Ryan Kwanten says he wants Jason to be as real as possible

True Blood’s Ryan Kwanten, who plays Jason Stackhouse, says that he tries to avoid finding out what will happen in True Blood.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Kwanten explained that he wants the reactions of his character Jason to be as real as possible.

“I pride myself on being one of the last to know [what will happen] because I almost feel like it hinders my performance to know too much,” he said. “Because Jason very rarely knows what’s happening in the next minute, let alone the next episode. So I like playing it with that kind of spontaneity.”

Kwanten explained that he doesn’t look at the scripts for the show until a week before filming, saying: “It’s the absolute truth. It’s why I stopped reading the [Charlaine Harris] books at book two. It felt like it was getting in the way – I knew too much.”

Kwanten’s co-star Sam Trammell recently revealed that filming for the fourth season of True Blood is scheduled to begin this month but Ryan pinpoints it further in the video below as December 1.

9.16.10/Update True Blood Season 3 Finale ScreenCaps True Blood – 3×12 – ‘Evil is Going On’ – The Good & The Great, The Bad & The Ugly (Opinion)

Hoyt's mother, Maxine Fortenberry, buys a "Vamper rifle." The wooden bullets, when shot into the heart of a vampire act like a stake. Rev. Steve Newlin is a hoot. His own line of vampire rifles. LOL.

In the wake of Russell Edgington’s on-air TV spine-ripping-the anchorman-stunt it looks like Steve Newlin has found the perfect time to market his wooden-bullet rifles (whose usefulness was so ably demonstrated by Jason on Tara-abusing vampire Franklin Mott).

True Blood – 3×12 – ‘Evil is Going On’ Season Finale Screen Caps

Here’s my list of what went right in True Blood Season 3 and after that, what didn’t:

The Good & Great

Lorena (Marian Klaveno) truly fulfilled expectations and beyond. Fun to watch and almost pitiable at times (almost) in her need for her “drug of choice” her progeny, Vampire Bill. She was perfectly cast as a vampire out of her time and almost out of her mind. RIP Lorena.Denis O’Hare as King of Mississippi Russell Edgington was another perfect casting choice. Stage veteran O’Hare brought a zany, over-the-top quality to the ruthless king of Mississippi. Mad as a hatter yet still deeply conniving, he is probably not done with our heroes quite yet. (Note: IMO, Edgington had to have made in his 3000 years, other progeny in addition to Talbot. Some most likely survive. They would feel his distress if not get an outright mental summons as Pam does from Eric and save him from the truly lame solution that Eric and Bill came up with to not kill Russell (WTH?!).Speaking of “our heroes” or True Blood’s version of the “good guys,” the promotion of the beautiful deadpan doll Pam played by Kristen Bauer van Straten, to featured cast status breathed new life (unintended pun) into all things Fangtasia. Quite a bit of her background was touched on including that she is only about 100 years old (younger/weaker than Vampire Bill), that she will go to any length to protect her maker, Eric–even if it means her own demise (fortunately, it did not), she is a former prostitute (“a long time ago”) and “Pamela Swinford de Beaufort” is the sole recipient of Eric’s property should he meet the true death. On a fashion note, as the season wound down, Pam was seen wearing a great deal less pink though she was still very fashionable. I’m wondering if the visual joke of “Pam in pink” is being put to rest? If so, OK by me –just don’t ever ditch Eric’s track suits & flip flops! Most of the wolf-Russell storyline worked well. Certainly the guest actors like Grant Bowles (“Cooter”) and Don Swayze (“Gus”) contributed much.The Queen (Evan Rachel Wood) was used to much greater effect this year once she was hauled out of her Art Deco “palace.” Probably my favourite scene involving the Queen takes place in Eric’s dungeon when alongside the (until now) always-unflappable Pam she gasped in utter shock when, with one stroke of his silver-tipped cane, Russell beheaded the unyielding Magister.James Frain as the completely bonkers and very violent vampire Franklin Mott. Despite his insanity he knew how to get things done which explained the King’s tolerance of him. Just the same he had it coming when, in the “too-much talking” phase of his almost-kill of his unwilling, almost-vampire bride Tara, he was discovered by Jason who wielded a wooden bullet-shooting rifle. Franklin found Jason most amusing, not realizing that his were not regular bullets which would have only temporarily injured him. Blam! One shot to the heart and Franklin was a puddle of goo.Alcide Herveaux (Joe Manganiello). Alcide did not have much to do this season other than look very hunky and help rescue Tara, Sookie & Bill from King Russell. He also, at her behest, escorted Sookie in her quest to “find Bill,” to his ex-gf, Debbie Pelt’s engagement party at a were biker bar. She was to wed top wolf, “Cooter.” Later in the season, in self-defense during the Bill-Sookie-Tara rescue, Alcide killed Cooter, leading to Debbie’s lament,”They killed my Cooter!”Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) and Hoyt (Jim Parrack). Yes, Hoyt is at least ten years older than Jessica (the actors themselves are but a few years apart in age IRL, I think). If you listened closely, at Merlotte’s while talking to Sam(?) Jessica mentioned that she would have had her 18th birthday had she lived–so she’s very legal, especially for the South. For Hoyt’s part, until very recently he’d been living in the not-unsubstantial shadow of his “mama” his whole life. Hoyt and Jess have a lot in common in having been over-protected and sheltered for way too long as well as having grown up with a lot of emotional abuse. Now they are striking out together it seems, to take on the responsibilities of adults in the big, bad world.The sets. Unbelievable in their authentic look, the set designers of True Blood deserve raises and multiple Emmys. Atmosphere is a huge part of True Blood and these folks are as talented at their craft as the True Blood cast and writers are at theirs.The music and the soundtrack True Blood music video. See above: “The sets,” then change “look” for “sound”).

