August 2009 Archives

Last night's True Blood...I don't even know where to start!

Note: Television AND book spoilers below!!

First up let me talk about the things I DID like!

I actually enjoyed the queen. I know a lot of people out there thought she over acted and did not portray Sophie Anne well at all, but I actually thought she did a good job. For some reason when reading the books I read her with that melodramatic, overacting type quality. I mean she's the queen! That means she has a big head to begin with. If she did not, she would have never risen as far as she has. She's also ancient, even older than Eric, and I think she would be a bit over the top.

Jason was hilarious, but isn't he always? I LOVED when he was defending himself and walked right into the tree! Too funny! I also liked the conversation between he and Andy in his truck discussing why Andy didn't like him. Only a man would think that watching porn was a realistic way of figuring out what a woman wants. What a hoot!

I also enjoyed Sam's interaction with Coby and Lisa. He was really great with those kids! The kids weren't bad in the acting department either, though I have mixed feelings about children in the acting field, but that has nothing to do with the scene in question. I guess Sam is babysitting until Arlene gets herself straightened out!

The scene between Bill and Eric at the end was fabulous too. Last week I wondered why Bill was getting so all fired out of sorts about giving Sookie blood when he's done it himself, even if Eric tricked her. The first time Bill gave her blood she would have died yes, but he didn't give her much choice as to whether she accepted it or not, he just ordered her to do it. Bill never gives Sookie a choice he just dictates to her. The way he treats her is like she's a mindless child. I loved when Eric said "Oh Billy. This paranoia it's really quite unbecoming." while smoothing down his wind blown hair from flying. So funny! And the gall of him asking Bill if she's mentioned him. That arrogance is just perfect! Sophie suggesting they just sleep together and get it over with was a hoot too!

The scene in the bar with Eric, Pam, Sam and the kids had its up points and down points in my opinion, though from reading across the internet it would appear that most people thought the whole thing was funny. There were parts of that scene I found amusing, but there were parts I found appalling as well. We'll get to that in a minute when I talk about the parts I didn't like or bothered me. Right now I'll tell you what I DID like!

First up Pam does NOT get enough screen time! She is hilarious. When Eric asked for Sookie as his tribute and Sam horrifically told him "No!" and Pam rolled her eyes that was just priceless! The look on both of their faces were just spot on. I also liked how she said she was glad she had never had kids and at the end when she told Eric to get them out of the bar because they'd stink up the place for weeks. Also insisting that the Maenad owed her a pair of shoes was just hilarious. Very funny!

Now let's talk about what I didn't like, starting with the bar scene since I just told you what I did like...

The whole Eric viewing the kids as food thing was NOT funny to me, though I know many out there found it hilarious. It was very UNEric like. I'll say it again, he's cunning yes, but never evil. In my mind snacking on a child is just evil. That didn't sit well with me at all. I turned to Jamison and said "No! No! No!" And when he winked at them right before he flew off, well that was sort of creepy to me too. He can wink at Sookie all he wants, but let's keep the creepy child stuff out of the picture! Can Eric be scary when he wants to be? Yes. Would he intentionally seek out a child to scare? No I don't think he would, even if they were presented right to his face. I just didn't see that happening and didn't see the humor in the situation at all.

Another thing that bothered me was Sam going to Eric for help. Sookie is supposed to be the one that calls Eric, not Sam. Of course Maryanne isn't as dastardly in the book and isn't actually even named Maryanne to begin with and hasn't wreaked havoc on the town, but that's beside the point. Sookie actually asks for Eric's protection so she can go to a party orgy and find out who killed Lafayette, but she doesn't want to actually be involved in the orgy. Eric was there to function as her body guard and obviously try to win her regard at the same time. Lafayette obviously is still alive on the show (and I actually like that he is!), but I would still have liked to see Sookie call Eric in despite of Bill telling her not to. We're back to that Bill telling her what to do thing that really irks me.

And for the flying? Well wasn't that disappointing? The effects for that were just off. That could have been a really amazing scene. The only thing that impressed me about the scene overall was the speed at which he took off. I would have liked to see a bit more of the mechanics of flying and actually seen him zoom across the sky.

Tara...Tara, Tara, Tara! You going in to get Eggs was just stupid. Wait! Maryanne wasn't going to hurt him right off the bat. Get your ducks together and THEN go in when you have a better plan than just waltzing in and taking him out on your own. You needed backup of the supernatural kind! You just walking out the door with him wasn't going to happen. And having your mother let you go and hold your friend and your cousin at gun point was very BAD form! Poorly done Tara! Poorly done!

