One of the most entertaining aspects as of recent in regards to television is that with the advent of digital filming and editing practices, much of what we see on television from a visual perspective is just as good as anything we see on the big screen. The problems often lie in the ability of the writers and to present quality story. One of the benefits of a team of writers on shows like True Blood is that a fresh, intriguing and entertaining approach is used with sometimes new and upcoming writers. These programs, and certainly shows like True Blood incorporate quality film makers in the making of quality programming which allows for character development. While some will think the special effects, horror, sexual scenes in programs like this are what the program is all about, they couldn’t be further from the truth, while it is true, all of those things exist, it is after all an adult program, the heart of the program is story. That doesn’t exclude the reality that True Blood is filled with excellence in editing, sound, cinematography and more. HBO has a track record of making hit television series that impact culture, anyone remember The Soprano’s? For those that remember the icons that came from HBO, follows television or contemporary culture, you already know how True Blood has become one of those kind of shows.
One of the interesting aspects of this season is the inclusion of new characters, scenarios and challenges. These range from relational challenges between Sookie, Bill and Eric and the inclusion of Fiona Shaw as Marnie Stonebrook a witch who brings in some of the shows characters into a coven which will challenge the powerful Vampires of Louisiana with the threat of extinction. While Shaw is one of the weaker characters in the series she is still a strong character which develops and improves over the course of the season. Other strong aspects of character development include the relationship between Sookie, Eric and Bill, (who has become King of Louisiana). It is intriguing in regards to their relationship, there is also the relationship between brothers Sam and Tommy who have a hate/love relationship, and Jason, Hoyt and Jessica deal with friendship, love, and broken relationship, just to name a few. It is one of the things that make a series like this work, there can be an ensemble cast, with various story lines and they all work because there is opportunity to develop each character and the relationships they are in. This season, there are each of these situations and more. They help the story evolve to a heart pounding, confusing, frightening, and shocking conclusion which is among the best conclusions of any series filmed in many years.
This season of True Blood embodies the concepts of working together, facing challenges and overcoming evil. Sounds crazy doesn’t it? Especially when considering that as a part of that challenge is seeing vampires as potentially good. While there are good and bad vampires in True Blood, we see some of them as more human than not. Among them is the challenge of the walking dead, the reality of death, eternity and the search for God. We see one vampire constantly on their search for truth in the reality of God, while having another who considers himself an Atheist. There is even a vampire, Jessica, who was active in her youth group at church, prior to becoming a vampire. We see some of the struggles of her Christian upbringing along with her challenges of being forced into a reality that is contrary to her spiritual upbringing. While we don’t see any strong Christian characters, we do see the dilemma of living out ones faith in a dark world. We also see the potential of good among people other than those coming from Christian environments. We also see the manipulation of such worlds with deceit among characters, even at times, those characters we see as good. This is a reminder that there is as much potential for evil as there is good among people. Each person is a blend of good and evil and it is the choices they make which determine the reality and consequences of those choices and lives the characters live. There is no doubt as to the conflict between evil and Christianity in True Blood as can be seen from the opening sequence to the film. The reality of life and death and the eternal are clearly presented. While True Blood takes on more of a humanistic perspective in its presentation over that of a faith concept, the challenges, confusions and lives of the characters and their dilemmas’ are likely one of the reasons people enjoy the program. Of course there is the messiah character in this years episode, Jesus (using Spanish pronunciation) who offers up love, forgiveness and sacrifice for the salvation of others. One of the unique aspects about this character which many may have issue with is his homosexual relationship with Lafayette. This shouldn’t take away from his sacrifice and willingness to battle evil, even conquering evil in order to bring about good.
In some ways, True Blood has become like a church where people check in each week to see the lives of the characters on screen that are going through the same issues they are. We see the good and bad, right and wrong decisions in the lives of those characters. They can be seen in a positive way because we also see the consequences of actions. We see this especially in the concluding episode of the season. There are prices to pay for the decisions the characters have made and there are realities that sometimes, there is little time, if any time to correct the mistakes made. We are reminded of the need to make good of the mistakes we have made and to let those we love, know we love them. While there is the reality that sometimes the dead continue living, there is a time for the dead to move on and finality to life on this earth. The living will once again be with those who have died by dying.
