Inside Television with Alan Sepinwall

'True Blood' - '9 Crimes': Brand management

Sookie gets deeper into the wolfpack, and Eric looks for a scapegoat.

By Alan Sepinwall Sunday, Jul 11, 2010 9:58 PM

Eric at the club on "True Blood."

Credit: HBO

After taking the holiday weekend off, "True Blood" was back with a new episode that started off as a stronger-than-usual Sookie episode, only to have her disappear for long stretches in the middle. What did you guys think of this one? Are they handling the werewolf culture okay? Do you care about Sam's family issues? Do you, like Fienberg, wish Jessica was getting more to do?

Alan Sepinwall
Sr. Editor, What's Alan Watching

Alan Sepinwall has been reviewing television since the mid-'90s, first for Tony Soprano's hometown paper, The Star-Ledger, and now for HitFix. His new book, "The Revolution Was Televised," about the last 15 years of TV drama, is for sale at Amazon. He can be reached at sepinwall@hitfix.com

Related Searches: True Blood, Alan Sepinwall

Chris

I don't think about this show much (which is how I think it is intended to be watched), but I it was one of the better episodes.
July 11, 2010 at 11:03PM EST Reply to Comment
John

The only thought I put into this show is whether it or Entourage is the worst show on TV ... and yet I watch both.
July 11, 2010 at 11:05PM EST Reply to Comment
- Hello I'm with you, John. Both shows are awful, and yet for some reason I continue watching them.
  July 16, 2010 at 10:20PM EST
M

I am quickly losing interest in this season. The storylines are all going nowhere fast and I'm not sure what the point of most of them is.
July 11, 2010 at 11:06PM EST Reply to Comment
- Icarus Apparently Werner Herzog directed the next episode, so you know it's going to be a good one.
  July 11, 2010 at 11:13PM EST
tigger500

Jessica at Merlotte's should be fun.
Not enough Lafayette
Tara = snooze
Not enough vampire politics (which, i for one, enjoy)
July 11, 2010 at 11:11PM EST Reply to Comment
Nickelson

This season is making True Blood just as good as Buffy was!
July 11, 2010 at 11:19PM EST Reply to Comment
- Jack I completely agree with you!
  July 11, 2010 at 11:31PM EST
raven mccoy

is there anywhere that lists what songs are used in the episodes? i liked the mazzy star sounding one while bill was in the strip club and the closing credits song.
July 11, 2010 at 11:20PM EST Reply to Comment
- Boricua in Texas It's 9 Crimes, by Damien Rice
  July 11, 2010 at 11:36PM EST
- ellie I love Damien Rice so I knew it off the bat, but its def. some kind of remix/updated version of 9 Crimes.
  July 12, 2010 at 12:39AM EST
- David Its "9 Crimes (Demo)" from Damien Rice's Album "9".
  July 12, 2010 at 2:55AM EST
- Massive Attack - Paradise Circus Massive Attack - Paradise Circus was the song play ed in the strip club
  July 12, 2010 at 3:49AM EST
- Pete Yes, it is the demo version of 9 crimes... however, the version they use for the end credits it way more cleaned up then the demo on the album. I would LOVE to have the version from the credits. Too bad it isn't the whole song.
  July 12, 2010 at 3:13PM EST
Betty

I'm only in it to see shirtless Alcide. Mmmm.
July 11, 2010 at 11:20PM EST Reply to Comment
- Worth the price of admission.
  July 12, 2010 at 5:47PM EST
LJA

Yeah, I have to agree with Dan that more Jessica would be a good thing. More Lafayette would work, too. There are so many arcs to follow this season, it seems like everyone gets just a little piece of each episode.

The saddest line in "9 Crimes" was when Alcide said, "Let me go put on a shirt." No Alcide, don't do it!

July 12, 2010 at 12:30AM EST Reply to Comment
- JanieJones LJA-you make me laugh whenever I read your comments.
  
  I thought this was a much stronger episode after the holiday break.
  I agree that Ellis and Woll need more screen time.
  
  True Blood is definitely man candy time for me.
  I would like to see some more shirtless Alcide.
  More Tara torture this season - not enjoyable.
  I would like to see the old, stronger Tara return.
  Sam's family story seems to be meandering at times.
  I'm very interested to see how the whole story ties together this season.
  There are so many story lines, I hope for some stronger cohesiveness as the season continues.
  
