True Blood Sept 2008-Season Preimere (TV Only, No Book Spoilers Please)

[Truth Seeker]

TRUE BLOOD


Alan Ball, creator of Six Feet Under, returns to HBO with a new series based on the novel series Southern Vampire by Charlaine Harris. The series follows Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic barmaid who finds comfort in the company of vampires since they have no brainwave activity for her to read. She and her brother Jason were raised by her grandmother after losing their parents in a flood and she tries to keep her telepathic ability a secret. Thanks largely in part to the creation of a Japanese-made synthetic blood called True Blood (where the series takes it name) vampires have made their existence known to the world. Sookie works at the bar 'Merlotte's' which is owned and operated by her boss Sam Merlotte who has a secret of his own.



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[warlord]

So I just watched pre-air versions of episodes 1 and 2. I hereby proclaim Alan Ball is the King of Vampire Fiction, second only to the All Powerful God of Vamp Fiction Joss Whedon. This show hasd filled the giant void left the end of Buffy and Angel. Stephanie Meyer can go cry herself to sleep because Edward is so last year.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I watched Episode 1 tonight, I thought it was pretty good. I quite like how while still seemingly keeping plenty of the traditional vampire stuff, it makes it unique and interesting by changing around the way humans and vampires interact.

It is also quite funny in parts.

Anyone else find the fangs remind them of viper fangs?

I am now wondering what other kinds of supernatural creatures exist. We got psychics and vampires right now, the way the dog appeared in the one scene for me screams "shape-shifter" (I dunno who, possibly Sam?)

 

[Mistwell]

So I just watched pre-air versions of episodes 1 and 2. I hereby proclaim Alan Ball is the King of Vampire Fiction,

You might throw some thanks to the author as well

 

[Grymar]

Watched Episode 1 last night and really enjoyed it. The southern feel works well and the vampires have almost an X-men like feel to them as far as being outcasts and trying to come public after all of these years.

Spoilers below
[sblock]
OK, the big question is what is the deal with Sookie. According to Vampire Bill she's "more than human." Also note the odd name. Her friend and brother both know of her mind reading abilities, but others just call her a psychic. Also note her possible telekinesis in the fight.

On the mind reading, I think she can hear surface thoughts at will and as a matter of fact seems to need to concentrate to block them. But she has to focus, and perhaps needs physical contact, to read deeper thoughts.

By the end of the episode I'm pretty sure she doesn't have physical abilities, but her mental skills are impressive. Could Sookie be short for something like...succubus? It would fit the sexual theme of the show. [/sblock]

I am now wondering what other kinds of supernatural creatures exist. We got psychics and vampires right now, the way the dog appeared in the one scene for me screams "shape-shifter" (I dunno who, possibly Sam?)

Yeah, I noticed the dog too. And the mention of werewolves ("but I know they aren't real") seemed to be a bit of foreshadowing.

 

[Fallen Seraph]

Yeah there is definitely something special about Sookie beyond being psychic. I hope it isn't any of the cliche "GASPS! Your destined to be so and so", would run counter to the feel of the show in my opinion.

 

[Whitemouse]

My friend told me that he'd record it for me. Hopefully I'll be able to pick up the dvd in a couple of days; I can't wait to see this.

 

[LightPhoenix]

Yeah, I noticed the dog too. And the mention of werewolves ("but I know they aren't real") seemed to be a bit of foreshadowing.

My guess would be the bartender (Sam?).

1) He's out of breath despite being just outside the bar
2) He's the only other one who knows the vampire is one (smell him?)
3) The vampire knows he knows
4) When he hugs Sookie he thinks about the smell

 

[GSHamster]

The show is based off a series of novels by Charlaine Harris, just to let you guys know.

Spoilers are pretty weird in a situation like this. i.e. what Sookie is. On the one hand, how well it maps to the books would be nice to know, but there also seems to be a lot of people who haven't read the books, but watched the tv show.

 

[Whitemouse]

The show is based off a series of novels by Charlaine Harris, just to let you guys know.

Well that certainly is interesting. Wasn't even aware.

I'm definitely going to have to check them out.