The TV Chick

The day is finally upon us! True Blood season premiere day! The wait has been rather long, and it certainly sucks but it’s over. When last we left our favorite vampires (and humans alike), Bill had been kidnapped after Sookie left him to think about his marriage proposal. We pick up right where we left off in “Bad Blood.” Of course, I can’t tell you who kidnapped him or why…but some of you might have an idea if you read the books. However, it’s quite riveting, I will say that. Sookie thinks Eric kidnapped Bill and is quick to accuse him.

Shortly after, The Queen returns. I didn’t hate her as much as some of my other True Blood loving friends, but regardless, she’s back and as commanding as ever. The Queen is worried about the selling of V and gives very specific orders to Eric. The only other person who knows about Eric and the V is Bill, so of course it is in Eric’s best interest to find Bill.

One of the characters I love the most — Pam — is taking on a bigger role this season, and I am so excited about that. There is an amazing scene between her and Sookie that made me laugh out loud. I just love her subtlety. Kristin Bauer van Straten is such a brilliant actress and I can’t wait to see more shining moments with her.

And in the world of one of my other favorite characters, Jessica is dealing with the aftermath of biting that trucker from the season finale. She also feels Bill’s “call,” something we have never seen or heard about thus far, but that’s all I’m going to say about that. Sookie goes to Jessica to help her look for Bill. She’s a little harsh with her in my opinion, but maybe that’s just me. I suppose if my super good looking Vampire boyfriend had just been kidnapped, I’d probably be the same way. Tara is struggling with Egg’s death, and her mom returns to help her. I’m not going to spoil anymore but Tara continues to be her semi-crazy Tara self. In this episode we are also introduced to wolves! They use real wolves which is pretty unbelievable. I will leave the mystery of in what capacity we are introduced to them, but it’s pretty great.

And what about the others? Sam is looking for his family and probably has one of the best scenes of the whole episode…with someone you would hardly expect him to have a scene with. Arlene is feeling guilty from all the madness that went on last season and tries to make it up to her kids. And Tara isn’t the only one dealing with the death of Eggs, so are Jason and Andy. And not to worry, you will see plenty of Jason. I’m pretty positive it’s in his contract.

Overall, I thought it was a fantastic premiere. Some people you hope get naked do indeed get naked and all our favorite characters are back. One thing I really liked about the premiere is that it resumed right where the season finale left off. Often times with premieres, the show picks up 6 months later or even years later. I love that True Blood treats its audience like they are intelligent (which we are) and fills each episode with subtle nuances that are just brilliant. Alan Ball is a genius, and I love being transported into his world (and Charlaine Harris’) week after week. Despite going a bit off the handle with all the Marianne stuff last season, I still think that it is consistently one of the best shows out there. I can’t wait to see what the rest of season 3 brings, because it’s bound to be crazy and amazing.

Be sure to tune in tonight at 9 pm to HBO for the 3rd season premiere of True Blood.

Happy True Blood premiere day! Waiting sucks, but the wait is just about over. I am ready for some amazing vampire action! True Blood kicks off its third season tonight and I will be posting a spoiler-free advance review but I will say this: It is amazing. In addition to our old favorites, there are many new characters coming our way. I am always a little wary of being introduced to so many new characters, but last year, Jessica became one of my absolute favorites. One of those new characters is Jesus (played by Kevin Alejandro), who is Lafayette’s new love interest. I recently had the chance to chat with Kevin Alejandro about his new character, working with Nelsan Ellis (Lafayette) and the big differences between his character on Southland and Jesus. He was very tight lipped about season 3 but he still gave some interesting insights into the show.

How did you originally get the part of Jesus?
I had to go through a series of auditions. It was actually quite a long process. I think it was about a month before I finally found out whether or not I was going to be a part of the show. I went through several auditions with producers and call backs and stuff like that, but I think the deciding [factor] was the last audition where they had to narrow it down to a handful of guys, and we all had to go into the room and have what’s called a chemistry read with Nelsan [Ellis, who plays Lafayette] and whoever fit the best [got the part]. I was glad to feel that they thought that I was that one.

