True Blood, the TV series based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris, started in New Zealand two weeks ago. The theme song burrowed into my head the first time I heard it and it’s been stuck there ever since.
Here’s the trailer in case you don’t know what I’m talking about.
I’ve enjoyed the first two episodes in the series. The show has a New Zealand connection in the way of Anna Paquin, and I would have watched it even if I wasn’t already a fan of the Sookie Stackhouse books. It is a LOT raunchier than I’d imagined with quite a bit of nudity and adult language – sort of along the lines of one of my Ellora’s Cave books. (Hey, TV producers check out some of my books if you’re looking for new ideas! 
)
I think the Sookie character comes across as a lot more naive in the TV series and very innocent. I thought in the books she seemed more streetwise even though she is a virgin. I’ve always enjoyed Sam in the books and like the actor who plays him in the show. Very cute. When it comes to Bill, I haven’t quite made up my mind yet. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series and how closely it follows the books.
Back to the song – Bad Things. It drove me crazy until I found it on iTunes and downloaded it. Here’s a version by the original artist.
Have you watched True Blood and have you enjoyed it? Have you read the books and how do you think it compares?
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March 29th, 2009 at 5:41 am · Link
Ha! Using your books for inspiration is … inspired, my friend! I hope they pick a few up.
March 29th, 2009 at 7:33 am · Link
No I haven’t watch True Blood, though I want to. I just don’t get the channel they’re on. *sigh*
March 29th, 2009 at 8:24 am · Link
Wow… Love the song. I don’t get HBO, but I think I’d have to check out that show if I did. Isn’t it funny were we find our inspiration?
March 29th, 2009 at 10:22 am · Link
I haven’t watched True Blood, but wow, I’d love to see it! And I can see why you couldn’t get that song out of your head. I’ve had songs do that to me too.
March 29th, 2009 at 12:00 pm · Link
Susan – I would love that!!
Amy – that’s rough. It’s on free TV here in NZ, but we’ve had to wait a while.
Catherine – no doubt about it. Inspiration is everywhere.
Kaye – it’s still stuck firmly inside my head. The show is good too.
March 29th, 2009 at 3:43 pm · Link
Actually Bill and Sookie are now an actual couple off screen. :-)
March 29th, 2009 at 5:01 pm · Link
I saw the first two shows on a free preview of HBO here in the US. The free preview was the second weekend that True Blood was on HBO.
I really wasn’t able to form an opinion comparing the two in just the two shows. I’ve read the books but to be honest that was like 500 books ago! I can tell you I enjoyed both the books and the show. I’m glad to hear that Bill grows on you. He seemed a little dull in the two shows I saw. I might have to go back and watch the tapes i made of the show!
March 29th, 2009 at 9:28 pm · Link
Hey girl just popping in to say hi! I’ve been MIA this week because in addition to school I read the Twilight series. Fabulous books if I do say so myself, couldn’t put them down. Thinking of even doing a reread soon because I’m sure I missed stuff by reading them so fast.
Hugs!
March 30th, 2009 at 3:49 pm · Link
Hey woman,
I absolutely LOVE the True Blood series. I can’t wait until it kicks off this summer. I’ve never read any of the books and, believe it or not, had never heard of Charlaine Harris (ssshhh – don’t tell anyone!)
TJ
http://www.tjmichaels.com
March 30th, 2009 at 7:29 pm · Link
I’ve seen the full first season of True Blood.
How interesting that “Bill” and “Sookie” are dating in RL right now. I didn’t know that.
I love the opening credits for this one. Whoever put that together did an awesome job and a great song.
March 31st, 2009 at 1:14 am · Link
I can’t wait to see more episodes. It’s on tomorrow night. I must set the recorder while I remember…
It is interesting that Bill and Sookie are an item in real life.
Michelle – I agree – the opening credits and the music is inspired. It sounds good on my iPod.
March 31st, 2009 at 2:04 am · Link
Hey TJ – I’ll have to be content with the first series. I’m definitely enjoying it. The books are great too, although definitely not as sexy.
April 1st, 2009 at 3:33 am · Link
I have been watching the series on cable here in Oz. I’ve only read the first book, so can only compare to that. The Sookie/Bill storyline is going pretty much the same, but there are other storylines woven in that may come from later books? And characters I don’t recognise from book 1. Sookie I think in both, is done really well. She’s thought of as crazy because of her gift, but because of that people treat her like she’s stupid. And to some extent she lets people think that. Not knowing what Bill is thinking is a real relief for her. The book is in 1st person POV, so that makes a difference too.