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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What a big jerk this man is.
ikr. Maybe when the ratings drop, he will get the hint.
hahahah Hoyt’s mother took Bill! Good one AB
YAY! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! ALAN BALL! I’m SO SICK of hearing about Eric and Sookie and and how people keep saying this should happen. I read all the books and never found the appeal of Eric as well. I saw him as self-servicing whenever it can to anything including to Sookie. I Love this! The whole Eric and Sookie thing just doesn’t fit with the theme of the show which if people look back to old interviews with Alan Ball deals with the fear of intimacy and finding love that you thought would never come to you or lost to you forever. I AM SO HAPPY!
TOTALLY AGREE! What the heck is with the fascination with Eric? Is no one interested in true love any more? Isn’t life crappy enough without TV characters being miserable, too? If I want reality, I’ll read the damn newspaper.
You’re assuming Bill is Sookie’s supposed ‘true love’, which he really, really isn’t. He’s just her first love.
And as for the show’s theme of ‘fear of intimacy and finding love’, did you not see Sookie’s first Eric dream? That’s been analyzed as a very telling dream, because in it Sookie was talking about all her fears and insecurities, and she was talking to ERIC not Bill, because she’s afraid of talking about those things with Bill.
Well, there goes my hope for a decent Eric and Eric/Sookie storyline. WTF, Alan? Have you even READ these books? I am so beyond over the “reluctant vampire” trope. What’s wrong with a vampire who’s not ashamed of what he is? Personally I find the thousand year old vampire being conflicted about his feelings for a mere human MUCH more compelling. That’s heroic.
Totally agree with you. Eric is much more deeper than just a sexy vamp.
I third that opinion. They should have gotten a better and more appealing actor for Bill if they were going to give him all of the show.
+1 Bill is so yesterday. Didn’t stand a chance as soon as Eric appeared on the show.
Nicole – I respectfully disagree with everything thing you’ve said. Stephen is fantastic. I love him and I know a lot of other people who love him. I find nothing appealing about the actor that plays Eric.
Completely agree with u guys, Eric is SO much more than the sexy vampire, and he IS capable of love, we’ve seen it on the show! Come on AB, what do u have against Eric?!
I think AB is giving us a nudge and a wink through out this interview…
Me too.
And probably laughing hysterically. I’ve never seen any of his shows in the past (for shame, I know) so I’m pretty new to his hints. So far he seems like a crafty fellow.
vamps are ashamed of who they are!! The show isnt about writing what YOU would like! It’s about AB’s adaption of a folk lore loosely based on a set of books…it is NOT a recreation of the books! If you want the same thing to happen..read the books again!!
Agreed. Eric’s had 1000 years to lose any shame of being what he his. Things are what they are, what’s the point in being ashamed of what you are? It’s not as though he can change it, other than dying. That’d be like Sookie thinking “Man, it sucks to be a human because we’re *soooo* much weaker than, say, VAMPIRES. M’kay, I think I’ll be a vampire now ’cause I’m ashamed at being a little insignificant human. Super strength here I come!” Some of us don’t believe in moping.
Javs – I enjoy your comments really I do. Most of the time I couldn’t disagree with you more but you make some interesting points. But it’s like you haven’t really paid attention to the character’s backstory. Bill is the way he is because he literally was a mile from his home and children and family the one thing he wanted to get back to you and it was ripped from him. He lost a life that was clearly very precious to him. Eric was dying when Godric “offered” to change him. And in fact what he told him he would give him what he loved most “life.” So where I totally understand why Eric is the way he is and I like him. Bill is the way he is because he lost his family.
Well, I’ve read the books, and there is no ‘Erik and Sookie’ – beyond the brief bit where Erik gets cursed. They’re absolutely not, in any way, intimated to be destined to be with each other. You neglect to mention Alcide, and Quinn, both of which she dates for longer than she ever spends time with Erik.
Read “Dead and Gone” please. Thank you.
I hate when the book geeks are demanding Eric/Sookie. The Eric of the series is a dangerous A-hole with no humanity left in him. It would be like putting Hermione Grainger with Draco Malfoy. That insane kind of person who wants that insane kind of pairing. Sorry book geeks, but Bill is WAY hotter.
