Finally True Blood Season 5 has begun and now we can count on a new episode each Sunday for the next eleven weeks to satisfy our cravings for the show.
As seems to happen in each first episode of every new season most of the time is spent by either catching up on a lot of things from when the previous season ended or by setting up story lines for future episodes.
Unlike last season when we had a whole year go by between seasons, this season we start off right at the very second when Season 4 ended, when Tara is shot by Debby Pelt in Sookie’s kitchen. And, this seems to be an episode of turning into something different, hence the title. Tara turns, Rev. Newlin turns, but also the other lives of those from Bon Temps are turned upside down by all the death and mayhem that is seen in this first episode. And, in typical True Blood tradition, there was also a lot of nudity, too. Let’s count them shall we? Let’s see, there was Jason, Eric, Nora, Sam, Rikki, and then, of course there’s Andy and Holly.
Tara’s fate
Tara was shot when she ran in front of Sookie and therefore, she ended up taking the bullet instead. Sookie then kills Debbie in anger and Lafayette, who is sleeping upstairs, hears the shots and runs down to find Sookie holding Tara’s head in her lap. Pam arrives at that point looking for Eric. Realizing that Tara is going to die, Lafayette begs Pam to turn Tara into a vampire and she finally agrees, but not before making a deal with Sookie to help get her back into Eric’s good graces. Once Pam feeds Tara, and presumably drains her, they are both buried together to share their essence. Pam has a great line in this scene when she is wearing a Walmart outfit. She says, “I am wearing a Walmart sweatshirt for you all, if that’s not a demonstration of team spirit I don’t know what it is.”
After Tara and Pam have “gone to ground” together, Lafayette and Sookie clean up and bury Debbie’s body and then go looking for Jesus’ body, but it’s gone. Lafayette is very sad about the death of Jesus and Sookie leaves him alone to say his goodbye’s. Lafayette is very sad and is starting to blame Sookie for his troubles, but they go back to Sookie’s house to clean up and wait for dark to come when Tara is to be reborn as vampire.
Alcide shows up while Lafayette is bathing and tells Sookie that Russell Edgington is not dead. He wants Sookie to go with him for safety, but she refuses. Just as Sookie starts to tell Alcide about the deaths of Tara and Debbie, Lafayette comes in and interrupts her insisting that Alcide leave.
At nightfall, Pam rises, but it appears that the turning didn’t take and both Sookie and Lafayette are despondent. Then, all of a sudden, Tara zooms out of the grave and Sookie screams.
Jason, Rev. Steve Newlin and Jessica
Tara isn’t the only one who is a new vampire in Season 5. Early in the episode we learn that Steve Newlin has also been turned. We don’t know who turned him, but he sure has been turned, and in more ways than one. After arriving at Jason’s door, he fools Jason into believing that he doesn’t know how to glamour him, and then presumes to do so. He puts tape over Jason’s mouth and forces Jason to listen to his declaration of love and that he is a “homosexual vampire American” who is in love with him. It’s a truly hysterical scene, especially when we see the look on Steve Newlins’ face as Jason says that he is “a dog that doesn’t bark that way.” Rev. Newlin attempts to bite Jason but is stopped when Jessica comes in to declare, “Jason is Mine.” Jason then rescinds Rev. Newlin’s invitation and he is forced to leave. And, once again Jason and Jessica have sex.
Later in the episode Jessica is having a party and Jason shows up. This arrival sort of cramps her style since she was enjoying herself with people her own age and some of them are even underage, and she is worried about Jason being a cop. Jason really wants Jessica, but leaves with another girl and doesn’t even have sex with her, believe it or not. Also, when Jason sees Hoyt the next day at Merlotte’s we find that he is still really angry with Jason and refuses to accept his apology.