  July 12, 2010 at 8:53AM EST
- rachelmed You make m laugh too LJA. I am also on the more Jessica train. I love her and think her character and story are much more interesting than others who get a lot more screen time.
  
  Sam's family story line is getting redundant for me too. I know it's only been a week or so in Bon Temps time but they really haven't gone anywhere with his family yet. Yes, we get it, they are creepy, dirty, good-for-nothin's who are probably going to take advantage of Sam but nothing new or exciting has been revealed about them since they major reveal that he had a little brother. I'm very ready for them to move on from his family.
  
  At least Tara screen time is a little more interesting because we are usually trying to figure out Franklin Mott the whole time. Yes, I wish they would go back to strong Tara but at least she has stopped crying over Eggs for the time being.
  
  They really should start planning a spin-off of an Eric & Alcide show, haha! Maybe with a side of Pam, Jessica and Lafayette. I'd tune in for that! ;)
  July 12, 2010 at 1:15PM EST
Smg

what is the name of the song at the end of this episode during the credits?
July 12, 2010 at 12:42AM EST Reply to Comment
- I love it! The claps, and sultry beat..if I were a stripper, I'd strip to that song.
  July 12, 2010 at 1:37AM EST
- Girly usually, on mondays, the true blood hbo site is updated with a recap with complete music credits.
  July 12, 2010 at 2:37AM EST
- Marian Song during the credits was Damien Rice's demo version of "9 Crimes." Check it out here. http://www.amazon.com/9-Crimes-Demo/dp/B0012C4AOW
  July 12, 2010 at 4:59AM EST
Dale Cooper

Since the middle of season 2, True Blood has steadily become more and more boring to watch. Further, it doesn't work on a week-to-week basis (i.e. watching a full season on DVD is more enjoyable). Episode structure has become increasingly conventional (not interesting or unique in any way).

After the genius of Six Feet Under, Alan Ball has not been steering True Blood in an interesting nor enjoyable direction. Character development has been sucking because the writers have just been putting the characters into different situations. It's becoming very formulaic in my opinion.
July 12, 2010 at 6:53AM EST Reply to Comment
moore

Christ, this show is offensively stupid. Why in the world I'm still watching it, I don't know. I really don't.
July 12, 2010 at 10:05AM EST Reply to Comment
- OldDarth LOL! Amen. I am in the same boat with you.
  
  HELP!
  July 12, 2010 at 11:43AM EST
- DrewGW I was wondering then same thing, and then Jessica showed up. Damn she is hot! And really the only female actor on the show that doesn't annoy me. I just hope she pulls a Paquin and frees dem titties.
  July 12, 2010 at 5:08PM EST
KansasDan

Definitely wish Jessica was getting more to do. She's one of the the best characters on the show. And so very cute.
July 12, 2010 at 1:34PM EST Reply to Comment
Maureen

Something just seems off with the dialogue this season, not as snappy and interesting. I am a fan of the show, but several of the story lines are just kind of boring. I think I miss Sookie as the main character, now she seems to be on the periphery. I love the books, and while not a purist-it seems like the show could benefit from some Charlaine Harris input.
July 12, 2010 at 1:37PM EST Reply to Comment
ChicagoGirl

I'm sorry, but True Blood has lost a viewer for good. Not because there may be too many storylines this year or because they can't seem to decide what story to tell. This episode crossed the line for me re torture and violence, and all against women. I know this series is all about kinky sex, blood (vampires after all) and violence. But watching this episode made me very uncomfortable. This was not entertainment.
July 12, 2010 at 1:48PM EST Reply to Comment
- Sareeta I understand your concern. The scene with Tara and Franklin made me uncomfortable. Part of the appeal of True Blood is its campy atmosphere. Franklin holding Tara captive, Pam getting tortured in skimpy clothing, Bill glamoring a stripper... It's not very fun, because it's hitting too close to reality.
  