No humanity? Do you watch I Will Rise Up? Eric was TORN UP over the death of his BELOVED maker. Godric even said “there are centuries of LOVE and FAITH between us.”
Exactly! He’s so capable of love and that has been proven just within the show.
I got the feeling from the show that the connection between Eric and Godric was so strong and the human word of “love” only barely describes it.
Time and time again we’ve been told that the bond between vampire and maker is unexplainable. Godric is gone so Eric doesn’t have that connection in his life anymore.
I’m getting a little annoyed at the people concluding that Eric could love Sookie because of his bond with Godric. Ridiculous.
Excellent, excellent point Annie!
Yes, because he’s capable of feelings and relationships that are even more complex than love definitely means that he’s incapable of loving someone else. Sure.
Actually Hermione and Draco can be pretty hot together.
Book geek? Well, I guess some of us do prefer to read instead of sitting in front of the tube constantly.
Perhaps if AB actually gave us how Eric is supposed to be, people would see just how giving and caring he really is.
*is proud to be a book geek*
Book geek here, too! Books are how they come up with the TV shows. Note: Bones TV show is based on the books….. And that is one great show!
LOL How do you KNOW what type of a vampire he is? Except for a few moments here and there…we don’t KNOW much about Eric. What we see? Is not so dangerous. If Bill can walk all over him without repercussions…TWICE…c’mon. Please. Eric is turning into a wuss.
I think AB is clear. Obviously, he’s read the books and will use them as templates. When he sees fit he will deviate from them. In other words, he’s not going to let the Eric/Sookie disciples bully him into a story he might not necessisarily want to tell. End of story. Love AB because I don’t get the Eric worship at all either.
Me either – I love Bill!!:)He is mine!!
Erik’s a total d*ck in the books, and Ball’s dead on with his comments. There probably won’t be any more Sookie/Erik than there is in the books because they are (loosely) following the books. Erik’s a great character, but he’s nobody’s Prince Charming.
Are you blind?
Maybe we “book geeks” should just start dropping spoiler bombs about dear, sweet Bill and his lying, cheating, and raping.
WHY??? Why do that? Just because one person makes you mad you want to go and spoil things for others! Come on! Don’t you understand that Book Bill and TV Bill are two different characters!? So maybe bill is not A lying, cheating, rapist, but still why be such a jerk? The books(from what I read) are ok but I def love the show more. Why must the die hard readers ruin it for the rest of us?
Because they are bitter and have lost touch with reality. “Maybe we “book geeks” should just start dropping spoiler bombs about dear, sweet Bill and his lying, cheating, and raping.” UH it’s NOT real. You understand that right?
Haha.. nice to call other people book geeks then use Harry Potter for a reference..
Also, Draco is completely different than Eric.
Um…did you read the 7th Harry Potter book? Draco wasn’t such a bad guy after all.
Nope, Bill is mopey. I dislike moping. Too much depression in the world. Must laugh and enjoy life for what it is, even if it’s horrible.
Okay, in Alan Ball’s world, Eric doesn’t get the girl. Can you at least give Bill some of his vampiric qualities that he at least had in Season 1. He was so boring in season 2 and seriously that scene in the end when he was proposing to Sookie, I thought I was on the Hallmark or Lifetime channel. This is HBO for crissakes, do I have to pay premium prices to watch this crap.
In Charlaine Harris’ world, Erik doesn’t get the girl either, so no one should be expecting it.
Actually in Charlain Harris’ world, we don’t know who gets the girl, but if you’ve read the last two books that are out right now, Eric is still definitely a contender, as are Bill, Sam, and even to a lesser extent I guess Quinn and Alcide.
Personally I don’t get the Eric love either. I haven’t read the books so I am only basing this on the TV show and while Alexander Skaarsgrad is totally hot (Remember Generation Kill?) there is absolutely zero chemistry between Alex and Anna. For that reason, I hope that we don’t get any Eric-Sookie action. Also, Eric comes off to me as really one dimensional and I would love to see less of him, not more.
I think its funny, I saw the two of them having more chemistry then she actually did with Bill.
Yeah pocket. I guess chemistry must be subjective because Bill/Sookie leaves me cold, but that one dream sequence with Eric and Sookie in bed had me taking a cold shower!
I also really don’t see Eric as one dimensional. I think he’s been given one-dimensional story lines, but his character, especially played with all the sly subtleness that Alexander Skarsgard employs, is definitely not one-dimensional.
