Mild Spoilers for True Blood Season Four
True Blood comes back to HBO in just over a week, on June 26th. I haven’t been keeping up with all the news about the fourth season, but from what I’ve heard the series will use certain key plot details from the books, including a romance between two lead characters. It’s unclear how closely it will follow the books though, and as we’ve seen so far you can rely on twists and changes that will try and keep it unpredictable for those of us who have read all the Charlaine Harris novels. However, there were a lot of cheesy things in the book series that I would like to see played down, particularly the fairy angle. Judging from this latest preview clip from HBO, below, that’s not going to happen.
Spoilers for this clip obviously. It’s the first eight minutes of the first show. This immediately reminded me of Star Trek, and I just noticed that someone commented to that effect on YouTube as well. It’s frankly a little dumb and disappointing and you would think they would come up with a better opener to the season than this fairy fantasy fight sequence.
Meanwhile these “Got Blood” type cast portraits are pretty awesome, and remind me of all the great characters on this show, including some of the lesser players who are played by some incredibly talented actors, like Hoyt, Terry and Andy. I’ll watch this show with interest as always, but this latest clip has me raising my eyebrows and wondering how ridiculous it’s about to get. I like the vampire, the werewolf and the shapeshifter storylines. When you add in some fairies that go evil in an alternate universe it’s kind of too much, regardless of what’s in the books.
Thanks to E! Online for the heads up and True Blood Online for the photos, where there are some more.
The men and women on this show are gorgeous! I can’t watch the clip because I don’t wanna spoil it but..I’m not sure of the fairies either. Guess we’ll see!
I haven’t watched the show since the first couple of episodes in season 3. I hope all but the Snooker and her husband get jobs after this.The show just couldn’t keep me seriously interested. I found myself making fun of the scenes and not watching them.
What do you mean “about to”? This show has already jumped the shark and it’s only going to get worse. Alan Ball has ruined it with all his ridiculous side stories.
I think this show definitely has the best looking cast of all the shows on television right now. I am SO excited. I agree the fairy angle is incredibly cheesy, and CH has been letting me down in the books lately. Book 4 was my favorite, so I’m hoping they follow it pretty closely. Can’t wait to see what happens 🙂
I think the beauty of this series is that it is so incredibly over the top that it basically jumped the shark from day 1.
I love it!
oh mama…give me an Eric Northman/Alcide Herveaux sandwich, please!
Nice family portrait. I’m not really sure about how the fairies are being portrayed here. The books don’t really talk a lot about the Fae, so everything in Season 4 will pretty much come out of AB’s imagination.
Wow I am just too busy drooling over those hot men…can’t wait til the 26th… Oh and I tried to read the first Charlane Harris book and just couldn’t get into it. I am glad they have some sort of blue print though…
I hate the fairy story-line, but the sneak peek wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. At least she is escaped it by the end, so hopefully it will help to wrap the story-line up. I think this season they are going to focus more on witches – or I hope so anyways.
I too dislike the fairy storyline but what I disliked the most out of all the books? Bubba. The whole idea of Bubba is ridiculous.
I’ve just reread the series and they’ve stayed pretty close to the main theme of the book each season. It should be interesting to see how season four shakes down.
Where is Rutina Wesley (Tara)??
WTF!!! Why can’t they just stick to the storyline from the books. That clip is ridiculous.
Although last night I was watching some re-runs & they showed scenes from this coming season being filmed. It was like a behind the scenes type thing. I’m looking forward seeing more of that.
I am so over anything vampire related.
What does “jump the shark” mean?
I am soooooooo excited for True Blood to come back!!!!!! I can hardly wait, its seriously the only reason I pay for HBO. Jumped the shark my ass. The show is STILL amazing. How can people hate the fairy story line? Its in the books. Its who Sookie is. Anyway, I will admit last season had its ups and downs. It had some really amazing moments though and I am confident Alan Ball is gonna deliver something amazing this year. Hurry up and be the 26th already.