Revenge for Marcus
Sam is cornered by the wolf pack that is on the prowl to find Marcus’ killer. They think that he killed Marcus and Sam refuses to tell them that is was Alcide who did the killing and instead proclaims that he did the killing himself. The wolves take Sam away and he is beaten by them for the purpose of discovering where Marcus’ body is. Marcus’ mother shows up and bargains with Sam to take them to Marcus and if he does, she promises that they won’t harm Luna. Sam gives in and they take him to where Marcus is buried. They find Marcus, dig him up and his mother shifts and starts to eat him when other pack members join in. Just as they are about to kill Sam, Alcide shows up and admits that he killed Marcus. Some of the pack members bow to Alcide as the new pack master, but some do not and this implies that in future episodes there will be a battle within the pack as to who is going to be it’s master.
Terry Bellefleur and his past
Patrick Devins (played by Scott Foley) represents Terry’s war past. He showed up last season in the last episode, but now that Patrick is staying around, Terry doesn’t seem too happy to have him about it. He is staying with the family at the Bellefleur house and he hears about the fire from last season. Terry isn’t interested in remembering the times they had in the marine corps, but Patrick says he has come back to get Terry to help him stop the dying of their army buddies. I’m guessing there’s lots more to this story line than meets the eye and we look forward to more about Terry’s past being revealed.
Vampires and The Authority
Bill and Eric clean up Bill’s office (well, actually Eric does most of the work in vamp speed) after killing Nan Flanagan and they end up getting caught by the Authority. They are put in the trunk of a car presumably to be taken in for questioning, or even worse. They break the gas tank with an umbrella while being transported in the trunk of the car and after the gas leaks out, the car explodes. They are thrown out of the car by the blast, but they survive. One of the authority vampires catches them though and just as he is about to kill them, a female vampire arrives and kills him. Eric immediately notices that it is his vampire sister, Nora.
Nora has come to help them and she tells them that they will need new identities or she will die for having helped them. The two vampires agree and get new names. A woman named Cat Ingerslev (note that is the last name of the series Production Designer) will give them their new identities. Bill is to be Marcellus Clark and Eric’s new identity is to be Ike Applebaum, which seems a bit strange for Eric; notice the “Ikea” reference.
Nora and Eric are very close, in ways that are not just sister and brother. They both have the same maker in Godric but that is their only relation, so I suppose having sex together is OK. While they do so, Bill waits outside. Just as the three vampires are escaping however, and think they are safe, they are all stopped and caught once more by the authority.
From the preview of the next episode that was shown after 5.01, it appears that we’ll really get to meet the vampire authority then.
And then there’s Andy and Holly who seem to be the only humans in Bon Temps who are finding a bit of joy and happiness; well until Holly’s kids come home. It’s nice to see Andy Bellefleur get some lovin’.
This season looks like it’s going to be a good one from this first episode. I look forward to seeing more. Please tell us what you thought about this episode by leaving a comment below.
I thought it was a great episode, much better than last year’s season opener. I think Season 5 will be a great one.
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this is going to be a great season!
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Questions answered and many new added. I thought it was a great season opening, action packed, so much happened.
Who dug up Russell?
Where did the body of Jesus go?
Will Tara be the True Blood Bubba?
Who is the Guardian?
Nan mentioned in season 4 that Eric had friends in high places, did Nan know about Nora? Eric says nobody knows, not even Pam. Someone must know and had Nora followed.
I loved the Jason/Steve scene and the interaction between our odd couple Bill and Eric.
All Chris Bauer’s hard work in the gym paid off with a nude scene. Holly cracked me up with her hair a mess and her makeup all over her face.
When will the first werewolf shift back into an overweight middle aged woman with saggy breasts? They all just look too good, my self esteem is suffering.
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lovelylavendar Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 11:46
no kidding on the weres! damn chick was hot … haha
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callonmebill Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 14:58
I know are weres only allowed to be in perfect form? Rikki is figure perfect – good for her.
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The scene I prefer in this first episode? The love confession of rev. Newlin to Jason…great acting of both actors, Ryan and Michael! Excellent Kristin too, as Tara’s maker! And i’m waiting for Russell’s return, of course…
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Shadaliza Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 12:32
I loved the scene of Steve and Jason, both awesome actors, the scene was hilarious.