It’s funny I don’t see the Eric/Sookie chemistry AT all. Bill and Eric have more chemistyr.
I think Anna and Alexander have chemistry, but Alexander has chemistry with everyone he’s been in a scene with,imo. I thought the chemistry between Anna and Stephen was fire (like the alex/anna dream sequence) in the first few episodes of season 1, but now it is cold. In most cases when actors become real life couples, they lose that chemistry b/c they are so comfortable with each other. And while they might be in love and attracted to one another, it doesn’t transate well onscreen. JMHO
Mary- You continue to astound me with your insightful comments.
I think you’re absolutely right about real couples losing some of that chemistry because they are so comfortable with one another. That’s just what I was thinking the other night watching True Blood, that Bill (Moyer) and Sookie (Paquin) seemed so at ease with one another. It definitely detracts from the chemistry for me.
Of course the Eric/Sookie thing will develop, but it is kind of book that is vaguely out of time with the overall plot. I really think that it can be done in a one episode thing, but it is the fourth or fifth book in the series, I wouldn’t anticipate it anytime soon. I am glad they are using the books as templates but not sticking to the order, the stuff in the last two books about who Sookie is and how it has manifested in Sookie and Jason differently is really interesting and for all you Bill/Sookie fans, it opens the door for them to get back together and start to shut the door on Sookie/Eric.
I think Alan Ball needs to read the books again to figure out Eric’s character. It is obvious he’s read book 1 and made up his mind that the show is about Bill and Sookie. He treats Eric as a gnat to their relationship. Alan, READ THE BOOKS! You are so wrong in your assumption that only 5% of the viewing audience know the books. It is a much larger fanbase.
He has read all the books, he said so. Read his interview at the TV Squad website for more info on Season 3.
Considering that he’s read the books and has Erik’s character dead on, I’d suggest re-reading something (or nine somethings).
What’s the appeal? AB, are you serious? Yes E/S fans are passionate, but there’s a reason. By pushing Eric toward being the villan or the thorn in a B/S relationship in TB, you have alienated half your viewers. You say 5% of people watching the show read the books, but you’re wrong. Why do you think the majority tuned in to see the shows? It’s too bad you’re going to lose a ton of viewers by not following the basic book story line a tad closer.
ITA. Alan Ball should NEVER say he feels compelled to stay true to the spirit of the books or the reason the books are popular is because they work. Those seem to be 2 of his favorite statements. It’s a shame both of them are complete lies.
AB’s answers make no sense, Eric is only capable of loving himself? Forgetting the books for a minute, on the show he was willing to die along side Godric so he wouldn’t die alone, if that’s not love then I don’t know what is.
You are so right. Eric says he is fiercely loyal. And he definitely showed his love for Godric. He is willing to die with the ones he love. Remember how he even offered his life in exchange for Godric’s and Sookie’s freedom?
The only reason he lumped Sookie into that request was because Godric ordered him to protect her. If Godric hadn’t done that then I’m sure Eric wouldn’t have given a second thought to Sookie dying.
Alan Ball can’t take his Bill Blinders off to see the true Eric.
BOO HOO, Mary. The true Eric. You mean the fictional character? He has a “true” nature? Yikes.
I literally just LOL! You are on a comments section commenting on fictional characters and yet you *try* to be belittling.
ERIC ONLY CARES ABOUT HIMSELF. Godric, being his maker, is/was the ONLY exception.
I would like to see Eric and Sookie together too, but while Eric is under a spell because that’s the only way it makes sense.
I LOVE THIS SHOW and that would be hystarical if Hoyt’s mom took Bill
I agree with the comment above. It’s odd that w/ 2 people who are engaged in RL, there is no chemistry on the screen. Yet, in Sookie’s dreams, Eric and Sookie were exploding w/ chemistry. How do you explain that AB?
read the books and you’ll know who takes Bill…can’t wait for Alcide!!!
Me too! I loved Alcide, is ashamed what Harris did to his character in the books, making him such an a-hole later on.
And I’m sorry you don’t get the Eric love. It’s not all about his relationship to Sookie but him being a badass vampire . Even my hubby says Bill is sooooo boring, Eric manages to be a whole lot more interesting despite his minimal screen time.