In Five Reasons, TV.com takes an early look at upcoming episodes of shows and scoops what's good and bad about the program we just watched. We're not telling you to watch it or telling you to avoid it--we're just offering up our two cents as a helpful guide.
"Vampires often turn on those who trust them. We don't have values like you."--Bill Compton, True Blood
Looking to inject a little life into the network, HBO is reaching out to the undead for help. True Blood, from Six Feet Under creator Alan Ball, is a small-screen adaptation of Charlaine Harris' smart Southern Vampire Mysteries books, and poses the question, "What if vampires were not only real, but part of society?"
After a Japanese scientist makes synthetic blood, vamps "come out of the coffin" and are free to roam the world, presumably because they don't pose a threat to humans anymore (that won't last long). Anna Paquin stars as mind-reading waitress Sookie Stackhouse (best name ever), who becomes enamored with her town's first fanged visitor, Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer).
If that description sounds weird, it's because it is. We've seen the first two episodes of the new series, and True Blood is going to have its loyal fans and its megahaters. Here are five reasons to watch and not to watch True Blood.
Five reasons you should watch True Blood
1. It's playful fun
This show absolutely does not take itself seriously--and that's a good thing. It's overflowing with campiness and satire and requires an open mind to really see where it's going. Take it seriously, and you'll turn it off. Grab a tub of popcorn and give it a shot, and you may come away pleased.
2. The opening credit sequence
Talk about setting the mood! Cable shows always have great credit sequences, and True Blood has one of the best. Like something out of Natural Born Killers, True Blood starts with grainy footage of burlesque dancers, decaying foxes, civil rights scenes, swampland, and baptisms--all to the tune of Jace Everett's wicked "Bad Things."
3. Premise
Charlaine Harris has created a fantastic world where humans are simultaneously fascinated and scared of vampires. Hicks drink vampire blood as an aphrodisiac, and most vampires just want to go about their business without hassle. Some traditional vampire lore is also staked in the heart, giving the mythology its own unique feel.
4. Lafayette Reynolds
The ridiculously openly gay (possibly bi) black cook at Sookie's restaurant is both over the top and sagelike, at times pumping his hips and other times offering words of wisdom. Actor Nelsan Ellis pulls it off brilliantly without being annoying. Plus, two of my favorite actors--The Wire's Chris Bauer (Frank Sobotka from season two) and Generation Kill's Alexander Skarsgard--also have roles.
5. Satire
I'm a sucker for satire, and True Blood is rife with it--almost too much (almost!!). The new vampire movement has clear nods to the civil rights movement and homophobia, and spawns some so-bad-it's-good goofy liberal-versus-conservative back and forth.
Five reasons you shouldn't watch True Blood
1. It ain't no Six Feet Under
Fans of Ball's brilliant Six Feet Under will leave disappointed--there isn't a whole lot of subtlety in True Blood. It's a reinvention for Ball, so don't expect anything like Six Feet Under or American Beauty.
2. Inconsistency
True Blood has a tendency to come to the occasional screeching halt after some great moments. The stop-start will no doubt turn off those viewers with attention deficit disorder.
3. Bad guys aren't the smartest
There are dumb bad guys and dumber bad guys, and True Blood unfortunately has more of the latter. Take the chain off your neck, dude!
4. Anna Paquin's accent
I'm not sold on Paquin's Southern accent. Thankfully she can sell most of her scenes with her eyes and gap-toothed smile.
5. Characters are too horny
This cast of characters is as randy as they come (accidental pun alert). Everyone is trying to get into everyone's pants, and most are succeeding. What is it that they put in the water down in Louisiana? And where can I get some?
True Blood premieres Sunday, September 7 on HBO. After you see it, come back here and tell us what you thought!
