Blogger Kell Harker can't help but blush from all the nakedness in True Blood, episode three. [WARNING: Contains spoilers]
2.03 "Scratch My Back" (alternatively: "Scratches")
Written by Raelle Tucker
Directed by Scott Winant
THE ONE WHERE Sookie is attacked by a strange bull-thing. At the Light of Day retreat, Jason realizes he still has a soft-spot for vampires. Sookie makes a deal with Eric in order to free Lafayette.
VERDICT There’s a new creature lurking in the woods, although we only get a quick glimpse of it: a body like Lady Gaga, the head of a bull, and fingernails that are in serious need of a manicure. Seeing the lanky silhouette of the creature surrounded by the dimly lighted atmosphere of the forest was creepy. And it’s a bit of a tease not knowing exactly what this creature is.
Jason’s nightmare about vamp Eddie Gautier was brilliantly done, highlighting his inner-conflict about liking / not liking vampires, and his guilt about Eddie being staked by Amy. Eddie Gautier was one of the most interesting and original characters from the first season, so it was a pleasant surprise to see him again, even if it was only in a dream sequence.
The show obviously saves on wardrobe costs as there’s plenty of nakedness, although not much actual sex happens. It’s hard to watch this episode and not blush, and at times perhaps they should leave certain parts to the audience’s imagination. The one thing that Maryann’s party needs however, is a better DJ. With a theme song that easily gets stuck in your head, this episode deserves a soundtrack that would make you want to want to get up off the couch, and join in the dancing.
It might have been fun to see Lafayette turned into a vampire, but we can’t always get what we want. Instead this wonderfully flamboyant character seems to be a bit broken after being tortured by Eric. It was heartbreaking to watch him curl into a fetal position.
CULTISH CONGREGATION Almost the entire town of Bon Temps engage in promiscuity when Maryann hosts an evening party at her mansion. Has she put something in the town’s drinking water?
OUCH! Sookie receives a poisonous scratch on her back when a mysterious creature attacks her in the woods. She’ll need more than Polysporin and a butterfly band-aid to save her, so Bill has no choice but to enlist Eric’s help. The wound on Sookie’s back is so nasty, that it may have you turning your eyes away from the screen and saying, “Eww!”
BEST LINE Hoyt: “You should try the chicken fried steak. It's like a chicken and a steak got together and made a baby. A delicious, crispy baby.”
This episode reviewed by SFX in issue 186 (five stars). For more True Blood blogs and reviews, click on the True Blood tag on this page.
