Though last night’s True Blood finale tied up a bunch of loose ends, it also untied a bunch more! For instance (spoiler alert): Who kidnapped Read the full post.
Sep 14
2009
01:58 PM ET
Exclusive: 'True Blood' finale postmortem with Alan Ball!
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James Hibberd
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Lynette Rice
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TV Finale Highlights
Five days at a glance*
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Tuesday, May 1
- The Biggest Loser NBC, 8-9PM
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Friday, May 4
- In Plain Sight USA, 10-11PM
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Sunday, May 6
- The Amazing Race CBS, 8-10PM
- GCB NBC, 10-11PM
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Monday, May 7
- Two Broke Girls CBS, 8-9PM
- Castle ABC, 10-11PM
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Tuesday, May 8
- Last Man Standing ABC, 8-8:30PM
- The Voice NBC, 8-10PM
- New Girl FOX, 9-9:31PM
- Unforgettable CBS, 10-11PM
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Wednesday, May 9
- CSI CBS, 10-11PM
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Thursday, May 10
- The Big Bang Theory CBS, 8-8:31PM
- The Vampire Diaries The CW, 8-9PM
- The Office NBC, 9-9:30PM
- The Secret Circle The CW, 9-10PM
- Parks and Recreation NBC, 9:30-10PM
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Friday, May 11
- The Finder FOX, 8-9PM
- Undercover Boss CBS, 8-9PM
- Fringe FOX, 9-10PM
- CSI: NY CBS, 9-10PM
- Blue Bloods CBS, 10-11PM
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Sunday, May 13
- Once Upon A Time ABC, 8-9PM
- Survivor: One World CBS, 8-10PM
- Desperate Housewives ABC, 9-11PM, SERIES FINALE
- American Dad FOX, 9:30-10PM
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Monday, May 14
- Bones FOX, 8-9PM
- How I Met Your Mother CBS, 8-9PM
- Gossip Girl The CW, 8-9PM
- Two and a Half Men CBS, 9-9:30PM
- Hart of Dixie The CW, 9-10PM
- Mike & Molly CBS, 9:30-10PM
- Hawaii Five-0 CBS, 10-11PM
- Smash NBC, 10-11PM
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Tuesday, May 15
- 90210 The CW, 8-9PM
- Cougar Town ABC, 8-9PM
- NCIS CBS, 8-9PM
- NCIS: Los Angeles CBS, 9-11PM
- Fashion Star NBC, 10-11PM
- Private Practice ABC, 10-11PM
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Wednesday, May 16
- Suburgatory ABC, 8:30-9PM
- Criminal Minds CBS, 9-11PM
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Thursday, May 17
- Missing ABC, 8-9PM
- Community NBC, 8-8:30PM, 9-10PM
- 30 Rock NBC, 8:30-9PM
- Rules of Engagement CBS, 8:30-9PM
- Awake NBC, 9-11PM
- Grey's Anatomy ABC, 9-10PM
- Person of Interest CBS, 9-10PM
- The Mentalist CBS, 10-11PM
- Scandal ABC, 10-11PM
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Friday, May 18
- Nikita The CW, 8-9PM
- Shark Tank ABC, 8-9PM
- Who Do You Think You Are NBC, 8-9PM
- Grimm NBC, 9-10PM
- Supernatural The CW, 9-10PM
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Saturday, May 19
- Saturday Night Live NBC, 11:29PM-1AM
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Sunday, May 20
- America's Funniest Home Videos ABC, 7-8PM
- The Cleveland Show FOX, 7:30-8PM
- Harry's Law NBC, 8-9PM
- The Simpsons FOX, 8-8:30PM
- Bob's Burgers FOX, 8:30-9PM
- Celebrity Apprentice NBC, 9-11PM
- Family Guy FOX, 9-10PM
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Monday, May 21
- Dancing With the Stars (Performance) ABC, 8-9PM
- House FOX, 8-10PM, SERIES FINALE
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Tuesday, May 22
- American Idol (Performance) FOX, 8-9PM
- Dancing With the Stars (Results) ABC, 9-11PM
- Glee FOX, 9-10PM
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Wednesday, May 23
- The Middle ABC, 8-8:30PM
- American Idol (Results) FOX, 8-10:07PM
- Modern Family ABC, 9-9:30PM
- Don't Trust the B— ABC, 9:30-10PM
- Revenge ABC, 10-11PM
- Law & Order: SVU NBC, 10-11PM
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Thursday, May 24
- Awake NBC, 10-11PM
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Tuesday, May 29
- Cougar Town ABC, 8-9PM
- The L.A. Complex The CW, 9-10PM
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Wednesday, May 30
- America's Next Top Model: British Invasion The CW, 9-10PM
*Times are Eastern Daylight and subject to change
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I know Katie, I noticed that too. I get that AB likes Bill a lot but that’s totally missing the mark to say that Eric isn’t capable of loving anyone. By book 9 it’s painfully obvious that he loves Sookie. And what he said here doesn’t jive with the whole Eric and Godric story, which also basically proved that Eric is capable of love for someone else.