I read a comment somewhere: What about the poor schmucks that unbury Russell? which never crossed my mind but yeah, that could very much happen ona construction site. What we got was was a very dumb “solution” to the Russell issue. I mean, Bill has vowed and now is killing “everyone who has tasted (her) or knows of (Sookie’s) powers.”

I’m looking forward to more Joe Manganiello in Season 4 as he not only looks warm & fuzzy but he brings a very big dollop of emotional warmth as well–something that none of the vampires can ever truly pull off–its in their nature to be a little chilly. It won’t be all teddy bears and squirrels and bunnies though–Alcide  is after all, a werewolf.

The Bad & Ugly

Almost to a fault every single actor on True Blood is really good at what they do but like any role you need something to sink your teeth into ( pun intended). Both Tara and Jason are chasing their tales (misspell intended) with either dull as dirt storylines (Jason) or with stories that seem to simply set them up as the foils for other people ( Tara).

It pains me to say this but both characters are superfluous. If  each character were asked, “What vital function do you serve in True Blood?” I believe the answer for Jason would be, “I play the resident dumbass, pussy-obsessed, aging  jock,” who (since he’s part faery too) has a charm that seems to work on everyone. Tara plays the victim. Period. That’s all the poor girl has done for three seasons. She the angry victim lashing out, she’s the sad victim contemplating suicide. She’s simply a victim that sticks around to get further victimized.

In season 3, Tara being paired up with Franklin brought her story to life though she was still the angry/scared victim. After he was offed by Jason, Tara reverted to her default angry mode and canoodled with the new, angry Sam.

Jason has in a completely mondo bizarro turn of events become the “mayor” of the inbred meth-making hamlet of “Hotshot.” This is cringe-inducing and I really hope they keep his story tucked away for as long as possible. Also, Jason’s new gf  for whom he declares his love just after meeting?–she’s boring. Really, really bland and there’s no chemistry whatsoever with Jason. They met and almost “did it” in the woods, met again and “did it” on his sofa and now it’s a big deal romance. Just one question. Why?