In the real world, outside of the television flat screen, one is reminded of their need to live life and prepare for life after death. While some may see their life as a ‘living in the moment’ experience, others see life as one that involves not only the moment but the things that can be changed by the life one lives. The concept of faith is one of the struggles the character Sookie faces and her struggle is one many can relate to. There are people to love, situations to impact, and a brighter better future where one can provide for others. We see that in her example there is no right or wrong answers, at least that she has discovered. Just like the characters in True Blood, many of us may engage on our own journeys as to what is truth and right. That struggle is one many can relate to because many have been involved in that search for truth. It is likely one of the reasons many are drawn to this series. The inevitable search for life, the truth involved, and the spiritual answers we are all looking for. Sure there is violence, sex, action, and more, but those are only mirror representations of reality. The search for friendship, longing, and purpose though, whether the character be a vampire, witch, shapeshifter, werewolf, werepanther, fairy, human, gay, straight, Christian, atheist, poor wealthy, is displayed quite well in True Blood. Just like in True Blood, there may be a savior awaiting us all named Jesus. While that Jesus will certainly have differences than the character in True Blood, the salvation, love and sacrifice is still there if willing to look. While many may be critical of the components of the show they don’t like, I would hope one would focus on the truths presented in the show that draws people in masses to watch it.
I was initially concerned with where the story was going in Season 4 of. I wasn’t crazy, especially at first, with the incorporation of the witch story line, but, as the story developed the other story lines took over and the witch story line improved. I especially liked the focus on the various characters. While I had the Blu-ray version of the DVD to preview, complete with a digital download, and the regular DVD’s, I didn’t see the necessity of the Blu-ray outside of the special features. I must say, those special features make the purchase of the Blu-ray variation worth it. The special features on Season 4 are simply put, the best and most enjoyable special features on any DVD I have ever viewed. While there are some good features that resemble other features of the past, like the making of features, the enhanced viewing features are so much worth it! It is the first time that I have gone back to watch every enhanced version on any DVD. I wanted to see more because they actually add so much more to the story, even for those who have watched the seasons in the past. True fans of True Blood will be glad they purchased the Blu-ray version just to see the additional background and story added in various ways, including new filmed segments with character commentary. My daughter who has read all of the books stated that she felt the fans of the books would appreciate the enhanced viewing more because there is detail about some of the minor characters and situations in the series that go back to the book story line. I realize there are those who don’t have a Blu-ray player, but features like this are one of the reasons Blu-ray won’t die. Some fans enjoy the special features and at present, many of those features can’t be included in a digital format. While the Manufactures Suggested Retail Price for the Blu-ray DVD is high, $79.98, one can buy this at various online stores and discount box stores for around $50. For the fan of the show, it is worth it, and if you don’t have the Blu-ray player, it is worth buying one as you will enjoy it for this series, and likely more to come.
Many will enjoy True Blood Season 4. While I would personally recommend getting the series from season 1, there is enough background with this season, especially with the enhanced versions, that one could start their viewing experience here. I also think the questions of what is good, bad, and the consequences of the decisions one makes are worthwhile topics and are topics one will think about after the initial entertainment is over. I can’t wait for Season 5 and if HBO wants to help out with the monthly premiums, I would love to review it on a week to week basis, otherwise, I am already anxiously waiting for the next season to be released on DVD.
To see the video below, just click on it, if for some reason the video doesn’t appear or is distorted or not in full frame, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONhDuJKHVSY
The Virtual Pew and our other work is supported solely by the kind contributions of others. You can click on the donate button below to give any amount to this work that does so much more than just post articles on the net; I draw no ongoing salary from the church I pastor, Mosaic Wichita which is predominantly a homeless church; I am grateful for any small amount you can contribute to help with this ministry. Believe me there is much more going on than most realize. I will also provide information to verify the ministry and income that comes into this ministry and work. Thanks and feel free to share any material from The Virtual Pew, I only ask that appropriate credit is given and a link to the original site with the material is provided.
Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
Click here to visit Mosaic Church where Mike is Pastor
The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards
Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.
Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.
Click to subscribe to my blog
Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed
