Having recently finished re-watching the third season of True Blood, I thought I'd post with my thoughts on it. Although just as enjoyable as the previous two runs, the third year is wildly uneven at times. I don't know if this is due to jumping from one character's storyline to the other, or something else entirely. But, it can be a little frustrating especially when you consider how more cohesive everything could be.
Sookie Stackhouse
Sookie goes through quite an emotional journey, picking up where the previous season left off with her determined to find the kidnapped Bill. Unfortunately, her quest borders on blind obsession with Sookie heedless of the danger she puts those around her in. Interestingly, the series decides to bring forward the revelation of Sookie's half-faerie heritage from the novels. And this actually becomes a far more interesting development than her rushing mindlessly into danger.
Bill Compton
As much as I want to like Bill, I find the character tedious and dull. At least there's the excitement of learning the truth about his pursuit of Sookie, and the betrayal she feels is powerful and intense. However, I do find it more than a little aggravating that she doesn't take him to task beforehand over not helping Tara during her imprisonment.
Sam Merlotte
Nice, dependable Sam is revealed to be not all he seems when flashbacks show him in a darker and surprising light. That's about the most exciting aspect of his character, as the story of him tracking down his seedy birth family could not be any more predictable.
Eric Northman
This really felt like Eric's season as we learn even more about his past, as well as seeing hidden depths only hinted at the previous year. Alexander Skarsgรคrd plays the role to perfection with his presence alone electrifying every scene he's in. Eric is a far more dynamic character than Bill, multilayered and mysterious. It is little wonder Sookie begins to think more of him throughout the season.
Jason Stackhouse
Poor Jason. He starts out tortured over having shot Tara's lover Eggs, only to find himself in the middle of an inbred Redneck soap opera when he falls for the enigmatic Crystal. I actually found the whole love story a bit on the boring side. The only time it perked up for me was when Jason discovered that Crystal was, in fact, a were-panther.
Tara Thornton
If Tara had a bad year being pulled into Maryann's malignant orbit, then nothing could have prepared her for Franklin Mott, a psychopathic vampire with designs on her becoming his bride. Kidnapped, raped, and on the verge of insanity, Tara actually comes out of her ordeal a much stronger character than we've seen previously. Her hatred of all things supernatural (and with good reason) and reeling from a truckload of emotional shit ultimately leads to her leaving Bon Temps.
Lafayette Reynolds
Strangely, it's the characters on the periphery of Sookie's story that get the most interesting plotlines. Here, we learn more about Lafayette (brilliantly played by Nelsan Ellis) including his ailing mother and that he might be supernatural himself. Introducing a love interest for him in the form of Jesus, who turns out to be a witch, leads him on a path that seems destined to open him up to powers he never realized he had.
Jessica Hamby
One of my most favorites characters (played by the lovely and talented Deborah Ann Woll) continues to impress and be more engaging as she and Hoyt Fortenberry finally reconnect despite the machinations of his mother, Maxine. I find Woll imminently watchable, with a charisma that few actors have to draw you in.
Alcide Herveaux
A standout addition to the cast, this hunky werewolf finds himself drafted into protecting Sookie and ultimately falling for her despite still having feelings for his cheating, white-trash girlfriend Debbie.
Pam Swynford De Beaufort
I always find myself wanting to see more of Pam, as Kristin Bauer brings the character to life so deliciously. Pam herself is put through the emotional wringer, first being tortured by the sinister Magister and then showing a rare tender side when it seems as if Eric might sacrifice himself in order to dispose of Russell.
Russell Edgington
Last but not least is season three's main villain, the King of Louisiana and a 3000 year-old vampire. He turns out to be quite a formidable foe, particularly after Eric kills his lover, Talbot, and Russell's mind snaps. Denis O'Hare is amazing in the role, as you really do believe he is capable of anything. And I have to make special note of the gruesome and realistic burn make-up utilized in the finale.
As I prepare for the fourth season, a lot of questions are left hanging: particularly the double cliff-hanger of Bill vs. Sophie-Anne, while Sookie disappears with Claudine...
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