u/Spirited_Society_985

It’s been 12 years since season 7. I know. But in scouring the internet, I have yet to come across ANY discussion about the death of the Tara character that "gets into it" on how half assed and fishy it felt, as if it was duct taped together from what footage they HAD shot, and that an "explanation" in the form of a contrived, amateur storyline that made zero sense.

Yes, yes... I've read paragraphs of how crummy unfair, unsatisfying or even disrespectful her ending was and I do not disagree.
But I'm after a different discussion- WHY was it handled so clumsily, awkwardly, and bungle-rushed?
Fukkery was afoot that I've never read substantive comments on from either the producers nor Rutina Westley herself about WHY Tara's death was so weird and inadequate - not like some bad decision by the show makers, but like "the best we can do" with (for whatever reason) no longer having access to Rutina as an actor. Does it to you?

Think it through: the final episode of season 6 included a deeply uncomfortable scene with Lettie Mae begging Tara to "Let me finally feed you, baby!". It was oddly appropriate, didn't see that angle coming.
Doesn't it seem very True Blood-ish for season 7 episode 1 to have been Tara bearing the trauma of not being able to stop the vampire murder in her face of her newly connected to mother who has been a hot mess forever, by a deadly being that she too had become?

The absurd explanation that they killed Tara so that they could explore a redemption storyline for Lettie Mae is gaslighting. How ridiculous. After ALL the emotion and connection and story they had invested in 6 seasons into Tara as a main-adjacent character, does this weak ass, off screen, battle-incidental end make ANY sense?
Tara was just adjusting into vamphood. She and Pam were finding a groove and had major potential as a Thelma & Louise feel. Tara was one of the most sublimely gorgeous and intense vampires, she was MADE to be a fanger, and she had a long connection to Sookie and even Jason.

The abrupt, clumsy footage of her battle with the Hep V vampire felt like they had started a fight scene but never got to finish the planned shot.

What do you think? Am I nuts?