We haven’t been introduced to your character yet, but he is the caretaker for Lafayette’s mom. What more can you tell us about him?
That. And he is the love interest to Lafayette, played by Nelsan. There’s a really strong connection that they develop. You can just look forward to a lot of really interesting things that happen. I can’t really tell you too much about it. Other than what you already know.

Had you seen the show before you got the part?
Oh yeah, definitely. That’s what made this whole process really cool is that it was this show that I had already gotten into, and just to get the audition was like “Oh yeah, that would be awesome.” Further d0wn the line, as steps got closer and closer to it, I was like “Wow, this might actually happen.” It’s really super cool to be a part of something that you already know, and that you’re a fan of.

Absolutely. And have you read the books at all?
I have not, actually no. A buddy of mine, who is actually the Godfather to my kid, he works on the show, his name is Luis. He’s a camera assistant. So when it first came out, he was like “This is such a great show…” so we got into it for that.

So you have been for the past few seasons been playing Nate on Southland. How different is it going from playing Nate to Jesus on True Blood?
It’s completely different, like two different worlds. But that’s part of the decision making, what helped me decide to do this was that I’m coming off Southland as a gang detective, as a husband with a couple kids, and dealing with that sort of hard-core life. And then to play a character like Jesus who is going through a completely different hardcore world and life. His sexual preference is different, it’s such heightened – they’re just two extreme worlds, and that was so challenging and very inviting. That’s part of why I wanted to do it.

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Waiting sucks. But on Sunday, the wait for season 3 of True Blood is over. I have seen the first three episodes and I can tell you they are fantastic. If you have read the books (or even if you haven’t) you know that Lorena (Bill’s maker, played by the lovely Mariana Kleveno) takes on a bigger role this season. There’s also werewolves and witches and more crazy action (and also some clothes-less Eric). Whatever the season brings, I am extremely excited for it. I recently had the chance to chat with Mariana Klaveno about Lorena’s complexities, how she’s able to relate to a vampire, and what makes Bill (and Stephen Moyer) so special.

What originally drew you to the project?
When I first read for it, it hadn’t started airing yet. So I all I knew was that it was Alan Ball’s new show, which that in and of itself was enough of a draw. I knew it was his new show, and that it was about vampires, and that it was set in the south. And that’s kind of all I knew, but I was such a fan of Six Feet Under, and I just love his creative genius, that I was drawn to it immediately just because I knew he was behind it.

Obviously, Lorena’s not human, but there are human elements. How do you relate to her?
I try to focus on — in any scene with Lorena — I always try to go back to what’s at her core, what motivates her. And sadly, it’s a tragic love for Bill. And that’s behind everything, and that’s what makes it easier for me to participate in a scene where my character’s doing something really evil (laughs) or really morally questionable. That’s really who she is. She’s a tragic, lonely, desperate character who may be a little unstable as well. And it all stems from her need to be loved and to have this connection with this  man that will never be returned.

She’s also an incredibly powerful  female character– not just because she’s a vampire — so what has it been like playing her?
Oh that’s just been a dream. (laughs) It’s fabulous enough to play a vampire, but to play a very powerful vampire, and exactly — to be in these power scenes with men, and go toe to toe with them, and sometimes literally throw them across the room (laughs) is a fantasy of mine. It’s an insane amount of fun to play her. Again, I have to give Alan the respect that he deserves for giving so many on the women of the show such powerful and complex parts. That doesn’t always happen.

Absolutely. And what has it been like working so closely with Stephen Moyer?
Stephen is fantastic to work with. He’s an amazing guy, and a brilliant actor, obviously. He’s an incredibly generous actor. He’s always concerned about how you’re doing, and even if it’s somebody who’s only there for the day, who has a couple lines and is there for the day, he’s always concerned about if they’re being taken care of, if their experience is as good as it should be on the show, and that’s the qualities of a true leader, when you’re looking for someone to lead a cast and I have to say that Anna’s the same way. And they’re just the most wonderful people and a wonderful couple and extremely funny. And it’s just a joy to be around them and work with them.

