True Blood Tuesday--Authority Always Wins

Photo Credit: HBO Publicity

Season Five, Episode Two

Okay, before we get started, I thought it might be good to have a little meet-and-greet with the Authority members. With them playing such a big role this season, I figured it might be nice to know a little bit about this new group of characters.

Members of the Authority Council:

Roman Zimojic—Known as the guardian, Roman is the leader and founder of the Authority. As such, he is essentially the supreme ruler of all vampires.

Dieter Braun—An Authority Chancellor. Dieter seems to enjoy torture-style interrogation.

Alexander Drew—He may have the face of an innocent nine-year-old child, but don’t let his appearances fool you—he’s a tough one. Alexander is a Chancellor with the Authority.

Salome—This Authority member is known as a world-class seductress and is quite formidable.

Rosalyn Harris—Originally from Prague, Rosalyn eventually settled in Texas. She is also a Chancellor and has a deep love of humanity.

Kibwe Akinjide—Chancellor, gentleman, and peaceful, are words to describe Kibwe. He is a fan of rehabilitation for rule-breakers, not punishment.

Now that we have our Authority members all straightened out, let’s jump into episode two.

Tara, Sookie, Lafayette, & Pam: Holy cow, Tara is freaking wild! She’s slamming Sook around and…oh, she just bit Sookie! Pam, finding it all very amusing, had no choice but to pull Tara off of Sookie and, as her maker, command that she not harm Lafayette or Sookie. Pam had to head back to Fangtasia, leaving one seriously out of control Tara with Lafayette and Sookie. Oh, I am so seeing Sookie’s house getting destroyed…again.

Eric, Bill, Nora, & Authority: Once inside a large, empty warehouse, Eric, Bill, and Nora are greeted by Salome, an ancient vampire and member of the Authority. Nora attempted to spin a story, but Salome wasn’t buying it. A quick elevator ride later, and they were in Authority headquarters. The atmosphere is fairly serious and imposing. We see vamps having to use their blood as proof of identity to gain entrance. After a brief walk-through, Eric, Bill, and Nora were thrown into individual cells.

Note: In a way, Authority headquarters reminded me of the Ministry of Magic when Voldemort’s gang took over. Don’t ask why; it’s just the first thing that popped into my head.

Alcide & the Pack: Ah, well, they’re still chomping down on Marcus. Ick. Martha recognizes Alcide as the new pack master and insists he, um, take a nibble out of Marcus, but Alcide has no interest, nor does he wish to abide by pack laws and join in on the let’s snack on Marcus festival. This doesn’t sit well with other pack members. Luna, meanwhile, takes Sam home.

Arlene & Terry: Um, it looks like Terry is possessed. Arlene wakes up to him looking at her, very zombie-like. He said, “We’re all gonna die. It’s coming for us.” Then, he flashbacked to his days in Iraq--none of the scenes made much sense, apart from a quick glimpse of a lighter.

Tara, Sookie, & Lafayette: Yep, Tara’s ripping the place up. She finally takes a break from the crazy and perches on the edge of the sink/counter to stare at Lafayette and Sookie. At Sookie’s suggestion, Lafayette gets Tara some True Blood, but she doesn’t appear interested. She seems more interested in staring at them—it’s rather unnerving. Oh! Yeah, she just attacked Lafayette! Hello, fangs! Pinning Lafayette to the floor, you could see she wanted to drink, but she knew she couldn’t do anything to him by order of her maker. She slapped her head, pulled her hair, and took off to tear up another part of the house.

Pam: Upon returning to Fangtasia, Pam starts to freshen up and begins thinking back on her early life. We see her in a brothel. It appears she was a Madame. When she goes to check on one of her girls, Claire, she finds her dead, slaughtered in one of the rooms. Pam, teary-eyed, swears at “them.” Back to present, Pam calls Eric, desperate to hear from him.

Note: SO glad to see some background on Pam. She is one of the best characters on the show—about time we see more of her story.

