Aw, Sookie Sookie now.
Look, I love True Blood, but I love it despite a couple of things. There's its strange sort of cheesiness that most of us tend to laugh off and brush over, maybe a little too easily. There's the unspoken-of but still very much there fact of Bill's weird shortness. And, of course, there's Anna Paquin, all toothy and bird-like in the middle there, sullying all of our vampire fun with her whiny neediness, her flaxen little moral certitude that is just no fun whatsoever. What the heck is she doing on this show, this deep-fried experiment in looseness, when she's all wound up and frowny? Well, at least I did wonder this, until last night.
Am I crazy or was Sookie just downright enjoyable last night? And did Anna Paquin not turn in what ended up being a really thorough and eased and lived-in performance? It was definitely a Big Episode of the show, with Maryanne burbling over into abject crazytowne and the aftermath of the Fellowship's silver 'n suicide attack giving all the vamps of Dallas a gut-checking case of existentialism. So it was nice to see my least favorite central character on all of TV live up to the tall order by shedding a few layers of practiced flounciness and just be a person, all of her heart-beating contradictions firmly in place.
I'm thinking specifically about three scenes. The first when she sucks silver out of a supposedly-dying Eric the Dead, then viscerally and comically reacts when she finds out Eric was just tricking her, pulling her into his dangerous, vaguely-Nordic sex thrall. Paquin was chipper and hearty and earnest and funny in the scene--I found myself scratching my head and saying "Is something happening here?" And then something did indeed happen again, at least twice more!
We got a scene with Paquin and her Bondi Beach broheim Jason (Ryan Kwanten, who is always terrific, and always transcending the meaty dopiness of his good looks), reunited after all these episodes, and it was just so tender and nice and honest. Paquin seemed to be opening up, finding new Sookie channels no one, least of all her, knew were there. There was something about her that finally seemed older, finally seemed realistically capable of handling vicious granny attacks and vampire motor inns and religious zealot kidnappings. I finally saw her as an admirably reasonable adult in a wildly unreasonable world. Which is, I guess, how we've been supposed to have been thinking about her all along.
Third and finally there was the wistful, tragic, inevitable moment with suicidal Godric on the roof, where Eric beautifully broke down and the show got the first transfusion of genuine emotion that it's had since... well, since ever. And Paquin did no small part of the heavy lifting there, saying a line like "I"m scared for you"--about Godric's impending burning sensation--with the kind of exacting heartache that we've been looking for all along. "There it is!," I thought. There is an idea this show has been quietly hinting at, finally made flesh: Vampires on this show represent something eternal and oddly hopeful, but they're also just so sad. The absence of death is a kind of bigger death. And there are humans who are struggling to comprehend all this eternal strangeness. And there Sookie/Anna was on the roof, murmuring the beautiful lines written by Nancy Oliver, and the heavens just cracked open and I was, splayed out on my couch, suddenly in love with the character, with the performance.
Now, I'm sure this swell will recede next week. Probably next week Sookie will be obstinate and stubborn and dumb for no reason. Probably next week Paquin will make that curious clicking/breathing sound that she usually makes and once again I'll want to hide under the covers until it's someone else's scene. But at least there was last night, one moment where I could kind of shrug my shoulders and say OK, I sort of get it. That's probably mostly due to Scott Winant's light and airy direction, and to Oliver's sterling script, but still, good on you, little Kiwi. You did good.
What'd you think? Do you share my Paquin peevishness? Or has she been doing it for you all along?
Comments (34)
It's her fake southern accent, a true southerner doesn't sound like Sookie(Anna) and her rushing thru her lines makes it worse. Southerners talk slow, and by the way, Bill sounds like a real old time southern gentleman
How good is this show if most of us absolutely love it despite the actors that do the main characters? Somebody doesnt like Sookie/Paquin, others Bill/Moyer ... weird, ha? I cant stand Sookie (maybe because of the teeth thing), but i absolutely love Eric and agree thath the break down on the roof was beautiful and the silver sucking scene made me smile.
Of course I had read the books. Why bother expressing my opinion then? I didn't say she couldn't act. Shes an Oscar winner and an Emmy winner. I give her kudos for that. I just didn't feel she was the right actress to play Sookie. Its not who I imagined. I read these books way before the show even existed and I am a huge fan of the books, more than the show. The show definitely doesn't take itself seriously. There are some things I have seen that are just ridiculous, but the show is addicting. I want to see whats going to happen next!! If you think Anna is good as Sookie? Then more power to ya. That's your opinion which I respect. I'm sticking to my opinion like gum on paper. But at least we can say, the show is worth watching.moreless
Have you read the books? They're totally tongue in cheek, a show about vampires and shapeshifters and fairies is always going to be circling the drain of cheesiness. Like the books, the show doesn't take itself seriously. I think Anna Paquin is good as Sookie -- the character in the show is a little different than the novels but that's a given. I think her acting is ok... at least she looks the part. *shrug*
My sister said Sookie is the most appropriately named character on TV. I could only laugh and agree. With all the poor dialogue and mediocre acting, I don't know why I am so hooked. It's probably all the sex and vampires.