That’s good to hear. And you touched on it a little bit, but Lorena is a very complex character with many layers. She’s still a bit of a mystery to us. Is there more to her that we don’t know yet that we might find out soon?
Yes! I can’t give too much away, and not too much is revealed, but you do get to see a little bit more in season three and you see some new sides to her, which I’m excited to see how it comes out, and excited to see how the fans receive that. Some new shades of Lorena, and a little bit more information in terms of who she is.

I’ve read the books, so I know that Lorena has a pretty big role in season 3. Did you read the books before you started the show?
I did, yes. Lorena doesn’t really have a strong presence in the books. Luckily for me, Alan and the writers have changed that when it comes to story lines in True Blood. And I enjoyed the books immensely, they’re very fun, but I did read them looking for insights into who my character was and where she comes from, but it doesn’t really give a lot away. She’s even more mysterious in the books. You hear about her a lot, but you barely even see her. So we’ve expanded on that, and taken some liberties. I did read the books, but I kind of had to do a lot on my own of coming up with storyline and background.

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On Tuesday night, I had the pleasure of attending the HBO True Blood Ultimate Fan Experience in New York City. While I was hesitating if I should start my night at midnight, I am really glad I went. They started by showing lots of clips and tweets from people all around the country. The audience then was treated to the season 2 finale on the big theater screen. There were some minor technical difficulties, but overall it was great to see it. The audience was also treated to an extended preview of season three. After the screening, Alan Ball and the cast appeared via satellite from outside the set (Sookie’s house). The cast there was: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Rutina Wesley, Alex Skarsgard, Sam Trammel, Deborah Ann Woll and Ryan Kwanten. The panel was moderated by Michael Ausiello, who mostly asked fan submitted questions.

When asked about the theme of season three, Alan Ball replied that every character is struggling with their identity. Ball was also asked about why characters from book four are introduced in season three, he talked about how the books are all Sookie. Him and his writing staff always go to the books first and try to stay true to the world and spirit. He did share that we will find out what Sookie is in the 2nd half of season three. (Although those of us who have read the books already know).

Ausiello asked about the Sookie/Eric moment that has been teased in the trailers, Alex Skarsgaard said that Eric is over humans in general but there’s something different about Sookie. Stephen Moyer (Bill) was asked about the pronunciation of “Sookie” or “Sookeh” as he says it and he shared that he’s been asked in dog parks to call that out. When asked if he wants to see Bill lighten up, Moyer replied that Bill has an old fashioned, courtly manner that he’s tried to keep from his humanity.

Ball then talked about Jessica, who he doesn’t take full credit too and is quick to give praise to his five other writers. Ball thinks Deborah really blossomed in the role. Deborah Ann Woll expanded on her feelings about her character and she said that it’s great to see a young vampire talking about mythos and to show the audience a transformation. I really loved what Deborah had to say about Jessica. She is definitely one of my favorite characters and she is charming on and off screen.

An interesting tidbit for you: Alex auditioned for the part of Bill. He was filming Generation Kill in Africa and the writer’s strike actually allowed him to finish it and then cdo True Blood. The question then shifted over to Rutina Wesley who was asked how Tara has the will to live. She said she gets it from her childhood. She’s a survivor and a fighter. Alan Ball wittily commented that the show is like a Greek tragedy sometimes with a lot of humor and sex.

The cast who play vampires then talked about the fangs and how it forces them to lisp. Apparently there are soft and hard fangs (and I resisted my urge to yell out that’s what she said!) Since there are real wolves in season three, the cast was asked about that. Ball joked about not informing the cast of the wolves beforehand just so he could see their reactions. Apparently, they used hybrid wolves and couldn’t get very close to them at all.

