Sookie Stackhouse, played by Anna Paquin, is the main heroine of HBO's True Blood series which is based on books by Charlaine Harris. (Photo courtesy HBO)
Getting ready to wrap its third season, HBO’s critically acclaimed “True Blood” is the television adaptation of “The Southern Vampire Mysteries” by Charlaine Harris.
The series focuses on Bon Temps, Louisiana telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse, played by Anna Paquin. Through a series of events, Sookie realizes the existence of vampires—who have recently “come out of the coffin”—and other supernatural beings within her community. Given her new knowledge of supernatural beings, Sookie is put into many dangerous situations, yet she gains love and protection from vampire Bill Compton, played by Stephen Moyer.
The series’ complex mix of action, suspense and the occasional nude scene prove infectious to its audience, especially CU students.
“It’s popular because vampires are in right now,” said Shaina Kumar, a 19-year-old sophomore ethnic studies major. “It has love, sex, blood, fights and fantasies. Also, it’s really funny so it attracts a lot of students.”
Kumar said another reason that “True Blood” is popular with students is because despite the supernatural lore of the show, it is more realistic and plausible than other Hollywood vampire portrayals.
“I like that the vampires [of True Blood] are a lot more realistic than those of Twilight,” Kumar said. “Sparkling vampires? Lame. The main vampires of True Blood are also more believable and scarier.”
The current third season has built upon the past two.
The combined three seasons of the show span a six-week period according to series creator Alan Ball. As the show has continued on, Sookie has realized that she has other abilities among her telepathy and that her blood is like ‘kryptonite’ in the vampire community.
This season has also delved more into the mystery of Sookie and her family line, enticing students like 21-year-old MCD biology major Stephanie Tran.
“This season has been very good,” Tran said. “I like that after two seasons the writers finally revealed that Sookie is a fairy and that fairy blood runs in her family, that was a real nail biter for the longest time. I can’t wait to see what happens in the finale.”
Yet, not all students said they have appreciated this season’s intricate storyline.
“So far I’ve thought this season has been really cheesy,” Kumar said. “I haven’t been a fan of the acting and the plot line hasn’t been up to par with previous seasons. This season was also fairly cluttered. There were too many characters and a number of side stories going on all at the same time. It became a little confusing to keep up with, and I watch every week. I’m probably going to stop watching the show after this season.”
The third season finale of True Blood airs Sunday night on HBO.
Contact CU Independent Staff Reporter Kenna Egbune at Ikenna.egbune@colorado.edu.
