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From UK's Best of Brentwood:
ANOTHER TRUE BLOOD FAN SITE COMMITS TO
CONTINUING SUPPORT OF THE THEATRE:
Bill's Wiki'd Women!
STEPHEN MOYER - star of HBO's TRUE BLOOD as Vampire Bill Compton & PATRON of the Theatre - again inspires fans to reach out as we build on!
Brentwood Theatre is overwhelmed by the generosity of the fans who comprise Bill's Wiki'd Women (yes, that's a play on 'wicked' and 'wiki') who gather at TRUEBLOOD NEWS AT THE NEST (http://www.trueblood-news.com). These fans recently collected and sent us $802.70!
Moderator 'Tincar' describes the motivation:
'All Fan(g)s of TB are welcome to join us in helping Stephen Moyer's Brentwood Theatre "Stephen's Fund".
We are the fan(g)s from HBO's TB Wiki site (formerly known as "BillsBelles"). Most of us have been members as early as September of 2008 and have already donated to Stephen's Fund, but more help is always needed.
Like many Bill fans, we were captivated the minute he walked into the bar and sat down. The camera zoomed in, and in three tilts of his head his eyes blazed into each and every one of us who sat at the edge of our seats staring back at him. It was from that moment, with that look that could melt steel, that we knew Sundays would never be the same!
Not only has Stephen Moyer given us an incredibly HOT vampire, he has touched our hearts with his relaxed, witty and easy going nature. The real life romance and love for Anna shines though in every photo they take together.
Because of our love for him and the show, many friendships have been formed. The Wiki has become an everyday meeting place for many of us. He has built bridges across the world bringing people together who would have never crossed
paths. Many of them post and know very little English but the universal words, "Bill is Hot" can be understood anywhere in the world! We are learning new languages and/or new cultures from New Zealand, The UK, Brazil, Spain, Puerto Rico, Taiwan, India and every state in the United States. He has people posting who have never posted, Twittering who have never Twittered, Facebooking and Skyping. For all this we thank him for being who he is and pray he never stops being himself.'
[Continue reading...]
08/29/2009 |
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Thanks to True Blood Wiki member Tincar for this great article in TrueBlood-News: Exclusive Interview with Chris Coy By Tincar on August 28th, 2009 
Chris Coy True Blood's 'Barry the Bell Boy' |
Barry the Bellboy, played by Chris Coy, made his debut in episode 4 of season 2. I have read the books and I think he did a remarkable job in bringing the Barry character to life.
Chris Coy had a passion for acting at a young age. He grew up in Sarasota City Florida in a small town called North Port. He made the leap to Hollywood, California, and at 23 has landed a role in Alan Ball’s True Blood. We had a chance to talk with Chris about his acting and his awesome martial art skills.
TB-N: You graduated from North Port HS in Florida; did you spend your entire childhood there?
I was born in Louisville, Kentucky and moved to Florida when I was 4. So yea, i guess you could say I grew up in North Port.
TB-N: Can you describe the casting process you went through for the role as Barry the Bellboy?
Initially it was pretty typical, I auditioned and got the callback later that day. However, when I walked into the room for the second time and realized I was performing for Alan Ball, I have to admit a very unfamiliar chill crept up my spine. I’ve been a huge fan of his for years and to say the very least, it was an incredible moment for me. Unforgettable. TB-N: Is there any part of you that is portrayed in your character Barry?
Only my telepathic abilities.
TB-N: If you don’t mind us asking, why do you taste different?
Ha! No comment.
TB-N: Have you read the Charlaine Harris books that True Blood is based on? If so, what did you think of them?
I read enough of them to know that I like them and that the show and the books can be very different at times. Once I realized that, I kind of put the books down because I didn’t want them affecting my interpretation of the script. In a way, I wanted to build Barry from the ground up with only the information I was given by HBO.
TB-N: How did you like working with the True Blood cast? Which actors did you spend the most time with? Can you recall an anecdote to share with us?
Every member of the cast is really nice and immensely talented. I guess if there was one person I was around more often than others it was Anna. Unfortunately, no funny anecdotes though. Barry’s kind of a quiet guy and so was I on set.
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08/29/2009 |
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An intellectual analysis of vampire addiction - From Yale Daily News:Vampires = crack???!!?11??
In “True Blood” ’s first season, Jason Stackhouse — the protagonist’s goofy and charming brother who famously remarks that people only like him for his athleticism, good looks and “sex abilities” — struggles through a crippling addiction to “V.” V is the ecstasy of True Blood’s magical alternate reality, a single drop of vampire blood strong enough to cause euphoria and (really awesome) hallucinations. Jason’s addiction leads him to a whole host of problems — he’s only happy when he’s tripping on V, is sad whenever he’s not and desperately craves the next hit.
My relationship with “True Blood” was no different than Jason’s with V. I was happiest when watching the show. I found myself thinking about it all the time, following the characters on Twitter, explaining its brilliance to people at lunch every day, taking online quizzes to figure out which character I am (Arlene). I couldn’t get to my brother’s apartment fast enough to watch the next episode.
It’s easy to pinpoint the two worst moments of my summer — when the third Netflix DVD was delayed and when I caught up to present day midway through season two and realized I’d have to wait a week for each fix.
The show is truly brilliant — as smart as “Mad Men,” as juicy as “Gossip Girl” and as profound as an episode-ending Meredith Grey monologue is supposed to be. It also may be the most important item on TV right now — a brutal referendum on prejudice, fear of change and the pervasive dangers of convention.
The addiction is powerful, and the withdrawal is painful. But who cares about all the trouble Jason got in because of V? I don’t want to learn my lesson.
08/29/2009 |
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Bloodsuckers Make Their Mark on TV, Books, Drinks August 28, 2009 By Rita Savard, The Sun, Lowell, Mass.
Jennifer Swanson was leading a perfectly normal life before the monsters came along.
The 52-year-old Westford resident works as a marketing researcher from 9 to 5 in Cambridge. When she clocks out, she focuses all her attention on being a mom and taking care of other people.
Then Eric came along and lit a fire. The tall and handsome 1,000-year-old blond showed up in her living room one night and now Swanson is tangled in a world of vampires, telepaths and shapeshifters.
"Every Sunday at 9 o'clock, I'm glued to the TV set," says Swanson, who can't get enough of the HBO vampire series "True Blood." "The vampires on this show are incredibly sexy. They make you laugh and they make you think. They also have everything most humans dream about --eternal youth, beauty and power. And they don't stop at anything to be with the one they love."
Swanson's not the only one who's been gripped by the vampire pandemic. Unless you've been sleeping in a coffin for the past year, you probably noticed that vampires are the hottest genre around, whether they're on TV, the big screen, at the bookstore or in the drink cooler. So why are humans fiercely biting into the myth?
[Continue reading...]
08/29/2009 |
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Thanks to SkarsgardNews.com:Entertainment Weekly Names True Blood Cast as Entertainer of the Month
[Click to enlarge]
08/29/2009 |
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| *Minor Spoilers* | *Minor Spoilers* | *Minor Spoilers* |
With so many characters living in and around the world of Bon Temps, "True Blood" is more jam-packed than Fangtasia on a Saturday night at sundown. But from the minute she first appeared at Eric's side, Pam has been one of the best -- and most memorable -- sources of comic relief the show has in its arsenal. And according to Kristin Bauer, Pam's coming back from a brief on-screen hiatus with a bang! Or more specifically with bangs because she is totally eighties'd out this Sunday! Her return also signals the resurgence of the Lafayette/V storyline that has vexed many fans and caught Bill's eye. But as the show hurtles toward its season finale (on Sept 13), Kristin has some intriguing details about what fans can expect not only in the last two episodes, but on the DVD special features. It turns out there's a lot more to Pam than meets the eye! PopWrap: Where'd Pam go?!? Kristin Bauer: I know, but she's back on Sunday! And her outfit will definitely make up for the absence. It's the most hilarious, incredible thing I've ever seen! Audrey Fisher ["TB's" costumer designer] had it made special and there are just so many sequins. It's totally 80s. PW: Does she reappear because Eric's back from Dallas? Kristin: Yeah, she's reconnecting with Eric, back at his side, being a henchwoman. She's been keeping Fangtasia running.
PW: Do you think she's a better or worse boss than Eric? Kristin: Worse, I think. I just go back to that scene where she asks, "Can I kick him?" Pam just doesn't really think of the big picture. I think out of everybody, she loves being a vampire the most.
PW: I love Pam and Eric's relationship on the show. Have you guys talked about their history together? Kristin: It's funny, Alexander [Skarsgård] and I would joke that the first 100 years between them were really passionate ... but it's faded to a friendship over time. Truthfully, we really didn't know, but I just recorded the special features for the season two Blu-ray DVD and it's like 34 pages of Pam talking about everyone in town.
P W: Kind like the Lafayette videos on the season one DVD? Kristin: Exactly. It turned out to be incredibly insightful because I got all my questions answered. She was turned by Eric 100 years ago but released, so she's no longer bound to him but she's so in love and couldn't be more loyal. Whatever he says, she will do.
PW: What else did you learn about Pam from recording the videos? Kristin: Before being turned she was living with her wealthy and very provincial parents. She says, "Small men were lining up for me to be auctioned off to, and then this big viking showed up and split my world apart ... and Eric likes to joke that my legs did too."
Kristin: I know, and I haven't read the books, so I've been asking if Pam just isn't in number two that much and comes back more in the third, and everyone says yes. So I have high hopes for season three.
PW: I haven't read the books either and I'm torn because I love the world so much, but want to still be surprised by the show.
Kristin: I have the same problem! I read book one late in the season and it was so much fun to see what the scripts revealed but once I read the book, I knew what was coming.
PW: Right, like I wouldn't want to know all along that Rene is the killer!
Kristin: Exactly! I'm also a fan of the show, so I have the same problem.
PW: But since everyone's plots are so scattered this season, watching the show must still be like three-quarters new for you.
Kristin: And watching is so different from reading the scripts. I understand the vampire world, but the Tara world and the Merlotte's world ... I think, who is this person? After recording the Blue-ray stuff it was fun to re-watch the episodes, because, she is merciless. Especially with poor Bill, she makes fun of this sentimental fool like you wouldn't believe.
PW: And she's never really seemed to grasp the Sookie/Bill relationship.
Kristin: Right, and now Eric's got a bit of a Sookie thing too. She said, "if he makes her, I'll have to deal with it."
PW: That's kind of her worst nightmare, having this human come in and steal Eric
Kristin: Yes, she says something like, "I don't think Eric's going to share this one." So that's a little disconcerting for Pam. But then I heard, and I hope this happens, that Eric loses his memory in one of the books. He gets amnesia and becomes very unlike himself, which forces Sookie and Pam to keep up appearances and keep him from getting killed.
PW: Well seeing Alexander play Eric as that human a few weeks ago in the Fellowship of the Sun church was amazing, so I can only imagine!
Kristin: Supposedly he becomes very feminine and soft, wears pink. I would love that.
PW: Will we finally find out in Sunday's episode why Pam and Eric want Lafayette selling V?
Kristin: We do, when I got the script [where Pam instructs Lafayette to see V], I was like, "Does anyone want to tell me why I'm doing this?" But then I realized that I didn't want to know because Pam just does whatever Eric tells her to. But as the episodes go, the plan is revealed. But I don't want to give away too much.
PW: All your co-workers have been the same way. Like, "You don't understand, they can kill us off this show if we spoil anything."
Kristin: I was gunna say! And the thing is, we're not completely joking. We're a little unsure what Alan [Ball, creator] would do if we spilled a big secret! It actually makes me sweat a little during interviews [laughs]
PW: OK, so let me ask then, is there anything you would like to see happen for Pam?
Kristin: Well, Charlaine [Harris, author of the novels] tells me that in the latest book she sends Pam on a murder spree. She kicks off her pumps and goes mercenary, ripping people apart. Who knows if Alan will do that though.
PW: Ooh, I'd love to see her being super aggressive. I heard you actually owe Pam a debt of gratitude since her gusto helped you get married recently?
Kristin: Yes, it was so freaking Pam of me! One day I hit a wall. I was tired of being the only single adult at Christmas. So I thought, I'm going to do something! Then ... crickets. Like, what do you do, run down the street wearing a sandwich board ringing a bell?
[Continue reading...]
08/28/2009 |
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Sneak Peek - Sookie, Tara, Lafayette, Lettie Mae - MTV Hollywood Crush: 'True Blood' Sneak Peek: Watch Sookie, Tara & Lafayette Prepare For Battle In This Sunday's Episode
Posted 1 hr ago by joshwigler in TV News, Videos  The clock is running out on HBO's "True Blood" as Maryann — revealed to be a devil-worshiping maenad with the power to manipulate the mortal souls surrounding her — tightens her grip on the folks of Bon Temps. Luckily for Tara (Rutina Wesley, pictured right), our favorite trash-talking bartender (next to her cousin Lafayette, of course), Sookie (Anna Paquin) came back from her Dallas excursion just in time to wrest the tortured soul from Maryann's black-eyed curse.
But the last thing on Tara's mind is her own personal safety when Eggs (Mechad Brooks), her newly-established boyfriend, is still under the maenad's twisted spell. She'll have plenty of choice words for Sookie, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) and even her ex-alcoholic mother (Adina Porter, pictured left) on Sunday night's second-to-last installment of "True Blood's" second season, and we've got sneak peek at that very conversation... after the jump!
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'True Blood': Move Over Eric & Bill, It's Time To Applaud Jason Stackhouse As A Genius Character 
Forget Sam Merlotte, forget Bill Compton, even forget — dare I say it? — Eric Northman! All of those guys are fine in their own right (and heck, we've even come up with a way to figure out which is your type), but when it comes to the crush-worthy heroes (and anti-heroes) of "True Blood," there's perhaps no one more overlooked than Sookie Stackhouse's very own brother, Jason.
