TV round up

[bop_radar]

I thought this was a fantastic episode--very tense and very well played out. My heart bled for poor Charlie, and even though I knew his wife wasn't going to make it, it was very confronting to see her bleed to death in his arms. No, he shouldn't have rung Sarah and endangered John, but who wouldn't do the same thing in his place? I loved John going to comfort him at the end of the episode. What a sobering moment for John.

I love that Sarah went to Charlie. It's interesting to have her act irrationally for love (of a sort, at least) of Charlie so soon after John put his faith (and the world's fate) in Cameron's hands. For Sarah, it wasn't about trusting Charlie--Charlie was being played, that was clear from the beginning. But she felt she had to respond to him anyway. But nevertheless she was responding on an emotional level, doing something she felt she just had to do, no matter how irrational it was. That's not so different from what John did. I wonder if it will soften either mother or son to each other?

OMG, Chuck! You are playing such a long game... *impressed*

I was quite happy at seeing Dan get the massive slapdown. He drove me mad through the whole episode. I am sick of him blaming Serena for things that are not her fault. I'm torn, though, because I don't like his view of her being validated. On the other hand, I'm excited to see Serena take the crown from Blair.

Poor Blair: she had bigger problems to deal with. I knew the Duchess had the hots for her son--I knew it! Watching impetuous Vanessa put her foot in it was really painful. 'TRUST BLAIR!' And wow, Nate-the-manwhore is just about incapable of reprimanding anyone! I'd have been a whole lot less restrained in what I said to V. at that point in time. (I still kinda ship them though.)

Yay, Lily was back at least! But woe, Rufus has a new chickie... why did she get married again? ;)

I have never read the books the series is based on but man, this show is addictive! Somehow I am completely hypnotised despite the limited (sometimes disgustingly) trashy characters. I can see the influence of Alan Ball (of 'Six Feet Under' fame) in the direction and in how surprisingly well-realised the characters are.

But wow, this show has a LOT of sex. Mostly violent sex. It's not for the faint-hearted.

I'm completely in love with Tara (best friend of Sookie). She's like a badass version of Lois! She's opinionated, bossy, won't take shit from ANYone, calls it exactly how she sees it, is fiercely loyal and protective of her best friend, hides her low self-esteem, is romantically awkward/doomed but sexually forward. Oh, and she READS on the JOB. *loves*

My second favourite character is Lafayette, the flamboyant gay chef and drug dealer, Tara's cousin. He's gorgeous, sexy and wonderfully comfortable with himself despite living in a hick town.

I like Sam, the bar owner, and rather thought he was a werewolf, or should that be weredog? But Episode 3 provided a scene with both him and strangely-protective-of-Sookie!dog, so that theory is scrapped. He still has some kind of dog-link though. More thought required! I'm totally shipping Sam/Tara.

I'm not sure I like either Sookie or Bill but I am fascinated by them and I'm very drawn in by their romance/fatal attraction. I like Sookie's strange ways and am interested in the way her abilities have influenced her behaviour. It seems like she's built her own boundaries by necessity--but they're not at all where other people would expect. She's particularly open to vampires and lacks human remorse when people are killed to save her... that reads as repressed hatred/jealousy of 'ordinary' humans to me.

Bill is intriguing. He really does feel like someone that comes from the 1800s in his awkward mannerisms and old-fashioned clothes. The trashy threesome that showed up at his mansion in Ep 3, however, did not feel like that. Ick! I was very relieved that they don't actually live with him, but wow he left that save of Sookie late...

I hate, hate, hate her brother and hope he gets the smackdown he deserves. I was sad barchick copped it. I liked her so much after she threatened to shoot Sookie's brother.

And overall I love the atmosphere and world-creation. There are some implausabilities (um, how exactly have the vampires kept their weaknesses secret now they are public?) but also lots of lovely detail, and it feels like a very fresh take on the vampire myth.

