Diary of a True Blood virgin – The beginning of a sexy, sexy story

by Katie Schenkel

Starting off the new year right, I dive into my very first virgin diary. Funnily enough, it's for one of the least virginal shows on television. Sex and murder and telepathy, oh my!

From the first two episodes, True Blood feels like a better written version of Twilight. When I first heard about the Twilight series, I was optimistic about the very basic story (couple needs to deal with the challenges of a human-vampire relationship). The first couple episodes of True Blood share some similarities with the teeney vamp obsession, but with much better characters and a more interesting universe.

1.1 “Strange Love”

Off the bat, I like Sookie. You have to appreciate a girl who keeps her job as a waitress despite hearing every cruel and/or pervy thought in customers’ heads. You also have to appreciate a girl who doesn’t hesitate in standing up against some bloodthirsty (no pun intended) scumbags. Sure, the guy she saved just happened to be the sexy, brooding stranger, but it was still brave! I’m not sure how I feel about Bill yet. He is the quiet and brooding stranger, after all — emphasis on silent. I kind of question how much Sookie likes him for him and how much she likes him for his lack of thoughts in her head. It will probably take a few episodes to peel away his layers, but we did get some serious chemistry between Sookie and him. And thanks to the “groin vein” line, we at least know he’s not afraid of sex, unlike a certain mopey vampire. Although I’m kind of shocked that only one couple actually had sex in the first episode and that couple wasn’t Bill and Sookie.

Speaking of sex, I already want to punch Jason, but I think he’s just a very punchable character. Not only is he a major mimbo, he’s also the worst liar ever. But I’m digging Tara. I have the feeling she’s going to piss me off in episodes to come, but she’s a smart woman who hurts more than she wants to show. She needs to get over Jason fast, but I still like her.

1.2 “The First Taste”

During the first episode, I half-joked with my boyfriend that the dog is actually a werewolf. Now I am completely convinced that not only is the dog a werewolf, but it’s Sam in werewolf form. This is where the Twilight comparisons come back — lycanthropic friend who has loved girl forever is weary of girl’s new vampire beau. Strangely enough, I also noticed a weird similarity between Sookie and Anna Paquin’s Rogue in X-Men — southern girl with a superpower saves a mysterious man who can’t die and then uses his self-healing power to save herself from dying. Just saying.

A part of me is really glad the Rattrays were killed because I really hated those characters already, but I’m also pretty shocked they were killed off so fast. It makes me think that the real antagonists of the series are going to be much worse than some angry drug dealers. Like the three scary vampires at the end of the episode, for instance. I’m also guessing that every episode ends with a crazy cliffhanger, which really sucks when there are only two episodes per DVD.

Sookie and Bill’s walk in the woods seemed especially crucial. While giving us more of Sookie’s backstory, it also meant more alone time between just the two of them … and the doggy-that-is-totally-not-Sam, of course. But my favorite part was seeing Sookie laugh at Bill’s attempt at seduction. Despite having pretty crappy luck, she’s still sweet and bubbly! I can see why Bill likes her, but I want to see Bill open up more before I decide if I like him or not. But I am glad they finally kissed, even if it took almost two full episodes for it to happen. I’m thinking Sookie’s increased libido will move things along a little quicker in the upcoming episodes.

Oh, before I forget, I really am not liking the opening credits. They’re just a little too “Willy Wonka’s acid boat trip” for my taste. I think it was the rotting fox that did it for me.