No, Jason doesn't turn into a dog to get out of hairy situations. He doesn't have fangs either. And, fine ... he hasn't lived for a thousand years. But what Jason lacks in supernatural ability, he makes up for in unbelievable entertainment value. After the jump, check out the five reasons why I think Stackhouse should be nominated as The Man of "True Blood"!
[Continue reading...]
08/28/2009 |
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08/28/2009 |
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Exclusive Mehcad Brooks Interview - True Blood, Just Wright
Friday August 28, 2009 
Mehcad Brooks (In the Valley of Elah, Glory Road) has an interesting role in the second season of HBO's hit series, True Blood, playing a guy under the influence of a bizarre creature known as a maenad. Catching up with Brooks on the red carpet at the premiere of Warner Bros Pictures' The Final Destination, we chatted up life on the set of the vampire series and the possibility we'll be seeing more of Brooks shirtless in upcoming episodes. And although he wouldn't disclose any real spoilers about what to expect in the last two episodes of Season Two, he did spill the beans on the feeding habits of one of his co-stars... Brooks also talked about a couple of his upcoming film projects: Just Wright and Fencewalker. Yes, he's keeping very, very busy and he's enjoying every bit of his packed schedule right now.
Read and/or Watch the Interview
08/28/2009 |
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High quality photo stills "Frenzy" - from Fractured Simplicity:
08/28/2009 |
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ARE YOU REALLY THIS STUPID?
 Apparently information isn’t doing the trick. Those PSAs aren’t reaching the audience. The numerous tales of relapsing addicts, overdosing teenagers and ruined lives are spinning past you like a broken record.
How else can I explain that, despite the fact that the bulk of the human population of Bon Temps is caught on one big mind warped bender, one member of the populace has still managed to gain a reputation as the go to source for breathers looking to score V?
I don’t know this person’s identity, though I imagine I’m not the only undead interested in finding out.
But this is not an inquisition. It’s an appeal, both to those who would purchase vampires’ blood and the individual selling it. And no, I’m not going to rely on the current tactic, remind you that the drug is addictive, deadly and could well prove a one way ticket to a life any right minded person would wish to avoid at all costs. Because apparently some of you could care less what V can do to you.
So instead, I’ll remind you that the dangers of V extend past the drug itself. Because unlike other narcotics, this one comes from a source with sharp teeth, extraordinary strength, and, at times, a short temper. Forget avoiding the authorities, or your parents. Those who deal in V run the risk of being caught by something far worse.
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Rolled jeans (and Alexander Skarsgard):Discuss
Proving that I have actually done some real work this month, I only just now stumbled upon this gallery of paparazzi shots of True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgard arriving at LAX Airport on August 3. The first slide (pictured, left), I’d seen online, solo, last week when I was doing some “research,” and I promptly made it my desktop photo (then cleaned upsaid desktop so I would have an unobstructed view ). Cut to me clicking through the gallery, getting to the full body shots, anddiscovering that underneath thattruly stellarshirt HIS JEANS ARE ROLLED.I know it serves me right forobjectifying him, repeatedly, but ROLLED JEANS?
I was willing to suffer, quietly, until I emailed the link to a handful of people and got responses back like:
“Rolled jeans are hep in LA. I have held out so far but fear I may cave.”
“They do the roll in Europe, too. Was especially struck by it in Barcelona last fall. “
“I knew Mandi, and I didn’t say anything. Sorry… I didn’t want to ruin it for you.”
To show that I am not a fairweather fan* (and because I’m fairly certain that Eric will not have rolled that fine suit he’s wearing in this Sunday’s True Blood), I would like to try to understand this alleged fashion trend that I thought we stopped Katie Holmes from popularizing. Anyone care to explain why ankles need to breathe? Or, would you like to join me in just saying noooooooooo?
* I have, however, changed my desktop to a photo of my eight-month-old niece riding her rocking cow in a classic onesie.
08/28/2009 |
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Mehcad Brooks to be in Essence Magazine - Statesman.com:Austin-raised actor essence 'eye candy'
 Austin-raised actor Mehcad Brooks has qualified for an extensive "Eye Candy" gallery on Essence.com. Son of American-Statesman editorial writer Alberta Phillips, he has appeared in such TV shows as "Desperate Housewives," "The Game" and, currently, on Season 2 of "True Blood."
He also earned a substantial role the movie "Glory Road." Look for him on the big screen in the upcoming "Fence Walker" and "Just Wright," which stars Queen Latifah.
The gallery includes Brooks trivia and quotes from the actor, such as "I want to be the first American to be Bond. Not just the first black American."
Essence points out that his mother derived his name from the ancient Ethiopian word meaning "prophet" or "wise one." He says: "Little did she know that I'd make a profit off being a wise ass."
08/28/2009 |
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Anna Paquin - Pilates / Trapeze / Surf - Softpedia News:Anna Paquin Reveals Secrets for Killer Figure“True Blood” star shares her love for working out and eating healthily
By Elena Gorgan, Life & Style Editor 27th of August 2009
 “True Blood,” HBO’s newest and very successful vampire series, continues to break ratings record after ratings record with each new episode, as we were also telling you the other day. One of the things that make the show so hot with audiences is former teen star, now established actress, Anna Paquin. In the latest issue of Us Magazine, Paquin reveals the secrets to her enviable shape, so that other women can also follow her lead.
Paquin has managed to make the transition from child star to hot vamp very gracefully, but it’s not all thanks to her good genes. The actress, who recently got engaged to co-star Stephen Moyer, keeps in such enviable shape by constantly mixing up her routine so that she never gets bored with it and she’s working different muscles at all times. “I’m obsessed with Pilates,” the actress tells the mag, while revealing she hates having to do just this routine for her fitness.
Paquin also loves to swim in the ocean as a means of staying active, and she has started taking surf lessons just recently. However, her exercise routine does not stop here, since she’s always careful to move around as much as possible, even when she’s not working out. Moreover, Anna is an avid watcher of gymnastics on TV and has even tried the trapeze on her own. “I’ve always wanted to be a circus performer, so I took aerial silks classes at Trapeze School New York a few years ago.” the actress says for the aforementioned publication. She wouldn’t share, though, if she still practices it to stay in shape.
As for her diet, Paquin explains that she tries to steer clear of unhealthy foods and unhealthy habits in general. She hates diets and couldn’t stand being on one with all the restrictions, but she generally does not like foods that she knows are bad for her. Another important thing for the actress is the amount of rest she gets, so she naps a lot in order to have the energy to make it through the day. “Kombucha and coffee are my two biggest vices.” the 27-year-old actress admits.
With such a strong will and so little vices to deal with, not to mention Paquin’s willingness to show her body for the camera if really necessary, perhaps it’s really no wonder “True Blood” is pulling 5+ million viewers each week.
08/28/2009 |
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Music by Eilen Jewell used in "Hard-Hearted Hannah" - The Philadelphia Inquirer:A strong swimmer in a 'Sea of Tears' Eilen Jewell at home with heartache in standout album. By Dan DeLuca Inquirer Music Critic
[Entire article...]
| And last, there's a subtle and spine-tingly take on "Shakin' All Over," which Jewell first heard on one of her father's Who albums, "but we base our version more on the original by Johnny Kidd & the Pirates," she says. Her rendition turned out to be sufficiently spooky for Alan Ball to use this season on HBO's hit vampire drama True Blood.
"It played in a bar when one of the characters was telling his mother that he's dating a vampire," she says. But despite the show's aura of cool, it hasn't resulted in strangers accosting Jewell and her bandmates on the street to ask if they're the ones responsible for that True Blood song. "We were kind of hoping that would happen," she says with a laugh. "But it hasn't happened yet."
| JENNIFER LUCEY-BRZOZA Eilen Jewell , "raised on a diet of blues and country," will be the opening act at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St. |
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08/28/2009 |
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Deborah Ann Woll, Bokeem Woodbine Join Little Murder
 Deborah Ann Woll is finding plenty of work during her off time from filming HBO’s True Blood. The actress along with Saving Grace alum Bokeem Woodbine have joined the cast of Little Murder. According to THR, the actors will team up with current stars Josh Lucas, Terrence Howard, and Lake Bell for the drama. Find out more on Little Murder below… Little Murder is a New Orleans based supernatural thriller. The film “centers on a disgraced New Orleans police detective trying to find the killer of a beautiful cellist — with the girl’s ghost assisting.” It’s a post-Hurricane Katrina mystery written by Gerald Di Pego (The Forgotten) and Justin Di Pego.The film is directed by Peter Antonijevic. Two other television veterans that have signed on for the film are Peter Jason and Noah Bean. Jason has appeared on Mad Men and Deadwood, while Bean is best known for his recurring role on Damages. I heard some scarce info about Little Murder last year, but nothing concrete in terms of its casting. Now that I know the actors involved, I’m a little more interested in the script. I’m very surprised to see Bokeem Woodbine pop up in a feature film, because even though he’s a talented actor blocks of time go by between his feature projects. I wonder how much of that is intentional or put upon by Hollywood? What do you think about the latest casting in Little Murder?
08/27/2009 |
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'True Blood': What's Next For Light Of Day Reverend Steve (Mike McMillian)? He's Penning A Comic Book Posted 2 hrs ago by MTV News in On The Newsstand, TV News  FROM SPLASH PAGE: The stars of "True Blood" and the comic book community have intersected in many ways—not the least of which is Anna Paquin's role as Rogue in the "X-Men" movies and Stephen Moyer's upcoming turn in the live-action adaptation of "Priest." But one recently announced connection could be the most unusual of them all. As part of "Heroes" actor Zachary Quinto's new relationship with Archaia Studios Press, "True Blood" actor Mike McMillian will write a new creator-owned comic book series for the publisher titled "Lucid." McMillian, a longtime friend and colleague of Quinto's, plays the god-fearing and vampire-hating Reverend Steve Newlin on the HBO series—but in real life, McMillian is simply a fan of comics. Continue reading "True Blood" Star Goes From Actor To Writer With 'Lucid' Comic Book at SplashPage.MTV.com.
08/27/2009 |
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| ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** |
'True Blood' season finale spoilers!  HBO just released a very spoilery detailed description of True Blood’s Sept. 13 season finale. Here it is in its entirety… “Beyond Here Lies Nothin” Highlight hidden text-------->In the season two finale, the mayhem in Bon Temps reaches a fever pitch as Maryann prepares for her ultimate bestial sacrifice, conscripting Sookie to be Maid of Honor at the bloody nuptials.Meanwhile, Sophie-Anne warns Eric to keep the lid on Bill’s inquisitiveness; Jason leads Andy into the heroic abyss; and Hoyt has a hard time swallowing Maxine’s endless stream of insults.Deliberating on what may be his final move to save Sookie and the town, Sam is forced to put his trust, and his life, in a most unlikely ally. Just 17 days and counting!
08/27/2009 |
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MTV's Hollywood Crush - What man is for you?
 The tiny Louisiana town at the heart of HBO's hot series "True Blood" seems to be suffering from an embarrassment of riches. For such a small hamlet, Bon Temps has a disproportionate number of fine-looking men. Not that we're complaining. In fact, we've often wished we could jump through the TV screen and roam the bogs and swamps of Alan Ball's fictional world just to rub elbows, shoulders, bulging biceps (you get the drift) with its comely inhabitants. And with so many suitors to chose from, it's hard to pick just one. Which is why we've developed this handy guide to deciding once and for all which Bon Temps man suits you best. After you've found your perfect match, take a look through our entire hunkilicious flipbook to drool over all the dreamy men of "True Blood." We probably don't have to say this but ... enjoy! The southern gentleman. You like a guy who'll open doors, carry your packages and even risk frying in the sun to ensure your safety. Your perfect match is: Bill Compton ( Stephen Moyer). You may have to go toe-to-toe with telepath Sookie to win Bill's affections, but an eternity with this chivalrous vamp may well be worth it.  Your type is: The wise, old soul. You crave a man who knows a lot about himself and the world around him.
Your perfect match is: Godric ( Allan Hyde, pictured above). The dearly departed elder vampire had 2,000 years of experience to draw on. It's unfortunate this vast knowledge made him too world-weary to stand the test of time. Your type is: The brawny, blue-collar worker. You value sex appeal over SAT scores and aren't afraid to admit it. Your perfect match is: Jason Stackhouse ( Ryan Kwanten). Equally comfortable getting dirty in the field or in the bedroom, Jason's got abs for days and knows how to use them. Your type is: The do-good loner. What guy needs friends when he's got a great gal like you? This man's more likely to make breakfast in bed than ditch you for the big game. Now if he'd only tell you about his childhood.
Your perfect match is: Sam Merlotte ( Sam Trammell). Bon Temps' barkeep is always willing to help a friend in need, even if it's to his own detriment. He may disappear from time-to-time, but he'll always return like a loyal lapdog.  Your type is: The fixer-upper. You like a project, so who better than a man with a few skeletons lurking in his closet (perhaps literally). Your perfect match is: Eggs (Mehcad Brooks, pictured above). Tara's damaged boyfriend is a confirmed murderer and substance abuser—the perfect charity case for your nurturing sensibilities.
Your type is: The bad boy with the big heart. Your guy is like a Tootsie Pop: hard on the outside, but soft and gooey on the inside — once he lets you in, that is. Your perfect match is: Eric Northman ( Alexander Skarsgård). Season 1 was all about bad-ass Eric, but since the Viking's maker took his own life, we've seen the vulnerable side of the 1,000-year-old vampire — and we like it. Your type is: The gay BFF. You're looking for a flamboyant fellow to party with at the clubs and tell it like it is when your haircut is just plain fugly. Your perfect match is: Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis). He's got attitude to spare, but Lafayette is fiercely loyal to those he cares about. So, which "True Blood" hottie is your type? Click on any of the photos above to peruse through our flipbook to get an even better idea!
