True Blood Season 3 and 4 from Alan Ball
January 5, 2010 by Janie Logan
Although Alan Ball remains tight-lipped about the specifics of what True Blood’s third season will bring, he sheds some light on what goes into producing the vampire show that has become a huge success for HBO. In addition to sharing interesting stories about the casting of some of the characters, he also describes the process of adapting Charlaine Harris‘ bestselling Sookie Stackhouse books and of keeping a supernatural series grounded in reality.
Coming from the award-winning HBO show Six Feet Under, Alan was probably used to fans appreciating the emotion and meaning of his work, but True Blood has brought a different kind of response. People are incredibly enthusiastic about the show, and their obsession has at times made Alan feel like a rock star. He says that having such passionate fans makes it really fun and exciting for those who work on the show.
HBO seems thrilled by the reaction towards the series and has already made a deal with Alan to be the showrunner for the next two years. That makes season four all but guaranteed. Beyond that, we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
It’s clear how much Alan loves Charlaine’s books, or he wouldn’t have wanted to make a television show out of them. There are inevitable deviations from the source material in order to develop supporting characters like Tara and Lafayette, but he always tries to stay true to the spirit of the books. As for Season three and fans who might be concerned that Eric won’t be featured as prominently on screen as he is on the page, Alan assures us that his role will increase because he is such a big part of Sookie’s life in the next couple of books. Some things will definitely be different, though, especially given the way they have changed things in the first two seasons and how future storylines will build on those changes:
“I think we’re always going to use the books as sort of a foundation, but I just don’t see how, as time goes on, you can’t diverge from them a little bit more each season. I don’t know, though. We’re starting to work on Season Three and we actually are really, really sticking to the books, at the beginning at least.”
Some people who have read the series might have been initially shocked by the sex and violence shown on True Blood, but Alan notes that those things are present in the books–it’s just different to actually see them come to life, and it’s never been so graphic that HBO had to prevent them from showing something.
Working on a show that has a supernatural element, Alan knows that they will need to use special effects to achieve certain things, but he never wants to use those cliche CGI techniques seen in past vampire and monster stories. He also doesn’t want the effects to detract from the characters:
“The effects are just the shorthand to get us from one stage to another. But we will never be about the effects. I mean, it’s less interesting to me how [Bill's] face might change or what exactly are the mechanics of the fangs coming down–although we have really thought about that–than the fact that he’s been alive for a hundred and seventy years, most of them as a vampire, and his wife and children, whom he loved deeply, he outlived them. He’s outlived everybody. He’s in a changing world and he’s given up on the idea of having any sort of love in his life until he meets this girl. That to me is way more interesting than what [growing fangs] looks like.”
Alan also discusses a few of the casting choices that were made and how perfectly the actors have worked as their characters. Anna Paquin put herself into consideration for the role of Sookie, which surprised Alan because he didn’t expect an established film actress and Academy-Award winner like her to be interested in working in television. Luckily, she was, and she has gone on to embody Sookie, winning a Golden Globe for her portrayal. Bill Compton was a difficult part to cast because there were a couple of guys that Alan thought might be good that HBO didn’t really agree with, and it wasn’t until a London casting director sent him the tape of Stephen Moyer that he knew he had found the right man to play the Southern gentleman vampire.
The character of flamboyant Merlotte’s cook Lafayette survived past his book life because of the extraordinary talent of Nelsan Ellis and the impression he made on Alan:
“[He] channeled something from somewhere that is kind of amazing. I definitely knew Jason had to be a great character actor [Ryan Kwanten plays the role]. I think all the major characters I knew were going to be really, really strong and really, really compelling, but I think Nelsan is the one [who was most surprising]–I had no idea that would happen.”
Alan also describes how excited he was about casting Lois Smith as Gran:
“I love Lois Smith. That’s one of those things where when I’m talking to the casting director, I say, ‘I’d like someone like Lois Smith.’ ‘Let’s get Lois Smith!’ ‘You think she’s do this, she’d be willing?’ ‘Yes.’ I was so happy to have her. Anna was, too–Anna was like,” Ball does an impression of Paquin bursting into song, ” ‘Lois Smith!’ “
Those are just a few examples of how great the casting has worked out on True Blood. It even won an Emmy for it. We fans have seen all the actors create very dynamic, engaging characters under Alan’s very capable leadership. We can’t wait to see how the new characters and stories will play out in Season three!
SOURCE: blog.buzzymultimedia.com
(Photo credit: life.com)
With the next season coming up soon We fans have a few things to speculate about namely: Who abducted Bill and Why? What will Sam find out about his real family? How will this affect him? Will Tara and Jason finally get together? What will we learn about Eric’s past? How will Sookie deal with Bill’s disappearance? However, I could not imagine what would happen in S4? Would Sookie and Bill Still be together? I’m glad it may be around for at least a couple more years I guess we will have to wait to see what develops. The Sopranos was on for almost 7 years..Will TB be on for almost as long?
