by Melissa Haggar
After an enjoyable episode last week, it seems True Blood has reverted back into the lands of the dreary and dull, with an episode where nothing actually really happens...at all. Sure, there are some events, but they seem more like one-off’s, with the episode not being nearly as cohesive as last week’s. The episode drags on at an uneven pace, with scattered events that offer no real progression for the story following the death of the HEP-V vampires in the last episode. This was a major event, and one which offered resolution – but now it would seem there are no new events left to unfold (apart from what is going to happen to Eric – will he meet the true death, or will people find a cure?), and the ones that are, are probably going to be left until the last episode.
After an enjoyable episode last week, it seems True Blood has reverted back into the lands of the dreary and dull, with an episode where nothing actually really happens...at all. Sure, there are some events, but they seem more like one-off’s, with the episode not being nearly as cohesive as last week’s. The episode drags on at an uneven pace, with scattered events that offer no real progression for the story following the death of the HEP-V vampires in the last episode. This was a major event, and one which offered resolution – but now it would seem there are no new events left to unfold (apart from what is going to happen to Eric – will he meet the true death, or will people find a cure?), and the ones that are, are probably going to be left until the last episode.
A rather ironic title, ‘Lost Cause’ seems to reflect this particular episode and sadly what the season is slowly morphing in to, despite a promising couple of episodes. Unfortunately as we hit the midway point in the season, it seems to be that the series has fallen back on predictable plot points and jumbled up events that don’t really make much sense in comparison to other more comprehensible episodes. The whole affair feels contrived and it seems to be that the writers are desperately trying to shift characters into their proper places in order to set things on a path towards the final episodes. Whilst the previous episode was promising, ‘Lost Cause’ seems to be a step backwards, in the form of an episode which has its humorous and enjoyable moments clouded by the dreary pace and pointless flashbacks. Whilst the flashbacks featuring Pam and Eric may have had something to actually do with the construction of the previous episode, the Bill flashbacks seem grossly out of place, and dare I say it, boring.
Among all this drudgery and death, there are, however, some more enlightening moments; Arlene and Sookie’s moment discussing the death of Alcide and Terry is particularly hard-hitting. Carrie Preston’s performance saves the episode, by providing one of the more touching moments of the episode. It’s great to see Paquin’s Sookie and Preston’s Arlene have these moments amidst the season, as the two characters haven’t nearly had enough time to connect since Season One (where her beau tried to kill Sookie), and it’s definitely pleasing to see the two characters together, once again, united.
Among all this drudgery and death, there are, however, some more enlightening moments; Arlene and Sookie’s moment discussing the death of Alcide and Terry is particularly hard-hitting. Carrie Preston’s performance saves the episode, by providing one of the more touching moments of the episode. It’s great to see Paquin’s Sookie and Preston’s Arlene have these moments amidst the season, as the two characters haven’t nearly had enough time to connect since Season One (where her beau tried to kill Sookie), and it’s definitely pleasing to see the two characters together, once again, united.
There are other moments of light amongst the disappointing episode, Lafayette and James seem to have some of the most natural chemistry on the show (which is surprising) and the two certainly seem at ease with each other, and it’s more of the rare things that actually work on the show without too much force. Likewise, Pam and Eric manage to inject some humour into the episode and although the duo can’t fuel the episode entirely, their moments together, whilst on their quest to find Sarah Newlin, are some of the most pleasing of ‘Lost Cause’. Although it’s been said before, now that the two have a goal they can achieve before Eric’s possible death, they are truly back on form, and Bauer van Straten and Skarsgard have undeniably great chemistry, also.
On the whole, a rather disappointing follow-up to a great episode last week, let’s hope that the rest of the True Blood season manages to wriggle its way out of the hole it seems to have created for itself. Hopefully the next episode will have more forward momentum.
On the whole, a rather disappointing follow-up to a great episode last week, let’s hope that the rest of the True Blood season manages to wriggle its way out of the hole it seems to have created for itself. Hopefully the next episode will have more forward momentum.
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