08/27/2009 |
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| ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** |
Spoilers from Watching With Kristen - EOnline: True Blood Stars Answer You: Who Kills Maryann? What's Sookie's New Power?
Today 4:03 PM PDT by Jennifer Godwin
Courtesy: Chris Weeks/Getty Images
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There are just two episodes left of summer blockbuster True Blood, and Bon Temps citizens aren't the only ones in a frenzy. We fans are dying to know what's to come this season!
Luckily, the show's stars were feeling chatty at this week's Nylon magazine TV issue party (Anna Paquin is the cover girl)! Read on for the exclusive secrets the stars spilled about the remainder of season two...
Highlight hidden text-------->
Michele in Pine Bluff, Ark.: Do you know anything about Sookie's new power on True Blood? I can't stop thinking about it.
Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette) has done his homework and spills the beans: "Well, I read the books, so I think she's part fairy. That was her fairy power." According to Rutina Wesley (who plays Sookie's BFF Tara), "[Sookie's power] is a funky little thing," but she also tells us the show won't answer that question for certain any time in season two.
Ada in Gallup, N.M.: You teased on Monday that someone surprising was going to save Sam Merlotte. Can you give us a hint?
Well, according to Tara Buck, who plays Fangtasia waitress Ginger, "I'm coming back this Sunday, and I don't want to give anything away, but everybody's back from Dallas, and there's a lot of stuff that's accumulated and a lot of danger. We've got everybody, we've got Sam (Sam Trammell) running from Maryann (Michelle Forbes), and he may actually..." Tara wants to keep her job, so she couldn't tell us everything, but we have it good authority that he may actually seek refuge with Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and Pam (Kristin Bauer) at Fangtasia in Shreveport, La. Awesome!
Bonny in Birmingham, England: I've just about had it with that maenad Maryann. Can we please get rid of her soon?
Yes, Maryann will be vanquished, but it won't be easy. Nelsan Ellis tells us that no one character single-handedly takes her out, but rather it's a "group effort" by all of the good guys.
Anna in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho: Are any of the zombie couples on True Blood going to last? I love Arlene and Terry Bellefleur, and Tara and Eggs, and I hope they survive Maryann.
Anything's possible. Carrie Preston, who plays Merlotte's waitress Arlene tells us, "When you're possessed on the show, the next day, you don't remember. So they can start over—like a reset, a reboot. I think Arlene is constantly searching for the perfect man, and maybe he's going to be the one. I don't know." We're definitely rooting for more Terry and Arlene. In other romance news, Rutina says that Tara has real feelings for Eggs: "I think she is really falling in love for the first time...She's ready to open herself up," so that's something to build a relationship on, if she can get him out from under Maryann's thrall before it's too late.
Harper in Bemidji, Minn.: What can you tell us about Evan Rachel Wood's character?
Look for Marc Malkin's exclusive interview with Evan later today, but the other thing to know is that Sophie is hooked up with Sookie's cousin, Hadley Hale (Lindsey Haun), which you can see for yourself in our Spoiler Stills gallery. Wow. Those Stackhouse women sure do like vampires—could the attraction somehow be genetic?
08/26/2009 |
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| *Minor Spoilers* | *Minor Spoilers* | *Minor Spoilers* |
EOnline interviews Evan Rachel Wood: Is Evan Rachel Wood Playing a Lesbian Vampire?
Today 5:05 PM PDT by Marc Malkin
Queen Sophie-Anne is True Blood's new equal-opportunity vampire.
Evan Rachel Wood, who makes her devilish debut on the show this coming Sunday playing the 1,100-year-old bloodsucker boss lady of Louisiana, says she could end up having sex scenes with any of her costars.
"She's not necessarily a lesbian," Wood, 21, recently explained to me. "Her human partner is a girl, but I'm pretty sure she goes both ways [laughs]. I think vampires are like that in general."
And they also don't mind getting naked! Read on to hear what Ms. Wood has to say about stripping down on the hit HBO series and watching Alexander Skarsgård take a shower. Plus, she sets the record straight about the Spider-Man musical...
I'm not sure why I am talking to you because I don't think you're allowed to tell me anything, right?
[Laughs] I can tease! What do you want to know?
I want to know who you are going to have sex with. Are you more Eric or Bill, and what kind of drama is Queen Sophie-Ann starting?
I figured that those would be the questions! Who do I have sex with? Well, I don't know if I am having sex with anyone yet, but I certainly have a steamy scene with someone that I don't think you'd really expect. So it will be a little fun.
So no Eric or Bill? Because I think that is what everyone is assuming.
Um, I'm not saying anything. I can't say either way.
How did you end up on the show?
I watched the first season and loved the show, so I got in touch with [series creator] Alan Ball and said, "Keep an eye out for anything that might pop up." I thought it was a long shot, but then later on I got a call saying they needed a queen.
Did you know anything about the queen beforehand?
I didn't. I said yes, even before I read the script. I didn't really care.
This past Sunday's episode was so crazy. I was just watching it and going, "What the f--k!"
That's pretty much how I feel after every episode. [Laughs] Just wait until the last episodes! There's a lot that is going to happen. It's going to be insane. Those were the only scripts that I read, and I was just thinking to myself (a) how are they going to film this, (b) how are they going to get away with this, and (c) just what they hell is going on?
Did you have to get naked yet, because everyone on the show gets naked?
I can't say I do just yet. But they are bringing me back next season, so it's always a possibility. It's kind of inevitable.
So are you Team Eric or Team Bill?
I would say, Team Alex—Eric! Whoops. [Laughs]
Have you seen the clip of Alex's shower scene in Hundtricket?
I am not going to lie. Yes I have.
He is just stunning.
I have to agree with you. [Laughs] That's another great thing about my job—all of my scenes are with Bill and Eric! I was surrounded by beautiful people constantly.
Now, I do want to ask you about the Spider-Man musical. What's the latest?
I don't know a lot, but as far as I know, it's still on.
Any truth to reports that you told producers you were backing out so you could be free to do some movies?
No! I didn't say that! It's going to be great! Whatever happens, it's going to be great!
08/26/2009 |
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Contact Music reports HBO's True Blood ratings:HBO - TRUE BLOOD BEST HBO RATINGS SINCE THE SOPRANOS The off-kilter vampire series True Blood is drawing audiences to HBO the likes of which the pay-TV network hasn't seen since the days of The Sopranos. Sunday's episode averaged 5.3 million viewers, the largest audience HBO has drawn for a scripted series since April 2004, excluding The Sopranos runs. HBO said that when additional airings of the show were included, plus DVR viewing and HBO On Demand, the True Blood episode actually drew 11.6 million.
08/26/2009 |
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FEARLESS?
I’d like to tell you about an extremely frightened human being. His name is Chuck.
Chuck suffers from what would today be called an anxiety disorder. Unfortunately, in his day psychology has not reached its heyday and there is no chemical or therapeutic relief for his fear. Simply venturing out of his home in the morning amounts to an almost insurmountable horror.
Carriages passing by, loud noises, even at times friendly passers-by fill him with such dread he breaks into a cold sweat.
Now I’d like to tell you about an extraordinarily brave vampire. His name is Chuck.
Chuck claims there is nothing on this planet that frightens him. An easy boast, but I’ve heard accounts from several different sources that back up his claim. According to one, he was once tied in silver, surrounded by a complete mob of angry breathers looking to burn him alive. He was laughing at them.
On one hand, this transformation makes sense. After living as such a frightened creature, the shift into a nearly indestructible existence would be empowering, to say the least. However, this would also seem to suggest that all vampires should be fearless. Even the bravest breathers pale in ability to the most newly turned vampire. But this is not the case. Tales abound of undead begging for mercy before losing their fangs at tribunals; misguided breathers have long boasted about vampires reduced to a blubbering mess before facing a stake.
So what is it that makes a vampire like Chuck? Why are some vampires fearless, while others aren’t?
I don’t have an answer, but Chuck did offer me his opinion. “It’s random, man. Just like people, some of us are braver than others. I just got lucky.”
08/26/2009 |
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True Blood Cast at Nylon Magazine Red Carpet Party on 08/24:
08/25/2009 |
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How to audition for a vampire role 101
 It seems these days the key to making a television show or movie work is to have a vampire in the storyline. It worked for True Blood, HBO’s drama with an unorthodox take on vampires in Louisiana. Already in it’s second season, True Blood is currently ranked #6 on Amazon.com’s list of bestselling DVDs . Behind it at #7 is Twilight, a film about young teen girl who falls in love with vampire who is torn by his desire to love her or suck her body dry until it’s devoid of blood. With a storyline like that, it’s no wonder why actors everywhere are lining up to be the next bloodsucking leach du jour.
First there are a few rules.
Men:
1. Show up to the audition dressed up like James Dean – Apparently, the Dracula look is out. In order to be noticed, you have to be cool, aloof, and have an I-don’t-care-what-you-think attitude. You must wear blue jeans, a white tank, and have greasy hair. Otherwise, no one will think you’re taking this vampire thing seriously.
2. Stare into the casting agents eyes like your peering deep into their soul- Male vampires are very intense. They don’t look at you. They look through you as if they can see everything you've ever done and ever been and they like it. Think Enrique Iglesias in every video he’s ever been in.
3. Have a “bite” face ready - everybody knows that vampires are bloodthirsty night creatures and when they are ready to feed their face scrunches up like a cat that’s just encountered a dog while crossing the street. If it helps, take a walk around the block and mimic the kitties in your neighborhood.
Women:
1. Show up at the audition dressed provocatively - for some reason female vamps in any generation are always sultry. They always dress like they belong on the main drag of the Vegas strip and their always very attractive. If you model yourself after a Nevada brothel prostitute, you’ll do just fine.
2. Give the casting director “bedroom eyes” - while the men in most vampire roles have to look into your soul the female vamps tend to be a bit shallower. They don’t want to know you. They just want to have sex with you. Rent an old Mae West film and you’ll get the idea of how you should act.
3. Have a “bite” face ready - Same deal as the men. Just follow the cats around in your neighborhood and do what they do.
Now that you have all the rules to portraying a vampire, you’re all set. Good luck and happy hunting!
08/26/2009 |
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Charlaine Harris - True Blood from Media Bistro:
What's Urban Fantasy? What's Paranormal Romance?
Towards the end of yesterday's post about the rising popularity of urban fantasy, we wondered out loud about the overlap between what gets classified as "urban fantasy" and what gets classified as "paranormal romance," because we're curious about how readers are coming to these novels. So we considered three of the top names in the field, based on last year's sales: Jim Butcher, Laurell K. Hamilton, and Charlaine Harris.
All three authors are in the midst of multi-volume epics, with multiple bestsellers; of the three, Harris and Hamilton's novels have the explicit romance components, while Butcher's Dresden Files series is more of a mashup of hardboiled mystery and magic—Mickey Spillane meets Solomon Kane, if you will. Of course, Harris' Southern Vampire Mysteries has acquired substantial crossover appeal as the source material for the HBO series True Blood. The single season of The Dresden Files on the Sci-Fi Channel may have given those books a concentrated boost as well, but we'd hypothesize that more readers (women, specifically) who ordinarily wouldn't refer to themselves as fantasy fans have gotten hooked on the exploits of Sookie Stackhouse and Anita Blake, vampire killer, than those of Harry Dresden.
[Continue reading...]
08/26/2009 |
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Evan Rachel Wood's True Blood Debut
If you're as addicted to True Blood as I am, this Sunday cannot come soon enough.
If you haven't heard by now, Evan Rachel Wood will make her debut on the hit HBO as vampire boss lady, Queen Sophie-Ann.
I haven't seen the episode yet, but I just know it's gonna be hot.
I spoke to Evan earlier this week about her new bloodsucking role.
Click my videoblog for a preview. Come back later today for more, plus find out what's the latest on that Spider-Man musical.
08/26/2009 |
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Good article found by Loving True Blood In Dallas - From Houston Press:True Blood, Episode 10: Sister Gertrude, Bride of Christ,
Soundtracks a Visit to the Vampire Queen Tuesday, Aug. 25 2009 @ 9:00AM
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| ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** |
SPOILERS - From TV Guide:
[Read entire article...]
Highlight to reveal hidden text------>
I read that True Blood will add werewolves to the series just like in the books. If that's the case, will the show also follow the Eric-has-amnesia storyline and the stuff about witches?
MICKEY: Spoiler alert! For those of us who lurve the show but have never cracked a Charlaine Harris novel, I'm a little sick of all the spoiling going on, people! That said, in the final episodes of this season, you'll see a very interesting division take place among the characters. Pay attention to those for whom supernatural events are not quite as super. They are different, and their differences will be explored in future seasons.
08/25/2009 |
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Anna Paquin Talks About Sookie and Eric's Sex in 'True Blood'
© AXELLE WOUSSEN/Bauer-Griffin
Anna Paquin has talked about her sex scene with Alexander Skarsgard in "True Blood". In an panel for the TV series in Los Angeles, the actress explained how her character Sookie Stackhouse is sexually involved with another vampire, Alexander's Eric Northman, beside her lover Stephen Moyer's Bill Compton.
"She drank his [Eric's] blood, so now she has really vivid sexual fantasies about him. I guess that's how it works," Anna elaborated. She then reminded how similar thing happens after Sookie drank Bill's blood, saying "Because in season one after she drinks Bill's blood, she has a moment outside of his house... She's kind of sitting there by herself having a little touch and feel."