Eric, Bill, & Nora: While locked up, you hear a voice begin to interrogate the prisoners. Bill implores them to release Eric and Nora, taking the blame himself. The voice knows he’s lying and treats them to a heavy dose of ultra-violet light, which burned them just as the sun would.

Sam & Luna: While treating Sam’s wounds at her house, Martha shows up to see Emma, her granddaughter and only living relative. Martha just wants to know her granddaughter—it was actually rather sad. Luna, however, was royally p’od and didn’t want this woman anywhere near her daughter. Martha hypothesizes about what will happen when Emma turns wolf. Luna reminds her that she could be a shifter, not a wolf, but Martha just smiles and says Emma is wolf; she senses it. Over this whole thing, Luna kicks Martha out. On her way to the door, Martha apologizes to Sam for his injuries. Luna starts railing on Martha to Sam. However, Sam feels some compassion for the woman. Luna doesn’t take too kindly to Sam for this and kicks him out.

“She just lost her son,” he said.

“She just ate her son,” Luna countered.

This just might be the best exchange of the night.

Tara, Sookie, & Lafayette: Tara is STILL channeling the Tasmanian Devil and trashing the inside of the house. Amidst all of the bumping, crashing, and banging, Sookie and Lafayette know they have to get her in Eric’s hideaway before sunrise. Lafayette finds Tara hiding behind a door—she actually looked a bit frightened. He proceeds to cut his arm and offer her his blood, which she anxiously took. His blood was the perfect distraction: Sookie stormed in, wrapped silver chains around Tara’s neck, and helped carry her to Eric’s cubby.

Note: I thought it was interesting that Tara actually looked frightened when Lafayette found her—didn’t expect such fear in her eyes. Why would she be afraid? She’s a vampire now, and that should mean very little fear, if any.

Jason & Andy: Andy has a little one-on-one with Jason about sex. Pretty funny. Andy is a bit confused by Holly’s aloofness, and Jason assures him that it’s the perfect situation: get the goods without the obligation. Of course when Andy tries to relate his situation to what Jason has with Jess, it’s pretty obvious Jason isn’t buying into his own words.

Soon, they find Debbie’s abandoned car. While searching the automobile, Andy finds a vile of V and thinks about keeping it, but ultimately hands it over to Jason. Hurray! Good for you, Andy.

Sookie: Most girls like to shop for shoes, clothes, or handbags. Not Sook. No, she goes shopping at a stake shop. Yep, she went looking for something extra-anti-vampire to help protect her house when the uber vamp, Russell, comes fanging around. While contemplating what to purchase, Sook hears the salesman think about inviting her along on a vampire hunt, hoping he would get lucky. She very tactfully informs him that staking anyone—human or vampire—is illegal. She bought the silver mist machine and installed it just opposite her front door on the porch.

Note: Two things. First, the sales dude is watching Newlin talk about his new vampire life in a televised interview, so Sookie now knows all about Newlin…well, minus his love for her brother. Second, for such a simple scene, I absolutely loved the stake shop. These are the little things that, for me, really standout—a shop full of merchandise to ward off, combat, or kill vampires. It was like Home Depot for anti-vampire folks.

Arlene & Terry: While cooking at Merlotte’s, the flames rose up and Terry had more flashbacks. Still, none of them really told us anything, apart from being in some sort of shooting situation. When Arlene sweetly approached him, he spun around and shoved her clear across the kitchen. Terry feels bad for about a second before he flips out and screams at her.

Tara, Sookie, & Lafayette: After installing her new silver mist mechanism, Sookie “overhears” Lafayette thinking about staking Tara. Sook runs to Eric’s cubby and finds Lafayette standing over Tara’s body, holding a stake. He feels terribly guilty for turning his cousin into a monster. Sookie talks him out of staking her, reassuring him that it will get easier…that Tara is in there somewhere.