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Hi, everybody, I have a question, I know that Bill and Eric are being taking to the vampire authority and all, but my question is that is Bill and Eric still mainstreaming with humans or are they against them? That is the one thing that puzzles me, other than that the first episode was fantastic and I can’t wait to see more this Sunday. Please can anyone answer my question that would be much appreciated.
Sincerely, Cristen Stimple
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Shadaliza Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 12:34
Bill has always been in favor of mainstreaming and will continue to do so. Eric is not so fond of the human race but he is making the best of mainstreaming in his own way running a business.
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Excellent summary, Lynn. In addition to Shad’s questions, I want to know more about the mysterious woman who turned Steve Newlin. Obviously, she took the time to teach him how to glamour. Maybe Steve lied about that to Jason. I’m wondering if it was Russell. Great scenes between Jason and Steve. “Queen” Jessica’s popping in was the icing on that particular cake.
Chris Bauer looking mighty fine in his nude scene. And we finally get to meet Holly’s boys.
Bill’s expressions and comments while he listens to Eric and Nora getting it on … priceless.
Noting that after his bath Lafayette took the time to shave his head. I’m assuming this was part of his grieving process for Jesus. I’m wondering if we’ll see Jesus as a ghost from time to time. After all, Laffy is a medium.
Marcus’ mother Martha is one scary lady. I was a bit surprised that Alcide would be looked on as the probable pack master. He is new to the pack. I figured another were with more seniority would step up to that particular plate.
Mysterious fires have taken Terry’s and Arlene’s home, Patrick’s and two other members of the squad. In addition these last two lost their lives. Obviously more than coincidence. I look forward to the unfolding of this mystery. It can’t bode well for Arlene and Terry.
A jam-packed episode which nicely advanced the story lines and cliffies from the Season 4 finale.
Next week we’ll meet the resurrected Tara and the members of The Authority. Can’t wait!
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I commented earlier, and my post was listed as “awaiting moderation.” Now it is gone. It took me a bit of time to gather my thoughts and type what I wanted to say. All of that was for naught or so it seems.
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Rowena Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 9:18
Well, I am confused. After I typed the above, my “awaiting moderation” post showed up. Color me mystified.
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Meridian Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 12:45
My first “awaiting moderation” response apparently disappeared into the Summerlands, too. I’ve replied…again. Guess we’ll see what happens! Love reading other people’s thoughts, too, though, so it’s all good. And mysterious. Mysteriously good?
Hope your future responses show up! (And, yeah, mine, too, lol).
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Shadaliza Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 12:50
Your comment was approved as soon as I received the notification. Please give us a little time to go through these tasks, it’s busy times, thanks :)
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Meridian Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 12:59
Nooo!!! You must approve ALL THE THINGS IMMEDIATELY IF NOT SOONER! ;D
I love reading what other people have written – thanks for giving us a place to GASP and OMG and *WHINE* and just generally wallow in the show.
Appreciate it!!
:D
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Rowena Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 14:51
I realize it takes time to get those posts approved. I know you and Lynn are super busy. The only reason I commented was because my post disappeared when I checked on it an hour or two later. I thought it was gone for good. Then it resurfaced.
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Shadaliza Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 15:49
I guess it went to Fairy Land and came back :D
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Rowena Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 18:11
The Boomerang Effect … something else learned about the Land of the Fae.
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Shadaliza Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 12:35
That happens sometimes Rowena, doesn’t mean anything. Comments that are in moderation have to be manually approved by the staff and that could take up to several hours.
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I really enjoyed the episode…..most of it…. Bill and eric, Sookie and Laffy were awesome with their emotions and detail…. Jason and Jesica are fun but meh… I don’t like where they are taking Hoyt. Weres were scary and gross. Speaking of…me on a soapbox… Wolves do not feed on humans , period. That scene dosen’t add to the RL wolf recovery effort and the damning of wolves out west…at all. You would be surprised at people’s ignorance, even though it is just a show.
otherwise great beginning episode!!!! looking forward to meeting Roman!
