Thanks to a Japanese scientist's invention of synthetic blood, vampires have progressed from legendary monsters to fellow citizens overnight. And while humans have been safely removed from the menu, many remain apprehensive about these creatures "coming out of the coffin." Religious leaders and government officials around the world have chosen their sides, but in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps, the jury is still out.

Local waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), however, knows how it feels to be an outcast. "Cursed" with the ability to listen in on people's thoughts, she's also open-minded about the integration of vampires — particularly when it comes to Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a handsome 173-year-old living up the road. But as Sookie is drawn into a series of mysteries surrounding Bill's arrival in Bon Temps, that tolerance will be put to the test.

A sexy, scary new drama from 'Six Feet Under' creator Alan Ball, 'True Blood' delves into the meticulously-crafted world of novelist Charlaine Harris. Described by the Emmy®-winning Ball as "popcorn for smart people" and featuring a colorful cast of local misfits, 'True Blood' promises an intense ride.

Disappointing. I was intrigued to see what Alan Ball would come up with, and I like Anna Pacquin, so I tuned in. But it's really a mess. It can't make up its mind if it wants to be camp, darkly funny, serious, scary, or social commentary. I'll give it a few more episodes, but it really needs to get a clear identity formed.

Efan said:

They hit you over the head with that one didn't they. There's a reason why subtle works better than obvious.

lazycrockett said:

Exactly my thought.

In Six Feet Under (I thought) Ball handled gay relationships so well and honestly that I expected more than a giant hammer emerging from my TV screaming "THE VAMPIRES ARE GAY ALLEGORY".

Mars23 said:

It's interesting you drew that parallel. I absolutely take the vampires to be an allegorical ethnic minority.

Sure, LGBTs freak out heteros because they challenge a cultural status quo, but they pose no immediate personal threat. Certain groups like blacks, Latinos and Arabs, for example, more routinely terrify middle America, because not only do their mystique and supposed sensibilities challenge the status quo, but Western history is scarred by just enough friction with these groups that there is ever a subtle, eerie threat of insurgent (or retaliatory, depending on how you look at it) violence.
[Edited 9/8/08 22:02pm]

Well, episode 2 may have been worse than the first.

I really want to like the show, but right now, all that is keeping me watching is Anna Paquin's wardrobe and the possibility of seeing that hot waitress naked.

well, we were going to watch it, but after these reviews, I'm not so sure about it now.

Thank God for Entourage!

Well, episode 2 may have been worse than the first.

I really want to like the show, but right now, all that is keeping me watching is Anna Paquin's wardrobe and the possibility of seeing that hot waitress naked.