Recently in Musings Category

We had a little earthquake this morning compared to West coast standards, but oh my! Color me unimpressed! I woke up about five minutes before it hit for some reason and was wide awake for the event. I honestly thought that a plane had crashed in to the side of the mountain! There was a ripple, then a rumble, then a boom and then the whole house shook! It woke Jamison and Alexis when the boom happened. I found out via Twitter from other DC area folks that we had indeed had an early morning visit from an earthquake.

Alexis thought this earthquake was the coolest thing ever and has been asking questions about earthquakes all day. I guess it's a good learning experience if nothing else. We did not feel the aftershock, just the initial quake. I'm saying that her excitement about the quake makes her Jamison's child...MY child would be more of the "Oh my god that was horrible!" line of thinking. ;oP

I've always said that only reason I wouldn't live in California was the earthquakes, otherwise I think I'd like California just fine. Perhaps the universe is trying to tell me something. Hmmmm......

1. I like mustard on my grilled cheese sandwiches. I'm not sure when this started, but I've been doing it for as long as I can remember since I moved out of my parents house! BUT I only like the mustard on the sandwich if the cheese is American cheese. If I make it with cheddar or Colby or Swiss or mozzarella, or some mix of any of those cheese or another cheese all together I don't do mustard.

2. I take most of my showers in the dark. When we moved in to our last house a couple of years ago we didn't have curtains for a little bit and we had a very large window in the bathroom over the tub. So I got in the habit of taking showers in the dark so as not to be an exhibitionist to the neighbors behind us. I found it's actually more relaxing to take a shower in the dark. I don't know why, but it is, so I kept doing it and have for the past two years.

3. I can't sleep with the closet door open. This is another one of those, who knows why sort of things, but it's true. If the door is open, I'm not sleeping!

4. I'm desperately afraid of snakes. I've seen so many stories of people finding them having crawled up their pipes and ending up in their toilet bowl or washing machine that I always check these things thoroughly. Even in the middle of the night I'll turn the light on for a moment if I have to go to the bathroom to make sure there are no snakey visitors. Yes, I'm weird and yes it's the middle of winter so they should be hibernating, but my brain tells me to check anyway!

5. I despise cleaning, but my OCD despises a dirty house even more. I wish I could ignore messes, but I can't. And believe me with a 6 year old kid and my 36 year old kid too, there are a lot of messes. Lex is pretty good about cleaning up after herself, most of the time, the 36 year old, not so much! ;oP

So who wants to tell me five weird things about you?

1. Were the roads clear I would be perfectly content to sit here at home, since in reality I'm a homebody, but now that they are not clear and they are asking us to stay off the roads at all costs, my defiant side has cabin fever and wants to GO OUT NOW!

2. Being cooped up inside doesn't seem to bother the tea cup, nor the big kid (aka my husband) at all. They do however have problems playing Wii together without arguing. It's as if I have two children!

3. Laundry is never really done, since you're wearing clothes as you think you've finished up.

4. This is the same with dishes, because there is always the next meal to make.

5. I've discovered that I can not stand to hear people chew. This little gem has really become obvious in the past 24 hours.

6. Shoveling this much snow, while good exercise, is a complete pain the ass quite literally. Along with being a pain in your back, thighs, arms, shoulders...Well you get the picture!

7. Having all this free time on my hands I would have thought to enjoy. Not so much.

8. Alexis is really a smart, heartfelt child. (See not all of these are just bitching! ;oP) Not that I didn't know that already, but it has become more apparent over the past few days.

9. Snow cream isn't as much fun when you're the only one eating it. Jamison says he doesn't like it and Alexis won't try it. *sigh*

10. The sun while lovely, does not make 50+ inches of snow go away that fast. Melt baby! Melt!

10 Essentials for Making it Through Another Major Snow Storm:

1. A couple of bottles of wine (at least) and some lemon vodka.

2. Nutella. (Why had I never tried this stuff before last week?)

3. Bacon

4. Strawberry Häagen-Dazs

5. Gala apples

6. Lands End snow boots

7. Plenty of green tea

8. The Wii to keep the tea cup occupied since she can't play in snow that is almost taller than she is!

9. Netflix Movies, not to mention their Watch on Demand option!

10. And a bag full of new books!

That should keep me tied over for possibly 20 more inches of snow on top of the 28.25 inches we already have on the ground. Right? Right? But they are saying more snow on Monday? Really? Surely that can't be right. I'll just sit here in denial until I actually see more snow fall from the sky! ;oP

So what would be on your list?

