the a.r.w. recommends: True Blood
Did you ever watch Six Feet Under? I saw every episode at least three times. In fact, I’m pretty sure it was the only thing I watched for over a year. Alan Ball created this family that both puzzled and excited me. He has now done it again with his latest HBO show titled True Blood. 
The story is based on the Sookie Stackhouse book series by Charlaine Harris. Sookie, the main character, is played by Anna Paquin, in all of her beautifully blossoming glory. I don’t want to spoil the story for those who haven’t been “bitten” yet, but Sookie’s character has some special abilities which make her particularly interested in the vampire population that seems to be taking over — Ball has created this futuristic version of the world (and the South, in particular) in which vampires are everywhere and blood is sold like booze during the prohibition era. The show is like a graphic novel or comic book — it’s dark and often haunting, yet also full of contemporary metaphors.
After airing only two episodes, True Blood has been renewed for a second season. Despite the occasional criticism, I’m already a fan. I think Troy Patterson at Slate put it best when he wrote, “Appetizingly pulpy and yet not at all crass, the series presents a new angle on the phenomenon of shows-so-bad-that-they’re-good: It sucks hard and thus plays very well.”
8 responses so far
Yay! I am so glad you like this because I am already hooked. I loved Six Feet Under, my favorite all time show. Give me Nate Fisher any day.
This is so interesting and I agree that it plays like a graphic novel. It’s dark and sexy and really draws you in. I want to know more about Bill so bad, and understand why Sookie has her “special qualities”. But I do sort of hate the other dumb characters and hope they are developed more (or killed off, I talking about you, Jason).
We’ve had FREE HBO for almost 3 months now and have yet to watch any shows. I have heard great things about True Blood. Maybe it will be the show that sucks us in?!
Sultry vampires, huh? I just don’t get the fascination with mythical creatures with sex appeal!
I have heard good things about it. I’m interested in checking it out one day, but since I don’t have HBO…maybe when it’s on DVD? I do live vampires and all…
I am so angry that I don’t have HBO right now! I LOVE vampires, definitely the sexiest of the scary lot!
im so glad we have such similar amazing taste!! : )
Completely agree! I was uber obsessed with Six Feet Under (Did you notice the box set has fake grass on top? Very creative.), and now I’m growing addicted to True Blood. The first three episodes are already available for rent at Blockbuster - noticed the other day - which clearly speaks to its quick popularity.
MinD, I too was “uber” obsessed with Six Feet Under. The box set, including the grassy grave, is in my Amazon shopping cart just waiting for me to click “purchase.” How can I not own that!?
And damn, True Blood is already at the video store!?? I would’ve never guessed. Thanks for pointing that out — it certainly does say something about the show, in addition to the fact that it has already been picked up for a second season. That Alan Ball, he is one clever, creative guy.