Sookie was still feeling the effects of one too many Orange Marzipans when True Blood kicked off this week, but "Hopeless" had me drunk with delight in the end, as it featured a number of scenes to which I'd like to raise a glass.

While the smoke monster chased Terry and Patrick like they were members of Danielle Rousseau's science expedition on Lost, some of you may have found yourself wanting to put a curse on Alan Ball for this continued storyline. 

I, however, liked the heartfelt scene where Terry told Arlene why he had to leave her and the kids behind. They both have been through so much and thought they finally had found some peace when they discovered their feelings for each another, but once again they were each set adrift in their quests for a normal life. 

Two people who have never known a normal life, Sam and Luna, were thankfully still alive and on the mend at the outset here. I liked Sam's speech to Andy about not knowing what it's like to have someone want to kill you just because of what you are. The racial undertones of this show aren't always subtle, but they are always very poignant.

Andy was smart to let Sam tag along on his investigation. The two of them were like some supernatural version of Turner and Hooch, with Sam immediately proving his worth as he saved Andy's life. 

Sticking with the four-legged members of the show, how great was it to see Alcide finally assert himself and announce his claim as pack master to J.D.? I knew we hadn't seen the last of Rikki and was glad to see her step up as Alcide's second. Although, if they hook up at some point, I hope she has a king size bed for Alcide's sake. How funny did he look when he sat up in Sookie's bed, barely covered by her pink comforter? 

Moving on to a man who never looks awkward in pink, Lafayette got his daily dose of crazy when he visited Ruby Jean to ask her about Jesus. She is always good for a laugh with her backhanded compliments and semi-acceptance of her son's sexuality. We didn't learn a whole lot about this storyline that we already hadn't guessed ourselves, but it looks like La-La is going to have to let his stank face out for real if he is going to help out his lost lover.  

Jason continued to have dreams about his dead parents this week. After he vowed to bring their killer to justice, his father tried to tell him about the only thing to fear. Now either Mr. Stackhouse was a big F.D.R. fan or he was trying to give Jason some vital knowledge in regard to the person who did them in. What an interesting twist it was, revealing the reason he and Sookie's parents were ambushed was due to a tiny drop of her blood. 

Russell we know is a fan of Sookie's scent. Was he the one on that bridge that night? Either way, it was good to see him back on his feet finally, entertaining as always. While I fear we have seen the last of Roman and his Nike Golf collection, Russell will most assuredly fill the large spotlight that has deservedly shone on Christopher Meloni's character thus far this season.

If Russell's additions to our favorite True Blood quotes tonight were any indication of things to come, we all are in for a real treat. Who else could mention the Kardashians whilst being lead away by an armed vampire guard?

After tonight, is it safe to say Salome is the other traitor working inside the Authority and is it Lilith herself who she is helping? Salome wasn't too subtle about wanting to see Russell. Time and time again she tried to excuse herself to go continue her interrogation. Roman was uncorking the good stuff and she couldn't get out of there fast enough. As for Lilith's involvement, that seemed to be what Nora was alluding to, didn't it? 

I can't forget to mention Pam breaking up Jessica and Tara's fight and the way in which she dismissed Tara's actions as only Pam can... or the one Obama mask wearer going "Yes we can" after shooting the vampire who was feeding on Hoyt. 

With so much to discuss I could continue on with my ramblings, but I'd rather hear what you all have to say. So while I'm sure I failed to touch on some parts of the episode, I eagerly await your comments to discuss the ones I did mention and anything else you found to be noteworthy. Thanks to Matt Richenthal for letting me sub in for him this week. I hope you all enjoyed my two cents.