sit on the couch, Sookie stands before them and declares her love for them both.  As such, she doesn’t want to belong to either of them and, in fact, they should both belong to her.  They are less than thrilled and she calls them out on the double standard.  Uh-oh.  She’s disrobing.  What’s True Blood without a threesome of two vampires and a fairy?

Tommy & Marcus: Tommy is at Merlotte’s leaving Sam a goodbye note when Marcus creeps in looking for Sam.  Tommy gives him some attitude and tells him he’s Sam’s brother.  Marcus hands him a card or slip of paper, ordering him to make sure Sam shows up later that night.  Later, Alcide tells Marcus he wants to move up in the pack because it’s important to Debbie.  Marcus asks Al to be there when his ex-wife’s shifter boyfriend shows up.  Al agrees.  I’m thinking Tommy has no intention of relaying the message to Sam. 

Hoyt, Lafayette, Jason, Baby Mikey, Andy, Arlene, & Terry, Part I:  Andy on V is getting old.  He fails miserably at getting Mikey back and won’t listen to Jason.  Lafayette/spirit lady fires at Andy and Jason, sending them rushing back outside.  Against Andy’s orders, Arlene and Terry show up and Terry wants to go soldier on Lafayette.  Arlene cries out, “Why are you doing this, Lafayette?” Lafayette, talking like the ghost lady, says my name is Mavis.  Terry starts his soldier thing, causing Andy to tackle him to the ground.  Terry accuses Andy of being jealous of what he has in his life, yet marvels at how strong Andy has become.  Jason recognizes Andy is still doing V. 

Note: I’m sensing some tension between Terry and Andy.   

Sam, Luna, & Emma, Part II: After chasing a bunny, Emma says she wants to be a shifter, not a werewolf, so she can shift into a bunny whenever she wants.  Luna goes into mommy-mode and reassures Emma that whatever she becomes is what is meant to be.  Sam, meanwhile, shifts into a bunny for Emma.

Note: They are like this perfect little family. I love Sam and Luna together!!!

Debbie: Trash.  There she goes buying V again! That didn’t take long.  Debbie then heads off to Sookie’s house with flowers in hand, offering whatever help she may need.  The whole conversation is really awkward, especially when Sookie realizes Debbie is jealous and worried when it comes to Alcide.  Sookie listens in on Debbie’s thoughts and believes her desire to help.  Sookie reassures Debbie of Alcide’s love for her.

Note: Now, Sookie doesn’t know Deb is doing V again.  I imagine this little tidbit will ultimately change everything.

                       

Lafayette, Hoyt, Jason, Arlene, Terry, Andy, and Jesus, Part II:  Jason is now in charge of this incident, since Andy is tripping out.  Arlene called Jesus, who rushes over.  After a small confrontation, Jesus makes the situation very clear to Mavis.  Only then does she realize she’s inside another person’s body and that Mikey is not her baby.  Learning of Jesus' magical abilities, Mavis asks if he can help her hold her real baby one more time.  He said he would try. 

Jesus begins some magic, but needs to know what happened to Mavis.  She reveals that the a-hole father of her baby had already buried him by the time she returned with the doll.  Angry, she followed him inside, begging him to tell her where he buried their baby.  When she confronted him by the sink, he stabbed her.  She floated above her body and watched herself die. Her spirit followed him outside where he began shoveling.  Jesus asks her if she remembers where he was shoveling.  Mavis and Jesus go outside and Mavis returns Mikey to Arlene. 

Jesus, Hoyt, Jason, and Terry worked through the night, digging up the graves of Mavis and her baby.  When they find them, Jesus hands Mavis the body of her baby.  After holding her son for a few minutes, Jesus tells her it’s time to go now and Lafayette needs to come back.  He touches her, speaks a spell, and Mavis emerges from Lafayette’s body…with her baby. Aww.  She thanks Lafayette and he responds with “You got it, bitch.” Typical Lafayette. lol Mavis smiles, sings to her baby, smiles warmly at everyone, and disappears. 

Note: Though this was a beautiful resolution—seeing mother and baby reunited—it felt oddly anticlimactic.  Did anyone wonder what the point of this story was?  I came up with two things: 1. To show how Lafayette is a medium, and 2. To show that Jesus has the power to remove a spirit from a living body.  My guess is this whole story somehow relates to Antonia/Marnie. 

