True Blood, 1x02, "The First Taste"

Episode Title: The First Taste
Writer: Alan Ball
Director: Scott Winant
Originally Aired: 09/14/2008
Grade: A

Bill licking the blood from Sookie’s face was easily my favorite moment. It was visceral and touching, but you also just know that Bill couldn’t help himself. All that blood, and it was hers. And of course he was cleaning her off like a mother cat cleans her newborn kittens, which is weirdly appropriate if you view this scene as a kind of rebirth for Sookie.

I find it interesting that there was no hand wringing about Bill killing humans (the Rattrays) to avenge Sookie and himself. I’m not saying he shouldn’t have done it—they tried to kill both Bill and Sookie and were obviously dangerous people. Bringing the police into it probably would have done no good (best case) or created an even more dangerous situation (worst case). But I’m still surprised that good little Christian Sookie wasn’t a little more shocked.

Sam and the dog are clearly linked, what with it showing up to protect Sookie from the Rattrays and watching Bill and Sookie as she walked Bill home after his visit. Add the picture of the dog guarding the little blonde girl in Sam’s office and it seems like a recipe for werewolf, although the jury’s still out on what exactly is going on.

Jason wanting to be around when Bill came to call on Sookie felt like equal parts brotherly concern and morbid curiosity. One could argue that it was only curiosity, but Jason sticking up for Sookie to the police (“My sister don’t mess around.”) indicates that he not only loves her (and of course he does, but it’s not just obligatory sibling love), he also sees her. He may not always see her clearly, but he could be a lot more blind and self-absorbed than he is.

Sookie defending Bill to anyone and everyone is going to get old. I get it, believe me, I grew up in the South arguing with people about race and religion. But honestly, there is a time and a place, and if you don't pick your battles, you just end up just making things worse and not changing any minds.

Other Thoughts

-Tara getting rid of Terrell the Party Pimp by pretending her crazy boyfriend would kill him was probably my second favorite scene. It was noteworthy because it was awesome, and also because of the non-confrontational way she went about it. I wonder if anyone else would’ve just been told to fuck off.

-Tara and Jason were oddly adorable together, with her crushing hard and trying to hide it, and him treating her as a second little sister. Their scene together on the couch was sweet and well-played.

-VRA = Vampire Reclamation Act? Vampire Rights Amendment?