Layfette's PSTD just slays me. I feel so sorry for him. Nelsan Ellis is brilliant. I still say I don't like that part though because it's just heart wrenching. I also didn't like that Maryanne caught him and he ended up with the dark zombie eyes. I wanted him to help save the day!

The whole Hoyt/Jessica/Mama thing was just eh! I felt like it was filler that could have been left out on the whole. I didn't like the way he yelled at Jessica. I mean his mom was completely out of line in the way she was talking to her and Jessica is after all a baby vamp. It takes a while to be able to control all the mechanics of blood lust. She had been more than provoked at that point.

OK...What's up with that egg?? I mean seriously. Where did the egg come from? What is it? Have I mentioned how these deviations from the story are irritating??

Overall Jason needs to calm down. He's definitely not using his head like Sookie told him to, but I'll say it again brains are NOT Jason's forte! His hot headed, let's storm the castle without reason, no matter who gets hurt, attitude just isn't going to work. Sam was right...He needs to stop and think about what he is doing. Going in guns blazing isn't necessarily going to fix the situation.

The scene with Sookie and Mike in her kitchen really creeped me out too. I know he's under Maryanne's spell, but his tone with her and line of questioning was just out of line. I was not unhappy to see that scene end!

So now we get to wait two weeks. Lovely! The promo for the show in two weeks left a lot to be desired I think. (Sophie Anne and Eric appearing to make out! Um...NO!) The upside is I won't have to pay for HBO again until next summer. The downside is that we have to actually wait until next summer for more!

(CNN) -- Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, the patriarch of the first family of Democratic politics, died late Tuesday at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, after a lengthy battle with brain cancer. He was 77.

"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," a family statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice."

President Obama learned about Kennedy's death at 2 a.m. Wednesday, according to a senior administration official. Obama later called Kennedy's widow to offer condolences.

In a statement, Obama says: "An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time."

When I awoke this morning to the news of Senator Kennedy I was immediately struck with a sense of melancholy I have not been able to shake since. Regardless of which side of the political fence you happen to reside the death of Senator Kennedy is truly the end of an era. He was a consummate fighter for the little guy, even though he was born into wealth himself. His hand has touched many key legislative issues over the decades, from civil rights to voting to family leave to health care. Thinking about a Senate without him there seems very odd to me.

May he rest in peace.

Found via CNN.

Last night's episode was just disappointing. After last week's episode it was just blah!

First up not enough Eric! Seriously? One little dream sequence at the beginning of the episode was all we got? Of course it was nice that it was Sookie and Eric, but please!

Second I am so over the whole Maryanne story line. The lady who plays her is brilliant! But the character itself is just mind numbingly evil in a way that is not even intriguing.

Third, they cheated us out of 15 minutes! Not only was this a relatively ho hum episode to begin with, they cut out 15 minutes they could have devoted to, oh I don't know, maybe a certain Viking vampire! And while they are at it where the hell is Pam? I like her! You could have popped her in there in that 15 minutes you cheated us from.

Fourth, Bill and Sookie have absolutely no chemistry whatsoever! When she said she was going to call Eric and bring him in I turned to Jamison and said "Yes!" I'm not the only one that thinks they don't have chemistry either...It's all over the web, take a peak and see! There is too much time devoted to the two of them together when they aren't interesting to begin with.

Fifth, there is no way Bill got to New Orleans from Bon Temps in that amount of time. Bon Temps is supposed to be located in northern Louisiana. In the book Bill can levitate, but he can not fly, or teleport, or travel in any other manner that would have gotten him to New Orleans from Bon Temps in that amount of time, without having him exposed to the sun at some point.

Sixth, Sophie Anne is not supposed to be there at this time in the story, but then again Ball's story line is much different than that of the books. I have to keep reminding myself of that, though I wish parts of the book were more prominent.

Seventh, what was up with that flashy hand thing that Sookie did to Maryanne? Is that part of her fairy heritage coming out or are they even going to introduce the fae story line into the show? That was another instant where I turned to Jamison and said "No!"

One thing I did like, other than the very brief glimpse of Eric and Sookie together at the beginning of the show, was the scene with Jason, Sam and Andy at Merlotte's. That scene was just brilliant! The lights behind Jason, flares in hand while he pretended to be the God they have been told was coming, bare chested and with a gas mask on his face, the sticks as horns, Sam ordering him to smite him and then shifting and disappearing when Jason finally got what he was asking and complied, Jason and Andy not knowing where Sam had gone, Andy declaring this his last drink, all brilliant! That scene in and of itself was great! As was Arlene telling Terry to shoot the cheap liquor when Jason stormed into the bar to save Sam. Very funny!