Will people and or the network still be interested after Season 4? Guess we will just have to see
I have read the books and I love see True Blood the show.
I accept that the show is different, and I believe the show works because it’s different. If the show was exactly like the books it wouldn’t be so interesting to those of us that have read the books.
True Blood is an adaptation of Charlaine’s story and offering us suspense, stronger plots and very surprises. Alan tries to stay true to the spirit of the books, but sometimes It is almost a new story:
- In True Blood Bill ask Sam to watch over Sookie. In the books, it’s Bubba that acts as a bodyguard to Sookie.
- In the books Eric kill the bartender from Fangtasia, in True Blood it is Bill.
- In True Blood we have Jessica (who does not appear in the books) and the girl is really perfect on the show.
- In True Blood Eric’s maker is Godric and it is obvious for all of us that Godric is the most important person in Eric’s life. Eric loves him so much that he wants to die with him.
In the books Eric’s maker it was a Roman named Appius Livious Ocella, and he forced Eric to be his lover, and Eric doesn’t like that and don’t like Appius.
- Lafyette dies in the books, but Alan Ball decided to keep him in the show. Like Jessica Lafyette is perfect on the show.
- In the books Bill is Sookie first love but Eric is probably her true love. In the show Sookie love Bill and don’t like Eric. Sookie says to Eric “I’d prefer Cancer”.
In the show Sookie beginnings is attraction to Eric when he tricked her into drinking is blood in the explosion at Godric’s home.
What I am saying is that Alan Ball can change it if he real wants. I know that I love Godric because he is so well written and act. He was there for two episodes and he made the whole season. I love Lafyette and Jessica in the show. And I love to see more of Pam also.
I know I want to see where they go with this great story and amazing characters.
I have read the books and I love see True Blood the show.
I accept that the show is different, and I believe the show works because it’s different. If the show was exactly like the books it wouldn’t be so interesting to those of us that have read the books.
True Blood is an adaptation of Charlaine’s story and offering us suspense, stronger plots and very surprises. Alan tries to stay true to the spirit of the books, but sometimes It is almost a new story:
- In True Blood Bill ask Sam to watch over Sookie. In the books, it’s Bubba that acts as a bodyguard to Sookie.
- In the books Eric kill the bartender from Fangtasia, in True Blood it is Bill.
- In True Blood we have Jessica (who does not appear in the books) and the girl is really perfect on the show.
- In True Blood Eric’s maker is Godric and it is obvious for all of us that Godric is the most important person in Eric’s life. Eric loves him so much that he wants to die with him.
In the books Eric’s maker it was a Roman named Appius Livious Ocella, and he forced Eric to be his lover, and Eric doesn’t like that and don’t like Appius.
- Lafyette dies in the books, but Alan Ball decided to keep him in the show. Like Jessica Lafyette is perfect on the show.
- In the books Bill is Sookie first love but Eric is probably her true love. In the show Sookie love Bill and don’t like Eric. Sookie says to Eric “I’d prefer Cancer”.
In the show Sookie beginnings is attraction to Eric when he tricked her into drinking is blood in the explosion at Godric’s home.
What I am saying is that Alan Ball can change it if he real wants. So, I don’t know if Sookie and Eric get together in True Blood, like in the books. I don’t know if Bill working for the Queen, like in the books.
I know that I love Godric because he is so well written and act. He was there for two episodes and he made the whole season. I love Lafyette and Jessica in the show. And I love to see more of Pam also.
I know I want to see where they go with this great story and amazing characters.
I always wanted to know where all tha charatcters where whwn they were not with Sookie and even Bill as well becouse he has not much scene from book 4 so i’m really excited about that…I know however that this would be a Ball’s idea of the plot and not Harris’s but i’m fine and really interested to find out the backstory of him and others….
I mean he did a great job with Sam, not like to much Tata but defenitly with sam, Lafa and Jason he didi a excellent job…
Pleas Alan Bal…MORE MORE MORE PAM!!!!!!!
While I admit that I’m not looking forward to Sookie with Eric, I trust that Alan Ball will make the show fun and interesting enough that I’ll be able to cope
I am pleased that he has respect for Bill and what he’s been through, I hope that means he’ll manufacture a good story for him, like he did for Jason & Tara.
Thanks for posting this article. It seems we have a wild ride ahead! I am glad he is going away from the books a bit – as I have said before, we don’t want a documentary!
Thank you Jane. Loved the article. I keep saying this, but I really have a good feeling for S3 and now S4. These 2 seasons should really open up the Sookie universe for us with the addition of different types of supes and continuing saga of our beloved vamps. I really loved the book S3 will be based on and trusting AB to stick to books 3 and 4 as much as he can, this should be a really good season!!! New characters and exciting new storylines as well as old friends in interesting situations. Any small deviations will just become pleasant surprises.
