"True Blood" Finally Ready
It seems like it was several years ago when I first heard that HBO was developing a vampire series based on the "The Southern Vampire Mysteries" books by Charlaine Harris. Now, I was not familar with those books, but it said 'Vampire!', so I kept it on my watch list. As I found more information, I learned that Alan Ball (of "Six Feet Under") was tabbed as the show runner and the fascinating Anna Paquin cast as the lead character. I could see some potential building...but, then the show was never released in 2007.
Well, the long wait has ended. "True Blood" will premiere on September 7th, 2008. I am just amazed that all of the original main actors are still involved! "True Blood" is set in a world where vampires are part of regular society, thanks to the development of synthetic blood. Paquin stars as a mind-reading waitress named "Sookie Stackhouse", who falls for a vampire (played by Stephen Moyer).
From that blurb, if this was a network drama, I don't think I'd be that interested. After all, I am sure Charlaine Harris does fine work, but her books fall more in the area of romance than in the Sci-Fi genre. But, I believe that HBO will give the series a bit more latitude to be different. Alan Ball has already done acclaimed work with "Six Feet Under" and Paquin's got that Oscar, so there are reasons for expectations to be better.
Just check out the show's site for the synthetic blood product, Tru-Blood. I love the screensaver - "Friends Don't Let Friends Drink Friends" - that's good stuff right there! I'll have this on the TiVo this fall.
I can't wait for this new vampire drama. With HBO doing the honors I hope it becomes a real sneaker hit and all those other networks (CBS/Lifetime) see that vampires at the new Wizards of 2008.
-- Posted by: assuit at July 15, 2008 9:38 PM