                     

Sookie, Debbie, Tara, Antonia, Eric, & Witches:  Debbie shows up at Moon Goddess, pledging her were-allegiance to Antonia.  Meanwhile, Sookie is sneaking in the back to find Eric.  When Sookie finds Eric, he tells her to leave.  Sookie recognizes he is under Antonia’s spell and asks what Antonia wants him to do.  Eric simply says, “Kill the King.”  Before Sookie can do anything else, Tara sneaks up on them, aiming a gun at her best friend’s face.  Debbie spots Tara holding a gun on Sook and quickly tells Antonia that she brought Sookie to her.  Giddy, Antonia tells Tara not to harm Sookie.  Tara begins verbally attacking her best friend…to get her to listen in on her thoughts.  Telepathically, Tara tells her that they’re all being held hostage, reveals where Bill is, and then tells Sook to charge her.  Sookie does, and escapes.  Ticked, Antonia realizes Debbie tricked her.  She orders Ray and Eric to accompany her to the festival, while locking the others inside Moon Goddess.  When Tara tries to leave, the door handle severely burns her hand. 

Note: Thank goodness Tara has come around.  Hopefully, she and Holly will turn on Antonia and seek help from Jesus and Lafayette.  But, my goodness, Tara knows how to get in trouble.

Hoyt & Jason: Jason helps Hoyt fix his door after the whole Mavis-Lafayette ordeal.  Jason finds a Taylor Swift CD and teases Hoyt about it.  Hoyt says it belongs in the monster box.  Yep, Hoyt has named the box of Jessica’s things the monster box.  The box even had a little note written in black sharpie on it: For you, Monster.  Jackwad.  Hoyt, calling on their lifelong friendship, asked Jason to drop the box off at Jessica’s. 

Note: Hoyt, I’m over you. Bring on Jason & Jessica!

Sam & Luna: With Emma sound asleep in a separate tent, Sam (this time the real one) and Luna make love. 

Note: I have a feeling she’s enjoying her time with this Sam much more than fake Sam.  Just sayin’. 

Tommy, Marcus, & Al: While Sam and Luna roast their marshmallows, Tommy-Sam shows up for the meeting with Marcus.  Marcus warns him to stop sleeping with Luna.  Tommy-Sam says he hasn’t even touched her, but the same can’t be said for his brother—he’s had her every which way.  Well, Marcus and his thugs beat the crap out of Tommy-Sam, while Al uncomfortably looks on.  Al finally steps in just when Tommy-Sam shifts back to just Tommy.  Marcus seems a little rattled when he realizes it’s the brother and tells his thugs to get the kid out of there.  Al goes Alpha and carries Tommy out himself.  Alcide is beyond dream-worthy. 

Jason & Jessica: Jason delivers the box to Jessica at Bill’s mansion.  Jason still can’t admit his feelings.  She invites him inside, but he declines.  Still, he can’t seem to walk away from her.  Soon, we see that he did go…to the back of his truck…with Jessica…where they were having what looked to be great sex. 

Note: Reckon the forever virgin thing didn't bother Jason...and it didn't look to be a problem for Jess, either.  Yep, it’s all about Jason and Jessica now.  Normally, I’d feel awful for Hoyt, but his actions are immature and ridiculous. 

Festival of Tolerance:  Okay, so we have a human in the crowd videotaping what he calls “vampire b.s.”  The festivities begin. Sitting in chairs on the stage, Bill surveys the crowd and asks Nan if they are the only vampires present.  Nan says yes, including the LSU student’s big sister, who is about to take the stage.  Bill wonders how you can have an event in honor of the living dead without the living dead.  Nan believes keeping vampire numbers low will lessen the risk of a bloodbath. 

Debbie is driving granny-style (probably because of the V), so Sookie urges her to speed it up a little. 

Soon, Nan is doing her political correct thing for the crowd. Meanwhile, Eric turns up, distracts the Louisiana sheriffs, and brings them to Antonia, who immediately gets them under her control.  Bill takes the podium—Eric, lurking nearby, has him in his sights.  Suddenly, from somewhere behind the crowd, Sookie screams Bill’s name.  Alarmed, Bill says her name and looks around.  Eric and the sheriffs have removed the insides of Bill’s guards.  Chaos ensues as people start running and screaming.  Sookie, trying to get to Bill, calls out again, “They’re coming for you! RUN!”    

