On the June 27th episode of HBO’s “True Blood” TV series, the ending sexual scene was extremely violent. The vampire character “Bill” twists the vampire character “Lorena’s” head and neck around as he is forcibly penetrating her. Making the scene equally concerning for many people was the fact the Lorena was smiling throughout the intense scene – while Bill’s character was clearly acting out in VENGEANCE against her.
Did you see the show? What was your reaction? How do you think such imagery could impact viewers?
In True Blood’s vampire lore, a vampire cannot refuse his or her creator. Right before “the act,” and following a conversation during which Bill very clearly expresses his distaste for her, Lorena tells Bill to make love to her. Presumably, he cannot say no. So, it doesn’t make the scene any less problematic, but it raises the question of who is really being raped.
I am a big fan of the show True Blood, but my husband and I had a very difficult time on Sunday with how the episode ended. While the first thought as a fan of the show was that we didn’t like the character development it meant for Bill Compton we immediately started discussion about the scene itself and the EXTREME violent nature of it.
I have really mixed feelings about it because at first it seemed like the sex was something that Lorena wanted, but then the extreme violence and aggression mixed with the totally over the top and disgusting head turn was just too much to handle.
I do think there was NO reason for the creator of the show to take this direction with the character development and while the show is violent and sexual in nature this was just too much.
It will not make me stop watching the show, but it does make me want to write a letter to Alan Ball questioning why this seemed an appropriate way to handle Bill’s character losing his humanity.
Very well said points, especially concerning the very disturbing imagery of FORCED sex with a partner who seemed to enjoy being brutally handled.