Anna Paquin is like nails on a chalkboard. I never liked the fact that they picked her to play our beloved Sookie. I adore the Sookie Stackhouse character in the books. I actually find the Sookie in the books quite funny. The Sookie in Trueblood is just disappointing. I can't stand the faces she makes when she tries to look emotional. I don't even like the faces she makes when she speaks. I think they just picked her cause she had a nice rack lol!! I just expected her to be just like in the books. So, sorry Anna Paquin and to her fans if there is any. I am just expressing my opinions since I adore the books. But anyway, enough said.I have to agree with the article. Anna Paquin made me laugh when she was sucking the silver out of Eric. I also loved the way she called him an A-hole. That was funny. The scene with Godric on the roof was also a good Sookie moment. But, I just hope she starts getting connected with the Sookie character. Its like she is trying to act the way she feels the character should be, and that to me is what I find annoying. Has Anna ever bothered to read at least one book?Bill, Eric, Sam, Jason, and even Pam are just the way I imagined them to be. They act just like the characters from the books. Hopefully, from what I saw on episode 9, Anna will start acting like the Sookie we love. Not the Sookie Anna loves, because it sucks. LOL!!moreless
I love the books AND the show. It's a good show with a stellar ensemble cast. This last episode was fantastic (except for the Maryann-related parts, which were just okay for me). Between Sookie's dream and that rooftop scene, I barely made it through the entire episode without breaking down.I like book-Sookie, but show-Sookie has really annoyed me. I still cannot decide if it the writing or Paquin's acting. I do know that the character does too much shrieking, screaming & stomping around and Paquin rushes her lines quite a bit. I laughed when I read that Sookie is the author's "least favorite central character on all of TV" because it is true for me as well.BUT! True Blood is STILL appointment TV.
Had to comment on the "weird shortness" statement. Not because I'm some freak Moyer fan but because how can someone be weirdly short? Unless they are a little person? And only to people who have phobias about little people. I know people who do. Anyway I digress. A little reading up on Alexander Skarsgard (Eric) tells me he's 6'4. Moyer's the same height as the guy that plays Sam and I believe the same height as Jason. Remember their hug? So, I guess, according to you, they are all weirdly short. Or maybe it's Eric who has the height weirdness going on? Second I found Sookie and her dialogue completely ridiculous at times. She was good with the end scene though. I think the writers have lost the plot though. Didn't we have a whole storyline last year about Jason being a V user. Didn't he get high off of just ONE drop? And let's not even get into what happened to his dear friend down below. So how is it that Ms. Sookie, who isn't injured etc., has a few drops and nothing happens. WTF? At least address it if she is somehow immune to it. I don't get it.
For the height comparison: Just for comparison (http://www.fancast.com/blogs/wp-content/post_images/Big-Blog-Template-True-Blood-cast.jpg)moreless
The character / the actor... both of them are downright disappointing... I don't necessarily blame the actor - I blame the writer, even though I like the show (generally)... they could axe the character altogether and still not be missing much.
bill being short makes him more menacing because of the napoleon complex that he displays around eric. it's like sookie is curly's wife in "of mice & men." the final scene was the only good thing, eric breaking down & her line that you quoted. finally something good. it was moving but as for her drinking eric's blood? that was the stupidest scene yet. we've seen that something as small as a necklace can incapacitate a vampire if made of silver. but bill says that eric would have healed without sookie's help? a little consistency please! oh, & why would anyone suck out shrapnel, it's not a snake bite! use your fingers! such an incredibly dumb scene.
I find it rather odd that someone can watch the show and hate the main character of the show. Why bother watching TB in the first place. As for Sookie I absolutely LOVE HER CHARACTER.
People....listen....its not Sookie.....its BILL that is the most annoying karakter of ALL time. In the show and in the books.
I believe the last scene Anna P. really shined because she was able to play off Allan H. and Alex S. who are phenomenal actors. This was probably my favorite episode of non-annoying Sookie.
am i the only one who found myself in a panicky lust spiral after/during that eric and sookie in bed scene? that was truly one of the hottest moments in this already superhot show, their sexual connection was always teasing us but now it has finally been set in stone. also, thank you for bringing up bill's shortness. it's more disturbing than anna's annoyingness and when i saw sookie and eric together i knew once and for all what i had been trying to avoid: that it was bill along. bill was the gross one. bill's the old one. bill's the one who made all their scenes go beyond just annoying, into the realms of tedious and icky.
I personally love both Anna, the character Sookie and Anna AS Sookie. I know a lot of people "hate" her for some reason or another but that's just how it is. But whether people hate her or love her, the important thing is (especially in showbiz, right?) that people are sitting up and taking notice, talking about her, reacting so strongly to her/her performance. One thing I think most people agree on though is that Godric stole every scene that he was in. The character was one of the strongest for me and the role was perfectly cast, IMHO. The few times he was on screen, even when he wasn't saying anything, his presence was just so powerful, compelling. I will really miss Godric and what he brought to the show. I have to say though, that last scene with him facing the sunrise was truly beautiful but I wish he hadn't opened his shirt to the sun and held his arms out like that. That was really a bit too cheesy and cliche. It sort of took me out of the moment and lessened the emotional impact a little for me. Oh well, that was probably the director's call.moreless
I agree. That final scene was very well done. I also think, perhaps, that she is better with actors other than Stephen Moyers (or whatever his name is.) Their story line forces both of them to be drips.