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Shadaliza Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 12:37
These are werewolves not ordinary wolves. They wanted Marcus his body back to honor him. Eating him must be the werewolves way of honoring a deceased pack master.
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lovelylavendar Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 16:02
I am fully aware of that. it is a tough subject matter where I live as people are trying to convince others wolves hunt and eat people. Anyway, just making a point. I was just surprised they went there.
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R2D2 Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 18:38
that was gross, but I suppose it isnt that strange considering there were some ancient human cultures (having trouble recalling which) that felt it the gravest of insults to allow their dead to corrupt/decay, they felt that the spirit resided in both the brain/&or heart, so consumed these organs as a ritual act-
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Loved the intensity and drama of this premiere.
Not so much into all the extraneous characters, though. HOLLY’s kids? Come on. Like we NEED even MORE irrelevant characters? Nora, the “sister” who I really don’t trust plus the entire “Authority Vamps R Us” cast and chorus is enough already. I want to see the characters I’d thought were the main cast: Sookie, Bill, and Eric, with Tara, Pam, Jason, Layfayette and Jesus bringing up the rear. All these other characters should be saved for True Blood pt. 2.
Pam…oh, Pam, you get over yourself and your jealousy of Sookie anytime now…
Eric? “Fuck Sookie?” Rly? Grow up. And stop skrewing your sister, dude, no matter HOW fine an ass you’re carrying.
Bill! RUN!!!
Sookie: Dodge the rampant Tara!!!
Hoyt, grow up and go get your skank-i-fying ex-gf already. “Queen” Jessica? Rly. Ugh. So over her.
Wolfie people: STOP EATING YOUR OWN. THAT’S GROSS. NOW GO WASH UP.
Al: Stop growling. You’re a good boy.
I love me some gay vampire Americans! Ha! Rev Steve is too funny! Glad he didn’t kill Jason. Sorta.
Andy…Holly…Holly’s progeny…who cares.
Terry…Patrick…shake hands and make up. Terry: stop yelling at Arlene. I mean, yeah, she IS annoying, but dude, you chose her. Get over it.
Sam: You don’t wear martyr well, so change clothes. Good thing Al showed up when he did. Growls and all.
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R2D2 Reply:
June 12th, 2012 at 18:46
the only character that really bothered me last season was sookie, i have learnt to separate TB sookie from BOOK Sookie, else you get frustrated with her- I mean that girl is seriously messed up but then again- a few years back- I didnt know shit from clay either & where emotional issues are involved there is no rational or right emotions- i hope they arent spreading the show abit thin with all the extra charcters, but its story-telling there has to be a middle somewhere, so whn ppl say they dnt watch anymore coz season 4 wasnt so good, I just say it had to happen to develop the characters & the story further
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I loved this first episode… Loads better than last year… Sookie is tougher and it seems that for a time the Sookie, Eric & Bill storylines will go their separate ways.. I suppose it is following the books to some degree as Eric goes cold on Sookie. It would be nice if they followed one of the major storylines from the books… However it was action packed so can’t complain.. Alex looked knee tremblingly amazing.., Bill’s hair seems to be getting darker and the scene with Jason and Steve Newlin was hilarious. Glad Pam has a key part turning Tara… She has alot of the best lines… Will see what happens to Nora after helping Bill & Eric… Can she be completely trusted??? Mm? It seems that Eric and her have just have lust for each other… Wonder if Sookie will be jealous when she finds out..interesting that Eric hasn’t gone back to his full on dark, moody, uncompromising, self after his amnesia… This season looks amazing and it’s had such a response in the media .. Can’t wait !!
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What a powerful start for season 5! I’m very happy but I always am though I’m with the chorus that wants more Bill time please!!!
I loved Shad and Rowena’s questions and I’m sure the answers will come soon…..
The humor was great: Pam, Jason, Steve Nevlin and Jessica kept me giggling.
Waiting for next week…
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Wow, seaseon 5 is here ! And I liked ep 1 very much…
I hope we will see a Bill`s ass soon too…lol..
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