Jason& Andy: While at the station, Jason snacks and watches Newlin’s television interview, where he claims to have someone special in his life…a woman. Some kid shows up and punches Jason, blaming him for breaking up his parent’s marriage. Apparently, Jason slept with his mom. Naturally, Jason has no clue who this kid is talking about until he is shown a picture. The kid lunges at Jason, and Andy steps in to stop him. Andy then exasperatedly asks Jason if he’s slept with every woman in town. Jason, with that wide-eyed look, says, “I don’t know…I’m close, I guess.”

Note: I’m not sure what that was all about. It seemed a little out of place in the episode, but I’m guessing it’s setting something up for later in the season. And, um, while Jason watched the television, I couldn’t take my eyes of the Krispy Kreme doughnut box sitting behind him. Yum.

Pam: We immediately flashback with Pam. While in a darkened alley, Pam is taunted and then attacked by some Jack the Ripper type character.  Eric zooms in and slashes the guy’s throat, saving Pam’s life. He seemed to like that she wasn’t afraid of him. He told her that it’s not safe for a lady to be walking alone at night. In true Pam form, she replies, “If I meet a lady, I’ll let her know.” Eric was clearly intrigued by her energy. He zipped off after giving her some money to have her dress cleaned of the blood splatter.

Note: Anyone else loving the history of these two?  

Eric, Bill, & Authority: So, torture-happy Dieter, a smooth talking Authority member, is brought in to interrogate Bill, privately. Bill is hooked up to an IV filled with liquid silver.  

Dieter shows Bill the vampire “bible.” Here, we learn about Lilith. She predates Adam and Eve and was created in the likeness of God, who, in their bible, was also a vampire. Adam and Eve, as with all humans, were created as food for the vampires. This sacred text views humans as nothing more than vampire food. When asked, Bill says he doesn’t believe in the literal sense of the vampire bible. It seems old Dieter won’t take Bill’s word for it and wants to make certain his philosophy is one of coexistence with humans. So, even though Bill doesn’t believe in the literal meaning, Dieter injects him with liquid silver. Ouch.

Meanwhile, Salome is interrogating Eric in much the same way. She tells Eric Nora is dead!!! Okay, I’m hoping this is a scare tactic. Eric handles the news calmly, yet you can plainly see he wants to rip the throat of the Authority b*!ch. She then asks which of them murdered Nan—Eric plays dumb and gets a shot of silver. More ouch.

Now, Dieter tries to convince Bill that Eric and Nora have been freed—this still doesn’t shake the former king…and he gets more silver juice.

Salome, on the other hand, attempts gain information by telling Eric that Bill has been freed, and, for his cooperation, he will be reinstated as King. Eric simply responds with a, “Long live the King.” Oh, so loving the solidarity, here…however, am not loving Eric getting another shot of silver.

Jessica & Newlin: Jess is throwing another college party at Bill’s mansion. Before some girl can spew chunks all over the floor, she throws her outside, and waiting at the door is Newlin. Upon seeing it’s party time, he scoots by Jess, dancing, smiling, and grooving. He mingles a bit, smiling that goofy grin, but Jess wants him to get to the point of his visit. She asks him what he wants. Apparently, he just wants to talk. Okay, this guy’s smile is hilarious—he’s such a little worm, but in a funny way. Jess takes him to Bill’s office, and Newlin proceeds to offer her $10,000 for Jason. LOL Jess, not missing a beat, wants twenty grand. Newlin laughs it off, reiterating his offer. Jess then does a little fang teasing—you know, things like how a vamp can chip a fang on Jason’s butt. This leads to a worked up Newlin and a new offer of fifteen grand. Jess continues with a little rock hard talk. Newlin is getting the picture…and out pop the fangs. LOL He gives in to her demand for twenty grand, but Jess was just playing with him. She makes it very clear that Jason is her friend and not for sale. Newlin, a wee bit frustrated, tries to attack her—she pins him, he pulls her hair (“Hair pullin’? Really?), and she yanks his hair in return, reminding him that her daddy is the king. Newlin smiles and says, “Not anymore.” This pisses Jess off. She kicks a cackling Newlin out of her house, along with everyone else.

