User:SchrutedIt08/Shake and fingerpop

Shake and Fingerpop is the 4th episode of the second season of True Blood and the show's 16th episode overall. The episode was written by Alan Ball and directed by Michael Lehmann. It originally aired in the United States on HBO on July 12, 2009 after a two week hiatus. In the episode, Sookie and Bill are recruited by Eric to investigate the disappearance of an ancient and powerful vampire named Godric in Dallas, Texas. Jason receives a promotion at the Light of Day Institute and Maryann's influence on the town of Bon Temps begins to take root.

Plot
Bill throws Hoyt out of his house, much to Jessica’s dismay. She storms off and Sookie invites Jessica to accompany them to Dallas. Bill reluctantly agrees. Tara agrees to move into Sookie’s house and Maryann appears supportive. Jason becomes the victim of a cruel practical joke but winds up having the last laugh when he is invited to stay with the Newlins in their lavish mansion. The attraction between Sarah and Jason becomes more intense and Steve offers him a position in the Soldiers of the Sun – Steve’s “elite spiritual army.” It is revealed that Miss Jeanette, the woman found in Andy Bellefleur’s car, was murdered by the same creature that attacked Sookie.

thumb Sookie arrives in Dallas with Bill and Jessica. A limousine driver attempts to abduct her, but Bill manages to prevent the kidnapping and learns, after glamoring the abductor, that he was sent by the Fellowship of the Sun. Meanwhile a traumatized Lafayette is paid a visit by Eric, who offers him some of his blood to heal. Lafayette suspiciously drinks Eric’s blood to heal his leg. Sookie, Bill and Jessica arrive at the lavish Hotel Camilla, which caters specifically to vampires.

Back in Bon Temps, Tara spends her birthday alone until Maryann shows up with Eggs to throw her a surprise party. Sam shows up with a gift to Tara from her mother and connects with Daphne, who reveals to Sam that she “knows what he is”. Maryann throws Lettie Mae’s gift for Tara away. As the party grows more and more wild, Maryann performs an incantation which fills the entire party with an intense sexual energy. Maryann turns into the beast once again and Tara and Eggs have sex. Bill and Eric meet and discuss the missing vampire sheriff Godric and what this means for their safety. Sookie encounters a bellhop named Barry, who is also able to read minds.

Title
The title Shake and Fingerpop is taken from the song by Jr. Walker and the All Stars. It plays in the scene at Sookie's house where Sam arrives at the party with Lettie Mae's gift for Tara and proceeds to have a conversation with Maryann. The original working title for the episode was Let's Take a Trip Together.

Cast
The episode features the first appearence of Chris Coy who portrays Barry, the reluctantly telepathic bellhop.

Production
Shake and Fingerpop was the fourth episode of the series to be written by creator Alan Ball. It was also the fourth episode to be directed by Michael Lehmann.

Ratings
On its initial broadcast, the episode gained a total of 3.9 million viewers, a series high at that point.