From the previews it would appear that Eric and Pam are in the next episode. It also appears that Sam called Eric in, which I have mixed feeling about. (Book people, don't you want to experience Sookie calling Eric for help and him showing up in pink lycra??) Two more episodes to sum this season up and then we have to wait until next summer for the next dose.

Have I mentioned I'm no good at waiting! ;oP

Bill is going to miss Maryland and clip Bermuda.

Oh what "fun" hurricane season is! ;oP

So last night's episode of True Blood can not be summed up glibly in one sentence or less per character that is certain!

Before I go any further I should warn you that below there are spoilers of not only last night's episode and the television show in general, but also all nine of the books as well so proceed below the line at your own risk!

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First off I should tell you that I am an avid fan of the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. I have read each of the books, not once, but many times, especially the parts with Sookie and Eric! Even in book one I was immediately taken with Eric Northman and I thought Sookie fit better with him.

In book two I became even more convinced of this conviction especially when he accompanied her to the party at the end of the book dressed in pink lycra to help keep her safe. Can you picture that? Take a moment. I'll wait.

Are you with me? Good. ;oP

In the third book I actually got irritated that Alcide was even introduced into the story and loved the scene when Eric was leaving Sookie before she was setting off to rescue Bill. "I don't like having feelings." The scene when they arrive back in Bon Temps as well, along with the scene driving back from Jackson. I love how he replaces her driveway at the end of the story as well without her asking. He really is sweet to her.

In the fourth book we, Eric and Sookie fans, finally got what we had been waiting for when he lost his memory and ended up at her house! In fact when he got his memory back and remembered nothing of his time with her I was slightly crushed. I have one word for you who have read the book...Shower! If you haven't read the book perhaps they'll add that scene into next season on the show. We can only hope!

In book five I kept waiting for Eric to come to his senses, and enjoyed each and every interaction between the two of them, especially when Sookie tells him what happened while he spent time at her house. And Bubba. How can you not love Bubba? I mean how fabulous is the idea that Elvis was turned at the morgue in Memphis, but was so drug addled that he isn't quite right. He's such a big sweetie, though Harris has mentioned several times that he can snap at the slightest provocation. Too bad Allan Ball said at comic con Bubba wouldn't be making it into the show.

In book six I didn't like Quinn and I hated the way he called her "babe". To me that's degrading. Team Eric all the way...That's me! I also got extremely angry with Bill when it was revealed why he came to Bon Temps in the first place. Up to that point I liked Bill, he was an ok guy, I just didn't think he was the one for Sookie. Though I will admit that I have become fonder of him as time has passed and he seems to have true lingering feelings for Sookie. That doesn't mean I want them together, it just means I think it would be nice if he could find someone! He and Sookie can be friends...I like that idea! ;oP

In book 7 I still was ready for Quinn to move on in this book too. Did I mention Team Eric? I liked the fact that Eric and Sookie became more bonded. I also thought it was amusing when he got angry with her for dancing with Barry the Bellboy. I loved when Sookie went to save Eric and Pam before anyone else when the hotel was being bombed.

While we are on the subject of Pam, let's pause for a moment. I haven't mentioned how much I adore Pam either...let me do that now. Pam is hilarious! She is truly one of my favorite characters in the book. I love that she and Sookie are seemingly becoming friends. They are so different, yet they relate to each other so well.

Now let's get back to the books...

In book 8 we get back to the Sookie and Eric action when he remembers his time with her. Oh my! About time for that! I was also not unhappy to see Quinn go. That leaves the doors wide open to other things, other things that as you know on Team Eric I'm more than happy to see occur! I also loved the introduction of her great grandfather. I should tell you I'm a huge fan of the fae as well. Claude and Claudine are fabulous!

And then there is book 9. Oh book 9! Where we finally get back to Eric and Sookie. I'm sure this turn of fate won't last as Harris tends to not leave Sookie in one place for too long, but one can hope, and Eric seems to be an overwhelming fan favorite. I love the night they spend together at her house, and when he comes to her after the faeries have attacked. Priceless. I do hate though that her great grandfather appears to be going back to the fae land for good.

So that brings us to the True Blood television series...Isn't this a round about way to get around to talking about last night's episode? Blame Jamison...He's taught me to look at all aspects of something!