Cross posted at Dianne's Dishes.

Where do I start?

First of all, while I was glad to see Maryanne go, it seemed so anticlimactic the way she actually went. Let me say once again that Michelle Forbes was brilliant in that role, the character itself I just didn't feel, which is odd given how well she played her part overall. Michelle is a brilliant actress, she's been working for years, but trust me, she isn't going away.

I loved that Sam ended up saving things in the end by taking out Maryanne, but the whole thing just seemed off. Plus the whole drinking from Bill thing I just didn't buy. The general idea in the world of Bon Temps is that sups (short for supernatural beings) do not get along, in fact they despise each other. Vampires do not like shifters, weres, fairies, etc. and in turn the other races don't like each other either. A vampire would never offer to let a shifter willingly drink from them, and most likely the shifter would not want to drink from the vamp either, no matter the reason. And on top of that Bill isn't know for his altruistic gestures toward Bon Temps. He's more of a on his own sort of guy, unless it's family or Sookie, and in all honesty most of the time with Sookie it's more of a "You're mine do what I say!" sort of view on life.

Oh and does this mean Sam will start having sex dreams about Bill? You have to wonder.

Now let's move on to Lafayette.

Nelsan Ellis is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors. I love how he plays Lafayette. I LOVED when he did that little hand clap thing when they were standing around Maryanne preparing for the marriage ceremony. That was just a hoot! Loved him in his bridesmaid's dress too! Still hated that he got pulled into the zombie state. I would have liked to have seen him be able to resist.

Jason...Oh Jason. Really disturbed that Andy and Jason were turned there at the end, and HATED the way he manhandled Sookie, though I have to admit THAT aspect of the episode was more with in line with his actually character in the book, because let's face it Jason can be a down right ass to Sookie at times in the books. And then sitting at Merlotte's there at the end acting like he's all hero man. Get over yourself!

Poor Eggs. Seriously. I knew he was going, but I still felt infinitely sorry for him. And while we're at it, I really did not like that Jason shot him. Why go there? I thought the path he was going down he was going to off himself, which was horrible in and of itself, but he seemed so desolate and horrified at his actions under Maryanne's influence. He had that man on the edge vibe that would fit into the doing something bad to themselves in that mode. And poor Tara. Seriously, does that woman every catch a break? Eggs dies in the books too so it wasn't unexpected, but still.

What the heck was Jessica thinking? And seriously that truck driver was manky! I guess it doesn't matter what dinner looks like, but still. Hated that Hoyt finally came to his senses, seemingly too late. That just stinks.

And now Eric...Surprised I didn't start with him aren't you? ;oP

Obviously there wasn't enough Eric time and no Pam at all. I kept waiting for Eric to swoop in and rescue Sookie, but sadly no. Sitting in New Orleans playing Yahtzee with the queen was so not in his character, and was dull and I have to say Skars pulled off the bored look to a tee as he was sitting there. Her attacking him wasn't in her character either. When she pinned him to the floor I simply looked at Jamison and said "No! No! No!" (He just loves watching this show with me, let me tell you! ;oP)

Sophie having Eric sell the vampire blood made me happy for no other reason than he has an alibi and he wasn't off on his own doing something stupid. I don't like how they portray him as a loose cannon sometimes. I've said it before, and yes I'm going to say it again...Eric is very much the power vampire. He knows his area, he does what he needs to do, but he doesn't go about it in a loose cannon sort of way. He's very methodical in the things he does and how he thinks. He's sort of the man with the plan and while that plan might not be on the same page of music as those he is planning about, it's still a plan.