@London – there is a Tara picture, but that actress bugs me so much I didn’t include it. You can see it here. They didn’t have an individual photo of Jessica as far as I saw.
I haven’t watched since the 1st season, but I’ve read all the books (well, except the most recent) and I cannot stand the fairy storyline. Really, Charlaine? There aren’t enough supernatural creatures in your books, you have to add, OF ALL THINGS, fairies??
I watched the 8 minutes, and it was laughable. Kind of a bummer.
LOL @CB, she annoys me somewhat too, i’m just hoping her story lines are minimal this season, because I’m still a little upset after that whole Maryann fiasco in season 2
It’s going to jump the shark, but I’m going to watch it anyways.
The werepanther thing was stupid. I’d be really OK if they got rid of that, downplayed the fairy bits, downplayed Tara’s role, and made it more about the vampire-human acceptance struggle.
I hated the books, so I’m hoping the show takes a huge deviation.
@CB and London
Whenever there is Tara scene, my husband’s first reaction is to walk out of the room (he can’t stand that character). The only way he will stay is if Lafayette is also in the scene. He’s the soul of that show!
“Oh lover, you gonna make me clutch my pearls!”
I also love Jessica and Hoyt. I hope they do more with that storyline.
I’ve read all the books too – I’ve found them to be progressively less interesting and focused. They just sort of ramble the story along now, and there’s a lot of the fairy stuff and I don’t like that either.
I think the show is an improvement on the books, just for Lafayette alone, but also for Jessica and Hoyt, though it’s not turning out to be as good as I’d hoped (esp. after seeing the Alan Ball genius that was Six Feet Under). I love all the supporting characters, esp. Pam and Lafayette, but Bill and Sookie annoy me.
Oh good, I’m not the only person who gets bugged by Tara. Her southern accent KILLLLLS me. I live in Shreveport, and I don’t know ANYONE who talks like that.
Jessica and Hoyt story line may be interesting this season, I do recall them getting a house on the last episode, but then they showed the creepy doll on the floor, so that should be a clue to what’s ahead i guess, and I love Lafayette, he makes every scene with Tara better lol:)
Love the show, hate the books, and book 4 was one of my least favourite. I, agree, the show is campy by design so I can give most of the ridiculousness a pass. The hotness that is Askars makes up for it. As do the secondary characters. Love all of them except Tara. Poor annoying Tara.
bill and sookie annoy me too…but not as much as jason..kill him off!
i agree, the fairy storyline has always been the weakest one in the books and now perhaps in the series…
I like the fairy storyline in the books, so I’ll be interested to see how they handle that. The werewolf thing I didn’t enjoy so much.
Cannot WAIT! Must see more of Alcide asap. Also, Pam is my favorite character and since she hasn’t been over-exposed, I don’t think TB has jumped the shark yet….
@CB #15 — OMG, I thought I was the only one who found that actress annoying. She has two gears (1) shrill, hysterical (2) more shrill, more hysterical.
Could we start a petition to get rid of Tara?
I’ve read all the books, and I have to say that I’m not enjoying the show as much as I enjoyed reading the books…I started losing interest last season…BORING.
@KC I love Tara. Anyways it looks like things will change for her character based on the ending of Season 3. I never get why people hate Tara and just don’t see things from her POV. Plus Tara isn’t always yelling and angry. Give Tara a chance.
“I’ve found them to be progressively less interesting and focused.”
lucy2, I agree. I started reading the books after I watched season 1&2. I thought they were very readable, until the later books. can’t put my finger on exactly when it was they went downhill…but I’m now re-reading book 1 after finishing the whole series, and I cannot get over how much BETTER the first book is than the last book.
the other series that went that way? The Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich.
KC (28) you are not alone! I used to go and make coffee or else every time she was on screen.
A petition to get rid of Tara? How about a petition to get rid of Sookie? It’s rather tiresome to see damn near every man want her for no discernible reason.
