I finally started watching True Blood a few weeks ago. It had been on my list for a while, as various friends had recommended it, but I got my hands on seasons 1-3 and the Housemate and I were looking for a new series neither of us had seen because he's behind on everything ever since he spent 3 months in Antarctica. So True Blood it was. And I am totally addicted to it.The seasons are relatively short (12 episodes), but we've already devoured the first two seasons. There's no downtime in the story, and the episodes always end with a cliffhanger, so it's hard to stop watching. The characters are flawed but appealing and endearing, and there are multiple mysteries going on at a time. It's exciting and frustrating and touching and sexy and fun. A true guilty pleasure.
There are a lot of vampire stories out there, but each has its own take on vampires, and I find this one very interesting. The main premise is that with the invention of Tru Blood, a synthetic beverage that vampires can drink in place of human blood, vampires decided to "come out of the closet"--reveal their existence and integrate themselves into society. This is a recent event, however, and tensions are high between the human and vampire communities. Many humans are understandably afraid of vampires; some go as far as to believe they are evil devils who need to be eradicated. Few vampires, it seems, have switched completely to a Tru Blood diet (the stuff is kinda yucky), most preferring to snack on human blood (if you only take a little at a time, it doesn't kill the human, after all). The show also explores what it's like to be a vampire and become a vampire. And vampires aren't the only supernatural creatures around.
True Blood has snappy dialogue with some great one-liners. I wish I'd kept a list as I went along, because it's easy to forget, but here are a few highlights that come to mind.
Lafayette (after a customer rejected a burger he made because it had "AIDS"; Lafayette is gay): 'Scuse me. Who ordered the hamburger...with AIDS? ...In this restaurant, a hamburger deluxe comes with french fries, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and AIDS! Do anybody got a problem with that?
I could reproduce the whole scene here, but it wouldn't do it justice. The scene has to be watched to be appreciated.
Jason (after his girlfriend says something he deems brilliant): Jesus Christ, I want to lick your brain.
Eric (about children): They're like humans, but miniature. Teacup humans.
Now when I see children, this is what I think of. Teacup humans.
Jason: I reckon I've already been to heaven. It was inside your wife.
Sookie: I'm a waitress. What the f*** are you?
There's a lot of violence, blood, and sex in this show, but I got used to it easily enough (though occasionally I'll be eating something while watching and have to put it down for a couple minutes). I highly recommend the show if you're looking for something absorbing and entertaining. I'm definitely looking forward to Season 3.