During the interview, Anna who just got engaged to her co-star and real lover Stephen, admitted that she is more comfortable being naked than crying in front of camera. "To me, I feel more naked doing a really emotional scene than being naked in front of a bunch of people, because that's really me," she claimed.
"True Blood" is a drama series based on Charlaine Harris' "The Southern Vampire Mysteries" series of novels. It centers on Sookie Stackhouse who falls in love with vampire Bill Compton. The first season premiered on HBO on September 7, 2008 and it has been run until the tenth episode of second season.
08/25/2009 |
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Gotta love io9:TV Shows We Wish Would Swap Writing Staffs
By Charlie Jane Anders, 5:07 PM on Tue Aug 25 2009
We don't just love television for the special effects or crackerjack acting, but for the writing. That's where our heroes get their cool lines and defining moments. And sometimes we wonder: what'd happen if our fave shows swapped writing staffs?
That's right — it's just like wife swappers, except it's writer swappers! So put the keys to the writers' room in a bowl, and let's get swinging...
[Entire article...]
True Blood and Heroes What would happen if these two soap operas traded off writing staffs? Bringing Alan Ball and his gang to the perennially conflicted mutants might do them the world of good — and maybe Heroes' writers would get their groove back if they got to write for Lafayette, Eric and the rest.
It's weird to think that both Heroes and True Blood are soap operas, but they kind of are — the main difference is, True Blood is a lot stickier (both in the sense that people obsess a lot more about True Blood's characters, and in the sense that there are weird fluids everywhere), while Heroes often has much higher stakes and more of a comic-book, action-adventure feel.
 So it's easy to think of ways that the True Blood team could revitalize Heroes. As Lauren points out, "Sylar would actually eat brains." The weird murder-flirtation between Sylar and Claire would get a lot deeper, and all of the show's relationships would suddenly be much more gothic and byzantine.
The dark, secret world of the Company, with its endless family drama going back decades, would gain a whole new layer of murkiness and detail, much like all the stuff we're learning about vampire society on True Blood. We'd get a lot more fun, quirky world-building moments on Heroes. And can you picture Alan Ball writing HRG, the tormented-but-suave-but-dorky family man? He would suddenly have a lot more layers. And he'd be naked.
But the much-maligned Heroes team could also bring some fun to True Blood. One of the things Heroes does really well is come up with out-of-left-field superpowers and then imagine how they would really work, and how they'd affect your life, in reality. If the Heroes writers ran True Blood, Jason would probably get powers similar to Sookies — except, of course, he would see the future. You might see a bit more of how the strange mixture of powers in Bon Temps actually messes with people's lives. Plus maybe the Heroes writers could cut loose and write the kind of beyond-dysfunctional, messed-up characters that they don't get to create that often. And it would be fascinating to see Heroes deal with the added theme of religion that crops up a lot in True Blood.
08/25/2009 |
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From Watch With Kristen - EOnline: True Blood Star Joins CW's The Beautiful Life
Today 6:39 PM PDT by Jennifer Godwin
Takashi Seida /The CW, Mark Sullivan/The CW
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Sources tell us exclusively that Ed Quinn, who played trigger-happy Dallas vamp Stan this season on True Blood, is now heading to New York City to be a part of the CW's upcoming drama The Beautiful Life.
But how does Quinn, who also played Nathan Stark for two years on Syfy's Eureka, fit into the cast of fashionistas and high-strung celebutantes? We've got the scoop...
According to CW insiders, Quinn plays Elle Macpherson's dear husband on The Beautiful Life. For her part, Elle plays Claudia Foster, a former supermodel who now runs the modeling agency that represents the lead characters, Sara Paxton's Raina Mayer and Ben Hollingsworth's Chris Andrews.
The Beautiful Life premieres Sept. 16 at 9 p.m. on CW.
08/25/2009 |
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Thanks to True Blood Wiki Member MizTiff for the tip! From MTV:  Bill Compton, you're certainly not in Bon Temps anymore. The " True Blood" vampire is packing his coffin and hitching a ride to an all-new vampire epic—one that's not based on a romance novel, but a hard-hitting manga series instead.
Variety reports that Stephen Moyer, who plays Compton on the hit HBO series, and "90210" actress Lily Collins are joining the cast of the Scott Stewart-directed " Priest," the vampire-centric adaptation starring Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q and Karl Urban. Even though Moyer—who is engaged to "X-Men" actress and "True Blood" co-star Anna Paquin—is best known for his blood-sucking southern gentleman persona, the actor won't be bearing his fangs for "Priest." Moyer's character is described as "the mortal brother of the protagonist," assumedly Bettany's titular warrior priest. Collins, meanwhile, has scored the plum role of the priest's niece, who is also the love interest for Gigandet's character. Moyer's casting in "Priest" is sure to get the blood pumping in "True Blood" fans, but it's also interesting for another reason. Gigandet, of course, is a "Twilight" veteran, having played villainous vampire James in the first film. Now that Moyer is aboard "Priest," the on-screen collision of Bill Compton and James is about the closest thing to a "True Blood/Twilight" crossover that we're ever likely to see. If nothing else, the double whammy of Gigandet and Moyer in the same film is likely to bring both "Twilight" and "True Blood" fans into the movie theaters when "Priest" hits wide release. Combine that with the recently announced "Twilight" manga series, the Stephanie Meyer comic book biography, and Brett Ratner's desire to cast Robert Pattinson in "Youngblood," and comic books could very well be the next big thing for fans of the vampire heartthrob genre. Are you excited for the impending "True Blood" and "Twilight" crossover in "Priest," or would you prefer the upcoming vampire movie to be unattached to the aforementioned franchises? Sink your fangs into the comments section and let us know your thoughts!
08/25/2009 |
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Is the 'Gracious Plenty' next? From Meredith Woerner and io9:
Twilight Inspired Sparkle Sex Toy Heralds The Coming Apocalypse
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True Blood cast members in Boston
 Posted by Meredith Goldstein August 25, 2009
Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) and Tara (Rutina Wesley) (above, left), from HBO's vampire series "True Blood," will be in Boston a week from Saturday (Sept. 5).
The actors will host a vamped-up party at Kings, which will be called "Fangtasia" just for the night. According to club's press release, "Ellis and Wesley will work the crowd and meet and greet with fans during the sinister party that will draw the undead and college students alike into Boston’s own Fangtasia, complete with coffins, creatures and plenty of delicious 'True Blood' beverages."
Sounds like fun.
The actors will also ask all guests to donate blood on behalf of the American Red Cross. Fair enough.
08/25/2009 |
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I always love Roth's reviews - from Think Hero TV:True Blood "New World In My View" S2 EP10 Blog Review
08/25/2009 |
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Anna Paquin's Pictures in Nylon Magazine September 2009
08/25/2009 |
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Blood Work! “True Blood” video recap 2.10: New World in Our View
Aug 25 2009
After a brief holdup due to special effects (Industrial Light and Magic can be such a bear to deal with!) our latest installment of Blood Work! is up and streaming!
This week we recap True Blood episode 2.10 and talk smiting, mythology, Exterminator Jason, Top Chef: Meat Tree and much, much more … including the ever-growing list of loose ends that – In Our View – plagued the episode. What were our favorite moments, and with whom would we like to Do Bad Things?
Find out these things and more (including which paper dolls are coming later today!) in this week’s ep, after the jump!
08/25/2009 |
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Anna Paquin Bites into Her Vampire Fiancé
August 25th, 2009 12:25 pm / Author: Chris Morran
At last night’s party at Skybar in West Hollywood to celebrate her being on the cover of Nylon’s Fall TV & Fashion Issue, True Blood star Anna Paquin turned the tables on her fiancé and co-star Stephen Moyer by giving his neck a nibble for a change!
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08/25/2009 |
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'True Blood' ratings: They're huge!
This is batty! True Blood hit another ratings high on Sunday, surging to a best-ever 5.3 million viewers. That’s up 20 percent over last week’s record 4.5 million viewers. Bottom line: The show’s unstoppable! Here are three reasons why (four if you include the hunky interviewer):
08/25/2009 |
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Vampires vs. werewolves: let's get ready to rumble
August 24, 10:02 PM Capital District Movies ExaminerJim Dixon
Lon Chaney, Jr. as The Wolf Man with victim |
Are you ready for the coming war? There seems to be a rumble brewing in Hollywood. Vampires and werewolves are getting ready to duke it out for global box office domination.
The Wolfman will finally make it to multiplexes in February of 2010. But before then, The Twilight Saga: New Moon opens in November of this year, and as fans of the series already know, this installment is Jacob-intensive. Jacob, played by Taylor Lautner, is a very popular character, who, thanks to Native American mysticism, turns into a wolf and does battle with evil vampires. Werewolves also pop up in Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse novels, basis for the HBO series True Blood.
The animosity between celluloid vampires and werewolves isn’t all that new. The Underworld movies have been doing it for years. Even earlier than that, the HBO series Tales From the Crypt aired an episode entitled “Werewolf Concerto” in 1992, in which Beverly D’Angelo took a vacation from the National Lampoon’s Vacation movies to play a very sexy, and lethal, vampire who gets the upper hand over Timothy Dalton’s werewolf hunter (who is actually a werewolf himself).
[Continue reading...]
08/25/2009 |
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Fans still bleeding their wallets:True Blood tops weekly DVD sales
Posted on 24 August 2009 by Robert Seidman
The amazing story of success for the first season of True Blood on DVD continues. For the week ending August 16, 2009, True Blood was the top selling TV show DVD. It was a slow week without many new releases, but still, True Blood raked in an additional $1.59 million and is approaching $46 million in sales.
 On a revenue basis True Blood is the 11th best selling DVD of the season. The only other TV show in the top 50 is 24, which is now #50 (and falling, and the list we see ends at 50, so…) with $18.184 million in sales.
90210’s first season DVD was released during the week , but did not make the top 30 we see. But Mad Men, after falling off the list for a few weeks made a comeback and had the week’s second best sales for a TV show with $1.17 million.
Battlestar Galactica is running out of steam as far as staying on the list we see, but was still on the list with about $1.1 million in weekly sales. Last week’s top TV show DVD, The Flight of the Conchords – The Complete Second Season hung around for an additional $925K. On a unit basis, Conchords was the week’s best selling TV show DVD, but it costs less than the other DVDs. Conchords is currently $19.49 on Amazon, True Blood has a list price of $60, though Amazon is selling it for $34.99 and Mad Men lists at $50 and is going for $32.99 on Amazon.
Family Guy – Volume 7 was also back on the list with $1.015 million in sales.
US TV Show DVD Sales for Week Ending August 16, 2009: | Title | Units this week | %Change | Total Units | Sales this week | Total Sales | Weeks in Release | | True Blood: The Complete First Season | 44,138 | -11.00% | 1,314,604 | $1,594,706 | $45,745,660 | 13 | | Mad Men: Season 2 | 35,582 | -.-% | 190,255 | $1,173,850 | $6,347,536 | 5 | | Battlestar Galactica: Season 4.5 | 34,872 | -39.80% | 266,410 | $1,098,119 | $8,451,739 | 3 | | Family Guy – Volume 7 | 46,311 | -.-% | 521,308 | $1,015,137 | $13,099,147 | 9 | | Flight of The Conchords: The Complete Second Season | 47,465 | -56.40% | 156,443 | $925,093 | $3,049,074 | 2 |
You can see past weekly lists of TV Show DVD Sales numbers here.
08/25/2009 |
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From Entertainment Weekly's Popwatch:
Alexander Skarsgard: Happy Birthday! (And thank you,Sweden!)
We know we’re teetering on Alexander Skarsgard overload (or, maybe that’s just me, someone who watched two of his Swedish films on YouTube last weekend), but with only two episodes left in True Blood’s second season, we have to find every semi-legitimate excuse to write about him now. So, suck it up! Today, Skarsgard turns 33. Since we’ve already covered his hotness, Eric’s hotness, and why Sookie is drawn to Eric’s hotness, we thought we’d celebrate by listing the things we’re grateful to Sweden for producing. (That torso goes without saying.)
[Continue reading...]
08/25/2009 |
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From the Arizona Republic:
Devilishly sexy and otherworldly romantic,
vampires are in our blood
by Randy Cordova - Aug. 25, 2009 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
There is a proliferation of bloodsuckers around these days, and we don't mean mortgage brokers. Instead, it's the genuine article: pasty-faced vampires who take dirt naps during daytime.
Leading the bat-pack is Stephenie Meyer's wildly popular "Twilight" series, which feels like Judy Blume crossed with Bram Stoker. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" reaches the big screen Nov. 20, as most teen girls can tell you.
There's also the erotic "True Blood," which, in its second season, has emerged as HBO's highest-rated show. The program averages 11 million viewers per episode when you factor in DVR and on-demand broadcasts. Those are bloody good numbers for the premium cable channel.
But that's just the tip of the vampire iceberg. Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro turned author for this year's blood feast "The Strain," which hit the best-seller list. The Swedish flick "Let the Right One In" was an art-house hit last year. And coming this fall to the CW network is "The Vampire Diaries," an adaptation of the popular series of young-adult novels by L.J. Smith.
Why are we suddenly so hot for the undead? Werewolves seem pretty cool, too, but they're not grabbing magazine covers.
"This may sound crazy, but vampires are beautiful, gorgeous men and women who have been caught at their prettiest," says Diane Robina, president of cable network FearNet. "They go out at night, they never get old. They're like rock stars."
In truth, most vampires look better than the typical rock star: Robert Pattinson and Stephen Moyer, anyone?
They also seem more loyal than your average touring musician, which is one reason that vampires seem to click with a female audience.
[Continue reading...]
08/24/2009 |
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From the Arizona Republic:
Sink teeth into plasma TV, books
No matter what your age or (blood) type, there's a vampire out there for you. Find your perfect vamp among these after-sundown fantasies.