I like Tara and the way the series treats her is rather sad. And I don’t know what’s up with you, CB, but that pic of Rutina is FIRE!
Love the show..
And the phrase “jump the shark” is a term used to describe a show that has basically run out of ideas and starting making the writing so ridiculous and campy that no one wants to watch anymore. It was inspired by one of the last if not the last season of Happy Days when the Fonz jumped a shark on waterskis…lol
WOOT!!! I’m SO EXCITED for the new season!
I just finished the latest book & I agree that they have kind just been rambling along lately. I think that the fairy story line in both the books & the show is a little ridiculous; I think Charlaine should have stopped with “Sookie is part fairy” & saved about a million pages.
@ mia girl – Yes! Lafayette makes this show. (Did you know that the dead person in the car was originally supposed to be Lafayette – in the book – but he was so loved by fans they changed it to Miss Jeannette?) “Satan in a Sunday hat, girl. Satan in a Sunday hat!” (I don’t get the Tara hate – I find Jason much more irritating.)
And I LOVE Jessica and Hoyt. I’m really rooting for them, but from the previews I’ve seen, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be easy.
Alas, I no longer have HBO, so I will be at y’alls’ mercy to let me know what’s going on. Otherwise, I wouldn’t miss watching this show for the world!
Yeah, Tara gets a raw deal. She has to deal with an abnormal amount of abuse and is expected to be so casual about it. And- WTF- Nan?! PR Extraordinaire Nan gets in the cast photos? Why?
My Please get Lost Award goes to Jason’s girlfriend. And it doesn’t matter which one. They’re all pretty useless to me. Every time I see him running around with that blond buttaface girl, Crystal Meth, I have to roll my eyes.
@ Samigirl I am from Shreveport too and NO ONE on the show has a Louisiana accent. The one that came close was Rene in Season one. He had a very authentic south Louisiana accent. The actor stated that he hired a vocal coach on his own to perfect it.
Overacting at its best (or worse)
Some of us do like Tara. *points to self*
I am a little taken aback back by the erasure of the black cast members – not the portraits, but in group photos in the media. That bugs me more.
I’m not feeling Alcide. I think he had more chemistry with his cracked out ex, Debbie! Lol. I’m also weary of the faerie plot, but hopefully it turns out better on screen.
I know Sookie is the main character, but she’s becoming insufferable. I hope they make her more tolerable this season! I like how Bill has been humbled by the events of last season, but we’ll see if it makes any impact on his personality.
I love Eric, Pam, and want to see more of Bill’s ‘daughter’, Jessica!
Edited to say: Hells yeah Jason is annoying! Each season he gets worse! Ugh. Hate the storyline with him and Crystal. Want those two off my screen!
If this show had jumped the shark, you wouldn’t have a post about it, it would be old news and no one would care. The buzz for this season is huge.
original bellaluna, I was SO glad that they didn’t follow the book and kill Lafayette off in the first season! I LOVE HIM, and I agree with other posters that he steals every scene he’s in.
Stop showing the fairy world!!! They never showed or described it in the books and it worked better that way.
Yes, Tara is amazingly annoying but so is AP as Sookie. Guess we’re obviously stuck with the latter. Hehe.
They really need to reign in some of these side stories, too.
As for the southern accents, Ryan Kwanten is the best and he’s Australian. In fact, he might be the best actor on the show. Probably a little TOO good and will be typecast as a beefcake idiot.
Agree with mia girl; it’s been over-the-top since the beginning. That’s it’s charm. I can’t wait, especially if the love angle is between the two I’m thinking – that was my favorite book, too!
The viking can fill me with his seed
#mybodyisready
I love Tara! You have to remember what Tara has been through. Verbally abusive alcoholic mother who wasn’t there for her, tricked by Mary Anne, losing Eggs, getting raped by Franklin… Honestly, she has had a rough ride. She couldn’t even hold on to a decent guy when she found one (Sam!). Whenever she comes on screen (especially in the first season), she always made everything about race. People may find that annoying; I found it hilarious.
