Russell Edgington, the Vampire King of Mississippi, concocts a plan to consolidate his power. Eric remembers his past, Sam tests the strength of his family bonds and Tara finds an ally in a shady vampire named Franklin Mott.

Sam tests the strength of his family bonds. Tara finds an ally in a shady vampire named Franklin Mott. Eric remembers his past. Russell Edgington, the Vampire King of Mississippi, concocts a plan to consolidate his po

In search of Bill, Sookie heads to Jackson, Mississippi in the company of Alcide, a werewolf bodyguard assigned by Eric to protect her. Jason is distracted from his police exams. Bud reaches the end of his rope and Arlene copes with unexpected news.

Sookie joins Alcide at a raucous engagement party for his former fiancee, Debbie Pelt. Bill "procures" dinner for Russell and Lorena. Sam brokers a deal with Tommy and his parents. Andy gets a promotion and draws Jason's attention. Arlene is irked by Jessica's arrival at Merlotte's. Eric is given a deadline to locate Bill. Franklin takes Tara on a road trip.

Sookie and Alcide turn to an alpha-wolf "packmaster" for advice on how to deal with Russell's minions. Jason meets his match in a mysterious girl named Crystal. Tara considers a proposal from Franklin, who's completed his mission for Russell. Lafayette learns the meaning of patience from Jesus, his mother's orderly. An heirloom reminds Eric of his past and his ongoing thirst for vengeance. Joe Lee breaks his promise to Sam and Tommy.

Spurned by Eric, Sookie fears the worst for Bill, whose fate now lies in Lorena's hands. Jason's romance with Crystal hits a snag, as does Lafayette's with Jesus. Fueled by a night of passion, Tara executes a desperate plan to stave off Franklin's advances. After revealing his master plan to Eric, Russell pays a visit to Louisiana in order to start executing it. In Bon Temps, Tommy finds it difficult to leave the family nest. Jessica gets her fix from a Merlotte's customer.

Sookie's attempt to rescue Bill has unforseen consequences. Meanwhile, Jason seeks the truth about Crystal. Sam must step in when Tommy gets involved in a dog fighting ring, all thanks to Melinda and Joe Lee's quest for money. Eric figures out how to get the information he wants from Sophie-Anne. Debbie plans to get even with Alcide while Russell ignores the Magister.

While Sookie must rethink her relationship with Bill, he reconciles with Jessica. As Russell decides what he's going to do next, Sophie-Anne relocates her residence. Jason offers a challenge to save Crystal while Ruby Jean pays Lafayette a surprise visit. A new waitress starts at Merlotte. Eric's allegiance to Russell is proven. Alcide's family emergency puts Sookie in a vulnerable position.

The Vampire Rights Amendment is close to being ratified so Nan confronts Eric at Fangtasia about the whereabouts of the Magister. Russell vows revenge against all his vampire and human adversaries. Bill discovers the truth about Sookie's true identity. Unexpected help arrives as Jason goes up against Felton and Calvin. Arlene is overcome by a sense of futility about her future while Tara meets up with a new ally and with someone who caused her pain in the past. Sookie meets a new family member. Hoyt addresses his real feelings head on.

Sookie is warned about the dangers she will have to deal with. Dark memories surface for Sam. Arlene must ask Holly for help while Jason faces unexpected dealings with Tara and Crystal. Jesus' interest in V's qualities is aroused. Arlene seeks out Holly for help. Russell vows to inflict punishment on his enemies. After precautions, Eric satisfies a wish.

Bill wants to earn back Sookie's trust but once again brings her close to danger. Eric tempts Russell with "ultimate vampire dream". Jason tries to comprehend what he's learned about Crystal. Sam alienates everyone but Tara. Jessica and Hoyt take their romance up a notch. Lafayette struggles with new demons.

Sookie gives careful consideration to a life without vampires of any kind. While secretly planning a perfect payback for Russell, Eric deals with his feelings of right and wrong. Tommy's latest overstepping boundaries leaves Sam in a rage. A new vocation is in store for Jason after he warns Crystal's family about a potential drug raid.