If you're a tween
"Vampire Academy" books by Richelle Mead: Two female pals who have vampire ancestry are the main characters in this best-selling series. Lissa is a princess, as all girls named "Lissa" must be, while BFF Rose is half-human, half-vampire and learning how to kill.
If you're in your teens and 20s
The "Twilight" books by Stephenie Meyer; "Twilight" films, 2008 to present: Edward, the Adonis-like hunk who drives the "Twilight" series, is the vampire equivalent of Mary Poppins: He's practically perfect in every way, with high cheekbones, full lips and angular features, although that whole undead thing is a drawback.
If you're in your 20s and 30s
"True Blood" TV series, 2008 to present; the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris: Bill Compton, with his refined manners and old-school charm, is the perfect Southern gentleman. Of course he is: In his human incarnation, he was born in the 1800s and fought in the Civil War. Now he's lovesick over Sookie Stackhouse, a waitress with the power to read minds.
If you're in your 30s and 40s
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" TV series, 1997-2003; "Angel" TV series, 1999-2004: Joss Whedon made his mark with "Buffy," a comic supernatural tale that became a cult favorite. Angel was the show's star vampire, a hedonist who was converted in the 1700s (didn't anyone ever become a vampire in the Swingin' '60s?). He spun off into his own show. He certainly deserved it, as he's the only vampire we know to go on record as a Barry Manilow fan.
If you're in your 40s and 50s
"The Vampire Chronicles" books by Anne Rice: Introduced in 1976, Lestat is a cold-blooded vamp who teaches newbie Louis the way of the fang. The first book is a bit mournful, as it touches on the loneliness of immortality. On the other hand, who wouldn't want to live forever if you looked like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt? After all, those two played Lestat and Louis in the kinky 1994 film version.
If you're in your 50s, 60s and older
"Dark Shadows" TV series, 1966-1971: What do you do when your soap opera is dying in the ratings? If you're ABC, you add the character of Barnabas Collins to the mix in "Dark Shadows," resulting in a show that become a major vampire phenomenon until it got a stake through the heart in 1971. Barnabas was played by Jonathan Frid, perhaps the only time the name "Frid" has been used by a man considered a sex symbol. The series is available on DVD.
08/24/2009 |
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From Black Book:
Michelle Forbes: Wild Force of Nature on ‘True Blood’  Last night on True Blood, we all clung to the edge of our seats as Sookie, Jason, and Bill returned to find their sweet hometown of Bon Temps ravaged by Maryann Forrester's madness. And then we realized that after nearly 14 episodes of meticulous construction, series creator Alan Ball has brought to life one of the most horrific forces in contemporary culture, a force that appears immortal no less, but remains frightening in her moral ambiguity. Say what you will about the wickedness of maenads like True Blood's Maryann, but the outstanding player behind the character has a different look on the madness of this Dionysian handmaiden. After the break, Michelle Forbes explains how blood and gore don't necessarily make the character sinister and how portraying such a maniacally carefree creature may have been one of her most upbeat roles ever. In True Blood, you play Maryann Forrester—a character we now know to be god-like and malevolent and essentially diametric to your portrayal of Kate on In Treatment. How did you adjust to the part of Maryann Forrester? Kate was down-to-earth and had no self-esteem whatsoever. Bless her heart. Maryann is quite the opposite. She tends to laugh at all the things that would fill the rest of us with terror. Initially it was suffocating to sit in her expansiveness. Most of us are led by fear or guilt or sorrow. She’s absolutely fearless. Then it became the most fun game in the world.How did you prepare for this role—were there any characters you drew inspiration from? I watched a lot of Ken Russell films. These women are running around dancing and drinking. Running through the hills of the countryside of England—being mad. Those were the two places thinking about “abandon” and hedonism in a way that certainly we’ve experienced time and time again. I also thought a lot about Lydia Lunch in the 80s in New York. She was a woman who had no boundaries and was very sexually free. And sort of revolutionized music with all of that chaos and destruction of rules and boundaries and limitations. So many people in New York City were doing the same thing, really trying to breakdown these social ideals and be creative in a different way. It came through the funnel of chaos and destruction.
What do you find liberating about playing a character with so few limits?For 18 hours a day, you’d have to be completely free. It was a joy to go to work. Run around in evening dresses. Causing mischief. I went to Montréal to do this dark series called Durham County—it’s about a woman who’s in the middle of all this loss. It’s about trauma and dead children. Sorrow and pain. And then I popped into In Treatment before stepping into True Blood. I don’t take my characters home with me. It was nice to shake it off and get dirty and dance a little.We initially saw Maryann only briefly at the end of the first season. But then her influence continued to expand. Now she’s at the very center of the series. When you signed on, did you realize you’d assume such a critical role in the soap? It was a little mysterious, that first season. But because it’s Alan and his wonderful writers, you just have massive trust. She still is a bit of a mystery to me. But in that second season—all of us were anxious about the next script. We had a few chats about what a maenad is and Dionysus and Greek mythology. I was told a lot of things that came into play. So you keep that knowledge in your heart but you kind of don’t know how that is going to play out. And it was really amazing because at the end of the season, all the storylines come together.In the past you said that the character’s barbaric nature isn’t necessarily due to any evil predisposition, but because she lives in a different moral construct than us. Having seen how brutal she can be, do you still maintain that? I do believe that she’s a character that’s all about perspective. If you think that this is an immortal being. She’s been around since the beginning of time. She’s lived in certain periods of our humanity, where there were people who would sit and watch other men tear each other apart for sport. Children were sacrificed. It’s not unheard of in history. In her mind, she’s seen it all. I think what’s great about the storyline is that it challenges our belief system. You and I can sit here in 2009 and say it’s outrageous that someone would sacrifice humans. My belief system, as a vegetarian, can’t believe that animals are being sacrificed. I stand by that in Maryann’s mind, there’s nothing malevolent. She has a different way of looking at the world.And what are we to make of her relationship with Tara—why is she so intent on breaking Tara up from her mother? This entire town for her is just a town full of crazies. It’s ripe for Maryann’s mischief. Everyone is so fragmented in such a wonderful and quirky way. Tara, as we see in the first season, is so susceptible to someone as predatory as Maryann. She’s the conduit to everyone in town, to Sam and Sookie. She’s had such a hard life and is so vulnerable and lost that when Maryann finds her, she’s an easy target. And it’s exactly why she targets her.
What surprises you the most about Maryann? It’s the most fun I’ve ever had at work. I usually take part in more slit-your-wrists TV than True Blood. To go to work and run around in evening dresses and giggle and laugh and do all these insane things the writers ask us to do. It was a blast. You always look forward to going to work. I just went in and did some post-production for the finale—it was wonderful. It was so good to step back into her shoes again. And experience that glee and that freedom. It was a good feeling—to put those earrings and eyelashes back on. We had an amazing time this season.
Apparently, the appearance of Sophie-Anne—the vampire queen of Louisiana—is going to factor largely into Maryann’s undoing. Can you explain anything further? In the last three episodes, Bon Temps has been turned upside-down. Now it’s just a matter of getting to the bottom of it and cleaning it up.On another note, I was advised to avoid anything you cooked. Mostly because of Maryann’s Hunter’s Soufflé. How good are your cooking skills off-screen? Absolutely deplorable. In fact, I had to go in and have a flambé lesson and cook that heart—a 5am. flambé lesson. My cooking skills are not to be discussed. I suggested to our writers to have a bad public access show with Carl and Maryann. Like Martha Stewart on crack—we would make doilies and scarves and headdresses with feathers. I love that duality of Maryann—that primal, feral wild-child side of her. Then this other side. That’s domestic and loves arranging flowers and fruit and the spread of food. And loves to dig in the dirt.Off-camera, which character do you relate to the most? I’m also a fan of the show. The storylines were so separate for most of us that we had such gifted actors and such gifted writers. I couldn’t wait to see what everyone else had done. I wanted to finish shooting—and see what the boys were doing. I’m critical. It’s also you stand back and objectively look at everyone’s work. I’m amazed by that. The production work and the costume designers. I’m lucky in the fact and see the entire production as a company and not be a narcissist. And see that the whole thing is working together. It’s so heightened sometimes and occasionally over-the-top. Everybody had these massive challenges on paper shouldn’t work but work beautifully—with scoring. I become a small portion. What I know is that my favorite character changes by the theme. One minute Hoyt is my favorite; the next scene, it’s Hoyt’s mother. Then Lafayette. Then Andy Bellefleur. Then Jason—I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do next. I can’t really remember another show where I felt like that, where I’m fascinated by everyone and I get gooey. As far as identifying, maybe Tara, when I had a chip on my shoulder. Maybe Detective Bellefleur, mucking things up—when I’m going through a spell where I can’t get anything right. I identify with Sam Merlotte who’s always trying to do the right thing. I think that’s why so many people are responding to the show you can always find someone to identify with. I love how we saw the darker side of Bill Compton this year. He was wrestling with his past and his humanity. He’s going to be here for a long time figuring it out. I identified with him where we’re always trying to reconcile the past. And have a better future. We all want to be Sookie, getting up to all sorts of hijinks, being followed by all these gorgeous guys. On some level, I identify with all of them. Or want to be them.That said, have you ever lobbied to have Maryann’s character end up romantically involved with any of the show’s leading men? I will just say this. In the finale, I have one of the most interesting love scenes I have ever done. I still giggle about it. What do you think about this disturbing character is making an impression on audiences? I think it’s because we’re in a time right now that’s repressed—coming out of the last eight years of this administration. Christianity sort of ruling where we are and who we are and we’re coming out of it in a different way. It’ll be interesting to see where we end up in another five years.What type of work does an actress seek after such a superlative role like Maryann Forrester? It’s hard to find anywhere as fun as the world about Alan Ball has created. It’s about the town drunk, the shapeshifter-boss. It’s about Tara and her coming of age as a woman and understanding herself. It’s about a telepathic waitress. This entire community. The intelligence behind Alan and our writers, their ability to tell stories so beautifully and complex, will help with True Blood’s longevity.
08/24/2009 |
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From Justica4all on YouTube:
08/24/2009 |
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Always love Meredith Woerner's reviews from io9:
The Big Bon Temps Group Sex Party Is O-V-E-R
By Meredith Woerner, 5:52 PM on Mon Aug 24 2009
And you thought True Blood couldn't get any more insane. This weeks naked and bloodied episode, the gang returns home from Dallas, and let's just say the heart souffle has hit the fan.
So yeah, True Blood, wow. Anyone else feel like the needed a stiff drink after sitting through an hour of that? Last night, True Blood did what it usually does best, went rat shit insane and just upped all the characters to a new level of cray-cray.
I've usually praised TB for lovingly embracing all things cheesy and silly. Well, last night True Blood bent cheese over and made cheese its bitch. It felt like the writers were all trying to outdo one another at a pitch meeting, and this isn't even the big finale.
Jessica's eating Hoyt's mom, Maxine, after she punched Hoyt in the crotch, Lafayette is smacking around Tara, Maryann is building a giant meat cross and Jason — well, he's kind of the King of the idiots isn't he, so he's pretty much just ruling the show.
This was one of those episodes where you're either along for the ride, or puking up black vampire bile out the window. So I decided to give in, and let the black eyed insanity take over and try and have some fun. With that said, it's time for the pros and cons.
Con: A sexy dream with Eric and Sookie, again! Am I going to have to be subjected to the wussification of Eric every week now? Just because it's Sookie's fantasy to make out with a crying muscle man who used to be all sexy and mean, that doesn't not mean it is mine. Please stop ruining Eric — he was so close to garnering actual sex cred.
Pro: I was kind of surprised that this was a dream, mainly because I could actually see Sookie doing that with Eric, moments after she told Bill she never would. Just seems like it's in her wheelhouse. Glad it was actually a dream because I'm not 100% ready for the whole "let's fight over a self absorbed character" love triangle just yet. But we all know it's going to happen in a much bigger way, so start getting prepared for it. Pro: Bill in a box. Anubis Air is pretty great, I would do this — seriously, today. If there was a ventilation system I'd sign up in an undead heartbeat.
Pro: The spray painted Bon Temps sign, yep that's about right. Didn't need to be clever, just obvious.
Pro: I, personally, love Maryann's meat cross because it reminds me of this giant immovable load of a plot line that is just sitting there, rotting. So yeah this works for her. Also I'm kind of in awe of the whole masterpiece and its little flowers. Lets hope this giant meat sacrifice will mark the end of the sex parties.
Con: It didn't, but at least they seem to be getting a bit more violent. So that's something...right?
Pro: Jason: "This is fuckin' fucked up" yes it is. Also gotta love the pause for the new waitress at Merlottes that he hasn't slept with. Let's hope this means our boy is back!
Pro: The whole odd-couple Andy-and-Sam moment is a great big pro. I smell a spin off. He's a drunk and he's sometimes a dog, but they gotta pay rent so they open up a private detective service together. They can call it Supernatural Surveillance or something, it's a work in progress. But the two of them make a great team. Probably because I actually believe that Andy is a real person now, and I loved Chris Bauer in The Wire but here, he's really mastered "smelly functionally funny drunk." Thank you for that.
Pro: Maxine playing Wii, it's the only thing that calms her down...me too.
Pro: Jason loading up for the warring zombie apocalypse style.
Pro: "Jesus and I agree to see other people but that don't mean we don't talk from time to time." Hey Lafayette, GET OUT OF MY HEAD. So glad he's back and being the "voice of the viewer" again.
Pro: Also, yes this is "the worst mother fucking intervention in history,"....there's no sign! Although dynamite line.
Con: Mom and Lafayette talking about how they both hurt Tara and how they let her down and should have been there for her, sorry she's a grown-ass woman. I would have left that mansion after the naked pool party. Granted, I'd miss the never ending table of fruit and towel slapping.
