True Blood Poetic Rapture 2nd season???

[mikey]

The first season of True Blood on HBO was bliss. It was romantic and poetic passion between Sookie (she can read your mind) and Bill (civil war vampire) in Bon Temps. The idea of vampires coexisting with humans and having rights was sorta believable. They threw in a shape-shifter (Merlotte) well the guy turns into a dog-not a even werewolf which kinda made me wonder where things were going in middle of first season. Well, last Sunday we were introduced to a Bullman now i think the show is approaching disaster. It was interesting for Lafayette, a gay black cook at Merlotte's restaurant, asked to become a vampire but Sookie got in the middle so that probably won't happen and she was attacked by the Bullman. I am really confused now where the show is going. Anyone crying or confused on this 2nd season????

[GinGinD]

Well, I've been reading the books since they first came out in 2001, so I have a general idea what's going to happen to most the characters. Ball doesn't stay real true to the books, but he does keep to the general outline.

BTW - Some things the series does better, but overall all I much, much prefer the books. Of course, I was reading Charlaine Harris even before she started the Southern Vampire series so I'm probably biased in her favor.

Jeannie

[Taffi Abernathy]

If you knew where things were heading, you might lose interest. I love the show, and my biggest complaint is that too much time lapsed between season 1 and season 2. The show is innovative, so innovative that I've never seen anything like it. If you think about it, there has never been a boring episode. My favorite character is Vampire Bill, but I also like Tara, she's so sassy! Hang in there, while it's confusing, wanting to get a handle on what's going on provides a lot of the motivation to return each week. The storyline will unfold soon enough.

[Mosco]

I haven't lost interest at all - the Bull thing was kinda weird, but we have to see where it goes. Haven't read the books as I am 100% illiterate (just lazy, honestly), but the show keeps my interest. BTW, I do think there is a werewolf in the show, he just hasn't revealed himself. If I had to bet, I'd think it is the guy who took over Lafayette's position as the cook (can't think of his name, he's been there since the 1st episode).

BTW has anyone else noticed that Maryann's butler is wearing a Submariner? I confirmed it on two occasions!

[GinGinD]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

The show is innovative, so innovative that I've never seen anything like it.

I'm going to most respectfully disagree, although I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on why you think it so innovative.

Contemporary urban fantasy is a form of alternative reality fiction that has been around for over 25 years. It really exploded on the scene with the phenomenal success of Laurel K. Hamilton's Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series, which debuted in 1993.

It's a sub-genre of Speculative Fiction certainly (fantasy, sci-fi, and horror), but is most often considered a hybrid combination of paranormal romance and horror, with the strong and usually female protagonists and intense sexual tension that are a hallmark of the modern romance novel, and the violence and supernatural elements most often found in horror. And of course, urban fantasy breaks some of the rules of both its parent genres. No happily ever after ending like in romance and more character and relationship development than most modern horror.

I'm a big fan of Charlaine Harris, but I must admit I personally think other authors do it better--including Jim Butcher with his Dresden novels (male protagonist in these, leans more toward fantasy than romance but still follows the urban fantasy blueprint), Patricia Briggs's Mercedes Thompson, and Ilona Andrews (actually a husband and wife writing team) with their Kate Daniels series. I'm also fond of Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan books.

There are scores more frankly.

One thing I do like about Charlaine's books is that they contain a true small town southern US feel (they should, she lives in Arkansas). Dresden takes place in modern day Chicago, Mercy Thompson is set in Washington State, Kate Daniels in alternative reality Atlanta, etc.

I'm not even sure the series is innovative for television. I haven't forgotten the Dark Shadows soap opera that aired when I was a child (lo, many moons ago).

Jeannie

[DoxaDavid]

My wife and I love the series. Perhaps it's not "innovative" but it sure as heck is entertaining. I love the premise as I think it is an interesting twist on the old vampire story's which have been done forever.

