The fifth season of "True Blood" could, in some ways, be nicknamed "The Season of Duos." From Bill and Eric and their bromance to the burgeoning relationship between Russell and Steve, this new season of the hit HBO drama has increasingly focused on the powerful, and sometimes dangerous, relationships between the world's most potent vampires.
Bill and Eric
From the very beginning of this season, the relationship between Bill and Eric has been one to watch. Constantly shifting as each of them attempts to both save their own screen and, possibly, look out for the other, this relationship has been one for the history books. Just as importantly, without Sookie to constantly come between them, both of these most fascinating, enigmatic, yet eminently interesting characters have had to room to explore their relationships to one another and with their innermost selves. It remains to be seen, however, just where these two will end up at the end of this season.
Salome and Nora
This was a relationship that flew under the radar for a while, but has now come out into the open in a very big way. Now that we know that they are both members of the fanatical vampires, the question remains just how far their own religious zealousness will take them. If the past few episodes are any indication, their relationship is going to take them, and the vampires that follow them, to the very brink of destruction and, perhaps, over that very edge.
Russell and Steve
Again, this is a relationship that has sort of flown under the radar this season, but there have been subtle hints that Russell and Steve have already started to take a liking to one another. And why not? Steve is a newly minted vampire with sexual urgings of his own, and Russell is, no doubt, still feeling the aching hole left by the unfortunate death of Talbot. Hopefully, if they both manage to survive the war that is most certainly looming on the horizon, they can find with one another a measure of satisfaction and love that they both so clearly crave. We can only hope.
Although these relationships have all clearly taken shape in this most recent season, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to survive it. After all, with a huge war looming with the humans, there's no telling who may, or may not, emerge from this titanic clash unscathed (or still undead).
