TRUE BLOOD Season 4: "And When I Die" Review
After ping-ponging back and forth from good episode, to bad episode. And then average episode, before another subpar episode..."True Blood"s fourth season gets back on track with its season finale episode called "And When I Die". The best episode of the season I would say by far. The episode brings Halloween to the small town of Bon Temps. And established early in the episode, is that the line dividing the living from the dead...is at its thinnest on this day. So before we talk about who we saw in the season finale. Lets talk about who we DIDN'T see in the season finale. Tara's Mother Lettie Mae, Crystal, Russell Edgington, just to name a few. Interesting that Crystal just fell off of the show. Not that I'm complaining, but despite Jason not turning into a were-panther or what have you. I was expecting a more "finalized" end to the Jason/Crystal saga. Then again, that can always be resolved in season 5? Maybe?
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So when last we left things, Lafayette had been possessed by Marnie. In the season finale, that holds true. And Marnie, now inside Lafayette's body...demands that Jesus hand over his Spanish Magic to her so she can destroy the vampires once and for all. Again, this whole thing with Marnie just wasn't viable to me once we found out she was the driving force behind everything. Antonia back from the dead for revenge, and possessing Marnie's body as her tool...would've made more sense. Instead, we get Marnie merging with Antonia so she can carry out her "whiner's agenda". Apparently, Marnie as a character is wrapped up as a female version of Dennis from "13 Ghosts". Only in the end, she takes a far less honorable way out of things. Marnie's path of vengeance does end up taking one life in the process though. |
Yes, season 4 finale does indeed kill off a character. A pretty important one I might add. Was it a good idea? I guess considering we'll be having new characters and old returnees in season 5, someone had to go? And that someone had to be the someone that it was. Although I had mixed emotions about this particular character's demise. The good? Again, it cuts down on the already over-abundance of characters for season 5. Which has already been announced. The bad? It kind of sends one character back to not having a vital storyline again. But all in all, I thought there were plenty of other characters that could've been axed but, oh well. So the possessed-by-Marnie Lafayette immediately targets Bill and Eric once he/she acquires the power they want from Jesus.
A plan which could've almost had worked, if Tara hadn't stumbled upon it, after stumbling upon someone else. And then passing the news onto Sookie and Holly. So Sookie and Holly and Tara, are left to stop Lafayette/Marnie. Before they burn Eric and Bill at the stake. This is one of the episodes better moments, with some cool fire and brimstone shyt. And some great visual fx also. But does Marnie/Lafayette's plan succeed? Of course not! They're not gonna kill off Eric and Bill anytime soon. But I must say the way the trio of Holly, Tara, and Sookie manage to shut down Marnie. And then expell her spirit from Lafayette's body is pretty awesome. And it also mimics the scenes from earlier in season 4 where Antonia was burning at the stake, and managed to raise a bunch of vampires to walk in the daylight. To their ultimate demise.
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But what happens afterwards is even more intriguing. Sookie passes on both Eric and Bill. As she once again, now has to sort out her feelings about both of them. This comes as in the same episode, Alcide makes some sort of pitch to Sookie for her to choose him over both vampires. So it looks like leading into season 5, Sookie will have A LOT to think about. With another problem in addition, Pam seems now to be fed up with Sookie as well. Still reeling over Eric kinda-banishing her in the last episode. I only hope Sookie is less annoying in season 5 though. In season 4, she's just everywhere. At some point, the character has to be played down while also remaining as a main character in the show. Sookie is too bright over the other characters. She outshines them too much. Instead of enhancing their presence within the "True Blood" universe. That's just my opinion though. |
One of the final episodes more intriguing moments though comes between Jason and Hoyt. Hoyt finally finds out about Jason and Jessica. Not much fireworks comes from this. But I think this means the Hoyt character is done on the show. I don't see any reason to keep him around at this point. Unless he turns vampire or werewolf or something. Jason and Jessica do have another "moment" though. Which doesn't really enhance either character except seeming to suggest that before Jason and Jessica actually get anywhere in any sort of relationship, there's going to be a lot of "casual" relations to come first. There were some very juicy bits left to linger in the season finale though. Things that will make the fifth season probably start with a bang. Seems Andy is trying to get back into Holly's good graces. As he gives her flowers at one point in the season finale.
But remember Andy's earlier fling with the "fiary" woman? Oddly enough, Holly was dressed as a fairy for this Halloween episode/season finale. Perhaps a forshadowing of things to come? Meanwhile, after all the build up...we finally see the return of serial-killer Renee from season 1! He returns as a spirit, and warns Arlene of Terry's "past ghosts" returning. And who does return? An old army buddy of Terry's shows up at Merlotte's. Nothing is revealed about this guy though. I guess season 5 will do that. Meanwhile Jason gets a visit from a very old frenemy, who is a whole new person once he appears on Jason's doorstep. Bill and Erics Magistrate quits her position. And as for Sam. Well, this episode is a range of emotions for him.
Sorrow, as he lays Tommy to rest. Joy, as he gets to see Luna in this episode. And also fear, as he's confronted by a "wolf" outside Merlotte's. The identity of the wolf? Not sure. I don't think anyone can be. Could be Marcus. The supposedly dead and choked to death Marcus. Then again, it could be an angry member of the wolfpack who is pissed at Sam for aiding in Marcuses death. But again, another cliffhanger for season 5. Then there's Sookie. Who seems to finally be able to stop for a breather until Debbie Pelt shows up with a big ass shotgun. Sookie is rescued from the line of fire though, and manages to kill Debbie. But the bullet breaks some glass, and someone ends up taking the shards, for Sookie. A person very close to Sookie, and who as season 4 comes to a close. Appears to be dead. Or atleast very close to it. And to top things off, Alcide makes a very mysterious discovery. So in full, season 4 had ups and downs, but the closing arguments? Were quite strong. Bring on season 5 next June!
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