TV Review: True Blood 1.5 – Sparks Fly Out

Posted by Robert Fure (robert@filmschoolrejects.com) on October 6, 2008

True Blood, HBO, Airs Sunday 9pm

Episode: “Sparks Fly Out” (Season One, Episode Five)

Synopsis: After displaying a bit of his vengeful side last week, Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Sookie (Anna Paquin) take a some time away from each other. To fill that span, Bill speaks to the townsfolk about his history during the Civil War and a lot of information about his past is revealed. Sookie, meanwhile, spends time with Sam (Sam Trammell), the bar owner, and Jason (Ryan Kwanten) continues to experiment with vampire blood.

Review: This episode provides a lot of back story to the character of Bill Compton, venturing so far as to introduce to his family and his beginnings as a vampire. Lafayette gets to strut his stuff more, which is fun as he grows as a character. Jason plays the familiar role of comedic relief, again with the aid of V-Juice and his raging boner. I wasn’t entirely engaged by this episode and wasn’t overly enthralled with the many flashbacks and yet again, we’re teased with action but haven’t yet seen anything really blow up since the first episode.

The mysterious dog shows up again and by this point, it has to be more than just coincidence – Sam and the dog are somehow connected, if not one and the same. I’d probably have to say this has been the weakest of the five episodes, in my opinion, though that doesn’t by any stretch mean its bad. I, for one, am just getting a touch tired of seeing Jason play the fool while waiting for something to happen. While Jason is my favorite character, I’d like to see him get just a little something to do here and there, and like last week, I call for action. I want to see vampires fighting vampires and humans fighting vampires and dogs fighting vampires. Or at least some sort of action. The show is good, the characters are interesting, but its building just a touch too slowly. As with all episodes, we end on a cliffhanger – and this was a big one.

Up Next Week: Jason stands, once again, accused of murder, Sam and Bill find themselves at odds, and the family dynamic between Jason and Sookie is severely strained.

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Did you watch True Blood this week? If so, feel free to discuss below.

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kay

I completely disagree - this show is building at an incredibly engaging pace. I have never been so hooked on a show in my entire life! If the show is going to last we DO NOT need to speed up the action - we are getting to know the characters, getting to understand back stories. And don't you tink between the sex and the gore we've already seen we've seen action enough? How much more graphic can it be then to see the herione's teeth getting kicked in? I think the reviewer is suffering from a case of the need for instant gratification. That is not what makes a good show, but a show that creates a feeling for the characters, and causes the viewer to wait all week with bated breath to see what happens next...that is.

Robert Fure

Well, I did say my favorite character is Jason Stackhouse, so that might give you some insight into my feelings about gratification and how instant it should be. The first episode had a lot of action that lead into the second. Since then, we haven't had much.

I loved HBO's Deadwood and thought Season 1 was fantastic, but Seasons 2 and 3 suffered from the long draw and, while still good, lacked a little punch. I'm getting the same feeling now - I like True Blood and I like getting to know the characters, but we could get to know them and have a little action on the sideline here and there.

lisa

I love this show, its got everyting romance, danger, excitement, sadness, action. ok the sex scenes might be a little OTT but at least it shows the realism of a sexy vampire show. no other series has ever come close to this. sookie and bills romance is so interesting to watch. The only episode i didnt find excellent was the 5th one but i think thats because sookie and bill didnt have a lot of screen time. the show does keep getting better and better though, and the promo for episode 6 looks awesome. i hope true blood goes on for at least another 3 series if not more. 10/10 this show deserves, it blew moonlight, blood ties and twilight out of the water. the writing is genious and the actors are super cool especially bill hes the icing on the cake

Meli

Robert, I'm going to have to agree that the build is moving a little too slow. I found myself thinking those thoughts while watching the fifth episode.

I can't believe the cliffhanger we got this week! I swear no one is safe. I can't believe they're going to try and pin this next murder on Jason too, good grief, this character needs another demension because he's starting to get boring.

Next week's episode looks as if we might see a little action. I wonder when we'll get to see Eric again...only one appearance and I'm intrigued.

Avalonia

This whole series is based off a series book. They are laying out the episodes with great understanding to the core audience (the original book readers). The are leading up to a lot more action, a lot more Eric (sighs internally), and I for one am glad the actors are having so much back story and are really taking their characters to heart. I am impressed with the entire cast so far. The last episodes of the season will keeped you glued to this serious...patience is a virtue...even if it means I have to reread the book each week between episodes so I can merge the book and the series in my own little head.

TV Review: True Blood 1.5 – Sparks Fly Out

True Blood, HBO, Airs Sunday 9pm

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