Sookie is the annoying one.
And the show jumped the shark as soon as it premiered.
Ug, they really had to a take a pic of Anna and Stephen together even though they are not together any more (on show). That is pathetic. I really hate AB interpretation of the books. Actually, Anna’s portrayal of Sookie is more insufferable. I wonder if CH knew they were going to slaughter her books. At this point I fast forward through most of the show. If Eric or Pam or the guest characters from Season 3 are not in the shot then for me it really was not worth watching. Season 4 sounds worse but since I am a fan of (most of) the books I keep watching. Faction Fiction is better than all at this point!
Can´t wait!!
It´s definitely one of the better TV shows out there.
I cancelled HBO for economy’s sake but I have no regrets about missing Season 4. Sookie is being conned by the vamps because they want to use a romantic relationship with her to lure out the hidden fairies. She keeps getting beat up in the books because they are serial killers who can’t stand her. It’s sweet words and violence i.e. actions speak louder than words!
I like Rutina, and I like the character of Tara, but I hate what the writers have done with her. All they have her do is suffer, suffer, suffer. I want to see her take control of her life and kick some ass.
I agree Ryan is a good actor, and Nelsan who plays Lafayette – genius. That was a fully formed character from moment 1, and is SO different from Nelsan IRL.
BellaLuna:
And the phrase “jump the shark” is a term used to describe a show that has basically run out of ideas and starting making the writing so ridiculous and campy that no one wants to watch anymore. It was inspired by one of the last if not the last season of Happy Days when the Fonz jumped a shark on waterskis…lol
Sadly, this is not accurate. Fonzie jumped the shark in the 5th season, and Happy Days (a show I loved, BTW) hung on for 6 more seasons.
Sorry to go O.T., but I needed to clarify that.
Can’t wait! So excited for it all – understand some story lines are better than others but it’s great entertainment on a Sunday night. Waiting does SUCK.
@Dave in MN & @BellaLuna
“Fonzie jumped a shark on waterskis”
but you both forgot the best part..
WHILE WEARING HIS SIGNATURE LEATHER JACKET!
Soooo.. Tara gets erased from the cast on this site because she annoys but equally annoying characters (I’m looking at you Sukeh!) stay.
Shit. It is bad enough the character gets shat upon repeatedly in the show but the actress is made invisible as well by not getting recognition as even being an original part of the cast? smh.
The only reason I watch is because of Eric. The show and it’s writing is pretty terrible IMO
I have started reading the books and they are a lot better. I root for Sookie in the books…on the show, I hate her whiny, dumb ass.
@ Samigirl: Hey girl!!! Shout out from Monroe!!!!
I totally agree with you–Tara doesn’t talk like anyone around here. I HATE her character, and it was very easy to walk away from this show after the first episode of season 3. This clip looks more stupid than I thought…. won’t watch ever again. 🙁
i dig it.
the writers really take you there.
initially the opener gave a very ‘Sam Raimi/Xena/Hercules’ vibe which i am a huge fan of.
in anycase, i dare anyone to find such a delisciously attractive cast of actors on any show now or in the past.
every.damn.body.is hot! lol 😆
p.s.- hallelujah to Tara taking out them damn braids.
she needed a change. can’t wait to watch her. 😉
The faerie subplot was absolutely a part of the books but not till later on. In the books, the grandpa wasn’t the one with faery blood. I also didn’t picture Faery to be so Sci-Fi looking…looks retarded…and Claudine and her brother are supposed to be drop dead HOT…wtf??
I hope they keep this part of the story to a minimum…
I only watch for Jessica’s storyline. I fast forward all of the character Sookie’s. The character Sookie is annoying and not fun to watch. Too whiny.
Vampire fad ends in 4… 3… 2…
(Next fad should be: Mummies!)
I just watched the clip….so over the top, but thats why I love this show. Can’t wait!!!!
