"I Smell a Rat" is one of those True Blood episodes where all the cliffhangers and hints stop. Make no mistake, there are plenty of answers for viewers to contemplate, but the climax is still to come.
Jesus and Lafayette
Okay, it's a little cheap to reveal both characters' backstory in one fell swoop with a hallucination, but it does clear the air surrounding the connection between the two. Whether you call them conjurers or witches, it seems both Jesus and Lafayette have some tie to magic. Still, I don't recall Lafayette ever showing any inclinations to the supernatural. And while we're on the subject, does Jesus' knowledge of his ancestry mean he has more experience in the area?
Frankly, I don't think Lafayette needs any supernatural boost (like so many of the characters on the show) to remain an interesting character, but I'm curious to see what this new revelation brings to the table.
Tara and Jason
Given how little screentime Tara and Jason have shared over the course of the series, it's no surprise that their chemistry feels slightly forced. I'm happy to see Jason's secret out in the open, because this gives the character room to explore other avenues. As for Tara, all I can say is good luck, because the girl does not catch a break.
One avenue that's been established for Jason this episode is the one we've all been waiting for. At last, it is revealed that Crystal and her clan are werepanthers. This gives the annoyingly childish Crystal something more to work with, and gives the annoyingly childish Jason something more to work with as well. At least we understand a bit more about her counterintuitive mentality on family.
Sam
While it's clear Sam is exploring his dark side this episode, I feel like his flashbacks did little to move his character along. His choice between pushover Sam and dark Sam puts him in a problematic wedge, because neither Sam is particularly likable in my books.
Tommy, Jessica and Hoyt
While this episode reignited the fan-favorite Jessica and Hoyt, it does quite the opposite for Tommy, who continues to be the eyesore of the show. It is unclear what Tommy's intentions are in putting himself between Jessica and Hoyt. It could just be pure lust for Jessica, or it could be something more sinister. Either way, he's a douche and the show would do well to toss the character aside after this season.
Sookie, Eric and Bill
Yes, Sookie is a fairy, but at least the show has enough self-awareness to make fun of it. The good news is, this officially puts Sookie at the top of the list, both in terms of my curiosity over her supernatural abilities and her importance on the show. Yes, Sookie is known to ruffle some feathers with her big mouth, but no one can deny her place at center stage on True Blood.
However, this may not do wonders for the love triangle. If we're looking at it from a logical standpoint, Sookie's best option to dump both flames so she can be with someone who is not a Sookie-blood addict. Right now, it's all kinds of passionate and confused, but that can only go so far.
I know, enter Alcide.
As far as moving the plot along, "I Smell a Rat" is by far the most productive episode to date. With only two more episodes to go, True Blood has had a consistently solid season.
Rating: 8.7/10
Comments
Disagree with you on Sam - dark Sam is infinitely more interesting than pushover Sam. At least dark Sam has energy; the will and ability to act. For two seasons, the character has been a (by Bontemp's very low standards) averagely intelligent, level-headed guy who never does anything but react to the things around him. This season he finally went off to try to do his own thing - and we are now supplied with flashbacks explaining why he has not been doing his own thing in a long, long while. I approve, and find I can finally enjoy a plot not centred on Lafayette or Eric at least slightly.
Ironically, then, I completely agree with you regarding Lafayette. I do not see why on Earth he needs to be given paranormal abilities and/or inclinations. The show has precious few normals as is - I believe we are only left with the redhead-waiter, her boyfriend, Hoyt, Andy and Jason at this point. The new waitress turns out to be a witch (if so far a rather mundane, real-life sort of witch), and even Tara has never had her demonic possession stuff completely refuted in my book. The show does not need more supernatural characters - and Lafayette certainly does not need this either. Hopefully, this will cause an interesting plot and more focus on the character, which could only be good - but I still remain skeptical indeed.
(continued)
Jason and Tara - my only comment is that god, I hope they do not have children. Such ungodly offspring would very likely not have the intelligence to figure out how to breathe.
Sigh. The show finally introduces a cool new character out of nowhere who consistently has me literally squeeing with "man, this guy is so much FUN" in James Frain's Franklin, and then he is in, what, three episodes before they kill him as an afterthought. But these two morons who murdered the poor guy, them I have to watch weekly. Oh, well.
Tommy might be a douche, but compared to the inane behaviour of the Stackhouse siblings and the World's Favourite Punching Bag Tara, I do not mind him in the least. At least he is not stupid. Childish, petty, conceited, yes. But this is acknowledged by other characters, and will as such be dealt with in the plot. Right now I worry that he plans to murder Hoyt, which would be a loss, but at least it would be a darn interesting one considering the results on Sam and Jessica. And in the meanwhile, he is giving both Sam and Jessica (who has quickly become my favourite female character on this show) a nice foil to play their scenes against.
And I loved the ending. Eric's personal feelings for Sookie, going far beyond any fascination with her magic blood, might be inexplicable, but at least his character acknowledges that her ridiculously short sighted behaviour needs to be addressed.
Thanks for the review! :D
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!