*SPOILERS AHEAD*

True Blood has been quite a ride over the past two seasons. Between the serial killers, shape shifters, vampires, religious zealots, an ancient maenad, and the wild orgies, the town of Bon Temps has become quite the hot spot of activity. True Blood’s big season finale last night give us a satisfying end to the Mary-Ann menace plaguing the town, and still had half an episode left to leave us wanting more.

What I Loved:
The Dialogue:
Many of the characters in this episode had fantastic one-liners that had me in stitches in between the jaw dropping moments that moved the story forward. A few examples:
Jason naming his hand gun “Kid Glock”
“Mt. Dew, great choice.”
“I’d wear him like a scrunchie.”
The true return of Lafayette:
After the events at Sookie’s house, it appears Bon Temps resident V dealer has started returning to normal. I realize he has gone through traumatic events, but I missed the light hearted nature his character brought to this very dark world. Also, having Lafayette as a brides maid wearing a dress was a hilarious touch.
The Death of a Maenad:
Wow! What a great way to kill off Maryann. I loved the visual of her being gored by a giant bull, and then seeing Sam’s arm covered in black “blood.” I was sure Sam shifted his heart to a different part of his body. Having him drink Bill’s blood was even better as it now allows Bill to track Sam.
Scrambled Eggs:
I was sad to see Eggs die, but having Jason pull the trigger is brilliant.
Quickie at the Truckstop:
I loved seeing Jessica draining the trucker. After she assaulted Hoyt’s “momma”, she finally got a taste for human blood… and she wants more.
“It’s Diet Coke and lime!”:
Glad Andy got his badge back. I was tired of seeing him getting shit on by the entire plot of the story.
Paquin is Back!
After a season of shaky dialogue delivered by Anna Paquin, she delivered a fantastic performance in this episode! Highlights include dialogue at the beginning of the episode with Maryann, her reactions to Bill turning over Sam to Maryann, and her powerful performance at the end of the episode when Bill proposed to her.

What I Disliked:
I’m Using My Chance:
What is the infatuation with Yahtzee? It’s distracting and I would think a vampire Queen would have better/important/more interesting things to do.
What Shotguns?:
After all the talk about strategy and tactics, Andy and Jason just walk into a crowd of people they have witnessed on multiple occasions doing violent things. It doesn’t really add up.
Someone is Whipped!:
Sookie tells a very weak Bill to clean up Maryann’s body. When did Bill become Sookie’s bitch?
Poor Tara:
I know I listed Eggs death in the liked category, but at the same time, I am sad to see him go. When is Tara going to cut a break?
Anti-Climatic:
After hearing the Queen tell Erik she wanted him to take care of Bill, I knew something would happen to him by the end of the episode. The larger climax in the episode was the death of Eggs, so the emotion in the episode felt like it was placed awkwardly.

Questions:
Why is Sookie always ready to jump in the sack immediately after a traumatic experience?
Will Jason Stackhouse become Officer Stackhouse?
Bill proposed to Sookie. So somewhere in the U.S. it’s ok for vampires to get married to humans, but gay people still can’t get married?
Sam’s parents are bad people. What did they do? Who are they?
Why can Erik fly, and Bill cannot? In fact are there any other vampires that can fly?
Sam has to imprint an animal in order to shift into it. How is it that he managed to find a large bull to imprint on that would fool Maryann?
Who took Bill? I think it’s obvious it’s a vampire due to the gloves wielding the silver chain wrapped around his neck. Erik has the motive (being asked by the queen, his desire for Sookie) but that seems too obvious.

Ratings:
Acting: 9
Powerful performances from both major and minor characters make this one of the best episodes of the season.

Visuals: 8
Great action and cinematography in this episode. Maryann’s death throws were phenomenal.

Plot: 9
This episode wrapped up the Maryann storyline which was actually starting to drag on a bit much. It also set up many storylines for next season.

Overall Score: 8.75