When I heard that the first season of True Blood was coming out on DVD I thought I would give it a look, but I wasn't sure if I would like the show or not. I had heard from many people that the books and the show were polar opposites and that is so true. Being such a fan of the books, and in general being a person who hates when they change plots when adapting a book to a movie or television show, I wasn't sure how I would feel about the show. I actually ended up liking the 1st season, though I still to this day will tell you that I like the books better. Jamison however is probably tired of hearing me say "That so didn't happen!" "Eric would never do that!" "That person is supposed to be dead!" "That person isn't even in the books!" "Sookie is not that stupid!" You get the idea.

Overall I've been ok with season two on the whole as well, EXCEPT for the part about Eric summoning Lorena and his portrayed bad character in general. That so did NOT and would NOT happen! Yes he's a devious little thing when he wants to be, he's the ancient Viking vampire boss who thinks he knows what is best for everyone involved, but he's not overtly mean for the sake of being mean and he would never intentionally hurt Sookie, just for the sake of hurting her. In season one he would have NEVER just stood there and let Longshadow stake Sookie as if he didn't care in the least. Flirt with her yes, try to win her over yes, plot against her no, stand by and ignore a situation that would bring her harm no. These are the things that bother me. Embellishing someone (Jason, Lafayette, Tara etc.) is one thing. Changing someone's character all together is another. I'm also ready for Maryanne to go. Seriously she is just effed up!

Things I do like about the show that are not in the book...

Jessica! Oh my I love her! And I love the thing with her and Hoyt. She adds such punch to the mix!

I like that Lafayette is a bigger part of the show. I also like that he wasn't killed.

Love Tara! But don't like how gullible she is. I like it better when she was the tough talking, tell it like it is sort in season one. I also liked her with Sam very much.

Now that we know where I stand let's FINALLY get down to last night's episode...

Last night's episode was brilliant in many ways. First of all the initial scene after the bombing where Eric talks Sookie into sucking the bullet out of him. This was out of the book to some extent and I have to admit I was shocked that Allan Ball included it since he's removed so much that has occurred between Eric and Sookie up to this point. The look on Eric's face when he realizes he has her is pricless.

The scene between Sookie and Jason was very thoughtful too. I loved how they reconnected, although I don't agree with Sookie when she says he isn't dumb, just lazy. No honey, he's dumb as a rock, but at least he's pretty! It was nice to see them together and bonding though.

The whole Tara and Eggs thing bothers me. LOVED when Lafayette and Lettie Mae went in and removed her from Maryanne! That was priceless! Also loved it when he told Maryanne she was evil and asked Tara if she was even in her body anymore.

And then of course the infamous dream sequence! I had been hearing buzz about this scene all week on Twitter and FaceBook. Not necessarily what was in the scene itself, other than a vague rumbling about a mostly naked Viking vampire, but nothing of the scene itself. The conversation between Eric and Sookie in the scene is very reminiscent of how they talk to each other in the books later on. The dream itself was disturbing in that I hope they aren't saying that Eric can control her mind (because he can't!) and it was more a symptom of the blood exchange. Well not even blood exchange because in the show he hasn't had her blood. We'll see how this goes. But if there was any doubt that Alexander Skarsgård was in fact Eric that should be alleviated now. He nailed it in that scene!

The whole vampire politics thing really bothered me. This Nan Flanders chick needs to just move on. That is not how the hierarchy works. She has no authority over a sheriff in any state, only the king or queen of the state can remove someone from their position. I wanted Eric to stand up and snap her in two!

And last but not least Godric meeting the sun...

Ok people, mark this down...Keep an eye on Allan Hyde because that kid is brilliant! He's going places. The scene between he and Eric when they are saying goodbye is spine tingling. It's even more touching when they lapse into Swedish. If either Allan or Skarsgård aren't nominated for an Emmy for that scene alone then the Emmy people just aren't paying attention! The look of utter despair he gives Sookie when Godric sends Eric away so that he will not meet the sun along with him was brilliant.

The scene between Sookie and Godric is also very reminiscent of the scene in the book. This too surprised me. Godric's character in the booked is called "Godfrey" and he actually is not Eric's maker. Godfrey also isn't quite as Ghandiesque as Godric has become, nor is Godric quite as evil as Godfrey was portrayed overall. But the conversation between he and Sookie is very book like. Her tears, his fearlessness at meeting the sun, so poignant! I loved when he asked if she would care for Eric when he was gone and she responded that she didn't know. "You know how he is!" How Godric took blame for what Eric had become was utterly sincere. I'll say it again Allan Hyde is going places! He's brilliant!