Now let's talk about that blood for a minute. The way Sophie made it sound she has Eric selling her blood. She said "my blood". Why? Can you track people via vialed blood? I know you can fresh from the source. Weird. It might be interesting to see how that turns out.

And while we're on the subject of Eric, let me just say I'm almost completely convinced that he was the one that abducted Bill at the end of the episode since he told the queen he'd take care of him, though I'm hoping I'm wrong on that front. The gloved hands leads me to believe it was a vampire, since they would need gloves to handle silver since they can't touch it with bare skin, and it sort of looked like the sleeves of the suit Eric was wearing too. Not cool! Eric would never do that. EVER!! In the books Lorena is actually the one that takes off with Bill, or rather calls him to her (you can't refuse the call of your maker) and then holds him captive. Eric actually helps Sookie get him back, though their relationship is forever changed.

Bill sending Sookie the dress also bothered me. Bill doesn't give Sookie gifts EVER! He tries to buy things for her at the first of their relationship in a "You're my woman I will buy you things to mark my territory!" sort of way, but she promptly tells him to back off and that she isn't a kept woman. Eric has bought things for Sookie over the years, but he never did it in a "You're mine!" sort of way. He sees what she needs and he gives it to her. He understands her, and more importantly I think they just connect in a way Sookie has never experienced. I think he might like to give her other things to sort of show people how he feels, but he knows Sookie wouldn't tolerate that. But Bill, no. That entire thing was out of character for Sookie and Bill, though it was a beautiful dress!

I really liked the scene between Jessica and Bill as they both went off for the evening. I like that that relationship is evolving. It's fun to watch.

Now let's talk about the restaurant...The whole restaurant thing was off on so many levels. The first of which being that Bill can't stand to see Sookie eat food and preferred that she do that human necessity when he was not around, so why would he take her to a restaurant, where he'd have no choice but to see her eat, in the first place. Very unBill like!

And now let's get to the scene that griped me the most...The proposal!

There is no proposal! Seriously! Bill NEVER proposed to Sookie and Sookie would never have said yes! Sookie has very definite ideas about family and marriage and they include children. Vamps and humans can not produce children and to be completely honest I don't think Sookie ever felt enough deep down about Bill to even have considered a proposal for a moment had he made one. Later down the line she actually has a discussion in her head about choosing a man after Eric has saved her life (AGAIN...He's the one that always saves her!) and how if he could give her children he would be the perfect mate, though she does resist when Eric tricks her into being vampire married and she resists for the simple reason that it isn't a union that she recognizes, though she finally grasps the importance of the union in terms of Eric being able to protect her later on. She has not ever sat around pondering Bill as a mate or a protector, though he sometimes tries to save her too, but it normally backfires on him. Another out of character moment for Sookie!

This next paragraph sums up my feelings about the show to a tee. I actually copied it verbatim from a response I made to one of my friends on FaceBook, because it sums up what I am feeling overall so well. So read on!

My problem I suppose is that sometimes, and more blatantly than others, they have taken the characters and made them not themselves. I can't seem to reconcile the book characters, which I love, with the TV characters, that I want them to be. I keep watching, because from time to time they give us a glimpse of what it should be, but I'm wondering if it's enough in the end. I think I'm even more disappointed in the last episode now, then when I went to bed last night.

Will I tune in next season? Sure. Will it still bother me? Oh yes! Why? Because I keep hoping against all hopes that the people that have come to life in my mind, will come to life on the screen.

How is it possible that eight years have passed? That horrible morning seems like it was only yesterday. It is important not to forget. We must remember today's sad history and find a way to move forward, while honoring those who died that day. Many people lost their lives and the loss of those lives affected so many other lives. The people lost where husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, loved ones, friends. Each one of them had people that they left behind.

9/11 always brings me sense of melancholy that lingers. I am sure this is the case for many of you as well. My thoughts go out to the families and friends who lost loved ones as this day is even harder for them. Remember not only those who lost their lives, but those who were left behind. It's also important to remember our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan as well.

Today's weather is stoically appropriate for the day. Pause to remember when you get a chance.

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!

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

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!

*****************************************************

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!