Rutina Wesley Talks About Fight Scenes on True Blood

Tara’s Fight Scenes Are Mostly Rutina:

Fans of HBO’s True Blood saw a different side of Tara (Rutina Wesley) in Season 4. Tara turned into a lesbian cage fighter!

The Bajan Reporter recently got to interview Wesley about this new direction. The first thing they wanted to know about was how much of the fighting was her, and how much was stunt doubles. Here’s what she had to say:

“I did do a lot of it. We all have stunt doubles but I did do a lot of it, ’cause I like to do that kinda stuff. It is just easier for camera work too, when they can get our faces and get our bodies moving around and fighting… I actually would love to train [in martial arts] but HBO would get mad at me, because it is so easy to get hurt. I mean, we are always taking off our clothes in some form or another, so you have to work out.”

The relationship between Tara and Sookie was then discussed. Wesley summed it up nicely by saying that although Tara can get mad at Sookie, their relationship goes beyond that. This is due to the fact that they were practically raised together since Tara’s mother was an alcoholic.

And being mad doesn’t necessarily mean that she won’t help out either. First she comes back in Season 4 because Sookie returns, then she extends her stay because her cousin Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) is drawn into Wicca. So while she may seem like one tough cookie on the surface, she is, in fact, a soft teddy bear inside.

Wesley also owned up to the fact that she has only read the first Charlaine Harris book, on which Alan Ball based the series. Although, she has a very valid reason for this. And fans who have read the books, will understand also the very different path that the character of Tara Thornton has taken.

Some may not realize it, but for Wesley, True Blood is all new to her. She graduated (alongside Nelsan Ellis) not so long ago from Juilliard, but her area of expertise was theater, not television. While she is loving the experience, she is still finding it all a bit surreal:

“I still can’t believe I am on TV. Even when I watch the shows back, I am like, ‘Wow, that’s me!’ My family is so proud – I’m a Vegas girl but honestly, it still gets to me that I am getting to do what I love to do.”

Truebies, did you have any doubts it was actually her fighting? This is one tough woman!

Source: The Bajan Reporter – RUTINA WESLEY (Tara Thornton), TRUE BLOOD – SEASON 4, HBO {Mild Spoilers}

(Photo Credit: HBO, Inc.)

True Blood’s Kristin Bauer van Straten on Playing Pam

Sink Your Teeth into the Real Pam de Beaufort:

Kristin Bauer van Straten, who plays the cold-hearted and ferocious vampire Pam de Beaufort on HBO’s True Blood, loves playing Bon Temps’ biggest and baddest bitch. Bauer, who was not familiar with the show before she got the role, still gets recognized as Jerry’s girlfriend from the hit TV show Seinfeld.

On how her life has changed since True Blood started airing:

“Well, I now have to shower and wear some makeup to go to Starbucks. I have to borrow a little from Pam — be a tad more vain, as I could never say, “no” to a fan wanting a photo because I’m not wearing mascara. And I get asked my thoughts on things and I have lots to say about rights and free will, especially regarding animals, as they are truly innocent and voiceless.”

On her favorite True Blood character(s) to mingle with:

“I am very partial to my maker, Eric [played by Alexander Skarsgård]. But I also have gotten to threaten Lafayette, flirt with Sookie, scowl at Bill, try to kill Tara a few times, ignore Ginger‘s screams, check out Jason and give horrible advice to Jessica.”

So how does she do Pam so well? The actress says she tries to be as dry and sarcastic as possible, but she credits her work environment for most of her success. She says that after spending up to five hours in hair, makeup and costume, then walking onto True Blood’s beautiful sets with its wonderful actors, that it just all comes together — Pam is born.

Truebies, don’t we all love Pam? What’s your favorite thing about her? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Source Credit: Sun-Sentinel

Photo Credit: HBO

True Blood’s Rutina Wesley On Tara’s Future

Will Tara Make It To Season 5?

Season 4 of True Blood certainly ended with a bang, and if anyone knows about that it’s Tara Thornton. Of all the drama she has gone through on the show, being shot in the head is certainly the worst thing that has happened to her yet. In an interview with W Magazine, Rutina Wesley reveals that not even she knows if Tara will survive. She spoke of Tara’s future saying:

“What’s happening to my character? Am I alive or am I dead? So it’s a very scary place to be in, but it’s awesome.”