So where this goes next I do not know, but I know where I'll be Sunday night at 9 pm for the next three episodes. Then we must wait until next summer to see the next season. That is going to be some wait!

And on a totally unrelated note...How cute was that dress Sookie was wearing at the end? Loved it!

Oh and thank god they finally took Eric out of that wife beater shirt! Not cool! The black sweater/pants combo was MUCH better, but then again he'd look good in a potato sack! ;oP

Kind of makes me glad I'm further inland, though I do miss the water!

"Mom I can't take a shower. It is thundering and I might get metricuted."

Alexis, Age 6 ;oP

Dianne: *hiccup*

Alexis: *jumping* Mom you scared the jinx out of me!

Well OK then...Whatever those are! ;oP

Eric: Oh my you viking vampire of goodness aren't you the man?!!?

Sookie: Do you really think you can take on a vampire chick?

Bill: Stop whining!

Jason: You finally woke up and saw the light when you went to save your sister...About time!

Stan: You're really evil aren't you? (Perhaps I'll give you two sentences....Go back to Eureka! ;op)

Lorena: Don't cry again ever and don't let the door hit you on the way out!

Sam: Poor Sam, you never catch a break do you?

Maryanne: Really with the souffle?

Eggs: Snap out of it!

Tara: Snap out of it!

Andy: Stop drinking and maybe you'll find that bull (and pig too)!

Isabelle: Choose better next time.

Godric: Love your cute little Ghandi self!

Luke: I knew you were dumb, but can't believe you are that big of a moron!

Sarah: You truly give blondes a bad name, but what a shot that was!

Hoyt: You're screwed man and not in a good way! ;oP

Jessica: Bless your little heart!

Steve: Too bad it was only a paintball!

Gabe: That's what you get for attempting what you did!

Daphne: Never trust a psycho Maenad chic, it's not smart and you see where it got you!

Hugo: Really if you loved her you wouldn't have done what you did and you're lucky that Godric is all Ghandi and didn't do much worse to you because if you were book Hugo Stan wouldn't have been so kind!

Whew! Now the hard part is waiting until next week!

P.S. I love the show, but the books are still better! ;oP

Having a big yard is fun! What did you do after dinner? ;oP

This is the recipe that Alexis wrote for her bear:

Nut Berry Honey:
2 cups of honey
4 cups of berries
5 cups of nuts
10 cups of milk
1 egg
8 cups of strawberries
11 cups of grapes
16 cups of salmon
2 cups of peanut butter
100 cups of salt
99 cups of pepper
30 cups of bread

She doesn't say what to do with this mixture, but what a list!

Poor bear! ;oP

She amuses me!

"Stop playing drums and do your math!"

"I'm not crying. I'm sweating through my eyes!"

Alexis, Age 6 ;oP

Allie's Answers has now become The Greenists where I will be contributing on the subject of food. Check out the other Greensits and be sure to stop by and say hello!

Thanks to Allie and Courtney for asking me to join in! This should be fun!

Lex: *Huge Sneeze*

Me: Bless you!

Lex: (exasperated) Well that does it. No school for me today!

Me: (amused) Really? What makes you think that?

Lex: (rolling her eyes) I don't want to sneeze on my papers!

Me: (grinning) Nice try kid!

Lex: (grinning too) I know!

A humongous thunderstorm with massive cross line winds!

As you can see it took out our umbrella and several tiles on our patio table.

When we ventured down the hill to church we also discovered that the heavy rain had washed part of the driveway down the hill and our already bumpy, communal driveway is now even more bumpy!

Mother nature is not to be messed with!

Scene: I'm cleaning up the kitchen and look out the window to see a deer munching on apples from the lower branches of our apple tree.

Me: Alexis there is a deer eating my apples. Do you want to see him before I scare him off?

Lex: (Excited) Sure!

(Lex looks at the deer and he looks back at her still muching apples.)

Me: OK, get ready because I'm going to scare him.

(I start to open the patio door and the deer takes off up into the woods up the side of the mountain. As long as we were just standing on the other side of the door looking at him he was perfectly content to just stand there and stare at us. Opening the door was another thing all together!)

Me: There! Now he won't eat anymore of my apples, for a few minutes anyway.

Lex: (In a very school marmish voice) Moooommmmm! Those are not your apples! Those are nature's apples and they are there so deer and other creatures will have something to eat!

Me: (Amused) Is that so?

Lex: (Exasperated) Yes!

Me: Well I don't see it that way.

Lex: (Helpfully) Maybe you should look at it differently.

My child the philosopher! ;oP