When we last saw Tara she had scissored off her hair and was leaving Bon Temps in a white convertible (or so it appeared after a series of goodbyes). My hope is to let her be gone for most or all of of next season, then attempt to give the character a re-boot–pretty much the same hope I have for Jason.

Both Tara and Jason serve as Sookie’s only surviving “real” human family so killing them off would seem unwise–yet keeping them on only drags the the show down and wastes the talents of both actors. ***

Link goes to a really good critique of the entire season:

‘True Blood’ season finale review: ‘Evil Is Going On,’ and on, and on…

True Blood closed out its season on Sunday night with a series of double- and triple-crosses. The series didn’t so much end with a cliffhanger than it left multiple subplots dangling, as though creator Alan Ball decided he’d just clean up this messy season next season.

***Note please that my bitch list is very short compared to my “way-to-go!” list and that neither list is comprehensive.

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True Blood Wins Big At 2010 Spike Scream Awards (Update 10.17.10)

True Blood took home some of the highest honours given out at the 5th annual Spike Scream Awards on Oct 16. I’ll have some more details later but the winners and some comments they made when accepting are below.

QUOTEWORTHY

Alan Ball as he accepted the Best Television Show Award: “One question I get asked a lot is why do people like vampires so much, and I have no f***ing idea.”
Haha. Love Alan Ball. Every time he opens his mouth what he says is quote-worthy.

Steven Moyer as he accepted “Holy Sh!t Scene of the Year” for True Blood – Twisted Sex : “I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Doesn’t everyone have sex like that?”
Steve is another walking quote machine. So witty. And extra super-cute without the vampire makeup.

Among the many stars partaking in the annual Halloween-time event, Alexander Skarsgård made an appearance at Spike TV’s Scream 2010 Awards in Los Angeles, California on Saturday night (October 16). The “True Blood” hunk skipped out on the arrivals carpet at the Greek Theatre venue, but was among those taking the stage – as he ended up winning the Best Horror Actor trophy which was presented to him by Kelly Osbourne. Giving fans plenty of action, the 2010 Scream Awards feature a tribute to the end of “Lost,” the premiere of footage from Scream 4, a 25th-anniversary celebration of Back to the Future and a musical performance by M.I.A. The not-to-be-missed event airs on Spike TV on Tuesday, October 19 at 9PM ET/PT.

Pairing up for a red carpet evening, Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer were side-by-side at Spike TV’s Scream 2010 Awards in Los Angeles, California on Saturday night (October 16). Held at The Greek Theatre, the “True Blood” couple mingled with fellow guests in the arrivals area before taking their seats for the taping of the annual ceremony. Not leaving empty-handed, Mr Moyer took the stage during the course of the night – as he won the Holy Sh*t! Scene Of The Year award. Gossip Center

What it is all about:
“Scream 2010 celebrates the hottest films, TV shows, comics, actors, creators, icons, and pioneers who have influenced and shaped the industry.

Ballots were sent out to Spike TV’s “SCREAM 2010? advisory board, consisting of some of the most respected and well-known members of the horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and comic book worlds, who were responsible for advising on categories and determining nominees in each category. All films, television shows, and comic books were deemed eligible for inclusion if they were released between July 16, 2009, and July 16, 2010, and were representative of the genres listed.

HBO’s “True Blood” had the most nominations of any television series with 10.

Esteemed members of this year’s advisory board include Tim Burton, John Carpenter, Wes Craven, Damon Lindelof, Ridley Scott, Quentin Tarantino, and Joss Whedon.