Wesley reminisces about some of her more interesting times on the show and how that compares to what she’s currently doing. Wesley is currently starring in a play at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York called, “The Submission.” In the dramatic play, Wesley stars as an actress hired by a playwright to take the credit for his latest, controversial play.

In the play Wesley has a few very intense scenes, though they are nothing like what she went through on True Blood. She compared the experiences, stating:

“They’re both hard in their own ways. I think they’re both degrading, but I think in a play like this, seven shows a week, it’s a lot harder. Because I’m doing it every day. Whereas that was just a day’s worth of shooting. We may do more than one take, but once it’s done, it’s done, it’s in the can. But I have to go through this every night.”

You can read the full story here. If you’re in the area be sure to check out the play and let us know what you think!

Source: W Magazine – Five Minutes with Rutina Wesley

(Photo Credit: IMDB.com)

True Blood’s Rutina Wesley in “The Submission”

Tara Thornton on Broadway?

While HBO’s True Blood is on hiatus, one of Bon Temps’ habitants is currently taking part in a production put on by the off-Broadway theater company, MCC. Rutina Wesley, who plays Tara Thornton, is currently acting in a play titled “The Submission.”

Wesley acts alongside Jonathan Groff, Eddie Kaye Thomas and Will Rogers. The plot of the play is simple yet complicated simultaneously. Sick of rejection, a playwright by the name of Danny Larson seems to think he has written a winner except there is a small quirk. The play is a drama about a black family in the projects and Danny, who is a white, gay writer, doesn’t believe his play will get much attention thanks to his identity.

In order to hide the truth of his identity, Danny hires Emilie to act as a black, female screenwriter after the play gets selected by an esteemed festival. A debate erupts about black bigotry vs. gay bigotry. Sounds like a play the residents of Bon Temps would see, don’t you think?

Source Credit: ny1 - Theater Review: “The Submission”

Photo Credit: HBO

True Blood’s Final Act- Season 4 Losses

The Characters We Lost This Season on True Blood:

It’s not a foreign concept that the writers of HBO’s True Blood aren’t shy about racking up the body count during an episode. And the season four finale is nothing short of an extraordinary bloodbath. A number of reoccurring characters met their demise. Let’s take a look at them and remember their final moments.

Jesus Velasquez
Played by: Kevin Alejandro

On his character’s death, Kevin Alejandro said:

“I found out Jesus was going to die around the first episode, and they were really cool about it, like ‘This is nothing you did. Happy relationships are just boring.’ And they’re right- it makes for great drama. I think the final episode is going to be really touching.”

Nan Flanagan
Played by: Jessica Tuck

On her death scene, Jessica Tuck said:

“There ain’t no way back from the True Death. Plus, the one good thing about being shown the True Death is that when you squirt with blood, you’re not the one who gets covered with it- it’s everyone that’s in your way. Stephen Moyer drove a stake through my heart, but I then got him back by just covering him in gooey blood.”

Debbie Pelt
Played by: Brit Morgan

On her death scene, Brit Morgan said:

“…It was so cool because I got to fire a real gun, and they had my brains on the wall with Debbie’s hair in it…Plus every time Anna [Paquin] and I get to fight, it’s just awesome- a punch, a fall. It’s by far the most fun I’ve ever had.”

Tara Thorton
Played by: Rutina Wesley

On her death scene, Rutina Wesley said:

“Shooting that scene was very hard and emotional. I think everybody on set shed a tear that day; it was really tough to get through. When you see someone that you’ve lived with and breathed with for four years come to some kind of end, it’s very powerful- and sad. It’s really hard to play dead when you’re about to cry.”

R.I.P. Tommy, Marnie, Jesus, Nan, Debbie, (and Tara…?)

 

Source Credit: HBO - True Blood: Season 4 Finale: Final Act
Photo Credits: HBO

True Blood’s Season 4 Finale Shocks Viewers

True Blood Finale Bloody Good or Just Bloody?

HBO is famous for having some of the most extreme and riskiest shows on television. And what is True Blood most famous for? Being extremely bloody, that’s what. This season finale is no different. How did the finale end? In a bloody mess of course!