Comments (63)
Trueblood is entertaining for it’s depth of characters and unique plot lines (OK... and Stephen Moyers/Alexander Skarsgard’s sex appeal) they follow to address stereotypical issues Americans have been dealing with since this country was born. I love that they throw it in everyone’s face (with a lot of humor & fact) that differences among people (Alive, Undead or Magical, LOL) are deeper than appearances may seem. It is a great way to show people what is behind prejudice & oppression: fear of the unknown and a lack of respectful willingness to look deeper for the worth in individuals. I was overjoyed to find the series was based on the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlene Harris. I have read them all. So far, both the series & books offer a exceptional entertainment value despite differences between them. I look forward to new episodes of the show & new books in the series. I would reccomend both to anyone.moreless
LOL, maybe you forgot to mention all that juicy sex scenes. Blood, blood, and more bloody violence with a LOT of sex,renewing the legend of vampire stories. I love the review, by the way.
Just finished watching the show. Umm ...it was ok. I can appreciate that translating a book into a TV show does take some artistic licensing to make it stretch into a number of episodes...but have to say was a bit perturbed by the amount of flesh etc on show, skipped these scenes and scenes which bored me...which tended to be drawn out scenes with Jason, Tara, overly gory etc. But did enjoy LaFayette. I suppose most the time I was going "that's not in the book" (which also happened when watching the film of Mansfield Park with Jonny Lee Miller - if anyone has read the book (or made to read the book for english - hated every single second of it!) and seen the film knows what I'm talking about.I think fans who read the book will be split on their opinions of the series...and those who have only watch the TV programme remain in ingnorant bliss... I have one friend who hasn't read the books but thinks the TV programme is brill is one example...haven't got any feedback yet from mates who have read the books but haven't seen the show yet.Would I watch the entire second series - don't think so - probably skim through it to bask in Sam's, Bill and Eric's loveliness.moreless
I love this show, I haven't been hook on a show for years but this one has me hook.
Tim Surette, this show is absolutly great, Bravo! Can't wait to see the next episodes.
One of the best shows ever made on TV. I'm not sure about Skarsgaard as Eric as I pictured him a bit differently from his description in the book, but I'm 100% prepared to give it a try. Anna and Stephen are so perfect that I just have to trust the casting director on this, too. Can't wait to see more of him to make up my mind. A separate cher for the main song and theme.
First episodes was bad and I have not watched it again. But I think I'm going to give it one more try. Why? Alexsander Skarsgard will be in the show. Maybe he can make it better? He sure did great in Generation Kill.
What I don't like is the accent of Sookie and yes her gap. And I do like sex, but this serie is a little bit wierd when it comes to that.
Strange, but I will give it one more try.
I finally watched the first 5 episodes after catching a bit of the 5th episode. I have to say that I'm hooked. The show doesn't take itself seriously. It's sexy (Stephen Moyer stops my breathing), fun, and a much better alternative to reality TV.
I COMPLETELY agree with the 5 reasons why NOT to watch the show. It's horrible.
I am really enjoying this show, the plot is great and I love the characters. I will totally keep watching!
I'm sold. I like the show. It makes Moonlight look worst than it was, and that ain't easy.
episode 4!!!! Eric !! *droooools*
good show slow start but follows the books more or less, which is great
I love this show i watched each episode so far
I saw the pilot and I have to say; I wasn't thrilled..
But as pilots don't always represent the rest of the show, I wouldn't mind trying another episode.
I mean, Buffy's pilot was kind of fake-ish and a little dumb, but look how well that turned out.
I'm willing to give it another shot, because I love supernatural shows/films, especially when it includes vamps, but it was just.... weird.
I can't really find the right word for it, but it just wasn't exactly right. Bad pilot!
Although the pilot episode was intriguing, it didn't completely capture me. The 2nd and 3rd episodes were fantastic however! They're clearly going to expand beyond this small town to something much larger. Also, what the hell is with that dog??
I watched the pilot and I wasn't turned off by it but I wasn't exactly turned on either. (check reason 5 for shouldn't) I will probably give it a couple more chances to grab my interest because even though I don't love it right away I am someone intrigued by concept of vampires are openly known in existence.