Look for the televised version on Spike TV on Tuesday, October 19, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. ”

Below are the True Blood Winners and the presenters for each award:

Best Horror Actor: Alexander Skarsgård — True Blood — Presenter: Kelly Osbourne — Accepting: Alexander Skarsgård

Kelly Osbourne presents Alexander Skarsgård with the 'Best Horror Actor' Award

Best TV Show: True Blood — Presenter: Marilyn Manson — Accepting: Alan Ball

Marilyn Manson present the Best TV Show award to Alan Ball for True Blood as Anna Paquin looks on

Holy Sh!t Scene of the Year True Blood – Twisted Sex — Presenter: Rainn Wilson — Accepting Stephen Moyer

Best Horror Actress: Anna Paquin — True Blood — Presenter: The Vampire Diaries stars (Nina Dobrev, Paul Westley & Ian Somerhalder) — Accepting: Anna Paquin

I’ve been a science fiction and fantasy fan since age 4 (Twilight Zone, Outer Limits) as well as “horror” if it’s done with humour (think Eric Northman of True Blood, season 2 in his dungeon going all primal on a redneck who has just “(done) silver to (him),” then immediately switching gears to consulting with the shackled and terrified Lafayette worrying if his highlights foils got blood in them, fretting that “Pam is going to kill me,” so I think its fantastic that media for this genre is being singled out and recognized for excellence. I hate to complain but I have to state that SPIKE TV needs to become more inclusive about “who” is in their demographic. I’ve read that in the past few years the number of women enjoying the Sci-fi/Fantasy/Horror genre has skyrocketed from 10% to almost 50%. Obviously, True Blood has had a lot to do with this as well as those “other” vamp series both on film and TV (wisely labeled “fantasy” at the Spike Awards).

I never thought that science fiction or fantasy belonged to guys. I just knew that there were not too many girls with my tastes in superheroes, film and television shows. As an adult, other than once a year, I never watch SPIKE TV because they make such a whoop-de-do deal about being for guys. I think they should wise up, look at the female faces in their audience and then take the logical next step. Programming guys, are you listening? Otherwise, I’d like to see a basic cable network that already knows what the girls like, SyFy, pick up the slack and get it’s own awards show going.

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My Fellow Truebies (Update)

Hey fellow Truebies!

How are you holding up post-True Blood?

I hope that you are hanging in there with the show as it moves toward Season 4  and what I’m anticipating may be the best season yet (no hype).

EDIT/ I finally gave in and made some time to take a virtual hike around the Internet to read the general reactions to Season 3 and more specifically,  the season 3 finale. I’d like to throw some ideas out–several that were half-formed previously now but due to some insights that I gained from my little trip I think I have a better understanding of what happened and why. More tomorrow or Sunday (9.26). In the meantime, I’d love to hear yours!

As you know (I hope) this blog  has been a labour of love. Throughout the True Blood season–even months before, I put in full-time hours trying to make it the best it could be. I’m always finding something that needs doing. I have not finished my character section to my satisfaction for one, and now that season 3 has officially ended I need to tie it up in a pretty bow as I have with seasons 1 and 2.

Please do not take this as a “poor me” statement–just  the unvarnished truth. I’ve built and maintained this blog completely on my own. That wouldn’t be such a big deal but in trying to let’s just say pay some bills, I maintain 4 other blogs. They all need attention and again, it’s just me.

It was sort of a, scratch that, it was a big let down that HBO didn’t throw a single bone my way in terms of contest sponsorship or letting me in on  news releases and such. Every day I scoured around the ‘net and essentially picked at what I could find. I got pretty good at knowing where to look and I am pretty happy with my True Blood (HBO copyrighted) screen caps but without  HBO’s support it’s been really hard to build readership. Essentially, it gets sucked away (LOL — unintentional  pun) to the big sites. Sometimes I think they’ve earned it, other times when I see gossipy items about the personal lives of the True Blood actors or obviously unwanted paparazzi shots I think ick, I can’t go there. And I haven’t. (OK. One time with ASkars but he’s a pretty fun-loving guy IRL and the shot was everywhere on the web so yeah, one time.) The most recent example was the pap shots of Steve and Anna’s wedding. I read that helicopters were buzzing around during the ocean-side ceremony and the paparazzi were everywhere and I thought that is not what this is about. The True Blood Blog is about celebrating the HBO show True Blood and occasionally posting about events related to the show or projects, especially charity-type endeavors that True Blood actors are involved with.

I’m not sure if I want to push stuff like True Blood actors appearing at casinos during the hiatus as I’ve been asked to. It  just seems…tacky. So I think what I’m going to do just as many of the True Blood actors have been doing during most of the time off is take a break from True Blood.

As I said, I will still be working on the blog but it will be more organizing and replacing videos that have gone bad and the like. Sort of cleaning and straightening.

There is a ton of material here and given that the show returns in June with filming starting in less than 2 months I don’t think the break will be that long. I expect that as soon as shooting is underway the news will start flowing especially casting news, so I’ll most likely do a weekly or twice weekly ’round up of anything interesting and post it here.

Huge thanks to everyone that has come ’round and given me the warm fuzzies.

And on the topic of coming ’round, if you are interested in contributing content or know how to do any “inside stuff” with fixing up The True Blood Blog or you want to share the latest buzz, announcements, fan art or any fan creation or you have ideas or suggestions–whatever– drop me a note at thetruebloodblog@gmail.com or leave a comment here on the blog. I’d love to hear from you. Tell me how you are coping without your weekly fix of True Blood. In the meantime tho’, farewell.

I’ll see you sooner than later.

Your fellow Truebie,

Cyn

P.S.  I have emailed  the Sookie’s Choice contest winners. I want to get their permission  before I use their first names to congratulate them.

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True Blood Halloween Party – Givers – Here’s What You’ve Been Waiting For! 20% OFF Tru Blood/Drink Sets!

Save 20% at the HBO True Blood Store!

Are you celebrating True-Blood Style this Halloween? If so, you know you need to stock up on Tru Blood to make your party a memorable one!

There are still plenty of True Blood fans who have yet to taste to the unique and highly mix-able Tru Blood beverage. Not only can they enjoy it at YOUR True Blood-style Halloween party but they can take the bottle home as a souvenir.  These bottles are replicas of the Tru Blood beverage bottles used on the HBO television show True Blood. I’m using a set of mine as candle holders with blood-red candles burning (using a proper candle wax-catcher–no fire accidentally starting in my home, please!).

The shipping charges for a case of Tru Blood beverage are a bit heavy because the bottles are true replicas of the ones used on HBO’s True Blood so use your 20% off by clicking through the HBO banner or link in the middle of this page to offset shipping and still save some $ on top of that on the actual product. It’s a win-WIN! Happy Halloween, Truebies!!

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True Blood Vampire Series Overview

Every faithful vampire fanatic knows that television does not exactly have a great track record when it comes to making vampire shows.  Many of them, especially ones that come from books, end up being a huge disappointment. I think the main reason is that it is so hard to convey the complexity of vampire characters through television and film. When I first heard that HBO would be making the true blood series based on the Charlaine Harris novels I was a bit skeptical. The novels are quite complex because they skillfully blend
horror, romance and comedy together.

I was going to skip the series altogether until I caught an episode from season one online. I was thrilled at seeing some of my favorite characters from the books and I was shocked at how entertaining it was. I.immediately went on to search where I could find back episodes of the series so I could catch up on what I missed. I am so glad I did because I can safely say that the true blood series is the best vampire series I have ever seen on TV.

The true blood series is about a waitress in the deep south named Sookie Stackhouse who happens to be psychic. One day she meets a vampire named Bill and, from that point, her life changes completely. The main plot doesn't just revolve around Bill and Sookie's romance, it includes a very complex and interesting supporting cast of characters. Some of my favorite characters are the hilarious gay drug dealer named Lafayette, his abrasive and vulnerable cousin Tara and, of course, Sookie's painfully dumb over-sexed brother Jason. All of the main and nearly all of the secondary characters are written with such depth and complexity that the series seems more like a soap opera; a crazy, sexy vampire soap opera! There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot and every episode peels back another layer to reveal the inner workings behind the town of Bon Temps.

True Blood is one of those shows that just draws you in the more you watch it. If you have never seen it before I would definitely recommend you check out the true blood series and there are plenty of places where you can watch the back episodes online.