Many Truebies, including myself, aren’t happy with the weak way Marnie was dispatched. She stabbed and killed Jesus in order to acquire his brujo magic and then chained a shirtless Bill and Eric to burn at the stake when her reign of terror came to an end thanks to a number of Bon Temps ghosts led by Adele Stackhouse (Sookie’s Gran) and Antonia. Both joined together to convince Marnie to release her rage so she could rest in peace. I don’t know about you Truebies, but that seemed too easy to me.

Mark Roush, writer for TV Guide, said:

“With the Marnie dilemma ponderously resolved, and Gran’s Hallmark advice to Sookie (“Being alone… ain’t nothin’ to be afraid of”) interrupted by Eric’s droll “Excuse me, we’re feeling a little crispy up here,” there’s still half an episode to go. And does it ever pile it on.”

Sookie cuts both Bill and Eric out of her life making fans wonder if a certain were-tiger named Quinn will make an appearance next season.

What else happened on Sunday’s finale? Well, Steve Newlin appeared at Jason’s door bearing a nice set of shiny white fangs. Alcide discovered an empty hole in the cement garage where Russell Edgington was supposed to be entombed. While Sam was confronted by a snarling wolf, the ghost of Rene spooked Arlene by warning her that Terry’s new war buddy is up to no good. Nan Flanagan was staked by Bill just before Sookie was attacked by Debbie Pelt. Just when you think Debbie is going to shoot Sookie, Tara dives in front of her and is shot in the head. Sookie blows Debbie away and we are left with Sookie screaming for help as she cradles Tara’s lifeless body in her arms.

Is Tara dead? I guess we can’t believe anyone is dead, knowing True Blood’s infamous resurrections, until they are at least six feet under. Even then, considering the Russell Edgington situation, that’s barely a guarantee on True Blood.

Source Credit: TV Guide- Finale Review: HBO’s Sunday Night

(Photo Credit: HBO, Inc.)

Video: True Blood Season 5 Scoop – Rutina Wesley at Fashion Week

True Blood Season 5 News – Wesley is Terrified!

Rutina Wesley, the Julliard-educated actress who plays Tara Thornton on HBO’s True Blood was interviewed at Fashion Week by PopSugar TV.  She reiterates that she will indeed be on the show during Season 5, but has no idea in what way, shape or form.

During the interview, she admits:

“I don’t know if she’s alive or dead. And, I mean, half my head has been blown off, so, you know… They haven’t told me anything. We rarely know anything until we get the script. So, as an actor I’m terrified. I’m very excited, but I’m very nervous.”

Find out what else she has to say, and who she always thought Tara should end up with, in the video below:

What do you reckon?  Vampire?  Ghost?  Vegetable?!  Oh, with True Blood, the possibilities are endless.

Thanks for the scoop, BuzzSugar!  Remember, Truebies, if you have any True Blood-related news, send it our way!

Contribution credit: Kat from BuzzSugar

Source: BuzzSugar.com – Is Tara Dead on True Blood?

(Photo: HBO)

 

True Blood Season 5 Spoiler Alert! Update on Tara Thornton

Spoiler Alert! Will Tara Be Back for Season 5 of  True Blood?

According to Rutina Wesley in a Q & A with TVLine, the answer is a resounding yes.  Her contract has been renewed for Season 5.  But what exactly does that mean on True Blood?  Does she survive having the back of her head blown off?  Does she become a vampire?  A zombie?  A ghost? Who the heck knows?  Not even the actress herself:

“Everything’s up in the air because half of my head is missing. [Laughs] I know Alan has big plans for me next season. But has he shared those plans with me? Not really.”

Although, she would prefer not to become a vampire.  She enjoys being one of the only humans left on the show, and besides — it would be a pain to have to learn how to talk with fangs in your mouth!  Oh, and another thing… don’t call Tara a victim.  Wesley says she saw her character more as a survivor this season, just trying to get through it all.  She enjoyed filming the shooting scene, and she really enjoyed getting to play “sassy Tara” again:

“I really liked the humor in Tara that we got towards the end. It felt like Season 1 Tara with the one-liners. It was fun getting back to the sassy Tara. I just like to see her be strong and stable and not necessarily crying and whining.”

So, what’s the bottom line, Truebies?  You will be seeing Tara on the show in Season 5.  As exactly what, that remains to be seen!  What’s your theory?  Are you glad she’s coming back, or were you glad to see her go?

Source: TVLine.com  - True Blood Scoop: Rutina Wesley Will Be Back For Season 5… But In What Form?

(Photo: HBO)

Top Quotes from Episode 10 “Burning Down the House”

Last Sunday night’s episode of HBO’s True  Blood was explosive and showed viewers the true faces of the best characters TV has ever seen. This episode had me cheering like a football fan on the edge of my seat. The looks on some of our character’s faces were priceless. Here is our list of top quotes right from the first scene.

 Lights, Camera, Action:

 ”It’s like pouring boiling water on fire ants!”

One of the crazy followers of Antonia/Marnie. Maybe someone should tell him these ants don’t die and when they bite they really bite.

“Well, listen to you. God. Talk about bromance.”

Yes, Jessica, the love affair between Hoyt and Jason is respectable. Jason is such a good guy at heart. We can totally tell how much he struggled with his feelings for Jessica.

“A few stitches, little duct tape, pretty nurse, you’ll be good to go.”

Alcide to Tommy while he was in immense pain. They do say duct tape fixes everything except for a broken heart right?

“I am not going to die in Wiccan shit store with them. I REFUSE.”

No one can blame Tara for that comment, the whining would have me preferring Antonia’s wrath.

“This is your fault, all of it, and that is exactly what I’m going to tell the authority.”

Wooo Hooo, Bill finally gave it to Nan.

“When you were about to kill him, I just couldn’t bear the thought of a world without him in it. I think it was how I was able to stop you. I love you. I don’t want to lie to you, but I can’t help it. I love him too.”

This comment from Sookie to Eric could sum up the entire last two seasons, especially this one. How heartbreaking it was to hear her say those words which were both painful and completely honest. I don’t know who I hurt for more?

“Well, they bet on the wrong horse. It’s too bad.”

Now there is the Eric we know and love… yeah, Eric, we wonder who is more “lovable”, you or Bill.

Family Ties

“Marcus Bozeman is a dead f***ing wolf.”

I loved seeing the bad guy come out in Sam. I just wish his little brother didn’t have to die in order to see it.

“Then he drank 11 of my beers — passed out and started fartin’. Continuously.”

I almost spit my wine out, and I don’t waste wine. This was so funny and Jason obviously has no sympathy for Hoyt.

“You sure?  Looks like you been sucking down V like it’s mother’s milk.”

This whole conversation between Terry and Andy was great. Perfectly written for both of their characters and a great addition to show how much they truly care about each other.

“Whatever. If she would have got-damn let her parakeet rest in peace, then Eric Northman and Bill Compton wouldn’t be marching on Moon Goddess to BLOW up my only  f***ing cousin!”

Man, we love almost everything Lafayette says.

“Yeah I speak Latin, I need it for my job!  No, of course I don’t, we’re just going to have to wing it.”

Holly to Tara with her wonderful sarcastic mouth, but she definitely speaks some truths to Tara when she needs to hear it.

“What the f*** do you know? TRUE DEATH FOR YOU TOO, NORTHMAN!”

Good thing Nan isn’t producing this show, there would be no vampires left to watch. Hmmm. I  wonder if that is her ultimate plan.

“I feel some bad juju.”

Me too, Lafayette, but I think it’s that wine I spit out my nose earlier laughing.

 

“Sure you do… you hook up with a different wolf.”

Bad doggie! Alcide is going to make you pay for that one, Marcus.

“I know you are. You can take your first steps to free man tonight… when you walk all the way home!”

That was so brilliant of Terry, leaving Andy to walk home and have some time with his own thoughts.

This episode left us with the sound of kicking ass about to be unleashed! Did your favorite quote make the list? If not leave it in the comment section below.