  Still, I felt the other parts of the episode were entertaining. Namely, Alcide being shirtless much of the episode. Also, I do like Sam's storyline even though most people seem to despise it.
  July 12, 2010 at 8:30PM EST
ImJustSayin

I find I don't care about Sam's family arc - that said, we haven't seen the mom shift yet and their motives might be a lot more than "we need money." Secondly, if we can collectively get Betty White to host SNL, can't we harness that same power to have Jessica remove her clothes in an upcoming episode?
July 12, 2010 at 1:57PM EST Reply to Comment
- DrewGW Tell me where to sign up brother
  July 12, 2010 at 5:10PM EST
- Peyton She's seventeen.
  July 14, 2010 at 1:04AM EST
- Sam's mom's not a shifter.
  July 16, 2010 at 11:48AM EST
Art

When brother stackhouse was having his issue with the new quarterback, the kid refered to "Kitsch"... was he paying homage to the star of Friday Night Lights?
July 12, 2010 at 2:50PM EST Reply to Comment
John

I will admit I loved Jason's line - "that's a effing winning name." Although I wonder if many people under 30 who are not Southern get it.
July 12, 2010 at 9:13PM EST Reply to Comment
ReiEve

I saw the two previous seasons and they were great! I know is impossible to recreate a book and many changes have to be made but this season...I have red Charlaine books, and even being aware that the series is "based" on the books, this new season have turned into a complete different thing, just borrowing the characthers "names" but not else...
July 13, 2010 at 10:13PM EST Reply to Comment
ReiEve

I saw the two previous seasons and they were great! I know is impossible to recreate a book and many changes have to be made but this season...I have red Charlaine books, and even being aware that the series is "based" on the books, this new season have turned into a complete different thing, just borrowing the characthers "names" but not else...
July 13, 2010 at 10:14PM EST Reply to Comment
Chrissy

I'm not sold on the werewolves - they're basically just bikers on PCP. And they and their vamp lord are criminally dumb. Sam can sniff his brother out in the middle of the forest but they can't tell Sookie is human? And the King of Mississippi gives them his blood at what is apparently not even a private party (Alcide hates them, for crying out loud!) Considering the world of hurt Pam is currently experiencing, that made no sense to me.

I enjoyed the episode overall, but it made me sort of sad. I like that this show displays the awful side of their vamps alongside the alluring, but it was all awful in this one.
July 13, 2010 at 10:30PM EST Reply to Comment
IGPNicki

I'm still not crazy about the werewolf plotline. I kinda miss the crazy church plotline from last season actually. The vampire machinations are very interesting, and it's interesting that the King is behind this Nazi-Were group but I can't help cringe about the whole vampire-werewolf thing, Too much Twilight baggage perhaps? I really hope Sookie doesn't hook up with Alcide!
http://www.igp-scifi.com/true-blood-episode-guide.html
July 15, 2010 at 9:32PM EST Reply to Comment
debauch

There are just way too many things going on now without the writing quality needed to keep it going. The need to cull the plots to whats working.
July 15, 2010 at 10:42PM EST Reply to Comment
debauch

There are just way too many things going on now without the writing quality needed to keep it going. The need to cull the plots to whats working.
July 15, 2010 at 10:42PM EST Reply to Comment
CG

I miss Marriane!
July 16, 2010 at 12:29AM EST Reply to Comment
Ross

I never thought I'd care about watching a show revolving around cajun vampires but I've got to say its pretty good and addictive....as for entourage..I hate it now..its like male version of sex and the city.
July 17, 2010 at 12:49AM EST Reply to Comment
Dan

The show is interesting enough for you fuckers to watch so stop complaining and admit you like it, damn idiots
July 25, 2010 at 3:36AM EST Reply to Comment
NITA CRUISE

Eric northmam is hot ,brains,personality,brawnssssss.Hope he get SOOKIE
August 2, 2010 at 9:27PM EST Reply to Comment

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Inside Television with Alan Sepinwall

'True Blood' - '9 Crimes': Brand management

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'True Blood' - '9 Crimes': Brand management

Comments

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Chris I don't think about this show much (which is how I think it is intended to be watched), but I it was one of the better episodes.

John The only thought I put into this show is whether it or Entourage is the worst show on TV ... and yet I watch both.

Hello I'm with you, John. Both shows are awful, and yet for some reason I continue watching them.

M I am quickly losing interest in this season. The storylines are all going nowhere fast and I'm not sure what the point of most of them is.

Icarus Apparently Werner Herzog directed the next episode, so you know it's going to be a good one.

tigger500 Jessica at Merlotte's should be fun.Not enough LafayetteTara = snoozeNot enough vampire politics (which, i for one, enjoy)

Nickelson This season is making True Blood just as good as Buffy was!

Jack I completely agree with you!

raven mccoy is there anywhere that lists what songs are used in the episodes? i liked the mazzy star sounding one while bill was in the strip club and the closing credits song.