[Mosco]

Originally Posted by DoxaDavid

My wife and I love the series. Perhaps it's not "innovative" but it sure as heck is entertaining. I love the premise as I think it is an interesting twist on the old vampire story's which have been done forever.

And....... Sookie is so HOTTTTTT! Don't know why, she is not the typical hollywood beauty, far from perfect, but something about her.....

[Taffi Abernathy]

To begin with, I read nonfiction books almost exclusively so my perceptions are based solely on viewing the show. Second, True Blood differs from the typical vampire show for any number of reasons . . . Let's start with the fact that there are novel rules under which the characters operate. For instance, in many ways, the vampires are more humanized then other shows as evidenced by an inability to turn into bats or levitate, dressing in human attire instead of wearing the stereotypical black replete with cape and they are legally permitted to co-exist with humans. Bill drives a Beemer: When's the last time you saw a vampire behind the wheel of a BMW? In many ways, prior to other portrayals, vampires are much more assimilated into the prevailing culture. Thankfully, no one speaks with a terrible Transylvanian accent. Vampires exist as a class unto themselves, whereas most other shows of this ilk feature one vampire - the pariah -living among humans.

What is also distinctive is that other forms of life are also part of the picture -I think of Sam's ability to morph into other animals, most notably a dog. Sookie was last episode attacked by some sort of yet to be identified creature (and I want to keep the creature unidentified until he storyline unfolds on a future episode). Also, I'm thinking of Michelle Forbes, the alleged "social worker" and her true identity.

The normal outcome for shows of this genre is for the vampire to contain evil while humans represent that which is good. Not so with True Blood, the line is much more muddled. Case in point, the tables turned when we saw the culmination of Season 1 which featured a evil human and his continuous acting-out of his murderous impulses. Finally, the show isn't simply about humans vs. vampires: There are other being forms which appear to be different from both human and vampire, and are equally assimilated into the larger population.

True Blood successfully balances a precarious blend of drama, comedy, soap opera, romance(replete with blatant sexuality), murder, and a modern day "Cheers" aka Merlotte's, and it has done this better and more cleverly than its predecessors. Its characters present more closely resemble their human cohorts since they possess some humanity (or successly feign the appearance of humanity) and even dress the part - which is why the humans are often so willing to closely intertwine their lives with these nonmortal, alternate beings. I was not a Dark Shadows fan, and other than viewing the obligatory classic "Dracula," have never been drawn to shows of this genre.
True Blood, has blurred the lines between beings by injecting a believable amount of humanity into its characters, thus permitting viewers to suspend beliefs and go along for a one-hour captivating ride each week. The creativity of Alan Ball, tour-de-force actors and writers make True Blood what it is - a one of kind, riveting program, which has the magical powers to attract others like myself, who heretofore were not interested in just another vampire show.

[mikey]

Jeannie, I could be very biased on many movies based on books. I tend to stay away from even listening or reading reviews on movies before i see them. With that said, Darkshadows and Barnabus Collins will go down in history as an immortal with a mortal soul. The only other movie that I would say carried this was "Interview with a Vampire." I agree the nearly several months waiting for the 2nd Season of True Blood and the introduction of a Bullman have really thrown off the romanticism between Sookie and Bill. Jason Stackhouse is going through his guilt in the anti-vampire clan that is falling apart. I think its taking too long for the mystery woman (learn who she is) that can make Merlotte change into a dog is taking too long. I think her butler is wearing a Rolex Sub for sure.

[GinGinD]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

The normal outcome for shows of this genre is for the vampire to contain evil while humans represent that which is good.

I would agree with that if the genre were horror, which is what the rest of your post is describing. However the genre is Urban Fantasy, in which the behaviors you're calling innovative are not uncommon. I urge you to familiarize yourself with more urban fantasy authors as I believe you'd really enjoy them since you like True Blood so much.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_fantasy

Remember many of these authors were penning werewolves and vampires who shop at Macy's and drive Mercedes a good fifteen years before Charlaine Harris put pen to paper and wrote "I'd been waiting for the vampire for years when he walked into the bar."