I really dislike the Jessica character. The last thing I want to watch is a teenage girl adapting to life as a Vampire, its so twilight-esque. I keep hoping they’ll just kill her off so we never have to see her or hear about dumb mama’s boy Hoyt ever again.
Also Tara needs to stop whining and getting herself in trouble. Or she needs to disappear. Tara was my favorite character in the first season, however she’s dwindled in favor. For the past two seasons Tara has taken no responsibility for her own shitaeous behavior. She’s just pointed fingers and screamed and gone psycho. OVER IT. At this point I can no longer stand her. That ridiculous Franklin-bride story last season was both disgusting and irritatingly asinine. No more drama from Tara. Please, NO MORE.
I love Arleen & I love Terry! More Arleen & Terry!
I was obsessed the first 2 seasons but last season, was good, but not obsess worthy. I don’t even think I will subscribe to HBO this season like I usually do and then cancel after the last episode. The books were a HUGE disappointment to me. I saw the show and went and ran out to buy the first 8 books and had to force my self to finish the first 2 and could never read anymore they were so stupid and not well written. (to me at least)
Agree with the statement above. It is time for Tara to be killed off.
i loooove tru blood …..ana & alex yummy amazing actors
this show is unique
That Nan Flanagan is one hot vampire bitch. I love her.
I see Stephen Moyer still has the monochromatic too-dark-for-him hair color. Honestly, man. A highlight or two is all I ask.
Just recently caught up to last season — just in time. I did not watch the spoilers part but I kind of know where it might be going because of reading the books. I hope it does not go too far down the road of the books with the “F” story line (don’t want to ruin in for others). This is where I stopped reading the books. Love where True Blood has gone with Russell and Lafayette but now…maybe jumping the shark. Stop the insanity!
I hate Tara and Jason. Both irritate me no end. I also hate Sookie and Bill. I actually liked Bill for a minute when he was on the other side and being mean to everyone. Bill grew a pair! I want Sookie and Erik to get it ON! And Pam is my most favorite character. Love me some bitchy Pam! I also love Jessica and Hoyt. Alcide I can live with.
I strongly dislike the Jessica character. The actress is fine, but Alan Ball totally pulled that character out of his ass (which is what I find annoying).
I also agree with those of you who’ve said the books have gotten progressively worse. The last one was terrible.
@the original Bella, I have a friend that calls her cable company (comcast) and asks for the 6 months free HBO promotion. Once the 6 months are up, you must cancel or you’ll be charged. However, she gotten 6 months of HBO free every year for a few years now.
Dear god….wtf?? that was worse than i expected. WHY will they not tell these actors that their southern accents royally suck? grown ups do not say ‘grandaddy’. That clip is like a fanfic production of LOTR mixed with Star Trek TNG. geez…
Mmm.. some grown ups say “grandaddy”. Quite a few in my family as a matter of fact.
That wasn’t a bad representation of the fairy war from the books. Yes, a little sci-fi but I’ve never minded sci-fi.
I’m still extremely excited for Season 4 and I don’t care if they jump the shark as long as its an interesting jump full of tricks ‘n treats. I just wish they were sticking to the loose chronological order of the books they’ve been doing the last 3 seasons. I’d love to see the witches and the Eric/Sookie romance. Too bad they brought the fairies in last season. 🙁
P.S. CH forbids talking about the show on her website for her books. I suspect she is none too pleased with the way her series is being portrayed but can’t do anything about it now that she’s licensed the show.
Wtf was my reaction to the first glimpse of season 4. THIS is what they think will draw people into TB #4??
I don’t watch True Blood to watch a cheesy Star Trek episode.
Out of all the things with TB, they chose to open with that??? The only thing that interests me on the show is Eric/Sookie. And I don’t even really like Sookie. After Eric kisses her in Season 3, her reaction is flip and dismissive. The way she treats Eric and Bill…….just the f*ck up.
