First of all -- how is it that Sookie (Anna Paquin) gets the handsomest men to protect her? Sure shes cute and blond, but Ive been to Louisiana and the men there dont all look like Bill (Stephen Moyer), Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), Alcide (Joe Manganiello), Sam (Sam Trammell) or her brother Jason (Ryan Kwanteen). Somehow this girl manages to get the goods!

We got the inevitable turn the woman you love into a vampire speech from the King of Mississippi this week -- why does it always come down to this? You either live for eternity, watch her age and die or you change her and keep her by your side for the rest of your life. Rarely does a vampire ever actually go through with this -- it turns out theyre better apart, and heck, it opens up the possibilities for new love stories in any series.

What wasnt so expected was the end of the episode. How in the world did Bill go from lighting Lorena (Mariana Klaveno) on fire, to having sex with her? It was quite the transition; could it be that hes going crazy stashed away in that old house? We know he hasnt forgotten about Sookie as the king keeps asking him about her, but where is his commitment to her? Perhaps Lorenas power over him is too hard to resist, but it was an abrupt change in his character.

What does make sense is that Bill would be feigning resignation to the King in order to protect Sookie. He knew that Lorena was going to get to torture Sookie if Bill didnt give in and start working for the king -- so did he simply do it to protect her? That may be the case, but that still doesnt explain why he had sex with Lorena.

We saw a bit too much of Bon Temps creepy new vampire, Franklin (James Frain), and apparently so did Tara (Rutina Wesley). This guy was terrifying to begin with, and now we have to watch him having sex with her? Nasty, nasty, nasty -- hes the one vampire that Bon Temps would do without. Tara was enough, and then he goes and interrogates poor Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) too? That girls got enough to deal with -- I imagine missing bodies are quite stressful. Little did we know that hes the reason the bodies are missing; perhaps hes out to help her and Bill, even though it doesnt seem like it yet.

Its interesting how Franklin and Tara bonded after they beat up two crazy rednecks outside of Merlottes -- thats how Bill and Sookie initially bonded way back in the first episode. Perhaps Tara will now have her vampire love, but I sure hope this creeper vampire doesnt stick around. Hes no Bill, even if Bill is one of the most boring characters on the show.

What Worked

Thank you Alcide, for making your entrance! Ive been waiting for the little love-sick puppy dog to get here, and they sure did a great job with him. The werewolf bar seems just like it does in the books; Im so glad they havent strayed too far from them, like they did last season.

Sams mother is growing on me. Shes so sweet and she just wants to make amends with her son, yet her husband and other son keep messing things up for her. Poor thing, but I have no doubt that she and Sam will have a relationship from here on out.

Jasons new found interest in becoming a cop is too cute. But isnt it convenient that Dearborne (William Sanderson) just happened to quit his job in this episode? Last season Jason was a religious pawn; this year hes gunning to be a cop -- wonder if this one will stick?

What Didnt Work

What was the point of showing us the story about Bill and his human wife? Sure, we got to see some of Lorenas cruelty, and a valuable lesson she taught Bill, but it didnt seem necessary. We understand that its better for him to be with another vampire; anyone who isnt new to vampires knows that, as a human will eventually die and the vampire will not.

It's nice to fill in the gaps of Bills back story however, and perhaps theyre building up to explaining his strange behavior with Lorena at the end of the episode. Maybe well see more flashbacks in the upcoming episodes?

I didnt think things could get creepier than when Franklin came into the show, but when Bill turned Lorenas head around to face her back, I just about got sick. It was so disturbing and bordered on being a bit too cheesy -- but arent vampires things known for a certain amount of cheese?

Another thing that didnt work -- and perhaps the worst part about the episode -- is the fact that we have to wait two weeks to see more Alcide and Mississippi!

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. "It Hurts Me Too" was written by Alexander Woo, and was directed by Michael Lehmann.

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