TV-Reviewed

We’re coming down to the season finale. It’s two weeks away and I’m excited to see it. Before we get there, let’s look back at “Fresh Blood.” The episode kicked off with some formalities. Bill had to go rescue Sookie and put Pam in her place, but not before she got in a few good shots of her own. Pam was overmatched, however, and was forced to let Sookie go.

I couldn’t help but laugh when Russell kind of scoffed at the idea of him killing Eric Northman’s family. It’s like he thought it was no big deal, but Eric’s murder of a single person was a travesty. That whole scene in the gallery between Eric and Russell seemed a lot lighter than I expected it would be considering the bad blood (no pun intended) between them.

When I saw the previews of Sam Merlotte getting drunk and telling off his employees and customers, I knew some sort of big twist was coming. It came in the form of Sam and Tara coming full-circle and hooking up again. It also gave Tommy a good opportunity to break into Sam’s safe. Sam’s behavior of late isn’t endearing him to many people right now. In the real world, a guy who acted like that wouldn’t be in business for very long.

As for Jason, he’s still pissed about losing track of Sookie. He was also shocked by the revelation that Crystal isn’t entirely human. That werepanther-to-human transformation last week was something to behold. Jason’s head just about blew up.

Jason also learned what his new high school rival was up to. Kitch isn’t playing on the up and up. He’s using V and everyone knows about it and supports it. I hope to God Jason uses his brain and finds a way to embarrass Kitch, his family, the coach, and everyone else who is supporting his cheating ways.

I felt bad for Lafayette this week. That trip he took with Jesus had some nasty effects on him. He’s got a whole slough of demons to battle now. Seeing Jesus in that mask was some freaky stuff.

I was shocked, shocked I tell you when I saw Hoyt’s mother return to the show. She hasn’t been here all season and now she’s revealed to have tried to get Summer and Hoyt together. Despite feeling bad about everything, they seem determined to get Jessica out of the picture so that Hoyt can be with someone who is at least alive.

As for the bulk of the episode, it was dedicated to Eric, Russell, Bill, and Sookie, of course. The plan for Eric to lure Russell out into the sun was only mildly clever and I’m not convinced he’ll die from the sun. In fact, why can’t Russell overpower Eric and get back inside? That seemed like a gaping plot hole to me.

Despite my issue with the end of the episode, I thought “Fresh Blood” did a good job of moving things toward the season finale, which airs in two weeks. I’m glad things are coming to a head now.

Rating: 8.1