True Blood Episode 4: Meet Eric the Vampire

In this episode Dawn, another of Jason’s women, is murdered which causes Jason to be placed at the top of the murder suspect list. If you’ll remember, Jason was arrested in Episode 2 in connection with Maude’s murder, another of his conquests. He’s arrested again in this episode but the police and townspeople become suspicious of his involvement in the murders because he was intimate with each victim right before their deaths.  On top of that a neighbor witnesses a fight between Jason and Dawn the night of the murder (which involved a gun) and reports this information to the police.  Because things look grim for Jason Sookie’s grandmother asks her to use her special talent (reading other people’s minds) to see if she can determine the identity of the true killer.

Other highlights include:

Jason’s “Big” Vampire Blood Side Effect:

In Episode 3 Jason obtains vampire blood from Lafayette, the short order cook at Merlotte’s , in exchange for dancing in his underwear in front of a video camera.  When Jason is arrested by the police and placed in the back seat of the police car he realizes that he still has the vial of blood in his pants pocket.  He panicks and drinks the entire vial of blood, even though he’d been warned not to take more than 2 drops at a time.

Later in the episode he realizes the blood has affected a certain body part that appears to be increasing in size at an alarming rate.  It’s only because of Tara that he seeks medical attention.

Tara Rescues Jason:

Tara visits the police station and determines that Jason had not been properly mirandized when arrested.  She also reminds the police that Jason is entitled to legal representation, and that they have to release him if they don’t have anything to charge him with.  She also provides him with an alibi by telling the police that Jason was with her on the night of the murder.  Her intimidation skills pay off and she’s able to take Jason with her.

Introducing Eric Northman:

This episode introduces us to Eric Northman, the blond sexy vampire who owns the Shreveport vampire bar Fangtasia. Sookie asks Bill to take her to Fangtasia to see if she can read the minds of the patrons and identify the person responsible for killing Dawn and Maude.  Although she isn’t able to get any information on the identity of the killer she does get to meet Eric Northman, a former Viking vampire who’s sitting alone in the shadows.  Their exchange is brief but before they part Sookie warns Eric that the bar will be raided.  Eric is curious about Sookie’s abilities but they all flee the bar just as the police arrive.

If you’ve read the Charlaine Harris books you know that Eric is a key character in the series. Sure he’s attracted to Sookie but more importantly, it’s Eric that provides much of the wit and comedic elements in the books. It’s also through Eric that we learn more about the true nature (and powers) of vampires. I’ve read all of the books and I can tell you that Eric is hands down my most favorite character. I’m glad to see that Alan Ball cast an actor (Alexander Skarsgård) that closely resembles the Eric from the books, based on Charlaine Harris’ description.

Bill’s Threat:

After leaving Fangtasia Sookie and Bill pull over so Sookie can calm down.  While there they’re approached by a police officer who pulls a gun on Bill once he realizes he’s a vampire.  Bill “glamorizes” the police officer, takes his gun, and threatens him, telling him to never point a gun at a vampire again.  This is a darker side of Bill we’ve not seen thus far.  Sookie is speechless at his actions.

Sam’s Attraction to Dawn’s Sheets:

The last scene in the episode shows Sam putting on latex gloves, going into Dawn’s house, entering her bedroom, and rolling around and sniffing her bedsheets, on the very bed on which she was murdered.

Alan Ball once again leaves us with a mystery that we’ll no doubt want to learn more about in the next episode.  Smart man.  I’ll definitely be watching.

See also: True Blood Episode 5: Bill Remembers His Past