Note: I love this new, powerful, take charge Jessica. Love the way the writers have evolved her character over the series.

Arlene, Terry, & Patrick: Arlene seeks answers from Patrick, but he won’t give anything up to her. Terry apparently followed Arlene to Patrick’s hotel room. He’s not thrilled, but asks to talk to Patrick alone. Arlene gives both of them a stern warning: Whatever is going on, fix it. Once she’s gone, Terry tells Partick that their missing Army buddy is alive, just off grid. Patrick is convinced that he’s the one hurting them. Terry and Patrick agree to pay him a visit.

Note: Okay, I have no clue what is going on here. What supernatural thing could they be bringing into the mix this time? One thing I’m absolutely clear on, however: Scott Foley is just as handsome as he was on Felicity.

Hoyt, Jason, and Maxine Fortenberry: Jason tries to extend an olive branch to Hoyt, but his former BFF isn’t interested. In front of Hoyt, Maxine shouts at Jason, saying she will never forgive him for what he did to her son. As she shoves him out the door, she quietly thanks him for splitting up Hoyt and “that redheaded slut.” Oh, and she adds, “I’m gonna bake you a pie.”

Luna & Emma: Luna’s little girl was making a lot of noise in her room. Luna tries calling to her, telling her to go to bed, but the odd noises continue. Luna opens the door and finds a baby wolf in a pair of pajamas. Awwwwwww! Okay, way too cute!

Tara, Sookie & Lafayette: Tara woke up, walked to Sookie and Lafayette, and said, “I will never forgive either of you.” She flew out of the house and…oh no…got sprayed by the silver mister Sookie installed. Oh, that’s going to tick her off even more.

Note: I really hope this doesn’t last long. I know there are a lot of fans who don’t like Tara, and her new vampire attitude isn’t going to help. I’ve always liked her character, but I’m ready for her to be a strong force on team Sookie and company. I guess she still needs to adjust.

Eric, Bill, Nora, & Authority: It looks like we’re now seeing the main office for the Auhtority—it’s dark, yet ornate. The main Authority members (listed above) are sitting at a table, and Bill and Eric are handcuffed and kneeling in front of them. Nora is alive, standing under the control of two Authority guards.

Roman walks in, cuts his wrist, and begins some ritual to Lilith. He feeds each member a drop of his blood.

He goes on a little ego trip-lecture about his role with the Authority and what they stand for. Afterwards, the council debates a little on whether or not Bill and Eric should get the true death. Here’s how it stands amongst council members: Rosalyn votes true death; Kibwe says no, since they saved them from the witches; Alexander votes true death.

Roman acknowledges that they’ve been at odds over what to do with Bill and Eric. He reiterates that the coexistence with humans is necessity.

Bill offers an exchange: “Our lives in return for Russell Edgington.” They inform Roman that Russell was never killed…and he has escaped. Russell is totally against coexistence, so he’s an enemy of the Authrotiy; he wants anarchy.

Bill tells them if they want their administration to be obliterated, ignore what he says. Roman wants to know why they didn’t kill Russell when they had the chance. Bill and Eric said they wanted Russell to suffer, believing the truth death was too good for him.

Guardian Roman goes a little wacky and feigns staking Bill. But he holds off, placing his wants on the back burner. Russell will be seeking Bill and Eric, a fact our brotherly duo makes clear to the Authority. And in one final gesture of solidarity, Bill vows to stop Russell, understanding he may meet the true death either way.

Russell: Okay, now we’re looking at a dank, dungeon-like room with dead bodies and body part all over the floor. The camera pans to a really messed up looking vamp resting on a cot. Russell.

So, what did you think of this week’s episode? For me, it wasn’t as strong as episode one, but it served the purpose of introducing us to the Authority. I did love being introduced to Pam’s history with Eric. The Terry/Patrick thing is a bit confusing, but I suppose that’s how they want us to feel…for the time being. I’m still all for Tara being a vampire…but I really want to see her embrace her new power for the better and realize she can help protect her friends and family.