Oh, and quick folllow-up to this post: I'm planning to make weekly vidding meta-chat posts on Sundays my time (Saturday US).

Comments

[serenography.livejournal.com]

OMG! No time to read this now, but I see that you are watching TrueBlood. I just watched the first 2 eps last night because a good friend *insisted* that I watch it with her. I have some gripes with it, but I think I"ll go ahead and watch the 3rd episode tonight.

I can't wait to read your comments (when I get home from work!).

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yes, there is a whole lot of stuff I'm not really sure I'm sold on... but I'm mesmerised and intrigued and will be watching more.

[sizequeen.livejournal.com]

"how exactly vampires kept their weaknesses secret now they are public?) but also lots of lovely detail, and it feels like a very fresh take on the vampire myth"

Well, from what we've seen, they kill anyone who discovers the secret. And some of their weaknesses are out there. The Rattrays in ep one knew that they were susceptible to silver.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I can run with that. I guess I just find it implausible that if vampires exist all over the world, there isn't someone somewhere who's managed to leak news of their weaknesses to the press. I guess Bill being completely open with Sookie didn't help me in the believability stakes (though I'm sure we're meant to believe that they are Destined and therefore he knows immediately that he can trust her).

[sizequeen.livejournal.com]

I agree that it's odd that some government hit squad hasn't captured a vamp, but the books never deals with that issue either.

As for Sookie and Bill, if the show follows the books, their relationship becomes...complex.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

OK, that's as much as a spoilerphobe like me wants to know! *sticks fingers in ears*

[redteekal.livejournal.com]

Was pleased to read your thoughts on True Blood - I was just saying the same thing re Tara by Episode 3, she really is my favourite character and I love the way they say her name....makes it sound like Terra. You must be a happy shipper after Epi 3 then! That whole scene at the beginning really disturbed me I must admit - I didn't think Bill would have been in the lower pack position there and felt Sookie had every right to react the way she did. He could have been a lot more proactive there than he was. And you're right Jason is the most dislikeable, obnoxious and egotistical hick I've ever come across. I'm curious as to how his storyline will play out. There's something about that dog though - you're right about that, although that scene definitely precluded any Sam shape shifting theories. My question at the end of epi 3 was about whether Sookie could hear any of the three bad ass vampires' thoughts? Bill is supposed to be this relief for her to be around, the one guy she's met that she could ever really relax with but it wasn't clear whether or not she could hear the other vamps thoughts at all - just the human blood dispenser's thoughts.

[einaphets.livejournal.com]

I agree about the beginning. I was thinking he had to be not at the house for that to be happening to her but lo and behold he's sitting on his ass listening to the whole thing. It just didn't ring true with his whole southern gentleman persona.

I enjoy the Jason dynamic simply because you know he's going to be facing a whole world of hurt in the near future. I haven't read the books so that's not from spoilers. He's just so immature and selfish you know he's heading for a smackdown. And he was cute cuddling on the couch with Tera. That's my beer. lol

Excellent points, all.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I wish I thought Jason was going to get his comeuppance but in my experience assholes like him just keep on getting validated. :( But maybe I can hope for a smackdown in fiction at least. ;)

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I love the way they say her name....makes it sound like Terra
Yes!

You must be a happy shipper after Epi 3 then
Well, yes... but I hope there also winds up being a more emotional connection between them at some point.

I didn't think Bill would have been in the lower pack position there and felt Sookie had every right to react the way she did
It was confronting and I'm glad Sookie got outraged and felt residual fear (and disgust) about it. It changed my whole view of Bill, I must say. And that trashy threesome are just gross. *shudders*

There's something about that dog though - you're right about that
Maybe Sam has a bond of some sort with the dog? Or swaps brains with him when he dreams or something weird?

My question at the end of epi 3 was about whether Sookie could hear any of the three bad ass vampires' thoughts?
Yes, I agree that is a very big unanswered question. It seems like she doesn't hear any vamps' thoughts. In which case maybe we're all lucky she met Bill first and fell for him before some more objectionable vamp showed up!

