HBO's True Blood Has America Sucked in

Riding the vampire craze into its first season finale, HBO finally has another hit on its hands.

Anna Paquin as Sookie and tephen Moyer as the ampire Bill in HBO's 'True Blood' -

Drake Lelane, Nov 21, 2008

I fully admit that I was skeptical about True Blood after the first few episodes, but in the past five episodes or so, it has really blossomed into the kind of show that HBO hoped it would be: a hit. Heading into its finale this Sunday, the series has already moved into being the third most-watched series in HBO's history, behind only The Sopranos and Sex and the City. Part of the attraction has to do with the current Twilight phenomenon that's sweeping the nation, but I suspect that there would be an audience regardless of what's selling at Hot Topic.

After initially being thrown into the rich Charlaine Harris-created world (Southern Vampire Mysteries), the series has gotten its bearings, and it's far more fun now. Part of it has to do with the casting, as the actors added to the cast of late have been stupendous. Stephen Root (Newsradio, Office Space) recently had an arc as a gay vampire accountant, while Michelle Forbes (In Treatment, Battlestar Galactica) and Emmy winner Zeljko Ivanek (Damages) have recently joined the fray.

But it was really when Lizzy Caplan came on as the V-is-for-more-than-vegan loving Amy that the series really started to take off. Sookie's brother Jason was getting to be annoying, but the chemistry between him and Amy contained real magic, and gave actor Ryan Kwanten more to do than strut around with his shirt off. Even the most annoying character, Tara (Rutina Wesley,) has now become a favorite (showing up drunk to an engagement party in a prom dress sealed the deal).

With the finale Sunday, the series' timing has been perfect. The fact that we already know who the killer is doesn't even ruin the suspense, as knowing the killer is just half the mystery here. (The reveal was subtle and I'm sure plenty missed it -- here it is.)

Besides the identity of the killer, we also know, by the title, that the episode will feature the Johnny Winter classic "You'll Be the Death of Me", since True Blood uses song titles as the episode titles. Winter, who has always kind of looked like a vampire, sings about a different kind of vampire: a lover bent on sucking the life out of him.

Who will die? Who will survive to make it to season 2 (already in production)? It's comforting knowing that the second season will be back sooner than expected, striking the coals while the vampire is hot. For those who need to catch up, there will be some marathons in December, including a big one New Year's Eve. And I have it on good authority that HBO will have a much quicker turnaround for releasing the first season on DVD than normal.

http://www.film.com/tv/story/hbos-true-blood-has-america/24519904