Finally, an episode worthy of "True Blood" fame!

Oh, Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell) -- how youve been pushed to the side this season like the old family dog that pales in comparison to the new shiny puppy. Poor, poor shifter. Remember when Sookie (Anna Paquin) was just your employee, and you were nothing but a lovesick fool? Those were the days.

This season youre just something to distract us from whats going on with Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Sookie. Its a real shame -- but really, dog fighting? How abstract can these plot lines get? Your brother and foolish family got themselves into this mess; must you try to save everyone?

Now, enough about poor Sam, hes going through a lot.

This week really upped the blood and gore -- it was refreshing. After all, we do want to see blood in our vampire show. Just when you thought Lorenas (Mariana Klaveno) head spinning was enough, Tara (Rutina Wesley) had to go and bash Franklins (James Frain) head in with a mace; that was enough to make anyone a little bit sick. The beauty of that moment was in Taras choice to stop crying and get up and do something about being held in captivity. Shes pretty smart when it comes down to it, and we saw her turn into to her old self again -- the one that wouldnt take anything standing down. Remember the Tara that is easily offended and starts an argument at the drop of a hat? Nice to see you again.

It was tough this week to tell if Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) was being genuine when he told Sookie he didnt care at all about her. Is he just playing evil to protect her? It seems likely; hes been nursing a crush for a while. The moment when he and Sookie yelled at each other was nicely done -- it even got Sookie to swear. Could those be real emotions on her part? It is, after all, about time her relationship with Bill ran its course.

So whats to come next? Now that the Bill/Lorena/Sookie triangle appears to be wrapping itself up, what is the rest of the season going to focus on? It better not be those dog fighting rings, it just seems a little too cheesy and out of left field. If theyre going to run with that lame idea, they need to pull the rest of the characters in.

What Worked

With a plot line moving this fast, its hard not to get excited about next week. Seeing Sookie in a hospital bed after (presumably) Lorena attacks her is enough to keep me counting the minutes down. Its about time; the last two episodes before this were snoozers.

Alcide (Joe Manganiello), once again, stole the show. Though they didnt show enough of him, it was really beautiful to make him a white wolf. It sets him apart from the rest of that obnoxious pack. He is, after all, light years ahead of them in terms of character and looks, so its suiting that he is the most beautiful wolf weve seen. Perhaps their outside appearances convey their true character? Or, white can often be a symbol of hope, perhaps thats what Alcide is to the pack?

What Didnt Work

Can Jason (Ryan Kwanten) please hurry up and be a cop? Stop talking about it, make a move already, theres only six episodes left before Season 4!

So much of this show has begun to center around V. Sure, vampire blood is a great high, but weve been dealing with this for the last three seasons and its getting tiresome. So the werewolves are addicted, humans are addicted and even Jason once was. Now, the Queen (Rachel Evan Wood ) is in trouble for dealing it, and almost all of our vampire characters are getting wrapped up in it. Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) seems to be safe until next week, judging from the preview.

If the V must continue, please dont let it come back next season. Lets say our goodbyes at the end of this season, and try something different. Perhaps something a little bewitching?

Giving Credit Where Credit is Due

"True Blood" stars Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten, Rutina Wesley, Alexander Skarsgard, Chris Bauer, Deborah Ann Woll and Nelsan Ellis. "I Got a Right to Sing the Blues" was written by Alan Ball, and was directed by Michael Lehmann.

"True Blood" airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.