With just three episodes remaining in True Blood Season 6, several characters showed some uncommon sides of themselves this week.

"In the Evening" featured some of the most intense scenes of the season and provided the stage for the likes of Jessica, Arlene and Eric to showcase just how complex their characters are. 

Week in and week out, Jessica is thrown into situations of major consequence. As she has become an integral fixture on the show, I often forget just how young a vampire she is. In her scenes with both Jason and James,, we saw a woman who has matured emotionally, but still possesses a sort of innocence that makes her both attractive and tragic.

I should have known better, but I found myself shocked when Jess reminded us that she has never been with another vampire before. She knows what her future holds and her impending fate, but still searched to for answers to what it really means to be a vampire. James was as insightful as he was sexy during their whole encounter. Their naked showdown was one of the hotter scenes in the show's history despite being one of the least graphic.

For as much of this show exists in darkness, Arlene has always been a ray of light and a reminder that despite all the supernatural craziness, people still have to get up, go to work and try to live their lives. Such is why seeing her so torn apart this week was as impactful as it was. I was momentarily relieved when I saw her clutching a can of PBR and a rocks glass, but drunk as she was, her pain was still evident. The fact she lashed out at Lafayette, who she cares deeply for, was evidence of just how bad she was hurting. 

Without question, though, the most emotional moments of the episode were those featuring the grief stricken Eric. Early on, I loved seeing him masterfully escape the camp with Nora. It is always a treat to see him flex his vampire muscle, but we soon saw how fragile a heart he has as Nora began to fade. Eric praying to Godric, the flashback to plague stricken London (complete with that guy in the top hat and creepy bird mask), followed by Nora noting how they would end as they began, made her eventual death so emotionally charged.

It was hard to watch as the virus crept up her arms, into her face and eventually consume her in gruesome fashion. Eric's pain was palpable, but so was the rage welling up inside him. I took solace in the shot of Bill's anguished face as he looked on, because it signaled to me that the once formidable duo were going to reunite and seriously bring the pain to those responsible. 

While the aforementioned characters displayed some uncommon sides to themselves, it was fantastic to see one character looking like her old self and even getting a little yoga in. Pam was back and better than ever, as she seduced her therapist. Prison blues never looked so good, as she bewitchingly shifted about on the couch and repeatedly brushed her long locks away from her chest. The good doctor may have had only one thing on his mind, but I greatly enjoyed hearing her talk about her time at Fangtasia and her extensive insight into human desire.

Pam has never been anyone's lap dog, but since being taken captive, she has been forced into a level of obedience not usually her style, so it was great to see her take back the reins. 

While things heated up behind bars, Sookie and Lafayette were busy uncovering startling truths about Terry's murder. Lafayette, as always, provided plenty of laughs to keep the episode from getting too morose. He is never short on words, but some of the looks he doles out - like the one he flashed the woman at the bank after she handed Sookie the safety deposit box -are just as hysterical. 

Speaking of looks, did anyone else think Nicole was going to do something bad to Sam, just before she stripped and joined him in the shower? The look on her face was very menacing, but vanished as the two shared a steamy shower scene. I'm just glad no one slipped and broke their neck. 

Alcide quickly found himself in a slippery situation as well when Rikki exposed his lie to the pack and produced the very much alive Nicole and her mother. Alcide's dad appeared to be right: pack life does not seem to be for him. Let's hope Alcide can at least save Nicole and her gorgeous hair before retiring to a lone wolf existence. On a larger scale, I still am not sure what role if any, he will play in the eventual vampire LAVTF showdown. 

Lastly, how about Sarah Newlin asking the Senator to call in his version of Ray Donovan so that she could try her hand at being Olivia Pope? Drop one octave and repeat after me, that is one bad bitch on a mission. Loved the dress too Sarah. 

Only three episodes left, what did you think?