 

Only THREE episodes left!!! How on earth will this all end?!

Dale, Cowboys, & Award Time

Dale Jr.: Pit crew, pit crew, pit crew. Y’all are putting this race fan on the ceiling like a nervous little cat.  Dale had yet another solid day, but after an iffy late pit and some pit problems, he ended up 14^th on the day.  He drove the wheels off that car to put the team in position.  It’s frustrating (a feeling I know all too well—it has become my annoying and predictable companion).  Maybe I could try out for the pit crew—I can be freakishly strong when I want to be. 

Anyway, he’s still 9^th in points (hurrah!).  Here’s the thing: Dale is having a strong, strong season.  Anyone who says otherwise is absolutely ridiculous.  This is his first year with Steve Letarte—they’re getting to know one another, learning with one another.  With a few tweaks here and there, I truly believe this team is on the brink of greatness.  Spoken like a true Dale Jr. fan, I know, but I really do believe it—and I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t believe. 

Cowboys: We’re nearing the end of summer.  The grocery store released its first batch of apple cider doughnuts, and the Cowboys played in a nationally televised preseason football game.  Happy days.  Football is back and I have one thing to say, “Hello, Lover.” I’m thinkin’ football is my boyfriend—pretty hunky, huh? He’s mighty sexy and oh-so-popular. 

Award: And, to my total shock, I received a second Blog On Fire Award, this time from Jay. I’m only just getting to know him, but I can already tell he is caring, supportive, straight forward, and funny.  If you haven’t visited his blog, please do so when you get a chance—you won’t be disappointed.  

Now, for the rules:

1. Thank the blogger who gave you this award (see above)

2. List five previously unknown facts about yourself (you can make ‘em saucy if you want).

• Last time I told y’all how the revving engines in NASCAR kinda, um, get me a little hot under my AMP t-shirt.  Another thing that does it…fighter jets flying overhead (which, ironically, they do before the start of every NASCAR race).  Apparently, I have an affinity for things that go fast (more irony). I blame batman and his spiffy batmobile.

• When I hear the NFL theme songs (Fox, Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football), I get chills. You just feel the electricity and you know it’s on. These aren’t quite on the level of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On,” but they’re up there.

• One of my very favorite snacks is chips and salsa.  My daddy introduced me to this snack when I was in second grade. It became my everyday-after-school-snack while I watched Kids Incorporated and Saved By The Bell.  Little did I know I was getting a daily dose of veggies in that salsa.   

•  Apart from salad, I wasn’t good about eating my veggies as a kid. Heck, I’m not great about eating my veggies today—I scrunch up my nose, grin, and shove ’em down first, then enjoy the good parts of the meal.

• The idea of dangling my feet in the water (lakes, ocean, etc.) wigs me out.  I can’t help but wonder what the heck is lurking below. I’ve watched too many shark/gator/piranha movies. 

3. Pass this award to 5 fellow bloggers. This is the tough part for me. I want to pick everybody, but I’ll try to stick to five…plus a few. ;)

• Julianna
• Chocolateangel
• Alessandra
• George
• Lex
• Ms. Caboo
• Candice      
• Katsidhe                                         

Gems, Smurfs, & Racing

Wonderful Jewels was kind enough to officially name me one of her "Gems," and I couldn't be happier. If you haven't visited her blog, you are in for something special. I'm so grateful to have met her during this adventure in blogging. Hop on over to her site, say "hi," and you'll find a dear friend.

So, I promised to share a picture of Panicky Smurf with y'all. Here he is. And, yes, it's an expression I wear well. In fact, I'm fairly certain this is how I looked during the majority of the Dallas Mavericks run for the Championship.

After last weekend's (well, Monday morning's race, since there was a rain delay) road course race (not a "Dale" track), I'm convinced my AMP shirt is working.  He finished 15th (although I believe he was robbed a position or two--he fought for those points, but to no avail. Kinda boo on you, NASCAR) and moved up a spot in points.  Anyway, this weekend is definitely a "Dale" track, so here's hoping my shirt is in extra fine form.

Reckon that's it for this Friday. I hope y'all have a wonderful weekend!!!

Sometimes, You Need A Happy Meal

I can hear the Sorting Hat now: "Bee in your bonnet, Virgin?"

The bee in my bonnet is the word, "pity."

