The Redemption of Eric Northman
July 12, 2010 by Tiffany
Filed under Eric Northman, Featured, TV Show
9 Crimes was about Eric’s redemption in my opinion. The whole season (3) has been going in this direction but the 4th episode (9 Crimes) was where we start to see some momentum in this area. Up until now, Eric has been the “bad guy”, the protagonist to Bill’s superhero. Now we start to see that Bill is not such a good guy… sleeping with Lorena, breaking up with Sookie, ignoring the warning signs of her imminent danger when she was at the Were bar, and killing innocent victims again.
Eric’s Redemption in Season Three:
1. Eric helps Sookie find Bill even when it would be advantageous for him NOT to.
2. He is moved by her tears and pleas, which surprises BOTH of them.
3. While he initially lies to her about operation werewolf, he later decides to fess up and tell her the story, despite the fact that it is risky to do so.
4. He saves Sookie from a were who entered her home.
5. He hires a werewolf protector for Sookie so she doesn’t get hurt on her mission to find Bill (the other man).
6. Eric feels badly about the way Lafayette is being treated and buys him some hot new wheels.
7. The supposed emotionless vampire starts to have vivid daydreams about Sookie where she is privy to the real him and knows about his past and his memories. This indicates he wants to share things with Sookie he has never shared with anyone else.
8. Upon realizing that his vision of Sookie was only a dream Eric looks forlorn and sad. It is moving to see how a life with Sookie comforted him.
9. Eric senses that Lafayette is in trouble, which is thanks to Eric’s blood donation to heal Lafayette in season two. He saves Lafayette from being beat up by werewolf thugs.
9. Pam calls to tell Eric that the Magister is raiding the bar and implores him to run and avoid capture. Knowing that Pam is in danger he goes to her aid though and we see clearly the love between Eric and Pam. When the Magister declares that he will kill Pam and Eric will lose his “child” Eric looks pained and slightly panicked. He rushes off to find a way to save her from this mess.
For Eric fans this is a VERY GOOD development. We have always known that Eric was not the bad guy and that he had substance, and deep feelings for a reserved few. I am starting to see the Eric from the books shining through!
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This episode and season are based on Book 3 in the Sookie Stackhouse series:
I always knew Eric had a soft side!
-Jessica Boblooch
When I started to read Charlaine’s books, I was so Sookie and Bill, but after the 4th book, I didn’t even wait for Bill to tell her his secret, I was definitly Sookie and Eric. And I can’t wait for Dead in the Family to come out in paperback
I was so happy when I saw this episode. Bill is starting to annoy me and I’ve always prefered Eric. And I also think he’s better with Sookie.
I absolutely loved the evolution of the Eric and Sookie relationship in the book and am soooooooo glad to see it sorta kinda (please please please!!!) taking shape in the show. But what can I say, I like the bad boys. And if he happens to be a bad boy vampire, SWOOOOOOON!!!! Eric has always been my favorite!
yes, mine too!! and he is one the most swoon-worthy characters(and actors) that i’ve ever seen! i think that as far as character development, it appears that so far this season is getting the gist of what i think book 3 underlined: eric and sookie kind of realizing in their own way that there are feelings starting to develop underneath the bloodbond. lucky girl!! lol!
I think that the dream with sookie show us that he is intrigued about her abilities and also attracted of her. I like a lot the changement of Eric and Bill too, This way maybe we could have a Sookie/Eric couple. I hope . ( Sorry for my expression/language) I’m French but I like a lot your Website.
I totally agree, Lili..the shift between eric and bill was great in the books and I’m more than happy to see this actually starting to happen in the show. as for eric’s daydream? i loved that whole sequence!! In the later scene with pam his emotional side is starting to come out. i thought that scene was wonderfully done as well. my heart was actually starting to break. Bottom line, i’m not at all put off by this latest character development. I like seeing him as a badass vamp, but this new side is just as wonderful too. just because i read the book, doesnt make me any less excited to see what the rest of the season has in store!!