Pro: Bill talking all professional like to Maryann, when they enter Sookie's completely mangled home. But of course they had to zoom in on the zombie photoshop picture of grams. I mean, forget totally soiling this place with body fluids, food, booze and possibly branches, and then building a rotting meat cross in her front yard — don't mess with Sookie's re-gifts to Tara. So yeah that whole thing, pro. Bill — you totally out-Dad Godric any day.
Con: Sookie's a Cocoon person. I knew this was coming... I can't shut out everything from the book, but I was really hoping we'd have more time before we had to deal with giving Sookie any more powers than she deserves.
Con: The line that went with Sookie's cocoon was not helping her case for having cool powers, it should have been..."FACED!!!!"
Pro: Bill vomiting out the car window hi-lar-i-ous. Vampires they're just like us! Everything Bill does that is remotely human is like a cartoon version of that scenario, like old people dressed up in trendy clothes.
Pro: Annie the Nanny, lord have mercy. WHY! It doesn't matter, it's Andy.
Con: True Blood is ruining group sex parties for me. If I see one more group sex scene I'm going to pass out from sheer boredom, which is something I never thought I would write...ever. I've been True Bloodered.
Pro: Terry calls a time out, Zach Morris style.
Pro: Just to fucking throw down that he is the wettest of the vampire blankets Bill yells at the college girl trying to buy vampire drugs. Drugs are bad! Glad we have time for this little intervention, Bill.
Pro: Terry in this entire episode, I mean I wish he was being a bit weirder. He's a little too together, but it's nice to see a smaller character get a bigger role than he usually does, especially since he's deserved it with all his strange side talk and war ticks.
Pro: Arlene yelling at Terry for shooting the good booze.
Pro: Tara chanting in her chair is the most tolerable she's ever been, for the entire season. Can we keep her like this? Please?
Pro: The God scene. What can I say? I watched this with a friend and he turned to me blankly and said, "really?" Meanwhile I was rolling around on the ground in silent I can't believe I'm watching this, when will I get to breathe again fit. Jiminy Crickets this scene was so ricockulous it needs it's own set of descriptive words. This is where I fell in love with True Blood all over again, because it just decides to go full force insane and leave the rest behind. And because Jason is standing in front of a bunch of characters I've become bored with and managed to make them interesting again, if only for one minute. And Andy stumbles around in the back holding up the god's horns, because of course God has horns. Yes, a thousands times yes, True Blood. It was just so stupid, and of course it worked, because apparently the black eyes means people are morons, which we found out just right now? They even added a special coke bottle filter to prove it the stupidity and everything, and sheesh writing a fluid plot is hard ok?
Pro: Jason can totally be a reoccurring character on Supernatural Surveillance, which now that I'm writing this name out for a second time probably needs a new title, I turn to you guys.
Pro: For me having to pause the television and stop laughing.
Pro: Samsquito returns and then transforms into naked Sam, apron boy. Andy and I had the same response, but I don't think either of us meant it.
Con: Tara's brain is just recaps from the last couple episodes, I was hoping for something more fellas, but then again, ugh, it's Tara.
Pro: No one wants Tara to go get more Eggs. Take the hint.
Con: So Bill and Sookie are all "how do we fight this terrible bull lady and neat-o I can make it light with my
fingers." Well thank god, Bill read a book one time at his house, because where the hell would we be now? Oh, you don't remember him reading that book? Well, let's flash back to it to prove it — there, see? He totally read that book that one time a few episodes ago, which was why we included it in the first place, for reasons or something. Holy terrible plot hole filler in a flaming hand basket. Also his delivery for "I might know a vampire who miiiiiight [coy over the shoulder look] MIGHT [sassy head snap] be able to help or something was just make-a-sour-face bad.
Con: Sookie thinking that the whole town went to help because she left. I'm not surprised she thought this, but I like the need to remind everyone that she really is a terrible human being just one last time before the credits.
Pro: Jessica and Maxine going nuts and resorting to fang fisticuffs. I didn't think they were going to go there, and while it may have really been squeezed into this plot, I'm standing on the edge of my edge of my seat, which is basically just air. So clearly I'm excited for Jessica to kill Maxine and get this whole new drama under way.
Con: Bill runs off to see the Queen of Louisiana. Saywhatnow? The Queen? So there's a sheriff, a talking head, and a queen? You're serious with this True Blood? Not only are you totally screwing up my perception of Vampire hierarchy but I love how Bill's just like oh yeah the Queen, no bigs, Imma talk to her. So they have a Queen, who was that bald guy that took the vampires fangs? The vice president? Bah, I'm sure you guys remember but I'm still a little ruffled from the OMG I just remembered I read a book once moment that I'm putting in as much effort as they did with this transition.
Pro: Another ending with yet another bloody foot. Methinks Ball has a bit of a foot fetish, still excited to meet the Queen, Evan Rachel Wood, even if I can't really understand this vampire royalty thing.
So that's that, and honestly I'm still processing it all. Bill's about to bust up this party because we can't be having any sort of fun while he about. Let's just hope the rest of this year, which isn't that much, and the new season aren't consistently this insane. Because like black-eyed sex parties, this kind of crazy is best consumed a bit at a time. And yet, my heart knows this is clearly going to get even more ridiculous, and the wii playing black eyed mumu wearing possessed racist in us all wants it to happen.
08/24/2009 |
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Up all night with Anna Paquin and her alter ego, True Blood's Sookie Stackhouse. 
PHOTO BY JASON NOCITO, STYLED BY MONIQUE BEAN, HAIR BY DAVID BABAII, MAKEUP BY PATI DURBROFF
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Anna Paquin has an Oscar, a cool accent, and maybe the best role on television – bombshell mind reader Sookie Stackhouse on True Blood. We sat down with her, Stephen Moyer (aka Vampire Bill) and their Maker, HBO producing legend Alan Ball, to discuss their bloody TV phenomenon. Anna Paquin, on her Nude Scenes:“I don’t think a naked body is particularly shocking or interesting… It’s not the culture I was raised in. I was not brought up in the United States. I don’t share the [attitude] that you can have graphic violence, but – God forbid – you see someone’s nipples.”On Going Blonde for Sookie:“I don’t look like a Barbie doll, and probably never will. People are incredibly literal in how they view you. You have dark hair and pale skin? You must be brooding. The second you dye your hair blonde and get a spray tan, people treat you as if you’re a bit stupider and happier. Suddenly, it’s like you’re hot and sexy.”On TV Acting:“I t never occurred to me that one form of acting was better than another. I think if you approach your career like that you’re limiting yourself to a very boring path. For me, it’s about the material.”Epilogue: Stephen Moyer, on Vampire Sex:“The thing about vampirism is that it taps into a female point of view – you have an old-fashioned gentleman with manners who is a fucking killer… it’s an interesting duality, because in our present society it would be an odd thing for a woman to say, ‘I want my man to be physical with me.’ How, as a modern man, can you fucking work that? It’s one thing to be polite and gentle… But when do you know it’s OK to crawl out of the mud and rape her [as Bill does in one scene]?... It’s difficult stuff for a bloke, but a vampire gets away with it…. I think that’s the attraction of the show – it’s looking back at a romantic time when men were men, but they were still charming.”--INTERVIEW BY LUKE CRISELL Want More? Check out the September TV Issue! (And if you want it early, subscribe to NYLON now)  |
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Photo: HBO True Blood "Sam the dog" |
In the hit series HBO’s True Blood, the character Sam Merlotte turns into a dog in his role as a shape shifter. But what kind of dog is the sweet lovable pooch? At first I believed he was just a mixed breed however, I learned the dog is a rare breed known as an English Shepherd, a breed registered with the UKC .
From National English Shepherd Rescue:
“While very happy on a farm with chores to do, the English Shepherd makes an excellent family companion. Because of its working background and devotion to family, the English Shepherd makes a great companion for an active family committed to involving their dog in their daily life. They want to be part of the family and remain a working dog. The English Shepherd is happiest when he has a job to do; watching the kids, escorting the family to the park, and guarding the property from the wily UPS driver are all tasks the suburban English Shepherd excels at. An time to train or involve their dog in daily routines should steer away from this breed.”
The breeder of the actual dog-actor on the show is Kaschak-Kennels.Tripod.com This is Lucy, a litter-mate of the celebrity dog. She occasionally stands in for the main dog.
The NESR just announced that 200 English Shepherds were rescued from a breeder-hoarder cruelty case in MT and are now available for adoption. 100 are currently in foster care or have been placed. They are also in need of donations to help with the care of the rescued dogs. Donate now. This is a beautiful breed, similar to a Border Collie and Australian Shepherd and can come in a variety of colors similar to those two breeds. The NESR prides itself for finding just the right home for each of it's rescued dogs and screens potential adopters accordingly.
Description
Height: 18 to 24 inches at the withers.
Weight: 35 to 90 pounds. Males are usually larger than females and dogs over 60 pounds are less common and definitely not preferred. The breed developed locally so different sizes, types or lines are common. The breed is generally considered a medium sized dog. The breed has been popular since the 1930’s in the UK.
08/24/2009 |
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| ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** |
Spoiler Chat
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Delilah in Seattle: Is Sam Merlotte now safe on True Blood?
Nuh-uh. Maryann ain't gonna stop coming for Sam on True Blood—she needs a juicy sacrifice for her god. Sam keeps thinking it might be better for Bon Temps and all his friends if he gives himself up in exchange for their lives, but as every action hero knows: You don't negotiate with terrorists! Luckily, Sam's got a savior waiting around the corner. Any guesses who?
[Entire article...]
08/24/2009 |
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True Blood's Mahcad Brooks ('Eggs') - Washington Examiner:Baldwin stays in shape for the kids
By: Kiki Ryan 08/24/09 5:55 PM EDT
'Eggs' Benedict Talley (Mehcad Brooks)
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Washington’s most known officer and gentleman Andy Baldwin spent his Sunday in Hawaii competing in the inaugural “Tag the World” triathlon, a nonprofit that raises money for several causes.
The sold-out swim, run and bike competition drew many other bold-facers including “True Blood” star Mehcad Brooks and former “Baywatch” star Jeremy Jackson.
Baldwin said there were about 50 foster teens participating who had never done a triathlon before.
“These children have been dealt a tough hand, and today they felt a confidence they had not known before,” he wrote in an e-mail to Yeas & Nays. “It was one of the most rewarding events I have ever been a part of.”
But don’t think he’s about to slack off on training. The former “Bachelor” is training for the upcoming Cross-PA Health Ride and Kids Fitness Days in October.
So, what did you do this weekend?
08/24/2009 |
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| ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** |
True Blood Season 2 Episode 11 Preview
 Toronto (ECN) - Episode 10 of the hit HBO series "True Blood" found Bill, Sookie, and Jason returning to Bon Temps to find it in ruins. Maryann is, of course, the cause of this destruction, as she continues her relentless search for Sam Merlotte. She has a grip over this town, and Bill is determined to discover the truth behind Maryann's powers, and find a way to destroy her once and for all. But how do you kill a creature that cannot die? Text is hidden - highlight----> Episode 11, which has been titled "Frenzy", will focus on Bill's search for answers. His source: the vampire Queen of Louisiana. Her name is Sophie-Ann, and she is being portrayed by actress Evan Rachel Wood, who is best known for her work on the big screen. She is elusive, beautiful, and centuries old. She is said to posses the power of telepathy, and can communicate with the vampire's she has created, using this gift. Will this somehow tie in with Sookie's telepathic powers as well?
Meanwhile back in Bon Temps, Sookie and Lafayette will have to protect Tara from her worst enemy: herself. She will no doubt be desperate to rescue her boyfriend Eggs from the fate that threatens to destroy the entire town. "True Blood" fans will have to stay tuned on August 30th if they want to learn the truth behind Maryann's mythological past, and whether or not Bill finds the answers in time to save his beloved Sookie.
08/24/2009 |
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‘True Blood’ season 2, episode 10
August 24, 2009 at 7:01 pm by Debbie Michaud in movies & tv
BAR NONE: Is it Sam and Andy's last call?
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What’s a girl gotta do for a little peace and quiet around here? Sookie leaves town for five minutes and sadomasochistic sex zombies take over Bon Temps. There’s penis graffiti on the welcome sign, a giant tower of freesia and warm meats in her front yard, and her glassy-eyed best friend’s mind has been erased. Not to mention all the hell that broke loose in Dallas and the fact that she continues to have naughty dreams about Eric. Bad Sookie.
When Bill, Sookie and Jason finally make it back to Bill’s place, they find Maxine gone batshit-crazy shrieking at Hoyt about what a disappointment he is. Bill, trying to parse out the situation, can barely get a word in edgewise. He demands that Hoyt calm her down, so Hoyt offers “Playing Wii gets her to focus, but I wouldn’t call it calmed down.” With Maxine distracted, Jessica and Hoyt finally have a chance to fill the threesome in on everything from the parties at Maryann’s (er, Sookie’s) place to Daphne, the new waitress at Merlotte’s who had her heart ripped out. (Jason: “There’s a new waitress at Merlotte’s?”)
[Continue reading...]
08/24/2009 |
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| ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** | ***SPOILERS*** |
True Blood: Anna Paquin Prefers Sex to Crying (Don’t We All?)
Today 1:40 PM PDT by Kirstin Benson
Season two of our favorite (and sexiest) vampire show is coming to an end, but first it's throwing out all the stops. For all of us who were wowed by Sookie Stackhouse's latest powerin the last episode, our favorite glowing gal promises even more excitement before the season finale.
Leading lady Anna Paquin revealed juicy details about filming the steamy sex scenes of True Blood. Speaking on a panel in L.A. to fans last Thursday,the star discussed getting naked, the newest castmembers and what's next for the hottest (technically, coldest) of the undead.