Since I can’t empty my thoughts via wand and toss them into a Pensieve for all to see, I suppose the computer will have to do. 

Yesterday, I overheard something that planted this dang bee in my head (yes, I was eavesdropping.  But, honestly, is it really eavesdropping if the people are talking like they have megaphones stuck to their mouths?).  

Anyway, they were talking about how they pity so-and-so for making some decision (I didn't hear what that choice was, since they were mid-conversation when I heard them).  This reminded me of something a fellow virgin once told me: "Even when people say they respect and support us, they're also feeling sorry for us because to them we're not really living."

Then the whole self-help bookstore jab from the other day stung my brain repeatedly.  Maybe she, a.k.a the spawn of satan, really thinks I need the self-help section.  Maybe all her venom is really a form of twisted pity.  I know, I know, consider the source, but still...that crud stings.

Naturally, my brain bee began buzzing around this idea of people patting me on the back then turning around and thinking, "Oh, you poor thing." 

I reckon some people think I'm wasting my life and my youth.  Can't honestly say I haven't felt that way sometimes...especially on birthdays and National Holidays (except for Vomit-Valentine's Day--it's just a cruel, pointless day all the way around).

I'm not trying to throw a pity party or anything. Not my style.  I don't pity myself.  I made this choice and I stand by it--the good and bad of it.  It's just that sometimes I do feel the sting of time, lost time.  

There are some things that help when a brain bee goes buzzing: like revisiting your childhood. And that meant a trip to McDonalds.  There, right by the order box, was a big sign for the current Happy Meal toys...SMURFS! I loved the Smurfs when I was growing up! It was a no-brainer.  I was gettin' me a Happy Meal. Laugh if you must--I certainly did. :)

So, what Smurf did I get on this day?  Panicky. The virgin gets Panicky Smurf. Seriously, how can you not laugh?! Fate certainly has one helluva sense of humor.  He's the cutest little thing, though! I'll have to get a picture of him and post it--his expression is priceless...and, actually, a little familiar. 

True Blood Tuesday: Spellbound

Season 4, episode 8

Jessica & Jason, Part I: No! Jess! Close the doors! Wait. What’s that I see? Why, it’s Jason emerging from the blinding sun! He screams her name, crashes into her, knocks her backwards into the house, holds her down, and kicks the doors closed.  Jason, you make me very happy.  Although, it seems Jess isn’t quite as thankful: she’s still under the spell and wants the dang sun!  So, being a vampire, she easily reversed position, sat on top of him, and tried to bite him. Lucky for Jason, the witches stopped chanting and Jess returned to normal…and kissed Jason.  She shyly apologized and backed away, but Jason pulled her in and they passionately kissed.  Jason carried her down to where Bill was still confined by silver.  Poor Jess doesn’t remember killing Bucky the guard, but Bill reminds her she was spellbound and, if anything, it was really Antonia who caused Bucky’s death. 

Bill said they must remain confined in case Antonia resumes the spell; only when night falls will they be safe.  So, Jason gently placed silver over Jess, including her neck area this time.  He also tells Bill he will overlook Bucky’s death if Bill will overlook the fact that he shot one of Bill’s guards in the shoulder.  Bill agreed. 

Sookie & Eric, Part I: At Eric’s request, Sookie ripped the chains off of his neck. Eww.  He needs to feed in order to heal.  Enter the fairy blood! It doesn’t take much before he’s completely recovered.  Eric then bites his hand and offers her his blood, saying, “We will be one.”  Cue dramatic music as Sookie goes to town on his hand.  It was, um, a little sexual, actually.  Who knew sucking blood from his hand would get him all hot and bothered? Vampires.

Alcide, Debbie, & Marcus, Part I: Marcus basically warns the pack to stay out of any vampire-witch war.  Reckon this will be difficult for Al to do, knowing Sookie is smack dab in the middle of it all. 

Note: I’m annoyed Debbie reaps the benefits of Alcide.  I literally cannot stand her. She and Alcide do not fit well together…I don’t care that they are both werewolves…and fictional characters that don’t exist in reality.

Sam & Luna: Though a little apprehensive, Luna accepts Sam back into her life.  He tells her he can forgive Tommy for what he did to his parents (he told her about the dog fighting and abuse), but he could never forgive him for how he treated her.  Luna’s adorable little one, Emma, came rushing out with two Barbie dolls in hand to greet Sam. It’s clear she adores Sam.  So, Luna invites him to dinner and to keep Emma busy while she cooks…which means playing Barbie dolls (and cat-Barbie doesn’t like him). So darn cute. Have I mentioned I love these two!