And what THE hell did they do with Sam’s character??? Out of the blue, with no foreshadowing in any previous season, he’s suddenly turns into a drunk and used to rob people and has no care when his brother says he can’t read, instead just shoots him??
I LOVE True Blood, but if there isn’t a lot of interesting Eric/Sookie stuff, I don’t know if I’ll keep my HBO subscription for it. I love Lafayette and Jessica/Hoyt. Tara……..omfg, EVERY scene I swear to god is her lower lip trembling and tears. I can’t stand that character!
Each episode is like 10 minutes max of Eric or bill and Sookie and then having to endure the other dumb story lines – with the exception of Hoyt/Jessica and Lafayette. I liked Book 4. There is SOO much potential. Please don’t f*ck this up AB.
FYI: BellaLuna IS NOT “the original bellaluna” – whoever it is started using my name, with SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT caps. What does it take to have an original name without some troll trying to take it? SERIOUSLY?
STOP THIS, whoever you are!
@ Morticians – Thank you – I’ll give it a whirl! Have you seen my imposter?
The one thing I’ll say though is that Sookie actually looks good in these pics for once. Not so harsh. Her hair makes all the difference. She looks better with her natural darker hair, but in the series she can look so rough at times.
I cant wait for the show to come back on. This show is seriously addicting and I love everyone of the cast, their all so gorgeous in the show.
I’m getting HBO for $10 a month for 6 months, after six months, if I don’t cancel it will be like 30 something a month. I plan to cancel at 6 months, and I’ll have been able to see the TB series.
This show done jumped the shark, then humped it, then gave it cab fare. It doesn’t seem possible it could get any more ridiculous.
Jason is more stupid than I could have imagined, Sookie has no backbone whatsoever (maybe Russell pulled it out), Bill is annoying, and there is no use for Lafayette’s boyfriend.
Oh, and the word is WARLOCK. Lala’s boyfriend is a WARLOCK, not a WITCH. Jesus. Can’t they get it right?
The only people worth watching are Jessica and Hoyt, and Eric and Pam. Everyone else can go visit Sunnydale and jump into the Hellmouth.
I am sooo looking forward to watching True Blood again.
Take Tara off the show, she always ruins it for me. Her accent just cuts my southern heart in half. ugh
I lovvve Eric. I would let him bite me anytime!
According to Wiki, Rutina/Tara leaves after being so traumatised after finding out that Jason killed Eggs.
@the original Bella, I have seen her, but I knew she wasn’t you. Those of us who frequent this site have gotten to know the regulars and their personalities. There’s no mistaking you, luv 😉
oh, and let me know how it works out with the free HBO.
@ Lisa Turtle:
“Also Tara needs to stop whining and getting herself in trouble. Or she needs to disappear. Tara was my favorite character in the first season, however she’s dwindled in favor. For the past two seasons Tara has taken no responsibility for her own shitaeous behavior. She’s just pointed fingers and screamed and gone psycho. OVER IT. “
She was KIDNAPPED and raped with NO ONE to save her, yet somehow she’s getting herself into trouble and needs to quit whining?
I think people need to give Tara a break! Geez, she’s been through a lot of suffering all on her own and she gets no sympathy for it! Somehow I’d think there would be a different reaction if Sookie went through the things Tara did with the whole Franklin arc! Sookie always has at 3 three supernatural beings trying to “save” her at every turn!
The actress who plays Pam reminds me so much of Angelina Jolie in some angles.
They would have to jump over about a dozen sharks to erace my deep love for the show (-cough- Eric -cough-) so all I can say is I’m suuuuper excited for the new season!
@Vegina – the only place and time that the word ‘warlock’ is used to refer to a male practitioner of magic was on the 1960s television series Bewitched. The term warlock is not used in any magickal traditions, except to signify the removal of an oathbreaker from a coven.
“Witch” is indeed the correct term, and the show was even more appropriate in referring to the character as a “brujo,” considering his ethnicity and tradition.
The character was obviously introduced to tie Lafayette into the coming witch war storyline.
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