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Expect More Sookie-Eric Sex: Even if it's just a dream, odds are we'll be privy to some extra lovin' between poor, duped Sookie and conniving Eric [Alexander Skarsgård]. "She drank his blood, so now she has really vivid sexual fantasies about him. I guess that's how it works," Anna said. "Because in season one after she drinks Bill's[Stephen Moyer]blood, she has a moment outside of his house...She's kind of sitting there by herself having a little touch and feel," she reminded us. (How could we forget?)
The Queen Is Going to Shake Up Relationships: Drama is going to ensue when Queen Sophie (Evan Rachel Wood) gets involved in the next episode...especially in the sex department. When asked the identity of the queen's sex partner(s), Anna's lips were sealed. "I like my job," she said coyly.
Anna Prefers Sex to Crying. (Don't We All?): "To me, I feel more naked doing a really emotional scene than being naked in front of a bunch of people, because that's really me," Anna said about being vulnerable in front of the camera. "You have to trust that no one is going to judge you, or be mean, or tell you how stupid you look when you cry."
True Blood Meets True Life in the Finale: Watch out for a special cameo from the author of the original book series, Charlaine Harris. According to Anna, now that it is no longer true to the plot of the books, Charlaine loves the suspense when she watches the show.
True Blood Isn't Getting Any More Normal: "It's obviously getting weirder," admitted Anna about this season. "And it's gonna get weirder still," she teased.
What do you think is in store for our True Blood lovers? Is Sookie in it with Bill for the long haul, or will Eric win over her affections? How will Queen Sophie spice up the mix? Sound off in the comments below.
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08/24/2009 |
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What is True Blood + Twilight + Rock Star ? From MTV:
Vampire Movie 'Suck' Features Henry Rollins, Iggy Pop,
Alice Cooper, Moby Rock-and-roll comedy, co-starring Malcolm McDowell, to premiere at Toronto Film Festival. By Gil Kaufman  Think of it as "Twilight" meets "True Blood" with a dash of "Rock Star." Rock-and-roll vampire spoof "Suck" is slated to debut at next month's Toronto Film Festival with an all-star cast of actual rockers that includes former Black Flag vocalist and notorious ranter Henry Rollins as radio DJ Rockin' Roger, punk icon Iggy Pop as retired rocker/producer Victor, original shock-rocker Alice Cooper as a creepy bartender and noted vegan Moby as Beef Bellows, lead singer of the bloody metal act Secretaries of Steak.
The movie follows a group of wannabe rockers called the Winners, who are, as you might suspect, kind of losers. After playing a mind-numbing series of lame gigs on their endless road trip, the group is suddenly transformed when bassist Jennifer (Jessica Pare) hooks up with a vampire (Burning Brides guitarist/singer Dimitri Coats) named Queeny and returns with a sexy charisma that gets audiences all worked up. The new superstars are trailed by notorious one-eyed vampire hunter Eddie Van Helsing, played by veteran actor Malcolm McDowell.
And from Twitch Film:
 Oh, Rob, you take a mighty big risk giving your sophomore film a title like Suck. Either you are supremely confident or supremely foolish ... and my money is on confident.
Canada’s Rob Stefaniuk earned himself a small but dedicated cult with his debut scifi comedy - Phil The Alien - a cult which he now looks ready to expand upon with his sophomore film Suck, a vampire comedy slated to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. And it’s not just any rock and roll comedy, either ... no, this one boasts songs written by Stefaniuk himself, a soundtrack by John Kastner from The Asexuals and The Doughboys - who you probably don’t know but are very, very good nonetheless - and cameo appearances by Alice Cooper, Iggy Pop, Carol Pope, Henry Rollins and Moby along with the likes of Malcolm McDowell. Stunt casting? Hell, yes. But fantastic stunt casting. Here’s a synopsis:
| Written and directed by musician/actor Rob Stefaniuk - and featuring acting turns from the likes of Iggy Pop Alice Cooper, Henry Rollins and Moby - SUCK, follows a group of rock ‘n’ roll wannabes in search of immortality and a record deal. Seemingly doomed to roadtrip doldrums and dives, the band The Winners break their slump when their female bass player disappears one night with a studly, stylin’ vampire. She returns charged with sexual charisma that creates audience frenzy and eventually ensnares the rest of the band. Their “hook” launches them to fame. But fame turns out to be a different kind of Hell than AC/DC promised.
Following an “incident” on a national radio show with “Rockn’ Roger” The Winners hit mega-stardom beyond their wildest dreams. But Joey is haunted by an eerie bartender with a dark secret. And legendary vampire hunter, Eddie Van Helsing, is on their tail tracking them down despite his fear of the dark. But when a veteran music producer calls them on becoming a vampire freak show, their rock’n’roll bubble bursts.
Stefaniuk (Phil The Alien) stars as Joey, the lead singer of The Winners. Jessica Paré (The Trotsky, Wicker Park) plays bassist Jennifer, the first Winner to succumb to blood lust. Malcolm McDowell (Heroes, A Clockwork Orange) plays the nichtophobic Van Helsing, while Dave Foley (Kids In The Hall) is the band’s sleazy manager. Rounding out the cast is Dimitri Coates (from the band Burning Brides) as Jennifer’s vampiric “Maker.” Carole Pope (Rough Trade) plays a club manager, Henry Rollins strikes a chord as an edgy radio show host, and Moby plays the lead singer of the rock band Secretaries of Steak. Iggy Pop plays a music producer, and Alice Cooper is a sinister bartender alongside daughter Calico Cooper who plays his cheeky sidekick/waitress. |
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08/24/2009 |
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DAMN HUMANS…
Before we begin, you’ll have to forgive me. I seem to have awoken this evening with something of a superiority complex.
Like every vampire, I was once human. I slept at night. I ate all manner of grains, meats, and fruit. I worried about getting old. But then I became something else. I would no longer require air to breathe. My speed and strength would increase sevenfold. And when a creature came into town an enacted a form of mass hypnosis that turned everyone into oversexed teenagers with caffeine for blood, I would find myself unaffected.
To be more specific, I would not choose to use my neighbor’s lawn gnomes as models for sexual acts that are still illegal in several states.
I would not attempt to start a group cheer of “I’m with stupid.”
I would not declare “Hey Paul, watch me beat the crap out of this fire hydrant!” Then actually try to do it.
Sadly, this is only the beginning of the activities consuming the breather residents of Bon Temps as of late. As dawn approaches, I must drown out hoots, hollers and curious shouts to “Get Sam!” (whoever that is), only to awake the next evening to find several people relieving themselves on my front lawn.
Yes, even as a recently turned vampire I know enough to realize there’s a highly unconventional presence at work here. These humans are not in their right minds. But I’m having trouble forgiving them. Why is it breathers have such weak minds? At times it’s like they’re begging to be manipulated, and in this case someone or something has gladly answered the call.
Part of me feels I should try and determine the source. As one of the few sane people left I may be in a unique position to try and stop it. But frankly, I don’t feel like it. Call me selfish. Call me uncaring. I just can’t handle watching another stark naked man run headlong into the side of a building swearing he’s found the end of the rainbow. So if anyone needs me, for the rest of the week, I’ll be reporting from an undisclosed location with cable TV.
08/24/2009 |
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Which Celeb Is Flying on a Trapeze?
Today 11:10 AM PDT by Cristina Gibson
This newly engaged actress spent her Sunday taking trapeze lessons with her fiancé.
While she flew through the air, many of us were at home watching the couple's hit HBO show, which they star in together.
Maybe these pictures will put the pregnancy rumors to rest. We highly doubt she'd be trying the trapeze if she were expecting.
Think you know who's in the harness? Find out after the jump...
It's Anna Paquin, who stars in HBO's hit vampire series True Blood.
She was joined by hunky hubby-to-be Stephen Moyer on their aerial outing.
Blogs were buzzing that she might be pregnant after she recently stepped out in a baggy dress, but her rep says she doesn't have a baby on board...yet!
08/24/2009 |
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Anna Paquin Unfazed by Onscreen Nudity
By Tim Nudd Originally posted Monday August 24, 2009 04:00 PM EDT
The nudity in HBO's True Blood might seem risqué to American audiences, but Anna Paquin, who was born in Canada and grew up in New Zealand, doesn't really see what the fuss is about.
"I don't think a naked body is particularly shocking or interesting," the 27-year-old True Blood star tells, Nylon for its September issue. "It's not the culture I was raised in. I was not brought up in the United States. I don't share the [attitude] that you can have graphic violence, but – God forbid – you see someone's nipples."
It helps that Paquin, who plays Sookie Stackhouse on the show, has her nude scenes with Stephen Moyer, to whom she became engaged this summer.
"You're not having to sort of get over the 'Wow, I'm naked with someone that I don't even know the middle name of!' " she told AOL Television recently.
Paquin also tells Nylon that it's been interesting to see how people approach her now that she's gone blonde for the role.
"I don't look like a Barbie doll, and probably never will," she says. "People are incredibly literal in how they view you. You have dark hair and pale skin? You must be brooding. The second you dye your hair blonde and get a spray tan, people treat you as if you're a bit stupider and happier. Suddenly, it's like you're hot and sexy."
08/24/2009 |
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Season 1 Episode 4 "Escape From Dragon House" - From Indie Music Examiner: Dengue Fever - Mini Profile
Artist: Dengue Fever is Chhom Nimol (vocals), Zac Holtzman (guitar/vocals), Ethan Holtzman (farfisa organ), Senon Williams (bass guitar), David Ralicke (brass), and Paul Smith (drums).
From: Los Angeles
Website: http://www.myspace.com/denguefevermusic
Sound: Cambodian pop combined with American psychadelic and surf rock. Beautiful, exotic sounding Cambodian rock riffs fuse with occasional use of English lyrics and a lot of psychadelic surf guitar.
Albums: Dengue Fever (2003)
Escape from Dragon House (2005)
Venus on Earth (2008)
Bio: Dengue Fever was a band that formed after Zac and Ethan were inspired by a trip to Cambodia. They began a search for a vocalist who could sing in Khmer, and discovered Chhom Nimol, a famous karaoke singer from Cambodia. Most songs are covers of Cambodian rock songs from the 60s, but the group's third album 'Venus on Earth' features original tunes written with English lyrics. The group is well known for its alliance with various charity organizations in Cambodia. Their music has appeared in films such as "Broken Flowers" and "Must Love Dogs." Their music has also been featured on the hit television show "True Blood" and twice on Showtime's show "Weeds.
More Articles about Dengue Fever:Venus on Earth - Psychadelic, Cambodian, Pop Rock
Dengue Fever to score and perform soundtrack to silent film The Lost World
08/24/2009 |
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| *Minor Spoilers* | *Minor Spoilers* | *Minor Spoilers* |
Not sure how accurate this article is; however, interesting analysis from Miami Spirituality Examiner: Greek mythology in the HBO series True Blood
Sookie is most likely the goddess Psyche. Before becoming a goddess, Psyche was a beautiful mortal girl to whom no one wished to marry.
An immortal, sent by a higher authority with a hidden agenda, is sent for Psyche but ends up falling in love with her. He can visit her only in the night and when Psyche’s passion for him grows to the point that she simply can not resist him, he flees out of fear of her discovering who he truly is. They eventually end up together again (her becoming immortal, too) and their story is the personification of everlasting love. Indeed Sookie seems to be tapping into a goddess-like power… We’ll just have to wait and see.
Bill, of course, would be representative of this immortal (who happens to be none other than Cupid) with whom Psyche falls in love with. Because he was sent to her with a hidden agenda, I’m sure this will play into the reason for their separation.
Daphne did double-duty as Ariadne (lover of Theseus and bride of Dionysus) and the ravaging Calydonian Boar (sent by Artemis because of failure to honor her at a sacrifice).
MaryAnn is a mixture of a few things. First we have the immortal Pasiphaë, mother of Ariadne (Daphne) and the Minotaur (a creature with the top half of a bull and the bottom half of a man fathered by the Cretan Bull in a bestial love affair) and mistress of magical herbal arts. But she is also the Minotaur itself, evidenced in the few times she has transformed. Additionally, she is a maenad - follower of Dionysus (a god of foreign origins, inspirer of madness and ecstasy) known for tearing people (or animals) into pieces to consume their raw flesh. On the show, MaryAnn rips out the heart of her victims to make food. Achelous was a god with the power to appear as a bullheaded man who was finally defeated by Heracles. Could MaryAnn be his feminine side? Lastly, MaryAnn is very loosely based on minor associations with Artemis – the huntress/goddess responsible for unleashing the Calydonian Boar and who was fond of deer (Daphne shape-shifts into a doe in one scene). Artemis had a twin, Apollo, who may or may not be Carl or even Eggs.
Speaking of Eggs, he most closely resembles a satyr (the male counterpart of a maenad). They were lovers of wine, women and physical pleasures; they were obsessed with nymphs and had perpetual erections. Lafayette is hinting to a shared past with Eggs, calling him "poison" as if he knows him. In the novels by Charlaine Harris, Eggs is bisexual. His satyr-like attributes would explain this.
Tara embodies many qualities of a nymph: in retinue to Dionysus, associated with Artemis, and targeted by satyrs. When Jason consumes vampire blood and begins hallucinating, he envisions Tara in a celestial glow wearing a robe and tiara and pouring water from a jar. She looks very much like a beautiful nymph.
Andy could partly be Pirithous, the King who at first pursued Theseus to then befriend him and fight with, rather than against, him.
I’m wondering if Sam will turn out to be Theseus, the hero who slew bulls (the Cretan Bull and the Minotaur) and who, together with his best friend Pirithous, went after the Calydonian Boar.