Jessica, Hoyt, & Jason: Jessica just broke up with Hoyt, and Hoyt is not taking it well. He’s crying, begging her not to leave him.  He rushes to block her exit, telling her he’ll die if she leaves him.  OH MY! Jessica screams, “Then die!” and bashes his head in, killing him.  WTH?! Jason was waiting in his truck for her and suddenly gets all hot when he sees she’s covered in blood.  Huh? “Jessica? Jessica?” Jess opens her eyes to greet a “donor” for her to feed on.  It was a dream.  Really, very cruel trick.

Andy & Jason: Okay, there’s a strange little dude saying, “…bet you it’s gonna rain tonight.  I can always feel it where that panther tore my throat open.” That was too random not to mean something, right?  Anyway, Andy and Jason are looking at Maxine’s curler-wearing-vampire neighbor—well, what remains of her, anyway.  Oh, Andy.  He’s looking at her guts like he wants to eat ’em. Yuck. Jason stopped him, but when Andy went on a hilarious V-addict/insecurity rant, Jason said, “Sorry man, I stopped listening about halfway through.”

Bill: Now that it’s nightfall, Bill shows up on the scene where Jason and Andy are investigating.  He glamoured the reporter gal so he could give an on-air interview and let people know this was a “vampire suicide.”

Antonia & Tara: Witchy-poo isn’t too happy to see Bill’s interview and realize her spell only killed one vampire.  Tara acted a little surprised to learn Antonia’s goal wasn’t merely to protect humans, but to kill all vampires.  Still, she’s on board, saying nothing would make her happier than to see them gone for good.  Antonia tells Tara she can empower and teach her.  Bill calls the witch hangout and apologizes for what was done to Antonia.  Bill knows there cannot be forgiveness, but maybe they can have peace.  Antonia says every soul is entitled to live freely and vampires are an affront to God.  Bill asks for a meeting.  She agrees.  They will meet in the Bon Temps cemetery at midnight.  I smell a showdown!!!

Sookie & Eric, Part II: Well, we’re seeing feet stepping into a shower…I’m guessing it’s a little vampire-fairy sex time.  Yep, there’s some Viking bum.  Um, okay, they’re acting strange…I guess they’re literally drunk on each other’s blood.  When Sookie turned on the showerhead, snow came out.  Different.  They pull open the shower curtain and see a beautiful snowy wooded area…and a big bed.  They giggle and skip to the bed, where they make good use of it.  It’s all very Narnia…the X-rated version. 

Tommy: Oh, he’s back. And he’s raiding Maxine’s closet and dresser, taking clothes, shoes, makeup, and jewelry.  It’s not long before we see why: Tommy is now Maxine meeting with the guy who was offering money for the real Maxine’s land.  Man, he looks awful—the hair!  Anyway, he gets a check from the guy. While in the woods, changing back, he gets sick and keels over…hopefully for good. Sorry, I just don’t like him. 

Sookie & Eric, Part III: Post-coital talk time—and they’re still in the big snowy bed in the middle of XXX-Narnia.  She asks how this could all be possible.  Eric dreamily says, “All is possible.  You and I—possible.  Loving you—possible.” Then Sookie sweetly replies, “Loving you…loving at all after…here I am—all is possible.”

Note: This was a little over the top, borderline icky-sweet.  And that strategically placed blanket over Eric’s bits was seriously distracting. 

Alcide, Debbie, & Marcus, Part II: Marcus takes a liking to Al, even recognizing his alpha potential.  However, Al isn’t interested in politics.  Love him.  Later, we see Marcus leaving a voicemail, saying he’s heaving over to tuck his baby girl in.  Uh-oh.  Luna’s ex was a werewolf, right? Al and Debbie head out of the pack gathering and Marcus tells them to use caution because rumor has it there’s a big vampire-witch thing going down.  Debbie immediately recognizes Al’s pensive look and makes him promise to stay away from Sookie.  She reminds him that they are to stay away from vampires and Sookie comes with vamps…it’s her baggage. 

Note: Wow.  Insecure much, Deb? She’s bugging me to no end.

