I’m a late convert, but I’m now a big fan of the HBO series “True Blood,” which is based on the “Southern Vampire Mysteries” novels of Charlaine Harris. Started watching a few days ago, and completed the first season. Now I want to read the books, heh.
The main character in “True Blood” is waitress Sookie Stackhouse, played by Oscar award-winning actress (Best Supporting Actress for “The Piano” when she was 11, not for playing Rogue in the X-Men movies, heh) Anna Paquin. She also won a Golden Globe Best Actress Award for this TV series — and I’m telling you, she really deserves it.
The premise? Vampires have outed themselves (“come out of the coffin”) and are now seeking to become part of mainstream human society after Japanese scientists invented synthetic blood, which is now being marketed in stores as a drink called Tru Blood. In other words, they don’t need to drink human blood anymore — though of course that’s different from not wanting to drink human blood.
Imagine vampires lobbying to enjoy the same civil rights as humans, and how people are reacting to once mythical monsters suddenly revealing themselves to be real. The slogan “God Hates Fangs” should tell you what some people think about this. Not to mention the reaction of vampires who don’t want to become part of the mainstream.
You just have to love the way the “True Blood” universe subverts standard vampire narratives and stereotypes, plus the often hilarious reference to pop culture and vampire fiction. Like one of the best lines, which a character says after learning that Starbucks is coming to Marthaville: “”You know what I really wish would come to Marthaville? Huh? Buffy… or Blade…”
I can’t wait for Season 2, which will start on June 14 in the US. Here’s the Season 2 trailer, which features Bob Dylan’s new song “Beyond Here Lies Nothing.”
Here’s a sneak peek containing a scene from Season 2.
Plus you gotta love these viral videos that include pseudo-newscasts tackling the different ways vampires are becoming part of mainstream society, including a report on the first TV show starring an actual vampire.
For more videos, check out the “True Blood” playlist on the official HBO YouTube channel.
