EPISODE 5: 10 GONE, GONE, GONE … MY BILL IS GONE …
by Mary

I’ve now committed myself to watching these last episodes without any expectation of Bill “coming out of” his delusional state, or revealing that it’s all been a ruse, and he has a master plan to take down the Authority. It’s the only way I can continue this ride and keep myself together. I am now considering that Bill may not come to his senses in season 5, and as crushing a disappointment as that may be, I think if I start now to prepare myself I might – might – be able to get through it with some perspective of the season intact.

So, here’s my Bill recap for this episode, crazy as it is: I know it’s way too long, but I can’t decide what not to review.

Bill’s first scene opens with Molly being brought into the Authority’s inner sanctum by guards, i-stake in place over a modest black bra. Just like the good ol’ days of the Inquisition, Salome gives Molly one last chance to convert to Lilith-ism. Molly refuses, noting that they’re going to kill her anyway. Bill concedes that they must, since she’s now compromised their security system. Brave, defiant Molly declares, “Fuck all of you! You’re destroying the world based on a book thousands of years old. You call that evolved? That’s the opposite of evolved!” On that note, Bill presses his ipad app. And … splat! Poor Molly explodes into a puddle of blood. I’m going to miss Molly. Her youth and energy were a breath of fresh air. I’m mad at Bill for i-staking her!

"Be gone, Blasphemer!"

Steve Newlin is absolutely thrilled. It’s the first time he’s seen a vampire staked. He can’t help himself, he whoops and shouts and practically jumps up and down with delight. Salome, wet blanket that she is, shuts his joyful shouts down, as she solemnly mutters, “Bless the blood.” Russell refuses to be controlled. “All this talk of killing has made me ravenous! Who wants to go out and eat?” He and Steve Newlin saunter off, Russell suggesting they have “Greek.”

Next, we see Bill in the “inner sanctum”, siphoning a few drops of Lilith’s blood out of the sacred vial. Just as he does, guards bring Eric in, Nora accompanying him. Bill says to a kneeling Eric, “Your sister and I can only keep you alive for so long. The others wanted you staked already. The true death will come very soon if you do not accept Lilith.” With that, Bill takes out the ancient pipette. Eric replies, “No, I refuse.” Bill nods to Nora, who holds Eric’s head back and his mouth open – just like we do with kids who won’t take their medicine. Eric is struggling. Bill gives him a drop on his tongue. Then he does the same for Nora. Eric is coughing and gagging. Bill leaves them, as Nora consoles Eric, “We’ll meet her together. Take it in. She’s in you.”

Bill is now in another room, watching the two siblings on a video screen. We see a red cloud appear in the middle of the room with Nora and Eric. At first Nora is thrilled. “She’s here. Give yourself to her!” Then they both see Godric’s spirit. Nora is astounded. “How have you come?” Eric is apologetic, “I tried. I tried to save her.” Godric tries to tell Nora that he has always been with her. She defiantly questions how that could be, saying Lilith is in me now. Godric warns, “Lilith is a godless god. She’ll lead you and all those around you to destruction.” Nora does not accept his prediction, “How can you say that, after all the years of you and me and Eric hunting and killing together, how can you say it is wrong?” Godric explains, “I have done what you failed to do. I’ve evolved.” Eric tells him “She’s lost.” At that, another red cloud appears behind Godric, and out of the mist walks Lilith. Eric is now shouting, “Fight her! You must fight her!” Godric, standing completely still, answers him. “It is not I who must fight her.” Nora begs for Lilith to spare Godric. Lilith slowly walks up to Godric, wraps an arm around his upper chest, holds him close to her, and calmly rips his neck open. With the other hand, she then pulls his head off completely, whereupon he explodes into a pile of blood. Eric and Nora, still kneeling, are overcome with shock and grief. They are both crying. Bill, who’s been watching on a video screen, has witnessed Eric and Nora talking to the other presences, but can see nothing of the visions on video. As he watches them shed their tears for Godric, we see a hint of a smile as Bill whispers, “Praise Lilith.”

"I hate summer reruns!"

Aaarrrgghh! Apparently, Bill understands that Lilith decapitated Godric in Eric and Nora’s vision, thereby proving she is the true God. For a moment I was hopeful that Bill not seeing the presence of Lilith on video would convince him that she is not real. Alas, I fear I was wrong. It somehow convinced him even further in her power.

Following this horrendous scene, Bill decides Jessica is not safe, and sends Authority guards to the mansion to bring her in. Conversing via iphone, Jessica asks, “Am I in some kind of trouble?” To which Bill responds, “No, but you will be if you don’t do what I say. I command you to accompany the guards to come and see me.” Jessica unhappily complies.