Even completely straying from the books, I don’t see how anyone that watched “Timebomb” or “I Will Rise Up” could say that Eric is incapable of love.
He means being “in love”. He already said that what Eric & Godrick had what very deep, like father, son, brother all at one.
But the weak cursed Eric is NOT the true Eric. That vampire only loves himself.
You need to read the books again if you think that Eric could never be in love with Sookie. And read them without your Bill-colored glasses and you might see a whole new story.
Since you mention cursed Eric, I’m guessing you are going with the books and I have to say I’m not sure how you can he loves only himself. Have you read all the books? Because Eric clearly has love for others, yes his number one priotity is himself and he’s never made any secret of his selfishness, but one of the most wonderful things about Eric is that he loves others without even wanting to. He actually seems to often surprise himself by having feelings and by things he does for Sookie.
And I don’t get how you saw that AB was talking about Eric being “in love”- he says “I don’t know if he’d love anybody besides himself” – not be in love with anybody, but love anybody.
Agreed.
Agreed twice. What is this obsession with Eric hooking up with Sookie? Now, I love him as a character, the show wouldn’t be the same without him so don’t get me wrong. And as bad as I want to read the books, after becoming a fan of the show I refuse to because I think those that have read the books are trying to connect the two & the show is only BASED on the books so they’re having a hard time adapting. Eric is fun, but NOT the man for Sookie. Yeah he’s a bad azz & every woman loves one, but think about it:
1) He locked up, chained, & fed on Lafayette
2) He knew she could possibly get killed at any minute during the whole Dallas trip
3) He has said time & time again that “Bill is abnormally attached to this human” like Sookie was nothing
4) He flat out said he didn’t love humans to the queen
5) He tricked Sookie into drinking his blood
6) He’s ERIC!
Like I said I love him love him love him on the show, don’t wanna see him go but Bill/Sookie have been through sooo much together & he truly loves her. People keep saying Bill treats her like property – & Eric wouldn’t? He just wants to use her for her powers, nothing more. Obviously he is capable of love, not saying that. But he is not what Sookie needs. And do people think Eric would be less controling? Give me a break. Wake up people – and women wonder why we have trouble choosing men. Because most would chose someone like Eric instead of Bill. Sad…
@ Nikki:
1) Lafayette got off easy for what he was doing. Now I know what you’re going to say “But Eric’s making him sell V now.” Only this time it’s on the Queen’s orders. Jason got a slap on the wrist b/c he’s Sookie’s brother & he helped save Godric.
2)Sookie knew what she was walking into. Hell, she’s the one who came up with the plan. Eric offered himself in place of her freedom.
3)Why does saying Bill’s attachment to Sookie is strange such a bad thing? Eric doesn’t understand it b/c he’s been without those feelings for centuries. Bill’s just a pup compared to Eric.
4)Um, did you see Eric’s face when he said he didn’t love humans? No, he’s not in love with Sookie but he obviously has feelings for her.
5)I could say the same for Bill except he used an attack on Sookie’s life as an excuse for Sookie drinking his blood thus building a blood tie between B/S. Bill’s motivations were not pure which is why he got so outraged when Eric knew how Sookie had first had Bill’s blood.
@Nikki – Eric may not be the best choice, but he’d definitely be the most fun. ;D Really though the best choice is purely a subjective opinion.
I’m not sure I agree with your general statement about women choosing the wrong kind of men. I think it’s really all in what you’re looking for. Personally, I’d much rather just have a good time with Eric for a few weeks than a lifetime with devoted Bill. But if you are looking for more than just a good time (which I’m definitely not!), I’ve definitely heard that those redeemed bad boys can make some of the best significant others!
Well, Alan Ball just took a huge crap on Eric and Eric/Sookie lovers.
