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; Tara finds an ally in a shady vampire named Franklin Mott.

In search of Bill, Sookie heads to Mississippi in the company of Alcide, a werewolf bodyguard. Haunted by visions from his past, Bill makes a surprising pledge of allegiance.

Sookie joins Alcide at a raucous engagement party for his former fiancee. 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.

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

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.

Alcide helps Sookie hunt for Eric; Marnie searches for guidance to break a spell; Bill discovers a common bond with the Bellefleurs; Jason begs for liberation from Hotshot; Sam penetrates Luna's inner circle; Arlene sees the writing on the wall; Tommy returns to his roots.

Sookie nurtures Eric; Bill gets involved personally in the necromancy crisis; Pam takes the veil; Sam becomes Tommy's accomplice; Arlene and Terry look to religion to solve their problem; Jesus and Lafayette head to Mexico to harness a shaman's power; Jason convalesces.