Smallscreen News

Franklin, Lafayette and Eric turn it up on True Blood, some thoughts

By April MacIntyre Jul 19, 2010, 4:46 GMT

Hearts ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ for James Frain - HBO\'s "True Blood" Season 3 Los Angeles Premiere - Arrivals - ArcLight Cinerama Dome - Hollywood, CA. USA © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

James Frain is turning in to one of my favorite players on this furry, howl-y season of "True Blood."

Frain kicked major Catholic a** on Showtime's "The Tudors" as the calculating Cromwell, King Henry's advisor.  Now we get to see him half nekkid and making Tara (Rutina Wesley) nuts with his needy Vampire lust and "on bended knee" Vampire bride proposal.  The Franklin character is a hoot and Frain is working it; he is a scene stealer par excellence.

Also shining bright this season so far is Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis), who got his come to Jesus meeting with...Jesus.  A sweet guy on guy flirtation over billiards and beer.

A moment of praise for Eric (Alexander Skarsgård), whose Viking flashback gives insight into this mysterious sex God (who can wear that v-neck blue sweater again anytime).  Eric's energy centers the entire ensemble, the way Jason's antics (Ryan Kwanten) are the needed comic relief. 

The creepiest scene was the dirty underwear wearing Mr. Mickens who comes a screaming for his young son, and if y'all remember when Sam first went to the charming sty that is the casa Mickens, old Man Mickens was sitting a bit too close to his son Joe Lee (Cooper Huckabee) wearing only a loose nasty old pair of what were once tighty whities and an open shirt.... ewww it is all coming back to me. Yuck. 

And what of Cooter (Grant Bowler)? The aggro werewolf screwed up and gave Bill the juice to break free after he told him Sookie was having relations with Alcide (Joe Manganiello).  Mr. Ball, I would like to see Alcide nekkid before his arc is expended, thankyouverymuch.

After a tour of the casa de Russell (Denis O'Hare), and the discovery of what is Eric's Norse crown, we understand that Eric's vengeance will be aimed at Russell, but how and when this will play out is the delicious tease.

Also, Bill's (Stephen Moyer) turning Sookie (Anna Paquin) away, sadly too late, what power does Sookie possess that can electrocute a werewolf (or Maenad, remember she zapped Maryann last season too) and what nefarious plans does Russell have in store for Sookie?

Oh, and Jessica's (Deborah Ann Woll) red hair is absolutely stunning and always swept back or up in a classic style. Her little snit with Arlene (Carrie Preston) is hilarious.  

Tonight was one of those nights I wished that TB was a two hour special.

I hate waiting.