For those of you who have a chance to watch True Blood tonight (Sept 7) on HBO, I would like to hear your opinion.
Let me know what you think. Positive or negative comments welcome. Say why you feel the way you do. Please be civil. No profanity or ranting. Each commenter will have a chance to win a copy of Definitely Dead (Southern Vampire Series, Book 6) by Charlaine Harris, Ace 2007. Her books form the basis of the True Blood series.
Contest ends September 9 at midnight!
12 comments:
Hmm my thoughts. I was dubious that Anna Paquin would be able to pull of Sookie but I thought she did a good job. So did the actors/actresses that played Sam, Jason, grandma, Bill. I thought Tara was a little too much in your face...
Too much sex for me. I know it's HBO so they can do what they want... I just don't think of the books having that much sex- although it is in there I suppose.
Overall I liked it. I'm interested in seeing how closely it sticks to the books. (There was a mention of Katrina already- which isn't included in the timeline until way down the road, so I'm wondering how that will figure in later).
I liked it overall, but I agree that Tara was a litte much. I did like Anna's portrayal of Sookie. I don't know if I totally liked the spring loaded vampire teeth. I had forgotten how much of a slut Jason was though. I can't wait til next week.
I've really only read the first book but I think it's interesting how the show seems to be so close to the book as opposed to like the Dreseden Files or maybe Blood Ties (though I forget how close exactly they were)...
It did seem that the sex was done to the extent it was just because it was HBO though, so idon't know about that. Overall I liked it though and plan to keep watching it :)
I have to admit, I haven't read any of the books, or if I did read one at some point, it was so long ago, I can't remember.
I liked the show and am looking forward to next week. The sex doesn't bother me and I'm up in the air as to whether I liked Anna Paquin as Sookie. Is she supposed to be an adult or a fresh-faced naive 18 year old? Because she comes off as really young and naive.
Back in the spring when I renewed my cable, I thought "True Blood" was going to be on Showtime ... so I got a deal for that. I was so disappointed when I realized that I'd have to wait for the DVD because I'm a huge fan of the books.
Then, Sat we got an offer for free HBO from our cable company! What great timing (a special thank you to my phone company for turning on fiber optics in our neighborhood and making the cable company nervous).
I thought mostly the atmosphere for the show is good and fits the feel of the books. (Although did anyone else notice that money struggling Sookie had a very nice ipod and dock?) Some of the acting is a bit awkward - which admittedly is not unusual on first episodes - and, as Hollywood has shown over and over again, Louisiana accents are about the hardest to fake (note to HBO, y'all need an accent coach). Oh, and a little too much self-promoting there, HBO. (No trouble with the sex for me, which I felt fit pretty well with the books, but I'm a longtime viewer of HBO and Showtime original programming.)
While I never had trouble keeping track of the characters in the book, it seems overwhelming on a TV show to keep everybody straight. I'm sure that will improve as time goes on, although there are many more characters to add.
I'm looking forward to watching more of what I think may be my favorite new show this year (although "Life on Mars" should be a contender)!
PS I wanted to share my thoughts, but I already own the book you are giving away. So, if I win, feel free to select somebody else (unless you want to substitute .. you know ... let's talk). And, as always, love your site!
Just some random thoughts while watching it:
They're killing me with that accent and the fangs just look stupid the way they are placed. My favorite character so far is Tara and although Sam isn't quite what I pictured, he's not half bad either (he's such a pretty dog too). I'm not sure if I can even address Sookie though. The cook LaFayette is interesting too. Bill just looks like he woke up from a dirt nap (literally) though. I never got the whole point of making vampires eyes all crazy (or in the case of Buffy, their faces all scrunched up) either. Gah! I hated how the episode ended (even though I know what happens b/c of the books)!
In my opinion True Blood turned out better then I thought it would. They stuck mainly to the book, they didn't try to be overly dramtic, nor overly comical. There was a bit much sex going on with Jason but it's HBO so I guess thats to be expected. And I agree with someone who commented above on the self-promos going way over the top. I know this is a new show and HBO wants to showcase it but when every other commercial is for the show, thats a bit much. But overall I think everything was a success. I know many others like myself might take time gettting into this show as Sookie, Sam, etc might not be the same as how we picture them to be in our mind's eye as we read the actual books. But the series could really take off if they stay true to the books, improve on the acting and give the fans what they want. Still, I know I'll definitely be watching episode two. Here's hoping this series is the kind that grows on a person and keeps you watching.
First I want to thank all of you for posting. I have enjoyed reading your thoughts. As I write this there are still a few hours before the contest ends. There may be a few more entries, we'll see.
So for all those who did share their thoughts I will send a free copy of Vampire Readings: An Annotated Bibliography (Scarecrow Press, 1998) by yours truly. If you are interested in this offer send me an email at paltner@verizon.net.
My thoughts on True Blood
I was pleased with this first episode. Anna P did a very credible job as Sookie. She seemed to take on the character pretty much as Sookie's portrayed in book one Dead Until Dawn. In fact I was surprised at actual dialog from that book being used. (I went back and peeked.) And it looks like the first few episodes will follow the happenings in Dead...
I'm not sure of Sookie's age. Probably in her 20s. Her mind reading abilities make her seem odd and a bit of an outsider. Just as in the book she never had any dates. Not until Bill the vampire comes along that is. So, yes, Bill had that scruffy appearance, but I thought he was rather good looking and sexy.
For some reason I expected Sam - the owner of Merlotte's, to be older. This guy seems too young to own and run a bar, but I can get past that. He's cute. Jason is something else. This character will (and did) allow HBO to go wild with the sex scenes. bbricke is correct. Jason is a slut.
The atmosphere of a small Louisiana town was well done (not that i've ever been to one) I liked how Merlotte's was shown as a local gathering place, like a shabbier version of Cheers.
Anne, I did not notice the iPod. Maybe it's a gift from her grandmother ;)
All of you had such great comments that I don't have much to add.
Stay tuned! I'll announce a winner tomorrow (Wed.)
I stick by my orginal comments about too much sex. But like what's been mentioned.... Jason is a slut. I just never really thought about it all that much. So it makes sense for HBO to jump on that. I mean obviously there's sex later with Sookie and her boyfriends and all that- and the numerous orgies (vampire ones, or reg human ones).
I'm worried that the bit with Sookie and Bill's first time will be made into just a whole bunch of sex, as opposed to the emotions behind it- if that makes sense? After all, it's Sookie's first time, and she loves Bill- so it should be special.
But I'm def tuning in next week!
Hi Kathleen
I agree. Sookie and Bill's first time together should be a loving moment. For now I'll put my trust in Alan Ball's approach to get it right.
The following is an announcement for this contest's commenters,etc.
Judi has won a copy of Definitely Dead!
Judi, please send me your mail address and I'll send your book!
To everyone. Thanks for participating! The offer still stands for a free copy of Vampire Readings. Contact me at paltner@verizon.net.
Some of you have emailed me about this.
I'll send your copy this week. Thanks for the interest!
My best to everyone.
Whoo Hoo! Thanks Patricia :)
I've sent you an email with my address.
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