Arlene, Terry, Mikey, Ghost Lady, & Lafayette: Terry is busy cooking at Merlotte’s when Arlene rips him for not keeping a close enough eye on the baby.  While they quarrel, ghost lady leans over the little crib and starts singing again.  Lafayette walks into the kitchen, sees ghost lady, and, after a brief stare-down, says hell no and leaves. 

Hoyt & Jessica: Jessica breaks if off with Hoyt for real this time.  Hoyt’s reaction isn’t quite how she dreamed it.  He’s livid and accuses her of having someone else.  He called her a bitch, saying she broke his heart.  Oh, ouch, Hoyt!  He just said the following: “You don’t deserve me…and I don’t deserve you.  I deserve someone who’s not going to be an effin’ virgin for all of eternity.  I deserve someone I can have a normal life with…with kids…and daylight.  And someone who’s not gonna look at all this love I have to offer and say sorry…and someone who’s not ‘effin dead.” Oh, that was brutal, Hoyt.  Really, really brutal.  He followed all that by rescinding his invitation, which sent Jessica flying out of the house.  Watching her laying on the porch, he says his mom was right—“maybe God hates fangs…and you know what?  So do I.”

Note: I get Hoyt was heartbroken, but the things he said to her were vile. Bring on Jason & Jessica!

Sookie & Eric, Part IV: Ooh, more bum-shots as Eric stokes the fire in Sookie’s bedroom.  Guess they’re back in the real world.  Sook wishes they could stay this way.  Eric suggests running away, but Sook says they need to stay and fight.  Eric tells her he wants to be with her forever, but Sookie doesn’t believe in forever. 

Note: I personally believe True Blood needs to win an Emmy for cinematography.  Their angles have been expertly placed this season.

Lafayette & Ghost Lady: Okay, we’re in Lafayette’s house.  He’s sleeping restlessly on the couch, dreaming about the ghost woman’s life.  Inside Lafayette’s dream, we see her happily singing and carrying a doll—the same doll Baby Mikey now has…only it wasn’t rotten then.  Anyway, a man emerges from what must be her cottage.  She’s excited to return to her little boy and was so proud to have saved all her money to get him the doll.  She clearly knows the man and he, in my opinion, callously tells her the baby is dead…and he killed him.  She breaks down, begging for answers.  She also says it’s because she is African American and he is white.  He doesn’t deny her accusation and adds that it’s also because he is married and works for his wife’s father.  Scum.  While he holds her back, she cries and cries, reaching her hands out towards the cottage, sobbing, “Let me hold him one last time.”

Note: This was so, so sad.  I was literally on the verge of tears.  I guess we know why she’s attached to Baby Mikey—she thinks he’s her baby.  Poor ghost lady. :(

Lafayette woke up, startled.  Guess who’s waiting to take him over? Yep, she possesses Lafayette and heads to the Bellefleur mansion where Arlene and Terry have been staying since the fire.  She finds an open door near where Andy is sleeping.  She takes his gun, finds the baby, and takes him and the creepy doll.

Bill, Sookie, & Eric: Sookie and Eric inform Bill of their intent to fight.  Bill objects to Sookie’s involvement.  Eric says she has the heart of a warrior.  Bill reluctantly agrees. 

Note: Cute moment here when Eric referred to Bill as “my liege” and Sookie follows up with “my…Bill.” I loved the warm smile on Bill’s face.

Sam, Luna, Emma, & Marcus: Marcus is Emma’s daddy and Luna’s crazy ex!  Emma seems downright afraid of her dad and when Sam thinks he should make an exit, she throws her hand up and screams, “No!” I think Sam makes her feel safe.  Luna hurries Emma off to get ready for bed and warns Marcus not to start anything or she’ll tell his parole officer all about it. Ah, there’s a story there!  Sam tries to make peace with Marcus, but, if needed, he’ll take things outside.  Marcus basically marks Sam as his enemy and tells him as much.  

Note: Marcus doesn’t scare me.  If he’s supposed to be sinister or threatening, I’m not getting it yet.  I think Sam could take him and I know darn well Alcide could.   