Returning to the inner sanctum of the Authority, Russell and Kibwe are watching Steve Newlin on TV, arguing the Trublood crisis with Congressman David Finch (we all remember him as Lafayette’s sex and ‘V’ customer, right? Well, that sniveling hypocrite is back!) Russell is holding the were pup (Emma!) he ripped from Martha’s arms and “gave” to Steve Newlin. Shortly after this, Salome walks in with Nora, Bill, and Eric. A guard takes puppy Emma from the room. Bill tells Russell that he is “pleased to report that our efforts with Mr. Northman have finally born fruit.” “Eric?” Whereupon, Eric begs Russell’s forgiveness, revealing that Lilith destroyed his maker whom he worshipped as a false god, that they are all the children of Lilith. “It is her we must obey.” Eric kneels before Russell, giving thanks for his mercy, and forgiving him for his ”sins against my family. We are made again. We are brothers now in the eyes of Lilith … we must lay down our swords against one another.” Eric kisses Russell’s hand. Russell replies, his expression of ominous distrust belying his words, “If Lilith wills it, so be it. Even though you get the better end of the deal!” Eric, lips still on Russell’s hand, looks up at him with comprehension and apprehension written all over his face.

Now we come to the most telling Bill scene in the episode. Jessica arrives at the Authority, anxious and wanting answers. She is greeted by a cheerful Bill, who explains that her safety is all that matters, he had hoped to keep her out of it (!), but it is now too dangerous in BonTemps. He then takes her on a tour, ending in the “inner sanctum.” Jessica wants to know how he got to be in charge. Bill explains, “It isn’t just me. It is I and several others who you might say were chosen.” Jessica looks skeptical, “What do you mean – by God?” Bill answers, “Suppose we were? Nine million species on this earth and we are at the pinnacle of the food chain? Were we not chosen by nature, or fate, or by some great diety?” Jessica is trying to subdue her incredulous reaction. Bill says, “We have one of these at home.” Picking up the vampire bible, he continues “It sits unused on a shelf because I thought I knew better. But I read it again with an open mind. My world is full of wonder and mystery again.” Jessica astutely reflects that, “it’s a lot like the bible study my parents made me do.” Bill says, “Well, it’s not that different. They just had the wrong book.” Jessica’s face reflects her confusion and nervousness, because Bill then becomes conversational, telling her he knows it will take time, that it’s a lot to process all at once, and soon she will realize that he and she, “and even Eric are meant to lead our kind into the coming age.” Jessica wants to know what coming age. Bill dismisses his last remark with an endearing smile, “I’m getting ahead of myself. Just consider the words on their own, without prejudice. You might be surprised.” Jessica smiles nervously. Bill senses she needs a break. “Enough book talk. You want to see your room?” Jessica is so relieved to finally escape his biblical diatribe. “Sure, lead the way!”

I may be a bible thumper now, but I'm still HOT!

By the end of this scene I was feeling kind of queasy. WTF? I had steeled myself not to overreact, to understand that Bill is not himself, not the Bill I, we, have known for 4 + years. It’s not just his words, it’s his face – fanatical fervor is bubbling just under the surface. He is confused. He is manipulated. He is under the influence of hallucinogenic blood. He is lost. He is in a state of delusion. He deserves my patience, my empathy, my loyalty, and love. I must be strong for Bill. Okay, but he’s batshit CRAZY! Now I’m using relaxation techniques. I’m chanting “Kum ba ya, m’lord, kum ba ya …” I must not desert him. I will not . Oh, but for the first time, Bill is really trying my fortitude. Bill, snap out of it!

Alright, our last Bill scene. This one’s easier to watch, easier to recap. After all, It’s Russell. We all know Russell’s crazy! It opens with Bill, Eric and Nora at computers, Eric and Nora having a discussion about their missionary work – ordering bibles. Russell has had enough. “Are we seriously sitting here discussing educational reform? Are we vampires or school marms?” Finally, he brings up the magical property of fae blood – day walking. I was wondering when Russell was going to get around to this! Russell is in fine form. He exalts the possibilities of fae blood. He shouts to Bill and Eric, “Compton, Northman, you know. You drank of the same fairy I did!” Bill and Eric look at each other, with the realization of imminent danger. Eric responds, “And we both know it lasts only a few minutes before you fry.” Russell will not be dissuaded. He postulates how it might be possible to find more fairies, that they could take fae blood, study it, and find a way to synthesize it. Salome tries to derail Russell’s rant. “Fairies are an abomination.” Russell counters, “Their blood is like suckin’ on heaven!” He’s angry now. He gets right in Salome’s face, telling her he would like to shove a drop of fae blood in her “pie hole.” Salome is seething. “I saved you Russell, I can put you back in the ground.” At vamp speed, Russell throws Salome across the room, onto a column. Both Bill and Eric are on their feet, fangs out. Russell is angry now, “Please, give me an excuse to kill the both of you. Or, hell, why not all of you? I am 3000 years old! I’m stronger than all of you combined! How long did you think I would be your lap dog?” He goes on to berate their religious small mindedness “that has literally kept you in the dark. You can have your Lilith! I will not be constrained by your God or anyone else. I will have the SUN!”

End of scene.

"Fuck us! More Fae problems ...

Holy bible-bangin’ boys and girls! This episode brought us Bill who is now a full fledged cult leader. Not just a member … a leader. The talk with Jessica just threw me for a loop! Bill has become someone who is delighted to wear the blinders of religious fervor. There is no peripheral vision. There is no alternate view. He is a fanatic. Could this still be a plan? It doesn’t seem like that’s where this is going. To parrot phrase Jason, it looks like Bill is going to hell in a handbucket!

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