Thank you, thank you, thank you AB for making us bookies happy, while putting your own remarkable spin on the series. The perfect balance!!!
Jaxx I agree with you 100%!! Books 3 and 4 were two of my favorites out of the series. Can’t wait to see what compromising positions AB and staff put Eric and Sookie in!! YUM!! Still wondering if the scene after Godric meeting the sun was just a dream of Sookies or if some(not all because we know she didn’t let him bite her) of the more tender moments really happened or not. Bring on Season 3, all this anticipation is killing me.. lol
I would just like to say this fansite is the most objective and non-biast I have visited. Its great to be in an environment of fans that are all passionate about the show, and although we all have our own opinions. Everyone seems incredible open, and this is the only fansite I feel comfortable enough to share my views on. However silly or unconsciously biast my comment maybe. I have always felt this site is well balanced based on my experience on other sites. Keep it up all those who are involved, you do a wonderful job!! Happy 2010 is prosperous for all!!
ohh yeah and now something more relevant… I cant wait for more development of all characters in the show in season 3 and 4! Cant wait to see who will play debbie pelt, she is a pretty prominent character in the books!
Hi Jay!
Thank you so much for the wonderful words! We do try our very best to be objective and neutral as there are millions of True Blood fans out there that have their favorites and want them to be presented in the best light. Of course there are times when emotions get heated and discussions get very passionate about a character. At those times I try my best to quell the flames down and wish no one’s feelings get hurt or feel that their opinions don’t matter.
Everyone feels so passionate about the show because it has touched all our hearts in different ways and for different reasons. That is why I like to say that no matter how passionate we are about a character, in the end it is the series, True Blood that allows to escape for a hour during the week into the magical world of Bon Temps.
That is why I am excited to hear Alan talk about season 3 and to know that there will be a season 4. That the incredible stories and themes that Alan and his creative team of writers develop will continue and having the opportunity to watch the drama unfold with the superb acting from all the actors is enough for me. Regardless of where Alan will take the stories should not really matter, just the fact that he is able to continue to do so should be the basis of our excitement. That is why I am so excited for season 3 and 4 to see where Alan is going to take us.
its only natural we will all come across another true blood fan that has a different opinion to our own. I always expect this, and also expect that there will always be passionate debate. But at the end of the day, I am happy to know I am not the only passionate fan in the world. I am from NZ at the bottom of the world!
If I was to admit my favourite character, it would be eric. But this is opinion based on the books. But when it comes to the show, I genuinely cant make up my mind who I love the most because what I like about the show is we get see the lives of all the characters not just sookie. I am happy that eric will be more prominent in season 3 and 4, not for the sookie/eric relationship. (Although that is a contributing factor 
) But more so for the opportunity to explore erics past more, in the hope he developes into a much more interesting and complex character. (1000 years is just to good an opportunity to explore stories and develope eric that the show I’m sure must feel they cannot ignore). In which case I should also mention, I would love to see more of Pams past also. Bill is so interesting and mysterious. I have always wondered what he does when he is not with sookie? what did he do before he was with her? I would love to see this side of him.
Heck, I would love to see more of andy bellefleur too! He is just too awesome! And terry has always been so mysteriously off to me. I would love to see his life when he was in vietnam. Why is he the way he is? kinda of odd…what happened to him?
I just want more from everyone, I am itching for season 3 its ridiculous
So glad that Ball will make some changes rather than follow closely to the book. Cant wait to see his version.
Great article Janie Thanks
Its just an incredible show! The acting and writing are astonishing!
Wooooow wooooow wooooooow…
I mean i already knew all of this things becouse he already said them…but i’m still happy to read them again……
Not only season 3 and 4 will be very important for Eric but also Season 5 or 6 (finger crossed about have them)……
Never had a doubt he would follow the books, not becouse i love Eric just becouse Ball loved reading them and he was addicted to book 3 and 4 which are very important for Sookie /Eric and Bill…..
So I hope to see a a lot s of new things too and i guess ball will surprise us as well as he alreadu did with these 2 great Seasons^^
Woo Hoo Woo Hoo!!! Doing the happy dance!!! Not only do we have Season 3 but to now look forward to the 4th also…. THANK YOU Alan(and crew), and HBO for bringing these books to screen for all of us to enjoy! Can’t wait for the season to begin!!!
Also, a big “THANK YOU” Janie for always knowing what keeps our TRUE BLOOD pumping!!! LOL
Haha, you’re welcome! I’m always glad to bring wonderful news. Alan Ball has made us all very happy this week!!!
Great article and I love the quotes you use! Go True Blood, to Season 4 and beyond!