(Photo credits: HBO)

 

Top Quotes from Episode 7, “Cold Grey Light of Dawn”

Supernatural Vs. Supernatural:

A very interesting night for fans of True Blood as the plot thickens with the war that is beginning to rage between the vampires and witches. There is a definite line drawn in the ground and it will be very interesting to see who is on what side. The top quotes of the night from episode seven, “Cold Grey Light of Dawn”:

“It may be ten minutes from now or ten years, the moment you think you’re safe, I promise, I will hunt you down and f***ing shred you like confetti.”

Pam to Tara outside of Merlotte’s. It doesn’t matter if Pam’s skin is melting off or she is dolled up in 300 dollar shoes, she is one scary vamp!

“I swear to God I’ll burn this f***ing taco stand to the ground if you don’t let us up out this muthaf***er.”

Layfette to Jesus’s grandfather after being scared to death and taken over by Jesus’ dead uncle. The best part was when Jesus’ grandfather came out, very nonchalant, like, ‘Hold your horses, I was just having sex with my wife’. I mean really, La La! How dare you interrupt him?

“Well I sure as hell don’t want to fry in the sun, what do we do?”

Jessica to Bill when he tells her about the complicated situation regarding Antonia resurrecting in Marnie’s body.

“So tonight we go to ground in silver, and then what?”

One of Bill’s sheriffs when finding about Bill’s plan to keep them safe. I am not so sure they were thrilled with his plan.

“I’m listening to your heartbeat. I can feel it. Every pulse through your skin into mine. If I lay still and think about nothing else, feels like my own heart is beating.”

Eric to Sookie after making love. The way he looks at Sookie so beautiful and gentle. It was truly a beautiful moment between the two of them.

“I’m going to shove my fist up your a** and use you as a hand warmer.”

Pam to the doctor while undergoing her beauty treatment. I think Pam needs to be nicer to that doctor who is saving her a**, literally.

“Pam! Get your a** out here you prune faced bitch, I ain’t scared of you.”

Tara to the woods when walking down the road where she ends up meeting Marnie’s new identity. While Tara was at first skeptical, she eventually agreed with Antonia/Marnie that they need to protect themselves. I wonder how Tara is going to feel when she realizes the full extent of Antonia’s plan.

Out Comes the Sun

“Ain’t going to be nothing left for you to save if you keep at it — I feel like I’m dying.”

Jessica to Bill who is nearly begging to not be silvered anymore.

“I’ve lost too many people in my life, I can’t lose you too.”

Sookie to Eric when having to silver him. Awww, they are beginning to be that super sweet couple that no one wants to be around.

“Old Luca could have warned me. I felt like a giant-a** puppet for your ghost uncle.”

Lafayette to Jesus when talking about himself as a medium, who was being used to save Jesus.

“Okay, how can I say this in a way you won’t misinterpret — f*** you.”

Luna to Sam over the phone. I am not sure if smarty pants Sam could still misinterpret that message.

“Well I can ask my boyfriend, he’s got great spiritual energy when he’s not stoned”.

Coven member to Tara when asked to bring in more people to the coven circle. Hmm, they aren’t being very picky are they?

“I’m sorry. I have caused you so much suffering in your human life and now in this one.”

Bill to Jessica, such a sweet and emotional line between the two of them. He seems to be trying to make amends to those that are important to him.

“Are you in love with her?”

Debbie to Alcide when asking about whether or not Alcide is in love with Sookie. Debbie, Debbie, Debbie! When a man and you are in the moment, best not to start talking about another woman. Show him that you are strong and confident.

“Tell me… was I next? I mean there’s no way to keep it up with both of us around, the only thing to do would be to kill me, then you’d have the money, the bar, the girl… everything.”

Sam to Tommy when confronting him about changing into Sam. Looks like Tommy is on the outs again.

“But understand this, vampires are NOT immortal. They are only harder to kill.”

Oh Antonia is out for blood, vampire blood! You naughty witch.

 

“He’s not going to make it without somebody there for him.”

 

The line that started it all, the fiasco at the end. Sookie said it to Jason, who then realized that Jessica would need someone as well. So he went in search of her, where he was met by one of Bill’s guards. The last sounds of the night were Jessica’s desire to see the sun and a gunshot. Who will make it out alive?

Did your favorite quote of the night make it on the list? If not, post it below to share with us!

 

(Photo credits: HBO, Inc.)

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