I have to disagree with the recap.
My girlfriend and her friends are completly obsessed with this show which was already a strike against it for me. she made me watch the first season on dvd with her and this season so far and i have to say it is terrible. There are a few enjoyable things but for the most part i have not once cared about any of the characters or storylines at all. I know that some of the corniness is supposed to be there but every episode is cheesy as hell and terribly acted. the writers seem to be in first grade. I have always looked at Anna Paquin as a B-list actress and someone who got lucky getting one good part when she was what like 12? i think she makes this show even worse to watch. When Eric started sobbing and whining on the roof it was the most unbelieveable thing i've seen on the show yet! overacted as hell and failed to make any emotional response come..
Maybe im just differnt but i cant stand this show(and am forced to watch it every sunday..i feel i now know what hell is like)moreless
The actor who plays Eric stole that scene on top of the roof. I did not see that coming. it was amazing.
IMO Anna has been brilliant throughout the series, Dunno and don't care why you think otherwise. i also find the "little kiwi" comment to be somewhat derogatory towards NZlanders because of the context of the article. Moving on to yesterdays episode Ryan(Jason) was awesome as ever. Sad that Godric died, but in it they gotta scene that will be a serious contender in the Emmys and Golden Globes. The emotions of Eric was also a welcome sight, he has been to cold even for a vamp and now they have added more color/dimension to the character. The only plot line I do not particularly enjoy is the Sam/Marianne story. Just cant seem to comprehend why shes chasing after him so much. Overall I feel that the show is moving in a more serious direction and potentially can be a contender with the likes of BSG or Sopranos in becoming one of the truly great shows. But the again potential is the one thing that TV Executives never care about and producers like to let go to waste.moreless
she was naked for some more than just a sec, that's why people like her now haha
i always felt that Anna (which of cos means Sookie) isn't like...in sync with the momentum of other characters' dialogue. There are certain times i feel that she should have slowed down or...used less words...or change the tone of her voice during certain events. I guess i can understand where he's coming from in the 'bird-like' part. Bill is the other character I feel the same thing also...not sure cause the actor is trying so hard to rid his accent to be American sounding...The other characters are fantastic and their flow is there...just these 2 have this...weird thing going on.However, i dun really think it's such a big problem till u have to hate her.
Sookie is a very good character, she's by far not my favorite, and she's one of those leads that need a bunch of good supporting characters to fully come to justice, but she is indeed a well written character. She's very special and knows what she wants, I love her burst outs and the fact she's not always right. Sure enough a heroine I'd be rooting for. Last eppi was nothing different then the usual Sookie, though her scene with Jason was series defining.
I still say the books are better.
There's always something to be said for reading more, watching television less. Some of these comments rather prove the point.
I love sookie I so hope that she gets with eric and dumps bill
Four things:Why is this under "News"?Dont agree about hating Sookie.Why even watch the the show when you seem to hate everything?What the heck does calling someone "little Kiwi" mean?
Since I am a HUGE fan of the books (I have listened to the audio books SEVERAL times) Ihave had a bit of a hard time to stand what I see as the lack of brain, or maybe common sense, that Sookie shows in True Blood.
I think Anna is doing a good job, with one exception; the way she moves her head all the time when she talks to Bill. Like she is trying to be overly sweet and sincere...
In last episode she was great and so were also Alexander Skarsgard!
Since I am a Swede I could get “the whole picture†when he was crying on the roof with Godric/Alan Hyde.
Its actually fun listening when he, and Kristin Bauer as Pam, speaks Swedish!!! ;)
Wow! I agree that Anna Paquin was wonderful last night, and I agree its probably her best work so far on the series. But as for the hate-on over the rest of her work, well...we'll just have to agree to disagree...True Blood is ALL of its key characters, ALL of the time.
Richard, why do you even watch the show? You say the show is cheesy, you don't like the main character or Anna... I guess any ol jerkwad can throw up a wall of text and get it put on the main page.
By the way Anna and her Sookie have been great from ep 1 of this series.
When I saw the sentance, "Normally we're not fans of either Anna Paquin or her character Sookie", I knew it had to be written by either Stephanie Lee or Richard Lawson, I don't think I have disagreed with more articles written by either of these two than anyone I ever read.
It did make sense for Godric to die, no matter how much we all liked him. At least I did. He was just tired. Sookie did do a great job.
As a female, I have to remark on the great scene with the naked Eric. Were my eyes the only ones bugging out and my lips pleading "turn on your back"?
I cried my eyes out the screen with Godric, Eric and Sookie totally agree with you last night episode is one of those episodes that never forgets
I agree!! I thought last nights episode was one of the best ever for this show. Especially the last scene with Godric in particular. I was angry they got rid of this character so fast - but it made for a great episode. Hopefully the rest of the season will finish out this way and be just as great.