Jessica & Jason: Jess shows up to inform an unsuspecting Jason that she broke things off with Hoyt.  Yeah, Jason is so not taking this well.  He started down the guilt path again, saying Hoyt has been his bff since first grade.  She tells him she can’t help the way she feels and knows he feels the same. Jason wigs, rescinds his invite, and poor Jess goes flying out of the second house that night. As she’s flying backwards, she calls, “…but you kissed me back!” Jason whimpers, “I know.” He then dropped and gave me twenty…okay, well not me personally, but I rather like when he does pushups.  As for Jess…she’s having a really bad night.

Note: Now, I’m guessing she will return to Bill’s.  Wonder how papa Bill will like how Hoyt treated his Jessica.  I’m actually hoping we see more father-daughter like interaction between the two. 

Showdown Time: Witches versus Vampires!

Bill calls for Lady Antonia, but Antonia reminds him that she is no lady—she is a peasant and proud of it.  Antonia and Bill face off in the cemetery, seemingly alone and unarmed.  Antonia cunningly says, “I know you’re not alone.” At Bill’s command, Sookie, Eric, and Pam (who is looking better) walk out from the shadows.  Thereafter, Bill retorted, “Nor are you.” Antonia waves her arms high in the air like a bird and Tara, Holly, and the witches appear out of thin air.  Neat trick, witchy poo. 

Aww, Sookie is disappointed Tara is with Antonia…and Tara doesn’t show any emotion to her lifelong bff.  Yeah, Tara is not my favorite character right now. 

Bill says we can achieve a peaceful resolution: they will never be harmed again and any vampire who does has been ordered to desist and will face the true death.  All he asks in return is to remove the spells she placed on Eric and Pam. 

Antonia questioned his logic, saying he is willing to execute those who harmed her, yet he brings two of them to her, asking for her to remove the spells she put on them in self-defense…all for a promise that she will never be harmed.  After a brief pause, she asks Bill if she has his word, to which he gives. 

Skeptical, Sookie taps into Antonia’s mind and hears her casting a spell.  Sook immediately warns Bill and Antonia screams “demoness,” waves her arms again, and a bunch of witches appear, locked and loaded. 

Bill cries, “NOW!” Ah, even more vampires and his human gun-wielding guards rush forward.  He warns Antonia that while she may have dominion over vampires, she doesn’t with the living.  Thus, she needs to surrender now and no one will get hurt.

With guns pointed at her chest, Antonia releases a wicked laugh.  Irate, Eric blasts forward, rips out the throat of one of the witches, and holds it up for all to see.  Here, Eric displayed some glimmers of the old bloodthirsty, revenge-filled Eric, and Sookie took notice. 

Antonia starts to chant as heavy blankets of fog roll in…and all hell breaks loose. 

Tara kills a vampire with a wooden-bullet gun, but Pam quickly pins her down.  Unfortunately, Bill shows up just in time to save Tara and order Pam to never harm her.  Pam storms off, seriously ticked, and Tara accepts Bill’s hand to help her off the ground.  When she asks him why he saved her, Bill simply said, “You know why.” Sookie. 

Note: Bill’s gesture better work on Tara’s guilt complex because at that moment, I really wanted Pam to get her revenge.

Ignoring stupid Debbie and the wishes of his pack master, Alcide shows up on Sookie’s doorstep, calling her name.  In the distance, he hears screams and gunshots and rushes to find Sookie.  Behind him, a white wolf is quick to follow—Debbie.  Irritating broad.  While Eric is busy draining a witch, Sookie gets attacked by a witch who thinks she’s a vampire.  Her fairy powers take over and send the dumbfounded witch flying.  Sookie looks at her hand and says, “Thank you,” just before she is shot through the stomach.  <pause for moment of shock>

Eric and Bill instantly sense Sookie is in grave danger, but Eric is stopped and controlled by Antonia, while Bill is caught off guard by two silver and cross armed witches.  Alone and dying, Sookie sees the blood pouring from her wound.  She falls to the ground.  All seems lost until two strong arms lift her up: Alcide.  He carries her away while Debbie turns back into a human and looks both hurt and seriously angry.  (sorry, but I let out a little “ha!” at that point.  I like Sookie and Alcide).

Meanwhile, Antonia says a few things to Eric in a language we could not understand.  She begins running her hands through his hair, almost as if she were petting a dog.  As an evil grin stretches across her face, Eric appears to be completely under her control. 

As the camera pans out, we see a nearby lamp fog over and the credits roll.  

Note: This season is more like a movie! The action and cliffhangers are really nicely played.