But that also makes him essential, because he was bearing the full burden of this entire season. They said it was the Season of the Witch, but it's not: It's the season of Skinwalking. Hating your own identity so much that you have to change into something else and pretend you can leave yourself behind. Right in front of our eyes, he was carrying the whole thing, and we never even noticed.

And if you look at this group of people, this Them that never noticed him, it's funny. Because out of all the two-natured, all the shapeshifters, all the suicides, the only one who seems to have his shit together at this point is Eric Northman. He has both Erics in him now, and they both look out of his eyes. He has the peace, and he has the fire. All of Godric's hope and faith, his broken heart, and look what Godric made. The most selfish man who ever lived, giving himself away utterly. Soft and hard at once, stronger than before, just like Godric wanted most. Godric, who carried Season Two just like Tommy did this year; Godric who died for our sins. Godric who first taught us, and them, about Us and Them. Godric, the opposite of Tommy Mickens Merlotte in almost every single way, except the ones that count. I don't think it'll be a Rainbow Bridge, and I don't think it will be angels, or even a white light. But I know it'll feel like home. And I think I know who'll be there to meet him when he comes.

JACOB CLIFTON is a freelance writer and critic based in Austin, Texas. He currently recaps True Blood, Gossip Girl, and Pretty Little Liars for TWoP. Jacob can be found online at jacobclifton.com, on Twitter, and on Facebook. IRL work appears in BenBella's SmartPop series of anthologies, most recently A Friday Night Lights Companion and Fringe Science.