SPOILER WARNING!!! Do not read ahead if you have not seen the third episode of True Blood's Season 7 "Fire in the Hole".
Once again a regular character dies while protecting Sookie. Personally, I'm not sure what the appeal of Sookie is, but hey, this show has struggled with having too many secondary characters that are consistently involved in unnecessary side storylines- so maybe a thinning of the herd for the final season isn't a terrible idea.
The episode opens in a yoga class, where the audience is reintroduced to the psychotic Sarah Newlin; portrayed brilliantly by Anna Camp. Apparently dying her hair brown is all it takes for a national celebrity such as Sarah to blend into a crowd and avoid punishment for her creation of the Hepatitis V virus currently plaguing the vampire population. However, I am willing to overlook the ridiculousness of the situation based on Camp's fantastic performance and the fact that Sarah is a compelling, if over the top, character.
Elsewhere, Pam confirms that her progeny Tara really has met the True Death during a conversation with a Hep V infected Eric, who seems quite unconcerned that his own True Death is fast approaching. The emotional intensity that Kristin Bauer van Straten brings to her portrayal of the usually implacable Pam truly resonates with the viewer during this episode, as the feisty vampire implores her maker to keep fighting long enough for a cure to be found. Another plus to this storyline was the return of Nan Flanagan during a flashback to 1986, which saw the deceased Chancellor of the Authority warn Eric and Pam to dial back their open displays of vampirism. However, I did not find Eric's supposed great love affair, with the before now never mentioned Sylvie, believable or even slightly compelling. This storyline was clearly manufactured to introduce the Yakanomo Corporation as an antagonist for the season, and to intertwine the storylines of Eric and Sarah Newlin, who's survival Pam used to motivate her ailing maker into action and is being hunted by the corporation just as Eric and Pam were in 1986.
Meanwhile in Bon Temps, Jessica and Andy manage to free Adilyn and Holly's son Wade, before enlisting the help of Jason and Violet in hunting down the armed townspeople led by Vince, who managed to oust Sam as mayor. In a confrontation with the group, Maxine Fortenberry shoots Jessica, who's healing powers aren't working properly for an as yet unknown reason. In retaliation, Violet kills Maxine in a frightening display that causes the townspeople to flee in fear. I didn't realise how much I had been hoping for Maxine to die until it actually happened, which in turn finally scored Violet a point in my book.
Lafayette and James' storyline continued this week, and remains among the most compelling and emotionally intense relationships explored so far this season. James openly acknowledged the problems in his relationship with Jessica and admitted that he was "groovin" on Lafayette, to quote the flamboyant former drug dealer himself. Coupled with the rocky state of Jason and Violet's relationship, it is clear that the writers intend to bring Jason and Jessica back together by seasons end, as well as give Lafayette the "happily ever after" the audience has always craved for him.
Despite my prayers to the contrary, Lettie Mae continued to wail about her V-induced visions of the deceased Tara, causing her husband Reverend Daniels to ask Willa to leave for the good of his wife. Although I am not a fan of this storyline, considering it unnecessary and insulting to the character of Tara, I did enjoy the tender moment shared between the Reverend and Willa (who seems to have been entirely forgotten by her maker Eric and doesn't really seem to have a purpose in the show despite having been promoted to a series regular).
And finally, Sookie hatched a ridiculous plan with Bill to use herself as "vampire bait" in order to draw out the Hep V infected vampires holding Holly, Arlene and Nicole captive. Sookie's plan surprisingly did work in so far as it resulted in the rescue of Holly, who was herself being used as bait by the infected vamps. Although the timely arrival of Alcide and the rest of the gang resulted in the death of the Hep V vampires, Sookie's plan characteristically backfired when a sudden attack by several of the townspeople led to Alcide being shot and killed. Despite Jessica's offer to turn him, Sookie refused. Although Sookie clearly referenced the drama caused by Tara being turned, part of me felt that her decision may have been based on her inadequate feelings for Alcide, who clearly always loved her much more than she did him. Additionally, Alcide's death was clearly the writers not so subtle means of clearing the path for Sookie and Bill to reunite, despite all the unforgivable "Billith" related things he did last season.
Overall rating: ★★★★
This episode was undoubtedly the strongest of the season so far. The intensity of Kristin Bauer van Straten's portrayal of Pam was an absolute highlight of the episode, as was the brief appearances made by Nan Flanagan and Sarah Newlin. Additionally, the unthreatening Hep V vampires seem to have been taken care of for good, and Holly's rescue means that Sheriff Andy and co. will soon find out that the captives are being held at Fangtasia (obviously!). Overall, most storylines seem to have advanced significantly this episode, which was something sorely lacking from the seasons previous installments, resulting in the story feeling faster paced and more suspenseful. Sadly however, Alcide's death was particularly lacking in emotion, similar to Tara's in the premiere, and was clearly nothing more than a plot point required to push Sookie and Bill together.
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