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[polarthestral]

I’ve been watching Chuck. Very enjoyable viewing. So enjoyable, I don’t want to analyse it except to say I’m a fan. I think I like it because I don’t ship on that show at all. I love a lot of male characters but I think I like the show for the friendships and light-hearted escapism. I haven’t had a show I’ve enjoyed for that reason since Pushing

Comments

[sweetumms33]

Do you do this often? Because I loved reading this, it hit so many of the issues I have with the show, and the book.

I do agree, if they do go with the book 4 plot, they need to lead into it properly. One of my major issues with show!Eric is while he wants Sookie, he doesn't seem to respect her in the same way that book!Eric does. That's what differentiated book!Bill from book!Eric. Bill wanted to cosset and hide Sookie away from the world, while Eric was amused and encouraged her. He seemed to love her for exactly who she was.

Franklin is so fantastic and totally an original character. He doesn't resemble the book at all, but you are right, neither does Tara.

I liked how fake Eric was in the last episode. There was something needling and wanting and deeply creepy in him, but Russel didn't seem surprised. When Eric was normal at the beginning and trying to pin things on Bill, Russel seemed irritated. Eric saw that and decided to play sycophant which is suiting Russel just fine.

Yeah Bill is the worst maker ever. I feel so bad for Jessica.

Book spoilers ahoy!

[polarthestral]

Do you do this often? Because I loved reading this, it hit so many of the issues I have with the show, and the book.

I only did it occasionally in the past because I mainly love Eric and there was so little Eric in past seasons. I am trying to do every episode this season. As you can see, I'm desperate for Eric fans who have read the books!!!! It's important to vent even if you still like the show. :)

Eric saw that and decided to play sycophant which is suiting Russel just fine.

Exactly. I think that is why they had Eric say to Lafayette: "Going in all flash and fire. That's not salesmanship, that's ego." (I think I may have messed up that quote - but you get the gist.)

That was foreshadowing this episode's exhibition of salesmanship from Eric. He was selling an image of himself to someone he needed to ingratiate himself with. It was ruthless of him to push Sookie in order to facilitate that image but given he needs Russell to save Pam and to get revenge for his family? Understandable.

It's interesting that you think Show!Eric doesn't respect, Sookie. I'm not getting that impression. I think he does respect her tenacity and bullheadedness. He respects her loyalty and, even though it was said in a dream, her bloodthirsty streak. He did give her assistance because he respected her need to find Bill even if he didn't care if Bill died. The last episode was about a facade and he wouldn't show respect for her in front of Russell.

Show Eric has shown that he believes in Sookie and encourages her but given he was going after Godric at the time, the issue is blurry. Sookie decided he encouraged her because he was hellbent on getting Godric back and that's it.

I think it's clear he doesn't put her above his current motivations but I don't think Book!Eric would have done that either. One of the major sticking points between them in the books is his pragmatism, the way he always cements his position and plays politics before coming back to her (the later books, obviously). Yet, I've always felt that was a mark of concern because he doesn't want his unstable position to put her in danger. If he in danger of being overthrown, she's in a lot of danger.

I actually felt this episode came the closest to book Eric's political pragmatism. Unfortunately, it also explore the lack of respect Sookie has for it. I can't say it's not true to the books because it gets mentioned a lot that Bill is willing to die for her.

I can't remember which book it was in but one time Eric managed to protect her by using *Gasp* words and Sookie thought it showed he was unwilling to die for her. I remember because I was so annoyed. You'd think she would not want him to put himself in danger if he could avoid it but, no, she wants all her lovers to prove themselves over and over again in stupid ass fights like Bill's in this episode. :) See, Alan Ball, is being true to some aspects of the dynamic. :)