And he basically gave away that Eric took Bill with his first answer
You are so right on, I mean what the heck- eric and sookie are the reason so many people watch. I think Alan Ball needs to re-read the books and this time try to comprehend the material, Otherwise He’s gonna lose a lot of viewers.
Ditto. I’m trying my best to have faith. I really, really am, because after all I hated the Jessica thing at first but now I love her character, so I’m trying to have faith, but it gets more and more difficult, especially after reading stuff like this. I just hope, hope, hope that AB and the other writers can tune into the Eric love out here!
Perhaps you should rewatch HIS show and comprehend HIS material. There are way more True Blood watchers than book readers (that’s a fact based on # of books sold). He won’t lose any fans because for many of us the end all/be all ISN’T just Eric.
Show may be AB’s, but the base material that they EXPAND upon came from Charlaine Harris. And Fact- not everyone that reads the books buys them….I know many people that borrow copies to read from friends as well as libraries. I’ve personally loaned my own copies to my family and friends and first got started reading the books myself when my aunt lent me her copy of Dead in Dixie. Book sales doesn’t automatically equal number of readers.
The same fact can be made about the viewership numbers. That doesn’t account for the number of people who watch the show online or DVR it etc. In fact I watch the show with about 12 other people give or take and only 1 person has read the books and only up to book #4. My point is a very sizeable amount of the viewership have not read the books. And I was responding to the claim that Eric/Sookie are the reason so many people watch the show. Perhaps, but a lot of people watch for Bill/Sookie. I’m sorry that you don’t like Mr. Ball’s interpretation of the source material or the different directions that he goes in but if that is the case you might better be suited to just reading the books.
Comprehend the material? This isn’t organic chemistry or ancient philosophy. There’s no real depth to the books that AB missed.
Eric is a killer. He believes in vampire hierarchy. He’s a capitalist. Sookie intrigues him, but he doesn’t love her. Only fake “under a spell” Eric loves Sookie.
Eric is NOT the reason why I watch the show!
I comprehend the material just fine, and Sookie’s only into Erik when Erik is not really Erik – as Ball said. Sookie’s not destined for Erik – at least, not until after Alcide, Quinn, etc. Frankly, I’d be far more interested in seeing Erik and Layfayette. Sookie’s got more men to go in her life… and interesting ones the audience will love to meet!
I hope they come here to MS to film parts of season 3. I heard that the books use the names of real places in my hometown.
OMG. Someone please tell me he was just kidding about Hoyt’s mother taking Bill …
He was joking don’t worry about it.
Eric is a bad guy that lonely and misunderstood. There is love there like sookie said and i hope AB does put the eric and sookie relationship on the show and not just bill and sookie storyline. I wonder what he going to do about bill not being in the later book that much?
Why is everyone so damn crazy about sookie/eric relationship…he gives me the creeps
because this is supposed to be based upon a series of books in which the Sookie/Eric is the main romance.
It’s like alan ball adapting gone with the wind and having scarlett with Ashley
LOL, that’s a pretty good comparison Aminta.
that’s the best comparison!
all the people who are damn crazy about the sookie/eric relationship are the people who have read the books..
i LOVE book 4, it’s the only one i couldn’t put down, it’d be a shame if AB disregarded one of the key plots within the book!
First, EW is quickly becoming one of my favorite sites. Thanks for all the True Blood coverage.
Second, I was massively disappointed in the Season 2 finale. It didn’t live up to my expectations at all and quite frankly really didn’t leave me salivating over Season 3 as I thought it would.
Okay, now the interview stuff. Alan Ball might just be a genius, because this interview left me hankering more for Season 3 than the Season 2 finale did.
Where was Eric? There was an actual reason, a good reason, he was MIA for the episode? Really? I hope it doesn’t continue in the vein of Eric being the evil, villain, perpetrator of all bad things as much of Eric’s stuff has. But I was overjoyed to see that he will be more prominent next season. What about Pam? I hope that statement holds true for her as well.
Ball’s answer to the question about passionate Eric/Sookie fans really surprised me. When have women ever not enjoyed the “bad boy”? And saying that Eric may not be capable of loving someone other than himself. Bull. Eric proved that he can love another with his relationship with Godric. He can be loving and loyal, as well as selfish and dangerous. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE realize that Alan Ball!
I’m really looking forward to meeting the Mississippi characters, Sam’s family, and getting more into the Jessica/Hoyt story line.