The lists of 5 are good. Well done. I sure do like the show - it is good bad TV.
im from adelaide australia an have read all the novels which are awsome 10/10 .i really hope adelaide gets to veiw the tv show .i think it will be great as ill understand the story line from reading the books.
Watched the first and second show, and so far I really like it. And yes, Anna P accent doesn't show right at all. And I love the sexually tension of all the men. Will be watching the next, and will be checking out the book.
awesome show, as long as, as mr Surette pointed out, you don't take it too seriously...
southern vampires, what's not to like?
It will never replace Moonlight . . . matter of fact, Moonlight should have been on HBO to start with!!!!
Bad Reason #3 -- Correction :)
FYI, your reference to 'take the chain off your neck dude' was an oversight on your part. Watch the scene again, you'll notice she gives the chain a toss and it wraps itself around the guys neck, then tightens. He tries to get it off, but can't -- Bill the vampire has a look of surprise, getting his first indication that Sookie is something more than she appears. I missed it the first time too.
The rest is spot on though -- looks to be fun, hopefully they'll resolve the story and not just pull the plug, can't see this one having mass appeal.
I still wanna check out this show even though it seems to be getting panned.
Those five reasons not to watch are only making me want to watch it more.
Really loved it, it can hopefully fill the void that was left when Moonlight was cancelled. Of course they are very different, but I like both for different reasons.
Not the best series premier in history... However, not the worst either. I was a little let down from what I thought the show was going to be like... But just enough interested in it, to give it another few viewings before I write it off... I could see this show morphing into a "Twin Peaks" kind of show with a town of wack cases...
I loved the show. I was so excited to learn that HBO was gonna make it in to a show. I thought it actually pretty much stayed true to the books. Having the redneck vampire in the beginning was hilarious. I just wish the would have played the first two episodes together. I wanna see what happens to Sookie even though I know because I read the books but I felt like it just ended and left you hanging. At least I know I am gonna come back and watch it on Sunday.
I didn't like it. :( I could only stomach :P 20 minutes. Anna P was the only redeeming thing about the show. Actually I think she's too good for it.
Show is good - books are great.
I was intrigued so I gave it a shot, and I believe I'll definitely be tuning in next week. Interesting premise.
I am very excited and can't wait for tonight to watch the premiere! The trailer looks awesome!
Anna Paquin's accent is incredibly annoying and her acting is terrible in this!
Didn't like it, it's like they said: it ain't no Six Feet Under. I expected greatness from Ball but True Blood ist mediocrity at best...
I have read and love the books and have been waiting for so long for this! I can't wait to watch it!
I watched the first episode recently - and I LOVE IT. Will definately be addicted to this series, I truly hope it doesn't get canned.
i liked it, hope it dose not get caned after the first season but i have a feeling it will.
I don't know what to say about this show. 1) most ppl/ like vampires not because they are blood sucking fiends, but because people are fascinated by those who go against the herd. If this show is just about sex and getting your kinkys out then this show is going to suck. If it shows to be witty and not about the sex but more about the ppl/ then I think it will do well.
If the girl was giving bj's, I'd care. But since episode 1 was a train-wreck without any kind of useful sucking, I think I'll forget I ever saw this.
I´ll watch it, if nothing else is on.
I've read the first book. I've seen the early cut of the pilot and the final cut. I didn't hate it but I can understand why people didn't like. It doesn't really draw you in. However knowing what's to come I will watch the entire season. In fact I'm looking forward to it.
i"ll stick with buffy and angel. sounds like a cheap show.
iiiiiiiii can't wait! i hope true blood makes me forget moonlight :/
Sounds interesting :)
I'm extremely excited to watch this show. I still wish Moonlight was on but whatever.
I saw the preair version and it wasn't horrible but I see they've gone back and tweaked some things so I hope this show wont disappoint. I do need my vampire fix and no, Buffy reruns will not cut it.
I've seen the preair version and it sucked (not in vampire sucky kind of way). Definately going to skip that one.
i will watch i loved the the books love five reasons
im watching
Yeah i prefer rewatch Buffy than this crap :):)