Theseus was also responsible for the community dwelling together; Sam has a bar that the townsfolk frequent. Theseus was fathered by Aegeus and Poseidon, which possibly explains both Sam’s shady past (no apparent family lineage) and Sam’s love of being in the water. Theseus is also known as having been briefly intimate with Ariadne (Daphne).
Jason is showing some serious hero qualities: bravery for one. This trait, along with his war training from the Newlins, leads me to believe that Jason is none other than the legendary Heracles (you may know him as Hercules). Heracles is a demigod and in the Charlaine Harris books, Jason becomes half panther. Heracles was the epitome of masculinity, strength, courage and sexual prowess – and was not terribly clever. That has Jason Stackhouse written all over it. Additionally, Jason is Iason of the Juggernauts – a friend of Heracles who was strong, trained in combat, charismatic and brave.
Iason's grandmother, Tyro, corresponds well with Jason and Sookie's grandmother because Tyro also had two children by a man who was not her husband. In Charlaine Harris' original version, Jason and Sookie's grandmother gives birth to two children fathered by a half-fairy, who may or may not have disguised himself. Tyro was also deceived into sleeping with Enipeus. Enipeus was a river god; Sookie and Jason's parents drowned in a flash flooding while in their crossing a bridge over a river.
Iason had a one-time love, Medea. She can likely be Amy because both these women were involved in narcotics (Amy with V and Medea with potions and herbs). Medea was also a fierce killer; Amy had no qualms about abducting and killing a helpless vampire.
Jessica, Bill’s "adoptive" daughter, slightly resembles Persephone in that they were both innocent maidens abducted against their wills. Persephone had no father while Jessica, upon becoming a vampire, has no real family.
There is so much more symbolism in True Blood as it relates to mythology (Roman, Ancient Egyptians, etc.) that it would take me many more weeks to discover – but I’ll continue updating as the nuances come along.
08/24/2009 |
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True Blood Sucker Punch: Episode 10
Welcome to Sucker Punch, the only blog post that ranks the gaudiest moments on this week's episode of True Blood. ----
 Hey everyone! Before we begin, I want to thank you for the great discussion about last week's episode, "I Will Rise Up." Many of you disagreed with my assessment of Godric as a half-finished character who is more intellectually intriguing than emotionally involving, and you defended your positions with elegant analysis. I'm proud to be part of our ongoing conversation about True Blood, because week after week, it produces comments that make me think.
But no matter how we feel about Godric, can we agree that Episode 10, "New World in My View," serves up a flaky batch of awesomeness biscuits?
I mean, as someone who loves this season for its wild action and surprising character development, I can't ask for more. There are so many Sucker Punch moments in Episode 10 that I scarcely know where to begin...
... so let's start with the first scene. Sookie's naughty dream about Eric is striking because it's so tender. Before he bites her, Eric lets Sookie kiss his face. We see them interacting with kind-hearted concern, suggesting that Eric (whom I assume is manipulating this dream) wants an actual connection with Sookie, and not just a scromp-fest. Every revelation about his emotional life just deepens our understanding of what vampires can be. Is it possible that, given the proper conditions, they could all be as thoughtful and gentle as Godric?
Maybe... but lest we get too sentimental, this episode counters Eric's sensitivity with Jessica's rage. I'll bet some of us cheer when Jessica, tired of being called a slut, goes crazy on Hoyt's mama's neck. It's like watching a mother-in-law revenge fantasy.
Even better, writers Kate Barnow and Elisabeth Finch let Hoyt's mother act like a hateful cow without quite reducing her to a stereotype. Since she has black eyes, you see, we know she isn't really herself. She's a puppet, designed to say things that will stoke the basest urges in everyone around her. So when Jessica attacks, it's more like she attacking the worst parts of Hoyt's mom... and not so much assaulting the woman herself.
Here's the way I see it: Maryann makes people act on their nastiest impulses, and since they're controlled by their ids, they recklessly provoke the people around them. Hoyt's mama, for instance, says nasty things when she's normal, but even she has limits. Under Maryann's spell, however, she not only unleashes her most vicious thoughts, but also uses them like weapons. She intentionally pushes Jessica's buttons until the poor vampire snaps. That adds to the chaos that Maryann loves. (Tara tries to do the same thing to Sookie when she tells her that she ought to commit suicide. Tara probably has thought such a thing in a hidden part of her mind, but Maryann's influence brings that cruelty to the surface.)
With that perspective in mind, I have a new respect for Maryann's presence on the show. More than just a movie-of-the-week monster, she's the engine for a sweeping allegory about a person's secret corners. She's both a positive message and a cautionary tale. Because there are parts of Maryann's influence that are good, you know? She inspires confidence. She eliminates sexual shame. She gives people permission to be themselves. But she also demonstrates that liberation can lead to catastrophe.
[Continue reading...]
08/24/2009 |
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08/24/2009 |
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True Blood Author to speak in Little Rock
by Alan Ball, writer of the award winning American Beauty, it is alsobased on the book series The Sookie Stackhouse novels penned by Magnolia native Charlaine Harris.
Charlaine has to be incredibly busy with all the press True Blood has been getting lately, but thankfully she has made time to speak as part of the A Fred K. Darragh Distinguished Lecture Series.
The event will take place in the Main Library's Darragh Center on November 12 at 6:30 pm.
For reservations call 918-3029 or email lblackwell@cals.org.
08/23/2009 |
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Moyer, Collins join 'Priest' hood Duo joins Screen Gems thriller
 "True Blood" thesp Stephen Moyer and Lily Collins of "90210" have joined "Priest," the Scott Stewart-directed Screen Gems thriller that stars Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet and Maggie Q.
Scripted by Cory Goodman, the thriller involves a warrior priest who turns against the church to track down a murderous band of vampires who kidnapped his niece.Though he's known for playing a bloodsucker in HBO's hit vampire drama, in this feature film foray Moyer will play the mortal brother of the protagonist.
Collins, who just starred with Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw in "The Blind Side," play s the niece.
Michael De Luca produces with Josh Donen and Mitchell Peck.
Pic is skedded to begin shooting today.
Moyer is repped by ICM and Luber/Rocklin, and Collins by CAA.
08/23/2009 |
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‘True Blood' recap: Those first five minutes …
Are not enough, considering the rest of the (short?) episode was mostly about zombie hordes licking condiments off each other
 I feel like pulling a Bill “Vomit Comet” Compton.
Let's just say “New World In My View” was no “I Will Rise Up,” which remains the best “True Blood” episode to date.
A tough act to follow, to be sure, but apart from those first dreamy minutes (don't worry, it's not like I could ignore them) it was just:
* Jason Stackhouse acting very un-Jason-ish. (Nice look at those muscled arms, though.)
* Terry Bellefleur acting very un-Terry-ish. (But defending his "special lady.")
* Tara Thornton basically acting the same. (She is a bit of a brat; glad Lafayette slapped her.)
* Sam Merlotte and Andy Bellefleur bonding in a way that gives me hope for them as a couple. (Why not, they're both lonely?)
* Maryann begging Bill to “Ravage me! Ravage me!” until he hurls. (This is how my Eric fantasy would probably play out.)
* Maxine Fortenberry taking the prize as the first woman to throw herself at Jason to no avail. (She's a champion at Wii, too.)
* Learning for a good time, we should call Peanut; God has horns; Merlotte's keeps the cheap liquor on the bottom shelf; and there is at least one instance where you should listen to a white man.
So it certainly wasn't a BAD episode, it just had faulty priorities. (I miss the depth of Godric already.)
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08/23/2009 |
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From Digital City:
Still Time to Pre-Order HBO's Tru Blood Vampire DrinkDaily DrinkAug 23rd 2009 1:40PM By Sean Madden Vampires are everywhere these days. From the 'Twilight' saga, the upcoming 'Vampire Diaries' and HBO's 'True Blood,' there are movies, books and TV shows, so why not a drink? 'True Blood' is becoming appointment television. You wait to discuss what happened on the show Monday morning at the office water cooler. HBO is taking advanced orders for Tru Blood. Don't panic, it's not real blood but a blood-orange carbonated drink. The bottle is an exact replica of what you see the bloody thirsty vampires use to crave their appetite every Sunday night. The dark red bottle is even labeled as being "O Positive." The blood orange-flavored soda is described as a mix of a tart and sweet carbonated soda. It drinks like a soda but looks like a bottle of blood. The True Blood website even offer recipes to mix up your vampire juice. Try a Fangbanger, Plasmapolitan, or even a Death on the Beach. No matter what it does taste like it seems like the perfect conversation piece. HBO is taking orders for the drink now with comes in 4 pack for $16.00 with a $3 shipping surcharge. Fake plastic vampire teeth not included.
08/23/2009 |
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Another great article from SkarsgardFans:
“You can’t play sexy” Alexander Skarsgård holds back on the vanity in “TrueBlood”
 In the upcoming Swedish movie 'Puss' / 'Trust Me' |
On Wednesday, SVT will start airing the vampire series that has made Alexander Skarsgård a sex symbol in the US. During pre-launch of True Blood, Nöjesbladet got the chance to talk to the Swede in Hollywood. “My parents complain of the lack of nudity in the show”, says Alexander Skarsgård. That’s the exact opposite of the reaction in the US, where the nudity content is especially noted. Alexander’s comment makes his co-worker, Nelsan Ellis who plays Lafayette Reynolds, react: “Really? Wow”. Skarsgård explains himself: “My parents are old hippies”, but Ellis isn’t satisfied with the explanation. Alexander Skarsgård continues: “You know, my father works in Europe and grew up in a different culture. He became very upset because nudity was censored, but not violent and bloody scenes. That it was appropriate for kids, but not boobs (or even more).” AS continues: “Now he (Stellan) just says “Finally” (laughs). Stellan’s opinion: “This is the way we’re created. It’s beautiful. What’s wrong with that?’” Those of you who want to see the younger generation of Skarsgård (turning 33 on Tuesday) undressed will have to be patient. In the first season he appears in only 7 episodes. In season 2 the Scandinavian vampire gets a bigger role.
Eric Northman, blossoms.
“In the beginning I was mostly the mean vampire leader telling others what to do. In season 2 I become more personal. That pleases me. After season 1, people said ‘Oh, you’re the mean guy, the cool vampire.’ But I don’t see it so black and white. Season 2 shows many more sides of Eric.”
Falling in love with a vampire
The story centers around Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), a barmaid in Louisiana whose life turns upside down when she falls in love with the vampire Bill (Stephen Moyer). The series makes Alexander Skarsgård, who’s been voted Sweden’s sexiest man, closer to conquering an equivalent title in the US. He’s already popular in a reader’s poll Entertainment Weekly made.
“You can not act sexy”
He denies that he deliberately would make himself sexy in ‘True blood’. “You can not play sexy. It would be ridiculous. If you think about it while filming it’s distracting. – I hate vain actors. You just have to try to be present in the moment. You can not think about how your hair looks.
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08/23/2009 |
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From People Magazine:
Introducing: True Blood Theme Song Singer Jace Everett
By Jessica Herndon Originally posted Sunday August 23, 2009 03:40 PM EDT
 tiiQuigoWriteAd(757767, 1348086, 240, 190, -1); Though there are only three episodes left to the second season of the eerie, sexy HBO series True Blood, it's not too late to meet the voice behind the hit show's theme song "Bad Things." Indiana native Jace Everett's cinematic country blues runs deep on his latest record Red Revelations, out now.
Here are five things to know about the husky-voiced crooner:
True Blood inspires his song writing: Though the show's theme song was picked from a tune Everett wrote "a while back," there are a few tunes penned from watching the show. "'Burn For You' was written after the episode where Bill catches on fire after trying to save Sookie," says Everett. "'Damned if I Do' is a love song," he adds. "Now, I've never actually been love with a vampire, but it could be a love song between a vampire and a human."
He's done of bit of biting himself: "I've been bitten many times," says the singer. "Most of the stories I don't think I should tell, but I bit a kid's earlobe off once in a fight when I was real little. Like 10. This was long before Mike [Tyson]]." Just why did he go to such extreme measures? "I think we were fighting over a girl."
He speaks a little French: His 13-year-old son lives in the south of France and though his offspring is fluent in French, Everett says his use of the language could use a little work. "We speak in English unless we're in a group and we don't want people to know what we're saying," he says of he and his son. "But it's like talking to a 3-year-old. My French is terrible. He deals with it and corrects me."
He has some nutty fans: "This girl took a 16-hour train ride from Sacramento to Salem, Oregon, to see me," recalls Everett. "But she had some sort of altercation, got arrested and missed the show. She showed up as we were packing up and I gave her a hug." Because he'd misspelled her name when previously autographing her LP, she requested and edit. "She had an agenda," he joked.
He rescued his dog Teddy: "He had parvo so he was like five days in the vet hospital," says the singer. "Some hoarder lady had him in the backyard with a bunch of dogs." Luckily Everett's terrier mutt Teddy is now safe and sound at home with his owner in Nashville. "I run with my dog everyday," adds Everett. "He's so sweet and so full of fun."
Jace Everett on Tonight Show with Jay Leno:
08/23/2009 |
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From Des Moines Examiner:
True Blood fans in Second Life®
 Merlotte's in Second Life®
Both Merlotte's and Fangtasia feature live music and DJs nightly to keep you dancing and rocking while you role play. Merlotte's has a small dance area and DJ booth and Fangtasia has a large stage with mood lighting, fog effects, and throne for Eric. Fangtasia's stage, larger dance floor and DJ booth on the far side of double sided bar.
Anyone is welcome to role play in Bon Temps, but you can also be an official role player by applying at the shed next to Merlotte's. If you are a fan of True Blood or just want to check out what it's all about, Bon Temps is a perfect destination for a night of exploration and entertainment.
08/23/2009 |
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