After finishing the extremely acclaimed series Six Feet Under, Alan Ball faced the challenge of creating a show that could at least match the quality of his previous creation. To do so, he took a very risky step, making a radical shift of genre and delving into fantasy. Thus was born True Blood, yet another take on the vampire genre, so popular in recent years. Based on the series of novels Southern vampire mysteries, by Charlaine Harris, the story takes place in a small town called Bon Temps, whose inhabitants have had to adapt to the new times since vampires went out to the public light a couple of years ago, no longer needing to attack humans thanks to “True Blood”, a surrogate for blood invented by tje japanese. The main focus will be on Sookie Stackhouse, a human waitress with the ability to read minds, which gives her a very special insight in all that surrounds her. Vampires’ minds can’t be read, though, so when he meets Bill Compton, a young undead, he’s a complete mistery to her. Starting from this premise, the show explores themes as prejudices and the treatment of minorities, presenting vampires as another gruop of society, rather than as monsters. Thus, True Blood introduces elements of social commentary, action and comedy, distinguishing itself from other vampire-based works such as Buffy and Twilight. The series is produced by HBO, which means an above-average quality in all aspects, and has been commended by the faithful adaptation of the novels. The pretty Anna Paquin is the main attraction of the cast, but she’s well accompanied by a good number of competent actors. Already in its fifth season, True Blood has managed to introduce fresh storylines each year, and is currently one of HBO’s main assets. Fans of the show hope it will maintain its quality for some time yet.

Rating: 8 | Year: 2008 | Network: HBO | Free Episodes Online: 94
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