Why True Blood Should Be Allowed to Dry Up

About five years ago, I worked for a video store. (Shocking, right?) We would occasionally get DVDs of television shows that we could rent out for free. You let the customer watch the first episode for free, and they may tune in for the rest. It was a great idea. One day, we got a few copies of a new program that HBO was going to air called True Blood.  I didn't think much of it until I caught a trailer for the series. A world where vampires were real and lived among humans......it seemed interesting enough to watch the first episode. So, I took the disc home and gave it a try. I have to admit, I was completely hooked by the end of it.


The first scene shows us a couple of drunk college kids who stop by a convenience store on a beer run. The store sells synthetic blood called "True Blood." They joke around with the goth looking clerk and smart off to the hillbilly behind them. Turns out, the redneck in overalls is sporting a pair of fangs. That one scene told me what the rest of the show would be like: clever, humorous, and just plain fun.

The first season introduced the residents of Bon Temps, Louisiana. Everyone in the town seemed to be a supernatural being of one sort of another. Each episode coaxed us into the vampire world and established the ground rules. The love story between Bill and Sookie was fairly interesting, the cast was fantastic, and the cinematography beautiful. There was a sense of wonder to the first season that was lost afterwards. From the second season on, things were just a little more stylish and hip.

The show was popular enough for the first 12 episodes, but it really began to take off when released on DVD. People began watching in droves. By the time season two ended, the audience was locked in. There were those that were disappointed by season two, to be sure, however I enjoyed it well enough. I found the broader world of vampires intriguing. I liked the idea of vampire hotels and entertaining the practicalities of the undead lifestyle. Sure, the Maryann plot dragged a little, but it came to a satisfying conclusion.

I began season three in full force. I eagerly awaited each new episode, and even got together with some friends each night it came on. By the end, however, I noticed that I wasn't as excited as I normally was. I still laughed at each episode, and made a point to view them. I just wasn't as in to the show as I had been. Then, one day, something strange happened. Season four premiered, and I just didn't watch it.

I kept meaning to catch up while the season was still airing, however I just couldn't be bothered enough to do so. Eventually, the season ended and I hadn't watched a single episode. Before the premiere of season five, I did a marathon viewing of four. Once again, I got some laughs and was entertained enough by it, however, I wasn't that excited.

With the fifth season nearly complete, I have come to realize something about True Blood: Season Six needs to be the final one. As much as I have loved getting to know the freaks of Bon Temps, I believe it is time to bid them adieu. Here are my reasons:

1. There are too many characters.

Season one was mainly about Sookie, Bill, Tara, and Sam. There were a few other supporting roles, and they provided a great color to the series. They brought out the culture of the town, and gave some of us "everymen" that we could relate to. Since then, each season has introduced guest stars that have become regulars. Each time one of these guests is promoted, it forces writers to come up with stories for them that may or may not be that interesting. (For the record, just because you are in ridiculously good shape doesn't mean your character deserves to be elevated to a main.) Which brings me to the second point.

2. Most of the story lines aren't that good anymore.

Terry and Arlene are fantastic characters. I love their relationship and think the actors are phenomenal. I just don't think they need their own archs. How many of you really cared about the fire monster (!?!?!) that was attacking them? Yeah, me either. 

Unfortunately, even the main characters are suffering from bland writing. Sookie is hanging out in a night club with faeries, Tara is hanging out in a night club with Pam (more on that in a moment) and Eric and Bill are tripping balls on God's blood. I don't care.

The essence of drama, even a tongue in cheek drama, is conflict. Conflict is based on the potential threat that lurks just beyond the door step. For the audience to feel that threat, they have to understand what's going on and care about it. They have to have concern for a character and be afraid of that that threat emerging. Which reminds me....

3. There is no character development any more. 

If your show has been on for five years, your audience should be able to see that a character has matured since the first episode. It doesn't have to be a huge change; it doesn't have to be a positive one. But, you have to have one. You also have to gradually show this development. Most of the characters in True Blood, have grown very little since their first appearances. Oh, there are big shifts in some of their circumstances and demeanor. Jason has become a sheriff's deputy; Bill has become King of Louisiana. The problem is, that none of it has been earned. They literally changed in one episode. Fine, there was a year jump in the time line of the story, but that's a cop out. The writers could have utilized flashbacks or back story to show us how these characters changed in that year.

Even during this season, Bill has supposedly become a devout vampire; a total turnabout in personality. But why? Nothing has really happened to him that makes me believe he would do this. It seems  more like clumsy writing rather than true character development. Which leads to...

4. There are too many missed opportunities for interesting stories.

The one problem that bothered me most about Smallville (among many) was the fact that the writers would start threads that they would never finish. They would set up big events and then completely fall through on them. The same thing is happening at True Blood.

There are story lines, like Alcide being glamored to be repulsed by Sookie, which could have provided some entertainment. Unfortunately, they are instantly shuttered. Maybe they didn't provide a strong narrative, but they would have been more fun to watch than a rehash of the "wolf pack on V" plot we got in season three.

The most glaring example of a missed opportunity is the fact that Tara is made vampire, and seems to be okay with it. Tara's character has been pretty useless for a couple of seasons now. It almost seems like the writers have kept her around just because they felt that they had to (either because they like the actress, or because of her contract.) With this season, they had a real opportunity to explore some dramatic and psychological themes.

Tara has hated vampires since they came out of the coffin. She has unarguably good reasons, too. She has been kidnapped, threatened by, and brutalized by them for years. Her best friend is nearly killed by them every episode. So, when her life is saved by her own transformation, she pouts for a few episodes and then dances at Fangtasia? Really? Tara experiences none of the confusion or heartbreak that Jessica did in season two. Hell, Jessica now gets more screen time than Tara. It's clear the writers have little idea what to do with the character at this point. I wouldn't even be surprised if she's written out soon.


I would love for True Blood to stay as fresh as it was in the first season. Unfortunately, it is starting to go stale. Admittedly, it's difficult for any show to keep it new and exciting that far in. I think it is time for the show to make a graceful exit before it becomes a caricature of itself (too late.) There is a lesson to be learned from Godric: It's better to burn out than to fade away.... 

Posted in: True Blood