Boricua in Texas It's 9 Crimes, by Damien Rice

ellie I love Damien Rice so I knew it off the bat, but its def. some kind of remix/updated version of 9 Crimes.

David Its "9 Crimes (Demo)" from Damien Rice's Album "9".

Massive Attack - Paradise Circus Massive Attack - Paradise Circus was the song play ed in the strip club

Pete Yes, it is the demo version of 9 crimes... however, the version they use for the end credits it way more cleaned up then the demo on the album. I would LOVE to have the version from the credits. Too bad it isn't the whole song.

Betty I'm only in it to see shirtless Alcide. Mmmm.

Worth the price of admission.

Smg what is the name of the song at the end of this episode during the credits?

I love it! The claps, and sultry beat..if I were a stripper, I'd strip to that song.

Girly usually, on mondays, the true blood hbo site is updated with a recap with complete music credits.

Marian Song during the credits was Damien Rice's demo version of "9 Crimes." Check it out here. http://www.amazon.com/9-Crimes-Demo/dp/B0012C4AOW

moore Christ, this show is offensively stupid. Why in the world I'm still watching it, I don't know. I really don't.

OldDarth LOL! Amen. I am in the same boat with you.HELP!

DrewGW I was wondering then same thing, and then Jessica showed up. Damn she is hot! And really the only female actor on the show that doesn't annoy me. I just hope she pulls a Paquin and frees dem titties.

KansasDan Definitely wish Jessica was getting more to do. She's one of the the best characters on the show. And so very cute.

DrewGW Tell me where to sign up brother

Peyton She's seventeen.

Sam's mom's not a shifter.

Art When brother stackhouse was having his issue with the new quarterback, the kid refered to "Kitsch"... was he paying homage to the star of Friday Night Lights?

John I will admit I loved Jason's line - "that's a effing winning name." Although I wonder if many people under 30 who are not Southern get it.

debauch There are just way too many things going on now without the writing quality needed to keep it going. The need to cull the plots to whats working.

debauch There are just way too many things going on now without the writing quality needed to keep it going. The need to cull the plots to whats working.

CG I miss Marriane!

Ross I never thought I'd care about watching a show revolving around cajun vampires but I've got to say its pretty good and addictive....as for entourage..I hate it now..its like male version of sex and the city.

Dan The show is interesting enough for you fuckers to watch so stop complaining and admit you like it, damn idiots

NITA CRUISE Eric northmam is hot ,brains,personality,brawnssssss.Hope he get SOOKIE

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Chris

I don't think about this show much (which is how I think it is intended to be watched), but I it was one of the better episodes.

John

The only thought I put into this show is whether it or Entourage is the worst show on TV ... and yet I watch both.

M

I am quickly losing interest in this season. The storylines are all going nowhere fast and I'm not sure what the point of most of them is.

tigger500

Jessica at Merlotte's should be fun.
Not enough Lafayette
Tara = snooze
Not enough vampire politics (which, i for one, enjoy)

Nickelson

This season is making True Blood just as good as Buffy was!

raven mccoy

is there anywhere that lists what songs are used in the episodes? i liked the mazzy star sounding one while bill was in the strip club and the closing credits song.

Betty

I'm only in it to see shirtless Alcide. Mmmm.

Smg

what is the name of the song at the end of this episode during the credits?

moore

Christ, this show is offensively stupid. Why in the world I'm still watching it, I don't know. I really don't.

OldDarth LOL! Amen. I am in the same boat with you.

HELP!

KansasDan

Definitely wish Jessica was getting more to do. She's one of the the best characters on the show. And so very cute.

Art

When brother stackhouse was having his issue with the new quarterback, the kid refered to "Kitsch"... was he paying homage to the star of Friday Night Lights?

John

I will admit I loved Jason's line - "that's a effing winning name." Although I wonder if many people under 30 who are not Southern get it.

debauch

There are just way too many things going on now without the writing quality needed to keep it going. The need to cull the plots to whats working.

debauch

There are just way too many things going on now without the writing quality needed to keep it going. The need to cull the plots to whats working.

CG

I miss Marriane!

Ross

I never thought I'd care about watching a show revolving around cajun vampires but I've got to say its pretty good and addictive....as for entourage..I hate it now..its like male version of sex and the city.

Dan

The show is interesting enough for you fuckers to watch so stop complaining and admit you like it, damn idiots

NITA CRUISE

Eric northmam is hot ,brains,personality,brawnssssss.Hope he get SOOKIE

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