I stopped watching the show after episode 5 aired. It was just too hard waiting week after week for a new episode. So I decided to wait and do a mini marathon. I watched episodes 6, 7 and 8 on Saturday, episodes 9 and 10 on Sunday and episodes 1 and 12 yesterday. Wow. What an awesome season.

Seriously, there's at least 10 instant classic lines from every episodes, the acting this season has been remarkable (I'm still stunned how they can make some hilarious and cheesy stuff to look serious and believable). The season ender didn't have a bang, but considering how intertwined the seasons have become and that they always pick up where they left off I didn't mind. It's a one big ride and I'll be there until the end.

Summer 2011 cannot come fast enough.

What? Sooki disappeared off the face of the earth; and their whole relationship was a lie, how is that not big? Sure it wasn't as ridiculous as Bill being kidnapped at the end of 2, but it was a much better ending than 1.

Their relationship wasn't a lie. It did start like one, but as it usually turns out the evil man falls in love with his victim and she rejects him but he wants to be there with him. It's a classic adult fairytale that always ends up with "...and they lived happily ever after.".

Ratings for the final episode are in the first post! A great season both quality wise and ratings wise!

Still with him and the Queen and his ultimatum, leads to 2 possibilities: Either he kills her, or they start a love affair next season and becomes the new King.

why can't they start the new season in January or Feb and not make us wait till summer.

I don't think Sophie-Anne surviving in any way for whatever reason is acceptable to Bill.

Ya, I guess it just wasn't as epic as Season 2's fantastic finale, which involved nearly almost every character on the show. Plus I was expecting a bigger showdown between Russell and everyone. For being 3,000+ years old, he was taken out so easy (but obviously not out of the picture).

Thinking over it more, Season 3 was still definitely better than Season 1. A lot more exciting mid-season storylines (Franklin) and the fact that Season 3 has Vampire Jessica but Season 1 does not.

I just don't understand how Eric got away so easily (That was very badass when he was at the front door) and Russell couldn't despite being more powerful. Did it have to do with the he was never healed? Or did Pam save him?

Pam went and got Eric, that's why she voiced frustration in getting cement out of her hair. I'm glad Russell isn't dead, but the resolution to his storyline this season was anything but satisfying.

Also, Godric returning to deliver a message from the beyond was lame. I'll still be back next season and all, but I hope they use the down time to reflect and refine.

Agreed. Where was the Vampire League after Russell went crazy and almost ruined the vampires' entire political motives?

I think the wolves will be the ones to free Russell since now their supply is out.

Watched the three seasons lately

Really like the show, but seems like it falls short of greatness somehow.

3rd season was the worst because having so many fucking characters and storylines finally caught up to it - Jason and Sam's storylines were shit. Just didn't have enough to them. I expected after they'd introduce the Mickens a storyline would blow out of it but they didn't really do anything other kick out the parents then stall, then amp it up finally at the end. I did like making Sam a previous killer. After S1/S2 I thought they were setting him up to be the secret hero of the show, but I like him having a demonous past more, it fits. Jason/Crystal storyline bored me for the same reason to a lesser extent, not enough plot or stakes for 12 episodes of recurring scenes with her. Compared to the awesome Russell stuff that was a waste. I did like the Arlene and Terry storyline this season. Think it was the best season for both of them.

It's admirable they can make a show with like 25 characters and 8 storylines work while still making Sookie feel like the outright lead, but I really wish they'd trim the fat. Jason, Tara, Sookie, Sam and Jessica basically haven't had any scenes together for the last 2 seasons, Lafayette hasn't been with any but Tara. It's beginning to feel like Satan's remake of Love Actually. I feel like the show could hit its peak if all these great characters were actually involved in the same plots

I really liked Russell though, again. More than the Maryanne storyline, my problem with that one was I knew exactly what was going to happen, whereas the Russell storyline kept you a bit more on your toes. Eric is the best character on the show for me, though I suspect they're about to make him full babyface and Sookie fucker which I'm not sure I'm down for for the same reason I didn't like them defanging Spike. I'd prefer they keep him as the line straddling wild card rather than hero

One thing I like about the show is how they set up the next season in the last couple episodes of each one. Maryanne showed up at the end of S1, the Queen at the end of S2, and it's obvious at the end of S3 they set up S4 belonging to witchery/sorcery/etc. I was looking at the True Blood IMDB page and Jesus is marked down for 20+ episodes which means he's full time next year, probably Holly too. Sorcery isn't really as cool as werewolves, but it's a natural progression I guess. I'm also guessing one of these years a storyline involves going into the AVL like they did the Fellowship of the Sun in S2, with the tv politician chick getting a lot of screentime. Would make sense if it was next season.

Nice recap. Totally agreed on Arlene and Terry. I didn't really notice the sheer amount of characters and sprawling storylines till you mentioned it though. Wow.

I guess that's why Season 2 seemed so nicely contained, as everyone was together in the beginning after the fallout of Rene, and then they all went their own ways til MaryAnne brought EVERYONE back together.

Season 2 >> Season 1 > Season 3