[einaphets.livejournal.com]

I keep watching TSCC but it's just not clicking with me. It may be because I am so attached to Sarah and Kyle in the Terminator movie and I can't seem to transition to the film. She just doesn't seem to be the same person, if that makes sense.

I am loving True Blood. Sookie's is played oddly though. I don't know if it's Sookie or Anna Paquin but she had odd mannerisms and postures. The two actors are now dating which explains maybe some of the chemistry we've seen.

And I love Tara and LaFayette as well. The whole thing reminds me very much of watching SFU which I adored.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

*nods* I do think this Sarah is different--but I find I like her in her own right, though maybe only because I was never completely attached to Sarah of the films.

I like Sookie's oddnesses. I don't know if it's true to the book, but I find her a very original character. I like Anna Paquin but I've seen people trash her performance, so I guess it's a personal thing.

And yes! It does remind me strongly of SFU, despite all the crazy supernatural elements--I'm excited by it and it's good to hear from other people out there watching.

[einaphets.livejournal.com]

Oh, and I look forward to the vidding chat!

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yay!

[marenfic.livejournal.com]

Sam calls the dog "brother" when it comes to him in the morning scene, so it does not prevent him from *also* being some kind of shifter. Something seems to be going on there, for sure.

[einaphets.livejournal.com]

But you'd think that after all of this time Sookie would have heard him think something about that, or that Sam would be hesitant to let her get close in case she did so.

Or mebbe he doesn't know it yet.

Of course the dog just watched Sookie being beat to death. It didn't do anything to stop it.

Hmmmm...

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Sookie tries hard not to hear Sam's thoughts in particular--both because he's her boss and because she suspects he's interested and doesn't want to know. So maybe that's how it's hidden? But I also buy that he doesn't know/it's subconscious, because it does strain credulity that she wouldn't have heard snippets when she (or he) was stressed and her defences were low.

Did the dog really just watch? On rewatch I felt there was some ambiguity. There are a lot of mysteries and I get the impression there are a few more twists to come.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Yup, something... a bond with dogs/wolves? and/or astral projection? There was that very pointed portrait of a dog standing over a little girl in a forest in his study.

[alexandral.livejournal.com]

I like Sam, the bar owner, and rather thought he was a werewolf, or should that be weredog?

I am trying not to spoil you on "True Blood" developments. :D

The show is a bit too trashy for me, I think I am going to give it a miss. But Tara is absolutely great, I dodn't even like her taht much in the books.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Thank you for not spoiling!

It is undeniably EXTREMELY trashy. But I like the direction and world building anyway.

And as long as Tara continues to be brilliant, I'll watch. If the show did nasty things to her or became increasingly implausible (which is possible) I suspect I'd ditch it, but for now I'm hooked.

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

I am deeply jealous that you can watch True Blood and I can't. I love the novels. Supposedly a friend of mine caught the premiere and is going to get HBO and DVR it and lend them to me, but I suspect that isn't really going to happen.

I agree with you about SCC--I really liked that Sarah went to help Charlie even though she knew it was a trap. I did, however, want her to warn John more effectively, even if she didn't want to be specific with him. That drove me crazy.

I am really, really curious about what kind of deep game the Shirley Manson Terminator is playing, too.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

We must enable you and True Blood! You are destined! I will make sure of it. It is the best vamp show I've seen since... well ages. In fact it's completely different from any other vamp show I've seen.

I did, however, want her to warn John more effectively, even if she didn't want to be specific with him. That drove me crazy
Ah, yes, true. That was a bit crappy. Not her finest hour.

I am intrigued by Shirley Manson Terminator too.... but I keep getting distracted by her eyes (always have been) and then by what *kind* of Terminator she really is (i.e. how evolved?).

[alissabobissa.livejournal.com]

As a fan of the Sookie books, it's so cool to see so many people on my friends list who are digging True Blood. I'm so pleased with how the show has turned out so far (even if a waitress in Louisiana would never make $10 an hour plus tips). :)

I'm completely in love with Tara (best friend of Sookie). She's like a badass version of Lois!
That's exactly what I thought! The Tara in the books is not really like her and has a much smaller role, but this Tara rocks, especially for reading on the job. :D

I like Sam, the bar owner, and rather thought he was a werewolf, or should that be weredog?
Ahhh, Sam. I won't spoil you either, I'll just say he's absolutely adorable on the show and a great character.

Bill is fun, but my favorite vampire is making his debut on the next episode. And please, someone, push Jason Stackhouse off a cliff! He was annoying and boring in the books as well but with a much smaller part.

She's particularly open to vampires and lacks human remorse when people are killed to save her... that reads as repressed hatred/jealousy of 'ordinary' humans to me.
I like that you are seeing this about her. I think this is dealt with more overtly in the novels, but she does tend to feel bad when any person dies but the guilt just isn't there if they were out to get her or someone she cares about. I think she does have a certain amount of jealousy and contempt for people who get to go through life normally, especially once she gets sucked deeper into the supernatural world.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

I'd never even heard of the Sookie books before this show!

even if a waitress in Louisiana would never make $10 an hour plus tips
Really?! Would they make more or less? The culture portrayed is completely foreign to me so I take it all on faith. ;)

The Tara in the books is not really like her and has a much smaller role, but this Tara rocks, especially for reading on the job. :D
Well I heart Alan Ball for increasing her role so brilliantly--for television that seems important since a bigger ensemble cast is probably important. And she rocks!

Thank you for the non-spoilage on Sam. I'm a sucker for people with dog/wolf connections and he is a cutie. I fear there will be some dark disturbing element (dog watching Sookie bleed was pretty horrible) but I almost relish it in the context of this show because it is all so disturbingly hypnotisingly creepy.

my favorite vampire is making his debut on the next episode
Ohhhhh! That sounds interesting. Another vamp?

please, someone, push Jason Stackhouse off a cliff! He was annoying and boring in the books as well but with a much smaller part
Argh. I think boring is the very kindest thing I could say about him. Disgusting, sadistic, narcissitic and dim-wittedly evil are other things I might say... I hope for a slow and painful death for him, and am kind of hoping that he becomes a V-junkie and ends up like 'Jerry'. Because I can be vicious in my hatreds and that seems quite possible given the latest ep...

think this is dealt with more overtly in the novels, but she does tend to feel bad when any person dies but the guilt just isn't there if they were out to get her or someone she cares about
I think it's subtle in the show but I find I'm drawn to think a lot about Sookie because she has contradictions in her character. It must be very isolating to have that ability and I can see why she'd be sympathetic to other 'outsider' figures. I can also see a reason why she doesn't automatically fear them: she wishes people didn't automatically fear her for her abilities, especially since she strives to control them (just as 'good' vampires strive to control their impulses).

And yeah, they were out to kill her and they'd done something terrible. It seems like once people become abhorrent in her eyes she doesn't spare them much concern. But then the whole world she is surrounded by seems so rough that maybe death is not as big a deal? I'll be interest to see how her relationships with humans like Tara progress as she deepens her connection with the supernatural.

[taragel.livejournal.com]

I too have been drawn into True Blood. I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it, but vampires aren't really my thing and I didn't care for Bill so I didn't continue. (The author is a really awesome lady though so I'm really thrilled for her success.)

Anyway, I saw the pilot online a while back and was not impressed but figured I'd watch the first few because of Alan Ball. It's really over the top with the porn and violence, but I'm intrigued by the secondary characters. I didn't like Tara in the pilot since she was one step away from charicature, but have loved the small moments of honesty/realism they've given her character since.

I'm sort of fascinated by Jason's downward spiral and I like Sam and Lafayette too. Anna Paquin is definitely a little weird and I don't care for Bill or the actor who plays him.

The show is intriguing me in a train-wreck sort of way right now. It'll be interesting to see where it goes.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Over the top, it totally is. But yes, it's the secondary characters that have hooked me in. And I *am* interested in the reinvention of vampirism. I didn't feel Tara was a caricature, though they certainly made her entrance very flamboyant. I would have said Sookie was more of a caricature in the first ep for me, but has subsequently been fleshed out well.

I really like Anna Paquin and I like the mannered performance she is giving Sookie but I see that it's not going to appeal to everyone. But I think it suits the strangeness of the universe.

Bill... I do see Bill's charisma, but I'm kind of still giggling internally about him through every scene.

I think the characters in the show are a trainwreck, but I'm undecided on whether the show is... and either way, as with trainwrecks, I can't look away.

[tragicllyhip.livejournal.com]

I'm watching True Blood, though i forgot to watch it Sunday. I just wish the vampire was attractive, shallow yes, but its how I roll:D

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

Ha! Well, we are spoiled in Smallville, of course! ;) But yeah, he could be hotter...

[norwich36.livejournal.com]

Only sort of skimming because I haven't seen episode three yet, but hmmm....I have lots of foreknowledge because I've read the books, though I don't know how faithfully they're going to adhere to them, but I'm assuming you want me to keep spoilers and potential spoilers to myself?

I will say in the long run Jason gets what he deserves. Over and over in the different books in different ways.

The other thing I'd say is most of the characters (Sookie, Bill, Jason, Mrs. Stackhouse, and Sookie's boss, as well as the sheriff, the two vampire drainers Bill killed in 2d episode, etc.) are *very* true to their characterization in the books. Tara in the books didn't stand out as much as she does in the show (for one thing, she's not black--and I can't remember much about her except that she does have attitude) but everyone else is very much like they are in the books, though all much prettier than I pictured. (I always thought of Sookie as a little rounder and a little older, for example, though I love Anna Paquin so I'm not complaining). Bill is absolutely perfect, though--and I agree with his believability as a 19th century man: some combination of his haircut, his demeanor and his mannerisms really sell that for me.

The bits of the show I love that aren't from the books, though, or at least not directly, are the little throwaway things like the talk show with the pro-vamp chick, or the tabloid cover with "Angelina adopts vampire baby" and stuff like that. And even though it is totally playing on every American Southern gothic cliche that exists, I really *love* the credit sequence.

Ok, I really MUST go to bed now.

[bop-radar.livejournal.com]

You got it!!!! You got the True Blood! :D :D *squees*

I'm assuming you want me to keep spoilers and potential spoilers to myself?
Yes please! It turns out I have quite a few people who have read the books on my f'list and so far I'm spoiler free, apart from knowing that a character who's only shown up once or twice so far comes back. I can deal with that. But yeah, I think the series is playing it with a lot of suspense so I'd rather not be spoiled. I'm on a HUGE cliffhanger right now! *bites nails*

*very* true to their characterization in the books.
Whee! That's cool to hear. I am finding the support cast (e.g. Rene, the sheriffs, Terry, etc) wonderful.

Tara in the books didn't stand out as much as she does in the show
Yeah, several people have said that. I am guessing it's Alan Ball's big change to make the show more of an ensemble cast thing, and so far it seems to have been well received. Or I just have a lot of Tara fans on my f'list, not sure which.

I agree with his believability as a 19th century man: some combination of his haircut, his demeanor and his mannerisms really sell that for me.
Yes, all of those combine so WELL. And he's got these shades of darkness as well that make me wonder about him.

like the talk show with the pro-vamp chick, or the tabloid cover with "Angelina adopts vampire baby"
That stuff is SO well done!

I really *love* the credit sequence.
SAME. I would marry it and have its babies. :D

I'm so excited you have show! \o/