It’s the beginning of the end as our beloved HBO vampire series draws to a close.
When we last left off, the people of Bon Temps had agreed to the “one vampire to every human” plan, put in motion by the new mayor, Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell). The plan provides protection for the humans from the H-Vamps (infected vampires), and in return a steady meal for the vampires. Citizens gathered at the human-vampire mixer held outside of the Bellefleur’s, and just when it seemed like a trust was made between the two species, a group of rogue H-Vamps crashed the party.
Directed by series star Stephen Moyer, the season 7 premiere picks up right in the middle of a chaotic blood bath. A slew of humans and vampires are brutally murdered within the first two minutes of the episode. And be prepared for an unexpected death that sets the tone for the final season. As we saw last year, our beloved Terry Bellefleur (Todd Lowe) was the first main character who passed. After the season opener, we’re reminded that anything can happen and anyone can die.
The season starts off with a battle between the Bon Temps and H-Vamps. New friends and relationships have been made. Sookie (Anna Paquin) is now with Alcide (Joe Manganiello), a safe choice for the girl that every vampire wants, but it doesn’t look like all of her feelings for Bill (Moyer) have quite faded away. Jason (Ryan Kwanten) belongs to Violet (Karolina Wydra), a domineering vampire who saved him from being feed on by hundreds of blood thirsty female vamps. Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) is in a surprisingly healthy relationship with new hottie vampire, James (Nathan Parsons). If you’re wondering why something seems different about Jess’ brooding beau she met while being captured last season, it’s because he is a totally different actor. Due to his recent casting in the anticipated 50 Shades of Grey film, Luke Grimes has been “subtly” replaced by Nathan Parsons.
The search for Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) continues. Did he get burned to a crisp, or is he just hiding out? All we know is Pamela (Kristin Bauer Van Straten) won’t quit until she knows what happened to her maker.
It is set up to be an exciting final season, and an unpredictable one at that. Let’s just hope the series finale serves a pleasurable bite that leaves us with a satisfying after taste for the months following.
True Blood returns on June 22.
The romance isn’t bottled up in one little attic this time around. Cathy, who is now played by a sensual Rose McIver (The Lovely Bones), may be in love with her brother, but she’s able to heat up the television screen with ANY man she’s making love to. Sadly, that temperature is only one-sided when she is embraced with Christopher. Wyatt Nash (Pretty Little Liars) plays the stoic brother who gives a lifeless and disappointing performance. Luckily, if you keep your eyes on Cathy you might not be able to notice, and either way you still root for this disturbing relationship. An emotionally scarred Carrie is impressively performed by Bailey Buntain (Bunheads) and both Ellen Burstyn and Heather Graham reprise their roles as the children’s wicked grandmother and devious mom.
In Eliza Hittman’s debut feature, we follow Lila (Gina Piersanti), a fourteen year old, spending a hot summer in a blue-collar Brooklyn neighborhood away from the city. Often tagging along with her best friend Chiara (Giovanna Salimeni) and her boyfriend, Lila is the awkward and quiet third wheel. But as she is riding in the back seat of her friend’s love life, she is taking detailed mental notes of what she feels she should be experiencing with a guy as well. Cue the first semi attractive boy that acknowledges her! Yup, meet Sammy, the “bad boy” with a reputation to sleep around. Seems like the perfect guy for Lila to fixate on for the rest of summer. Completely delusional in her endless attempt to pursue Sammy, Lila puts herself at risk in multiple situations.
The fresh cast led by Gina Piersanti is naturally effortless in their roles playing genuine teens dealing with sex, urges, and curiosity. Characters like these have a tendency to be overacted. It was nice to see Hittman’s powerful script didn’t get ruined by heavily dramatic performances. And though you will probably be yelling at Piersanti’s character, she does a fantastic job as Lila, ranging from the harmless school girl crush to becoming the borderline Swimfan. The uncomfortable squirming from Lila’s naïve actions will all be worth it after seeing this film.
Morse does a decent job as the enraged detective hunting his prey. It is his unknown motive and all his actions before catching Simon that make you lack care and empathy for his character. He just comes off as a psychotic, dirty cop. Although, if the goal was to have you sympathize with Monteith’s character as a lost, orphaned druggy that has seemingly changed his ways since prison, then mission accomplished.