Excellent review of the series by the way and very thoughtful comments regarding the thematic elements. And, as Doxa David said, it doesn't have to be innovative to be enjoyable.

I'm not really trying to challenge anyone here, just make everyone aware that True Blood is only one example of an entire popular-fiction subgenre. If you enjoy Sookie and Bill, there are many other stories out there you might also like.

Jeannie

[Taffi Abernathy]

Jeannie,

It ultimately boils down to individual perception, and in this case, we'll have to agree to disagree.

[KKB]

True Blood, along with Entourage, are the only shows on TV that I follow religiously now. I got completely hooked on TB as soon as I saw the first episode. However I am a little disappointed with True Blood Season 2 so far. Can't exactly say why.

[Taffi Abernathy]

Originally Posted by KKB

True Blood, along with Entourage, are the only shows on TV that I follow religiously now. I got completely hooked on TB as soon as I saw the first episode. However I am a little disappointed with True Blood Season 2 so far. Can't exactly say why.

I feel the same way, although I must say, for me it has something to do with the large window of time which lapsed between seasons 1 and 2. I think I lost some enthusiasm. Might this be a possibility for you?

[mikey]

Jeannie, I think by reading these genre of werewolves and vampire stories all have similar outcomes and I agree with you but I think its the journey that glimmers us to get to that climax.

[Mosco]

GinGin, Taffy, I 'heart' you girls.... You bring civility to this place.... I just checked back on the thread and I feel like a

Here I am over Sookie and her non-standard appeal (the things I'd do to her...) while you too have a damn well thought-out discussion. I guess I shoulda RTFT before posting that neanderthal remark....

BTW - both points are legit. I can agree with Gin on the fact that the genre has been used before. Never read Hamilton, but I am familiar with gist...

But while the genre has been used, I will have to lean with Taffy because the DELIVERY of the Urban Fantasy is unique with True Blood. Perhaps a bit cartoonish with the Bull-man, but let's see where it goes. They 'took a break' this week, and I am finding myself fiending. Fruitin' HBO

[KKB]

Originally Posted by Taffi Abernathy

I feel the same way, although I must say, for me it has something to do with the large window of time which lapsed between seasons 1 and 2. I think I lost some enthusiasm. Might this be a possibility for you?

No, it's definitely not due to that. I was really excited when I saw the first commercials for the start of the new season, since I don't watch much TV except for TB. I don't remember exactly when season 1 ended, but it didn't seem to be that long ago, especially by HBO's standards.

For me the whole feel of season 2 seems less "down home" and there's less of the human emotional elements in the storyline. Plus too many new storylines: The rich lady who took Tara in and the Bull Man. I still look forward to Sundays at 9:00, and demand total silence in the room when I'm watching it!

[TheDude]

I have to disagree with the OP - I found the slow romantic buildup at the beginning of Season 1 kind of dull. I had actually stopped watching after 7 episodes. I caught myself up and watched the last 5 episodes right before the new season, and it was like a different show! It was so much better - I attributed it to the story having worked through the romantic buildup.

Season 2 is great IMO.

[mikey]

I watched the rerun last night and I have alot of questions that need to be answered. I want to know Maryanne's story and why she torture Merlotte. I want to learn the new waittress jumping into the water with Merlotte with the Bullman scars? Is Jason going to become a vampire slayer? so many questions, does anyone have predictions?

[Taffi Abernathy]

Excellent questions, Mikey. Along with those, I want to know if Lafayette has been turned into a vampire?

[mikey]

I feel tormented on the newest episode of true blood. Whats going on?? Did the writers completely forget "staying focused?" so maryanne is the bull man? the funny part was the vampire girl falling off in her coffin. Whats jason stakehouses attraction to the founders wife??

[Taffi Abernathy]

I was only paying very intermittent attention to the last episode . . . is Maryanne the Bullman?