And YES PLEASE give us flashbacks with Eric and Godric. While I also think that Godric’s death made for the most powerful story of the season, I would absolutely LOVE to get to see more scenes featuring the incredibly talented Allan Hyde and Alexander Skarsgard.
Mad props to Michael Ausiello for some terrific questions!
Ditto to everything! =)
Agreed! This interview definitely got me more excited for Season 3 then the finale!
Oh no! His comment about Eric just poured salt on my wound from last night.
On a happier note, I’m excited about Alcide and the Jackson vamps. Also hoping to see more of the Newlins come back with a vengeance instead of that pesudo-war they had at the church. And more Godric flashbacks!
Brenda, I get exactly what you mean about sald on the wound. Ouch, Ab, ouch!
I’m also looking forward to some more scenes with the Newlins, they were some hilarious characters. And of course, Godric flashbacks would be amazing! But at the top of my wish list is getting more Eric and Pam!
I totally agree! I honestly think AB is jealous that Alex S. is taking pretty much all the spotlight, he is doing everything he can to destroy that character. How can he not see his appeal? If he didnt want people to love that character, he should have cast someone else. Because AS is like a dream, and an amazing actor.
I’m not a big Bill fan, but to say AB is jealous of the attraction fans have to Alex S. is absurd.
Eric stays true to this vampire ways — Bill fights his urges and longs to be human again. They are DIFFERENT. One isn’t the villain while the other is the good guy. Get over it.
Really? He’s jealous that an actor on his show is popular?
I’m sorry, that’s just an insipid statement. It’s one thing to say that Alan ball doesn’t understand the appeal of the “bad boy,” but to say he is jealous of the actor he hired is just plain odd. Why would he be jealous of Alex S.?
Rowan – for some folks it’s because if the Eric they want portrayed is not portrayed it must be some conspiracy against a fictional character or against the actor. It’s insanity.
It worries me what he said about Eric, how can he not get the appeal, it’s not just that he’s hot, it’s the hole character! HAS HE REALLY READ THE BOOKS!!!! Bill is soooooo BORING!!!! and was he serious about Hoyt’s mother?
AB is a pretty smart fellow. I think he is purposely throwing us off track to maintain suspense. It is not a mistake that Eric appears so attractive and that Bill has become more boring and pasty, don’t you think?
Ooh, good point. That makes sense. It has been pretty striking – the makeovers (and make-under) of a few of these characters. Of course, maybe I’m just reaching and being overly hopeful that my favorite character will start dominating, but…who knows? I just really hope he uses Eric properly and to Alexander Skarsgard’s full potential. He’s hit the jackpot with Alexander there; he needs to take advantage of it.
According to you maybe. I’d wear that man like a scrunchie – and that man is Bill. Eric can go pretty himself up somewhere else.
Thanx for the amazing interview, Ausiello!
And AB, keep the good work, I agree with you with the Eric thing…
Maybe Bill is boring in the books, but in the series he’s HOT. And Stephen Moyer is a terrific actor!
Eh, not really. He is so boring, even in the show. Like tons of HBO posters said, its like they cut off his manhood.
PUHLEASE. His manhood is fine and I’m sure it’s beautiful. Bill/Stephen is smoking hot. Please and THANK YOU!
Are you crazy!!! Bill hot?!? Eric kicks his butt!!! Alex makes Stephen look like a total dweeb!! 10 times the actor!
Look I was as Stephen fan a LONG time before True Blood, but what they’ve done with the Bill character…I can’t even look at him when he’s with Sookie. Honestly, the gag reflex. I don’t think Alex is better looking than Stephen, but the sour way Bill is portrayed, his paternalistic attitude toward Sookie, makes him SO unattractive, not to mention the awful hair and makeup. It truly has tainted my love for Stephen. Eh whatever. I don’t have to watch.
Every time I look at Eric I can’t help STARING at the huge bags under his eyes. I don’t see his appeal. To you he’s hot, to me no thanks. Move along you big oaf.
Oh, please. Being voted 6 times in a row the sexiest man in sweden is no small feat. Be reasonable.
Agree that SM is a terrific actor. I’ve seen him in other things and he’s always been brilliant. Disagree about the character Bill. Can someone explain why AB has turned him into a do-no-wrong-even-when-I-did-wrong saint? It’s like I have a small aneurysm every time I watch this show. Actually, it’s like he and Eric have switched roles, except Eric was always open about his opinions and *exactly* what he was going to do. Does Bill love Sookie? Yup. (SPOILERS FOR NON-READERS SO STOP READING THIS POST) By book three did Eric admit to having feelings for Sookie? Yup, loud and clear he did. And went out on quite a limb for her, too, if I recall.
