Did True Blood Blow Its Load Too Early?

The top shows on TV have been the hot topic since DevonLohan.com's return, so I figured I would chime in on something I've thought about lately.  Way back in 2008, we speculated that True Blood was the best show on cable.  At the time it was this cool fresh idea that had a small Louisiana town that had vampires living alongside humans, almost like a semi-accepted separate race.  Vampires had "Tru Blood" to drink, which was a synthetic "beer" type drink that had been created to replace human blood for them, therefore making them able to live alongside humans.

The story was unique, and many fans were hooked right away.  Of course you had "good" and "bad" vampires, with the characters of Bill and Eric being the main power struggle in their town of Bon Temps at the time.   Along the way we found out the main character "Sookie" (Anna Paquin) had some unidentified special powers as well, which added some intrigue.  The show also had some good side stories and characters, was heavy on sex and nudity, and had plenty of twists and turns that made for one of the most talked about new shows that quickly developed a loyal fan base that has grown and grown.

The question I ask is, has the show blown it's load too early?  What I mean by that, and if you watch the show you know what I'm talking about, has TOO much happened now and is there too much going on to the point where the show can only go on for a couple more seasons?  We started out with the simple formula of vampires and humans.  Since then over 4 seasons we've been introduced to shape shifters, werewolves, fairies, mediums, witches, were.....panthers (yeah), a Mexican, gay, "brujo" (which looked more like a guy in a Mexican wrestling mask to me) and other creatures that aren't even identifiable.  Things really came to a head at the conclusion of this past season when I'm seeing the vampire crew with bazookas and guns.....really?  Vampires who have all these powers and speed and such, need guns? 

It's come to the point where there is SO much going on it's a task to keep up with who is on who's side, who is from who's past, who is dead and who is alive - and trying to remember what season the dead who come back are from etc.  I realize the whole story is based on the books by Charlaine Harris, so most of these things happened at some point in the original story, but the pace seems pretty frantic on the show.  Keep in mind we also get treated to regular flashbacks from hundreds of years ago explaining different characters origins, so it's a lot to digest.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the show but I'm asking if the show has given us so much that soon it will come to a "what else can we do?" point.  Maybe it's because they know the actors will age over time and they know they have to wrap things up before that happens to protect the
vampire image.  If not for that factor, the show could be drawn out and these stories told at a pace that would make everything more impactful.

So what do you think?  Is True Blood just too "out there" now with all the crazyness?  Or are you happy with how the show is evolved and will be fulfilled if the show only goes for a couple more seasons?

Is True Blood the Best Show on Cable?

In my opinion it is.

True Blood was created by Alan Ball, who you may recall was the brains behind HBO's previous hit, Six Feet Under. Until this show began, I would easily say Six Feet Under held the mantle of being my favorite show to ever air on HBO, which is no small feat, considering the company the show kept.

Set in the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisianna, True Blood centers around the characters of Sookie Stackhouse and her Vampire boyfriend, Bill Compton. Sookie, played by Anna Paquin (X-Men), is a waitress with a big secret... she's a Telepath. Season One so far has dealt with Sookie's budding relationship with Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a Vampire born again during the Civil War. Surrounded by an incredible supporting cast, Paquin and Moyer bring real-life relationship issues to the screen, but with a big supernatural twist.

I would go so far as to say True Blood is easily one of the best Sci-Fi shows on TV right now. It took the season to get in a couple of episodes before it REALLY picked up, but right from the bat you'll be hooked. I can tell you now, that if you're just starting to watch, it only gets better and better. It seems like each week something even crazier than the last happens, and every episode leaves you with a breathless cliffhanger.

I can't imagine this show ever airing on a channel other than HBO (or any of the other pay channels) simply because the raw, gritty, dirty feeling it gives you couldn't come across on any of those mediums. Part of the appeal from True Blood is in just how dirty it makes you feel.

The story... well... suffice to say the Vampire guy, Human girl thing has been done to death. However, True Blood is honestyly unlike anything you've ever seen or read before. It takes that basic plot, and then slams it against a tree, and then rips its heart out. The plot is completely original, thanks to Charlaine Harris, who wrote the series of books that inspired the show.

In True Blood, Japanese scientist's have invented synthetic blood, and vampires have progressed from legendary monsters to fellow citizens overnight. They call this the "Coming Out". Meanwhile humans have begun to consider themselves safe, some even marrying and loving Vampires, but many remain apprehensive about these creatures they only knew in nightmares as children. Religious leaders and government officials around the world have chosen their sides, which is usually shown via a TV news report, or magazine cover (Angelina Adopts Vampire Baby!) but in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps, the jury is still out. Bon Temps is, simply put, as backwoods as it gets.

Like I mentioned before, the entire supporting cast is made up of lesser-known actors who could each probably carry a show themselves. You begin to care for these characters, and often find yourself wondering if you'd make the choice to become a Vampire, or stay loyal to your own humanity.

If you like Vampires, this is obviously a show for you... but if you're looking for a show that delivers non-stop intrigue, suspense, and entertainment... then you owe it to yourself to check out True Blood, and see what it's all about.

What the fuck is going on here?

Below are the new posters for Jennifer's Body, starring Megan Fox, and the new HBO show about vampires, True Blood. Notice something strange?

I'm slightly excited about True Blood. I'd like to see a decent Vampire show that doesn't involve dipshit teenagers running ala Scooby Doo, or some sappy fuck like that show on CBS.

As for Jennifer's Body... so long as it features a lot of Megan Fox's body.. I'm sold.



Of course we all know who started that trend....