The cast was then asked about favorite scene. Ryan Kwanten (Jason) replied that it’s the opening title sequence because he really feels it sets the tone for the show. Stephen Moyer always loves scenes in Merlottes and loves when Jessica went into Merlotte’s for the first time. Deborah loved the scene when Godric made Eric and when Lorena made Bill. Sam Trammel (Sam) loves the flashback to the 1920s scene. Alan Ball added that he think seach episode is like a little movie and they are incredibly ambitious.

The cast was asked about who is most unlike their character, and they generally agreed that Anna is most unlike Sookie. The practical joker on set is definitely Ryan who apparently got in a crazy practical joke war with a camera man that involved parking a smart car in an elevator and raw meat left in a car for a long period of time. One of the last questions was about the best part of being associated with True Blood. Rutina said the cameraderie. Alan Ball said he’s never had a job that was this much fun. The scoop Ball gives out is that one character will get new hair, and we may even see a darker side to Sookie.

Whatever season three brings (I know a little from the books), I am very excited. Look out for more True Blood coverage including interviews and reviews as the new season approaches.

Waiting sucks! But True Blood is coming back really soon! I, for one, cannot wait!

In order to fill the void, check out this video preview of season 3:

The HBO marketing department does a fantastic job of building the excitement for the new season of True Blood. Yesterday a brand new “minisode” written by creator Alan Ball was released with Eric and Pam choosing dancers for Fangtasia. It is pretty fangtastic (see what I did there?) I know that there will soon be a web series/mini-sodes with Jessica and I can’t wait. Waiting does suck, but HBO makes waiting a tad bit easier. Also this new poster is genius! Enjoy!

Every Monday, there will be a teaser video for the third season of True Blood. I cannot wait until June (waiting does suck, True Blood teaser video!), so I thought I would share the first clip. There will be many more in the weeks to come.

As opposed to my Best of the Decade list which contained moments and episodes from the decade, this list will be less extensive because I didn’t want to limit myself to 5 best shows of 09. Keep in mind, this is in no particular order!

1.  Parks and Recreation: I did not enjoy this show in its first season. It was always all about “the pit” and getting rid of the pit. I adore Amy Poehler, but her role seemed a bit too Michael Scott-esque to me. However, whatever happened during the off-season was fantastic. Season two has been hilarious. The pit has taken a secondary role, and each character has had a chance to develop and grow. I didn’t care for Andy in the first season, but he has become one of my favorites. I think this show deserves a ton of recognition for really stepping up its game. It is a show I look forward to every week.

2. Lost: This past season has been phenomenal. Time changing, Dharma goodness, Hurley’s hilarious questions…it’s all been great. The creators are brilliant, and I have faith that they know exactly what they are doing and that the series finale is going to blow our minds.

3. How I Met Your Mother: This year has had such great episodes as The Playbook and The Front Porch (I will never forget how hard I laughed at suitjamas). While this show can have its up and downs, every episode makes me happy. And any excuse to watch Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris) wax poetic about his “bro code” and “lemon laws” is great in my opinion.

4. The Office: Season 5 started off (in ’08) with the Jim and Pam proposal, and ended on a pregnancy. And season 6 had one of the best episodes of The Office ever with the Jim/Pam wedding. It was perfect in so many ways–hilarious but also showed us what we have been wanting for 6 years. I may have watched the boat scene upwards of 10 times. The show is at its best truly brilliant, and it has been a great season thus far. I can’t wait to see more.

5. Party Down: This show on Starz Network has garnered quite a following for itself. Created by Rob Thomas (of Veronica Mars fame) it stars many of his VM colleagues, and is truly fantastic. It is a hilarious and wonderful portrayal of a catering company in Los Angeles, and its employees who clearly want to be more than just cater waiters. It returns for a 2nd season in 2010, where Kristen Bell will be back, and Megan Mullally joins the cast. This is a show you must see! Catch up with it on DVD before season 2 begins.

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