So what you’re saying is that you’d rather Eric be the do-no-wrong-even-when-I-did-wrong saint?
I’m on book 3 now and almost done. I’m not getting the Eric having feelings for Sookie except beyond sex. I just read the part where Eric gave Sookie blood after being staked and Eric prematurely e. j. on her back. Real romantic. He’s helping find Bill for other reasons not sook. and how many guys does Sook have to make out with Alcide, Eric, Sam. Eric told Sookie Bill cheated–Bill hasn’t admitted it yet. I don’t think I’m reading the same books as Eric lovers. I think Sook should drop Bill and Eric and end up with Pam.
I think he’s joking about Hoyt’s mum too.
Alan Ball, the show is not only about what you like, it’s also about what fans want to see. And WE WANT ERIC. MUCH MORE ERIC (not as a bad ass, though). He’s so great, and not only because he’s hot, believe me.
Anyways, thanks a lot for bringing Alcide, I’m happy now
It’s AB’s show, and he can do what he likes with it. It’s not about what the fans want to see, it’s about the story that AB wants to tell. He even says at the beginning of the interview that he tries to stay away from the fan stuff because he doesn’t want it to influence the way he writes the show, which suggests that he’ll keep going the way he’s going because he believes it makes for good television viewing. And just because he’s not going where some fans want him to go, doesn’t automatically mean that what he’s doing isn’t good television viewing.
Totally agree Shayne.
It’s not about what the fans want to see?? I would kind of think that it is since we’re the ones watching the show which allows them to continue making it. Well, I guess if a producer wants a show to fail then they should stick to what they *thought* would work rather than what *actually* works.
Well, the finale scored 5.1 million viewers, which is a 100% increase over the season 1 finale. Judging just by that, I’d say that what they *think* works *actually* does work.
And it is about telling the story that the creator – I’m talking about all stories, not just True Blood – wants to tell. It’s impossible to keep everyone happy all the time, and I’m sure AB knows that. I mean, if you think about it, practically by definition, when the story is about a love triangle, it means that at the end, half of the fans are going to be unhappy with the outcome. So, at least to me, it would make more sense to stay true to the vision he has, and put his passion into that, and hope that he can pick up more viewers who like it that way, than to try to write by committee and risk losing the integrity of the story.
to be honest i think the real test/proof will come with the season 3 premiere.. this final ep for me just kinda like me a bit “was that it? i waited two weeks for that?”
scrap the above.. dunno how i made so many mistakes hahaha
to be honest i think the real test/proof will come with the season 3 premiere.. this final ep for me just kinda left me going “was that it? i waited two weeks for that?”
in the books it was the king of missippi and lorena that kidnapped bill, in the time he is missing sookies grows ALOT closer to both eric and alcide, so we’ll see , alcide becomes sorta like a jacob black to sookie
yuppp! =) can’t wait for Alcide to be cast already
I would like for AB to consider Jeffrey Dean Morgan for Alcide. I think he would be perfect and so easy on the eyes!
good call on Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Alcide! Too bad he’s tied up with another series right now.
i cant wait for steves return especially knowing what he does hehe
True Blood is a wild, fun ride into a crazy world. Alan Ball is the perfect tour guide. Thanks, Michael, for a great interviews, with so many provocative hints at what’s coming next year. I would agree with Alan that you are the man, but you DID try to convince us that Eric would be killed off. Not cool, dude.
Oh, I wish they wouldn’t give away what Sookie is in the third season. I can’t wait to see who they cast as Alcide, though. And it will be fun to meet the people of Hotshot. For some reason, I think James Cromwell would make a good Calvin Norris.
Good choice but i think he’s too old.
I’d like to see someone like
Antonio Banderas play Alcide, but the accent would be all wrong. He sure would be hot though!
alcide is closer to sookie’s age.. antonio banderas would be too old..
the boys over at campblood suggested ryan reynolds.. now THAT would be hot.
What about Sam Elliot as Calvin Norris? A bit older, perhaps, but VERY hot nonetheless!
Rudy Reyes as Alcide. He was on Generation Kill with Alex Skarsgard. He would be a great were wolf.
Also, I wish Pam would get a little screen time. She has been sadly neglected while characters that were not in the book get lots of screen time.