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Eric Northman,Vampire … Anti-Hero

What is it about Eric Northman that draws and mesmerizes so many?  The infamous vampire bar and club?  The snappy attire?  The bold yet casual swagger? The fact that he is an authority figure?  These are all reasons that legions of fans are attracted to this charming and enigmatic vampire gent.  The character also has a hard edge and a dark sense of humor, which I think makes him more interesting and fun to watch.

Each episode with Eric reveals another facet to his personality. Early in the second season, after viciously attacking someone in his basement dungeon, he asks a horrified Lafayette, “Did I get blood in my hair?”  This is just one example of how Eric can be scary and funny at the same time.  The scene where he, Pam and Chow prey upon Lafayette is evidence that he is a fierce predator.

“True Blood” fan Mary from New York  says, “I find him to be sexy because there is an element of danger about him. There is also hope for Eric because of the way he was loyal and protective, to a fault, with his maker, Godric.”

Tommy, a writer and fan of the show says, ” I think that Eric knows his own strength and that may sometimes intimidate people around him; even viewers. He may come across as arrogant  and yet it may be simply that he is comfortable with himself.”

Jaxx, an avid fan of the show had this to say, “I think that in the next season, we will see even more of a breakthrough with Eric. I believe that he is a diamond in the rough and has much potential to change.”

I think that Eric Northman, like many of the other characters on the show, is a layered and complex person.  We, the viewers and fans, do not know if he is good or bad.  Much of his past seems to be cloaked in mystery, too. He can be treacherous and deceptive but he can also be loyal and protective with those few he cares about. Eric is a complex character. He acts tough but in the second season of the show, he saves Sookie’s life twice. Once,when she was attacked by the Maenad and then again when Luke MacDonald bombed out a building where she and Eric were present.  He is fascinated with her, and watching his desire and curiosity grow over the next year should be quite appealing.

Unlike Bill and Sam, Eric cares little about acceptance from others or about integrating vampire and human culture in society. Eric does things his own way and he makes no bones about it. He is seen by some as the consummate rebel, a non-conformist. Although, he may be just as wounded on the inside as the others, but more adept at hiding it.

Fans would agree Eric Northman may well be the hottest vampire on TV to date!  He has mesmerized many with his charm and dominant personality.  It will be quite interesting to see how his relationships with others, including Sookie, progress during the next couple of seasons.

With Eric there are many more layers to unravel but I don’t think his adoring fans mind that very much.

Do you have a viewpoint on Eric? Please feel free to post it in the comments below!  Remember, no attacking each other, keep it civil!

Photo credit: HBO

Screen Capture: James

81 comments
pbt

I don’t know about phone booths and pink spandex. But I am liking the photos of Eric in his black leather jacket and sports car today. Those spoiler pics were spectacular. I am thinking burgandy/red Corvette with a beautiful tan leather interior. Sookie will be so comfortable when it is time to take a ride with the sheriff. LOL.

65 days until the v-ddiction continues!

I am sure Ollie will be posting the Details photos too. Ryan, Stephen and Alexander were all yummy in those. Right Ollie 🙂 Can’t wait!

    Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

    LOL pbt you read my mind! 🙂 I am going to tomorrow. They came in later this afternoon and I was swamped with so many other things that I thought “hmmm well we got to feast on the season 3 photos, tomorrow we will dine on the Detail photos.” 🙂

    missyella

    I have yet to see them, but bring them on please………….

      val

      Oh my god Missy,he is too gorgeous to be alive(LOL)!
      You can go to True-blood.net and see him on the first page! Be sure to take your blood-pressure meds first tho! SIGH!!!!!!

        jaxx

        OMG, OMG, OMG!!! I couldn’t wait until tomorrow, I had to take a look today. WOW!!! Little red corvette indeed!!! I’m hoping it’s candy apple red. Hot, hot, hot in the leather. 65 days to go, I’m going to bust. They definitely got this year’s theme right so far “Waiting sucks” but it will be sooooo worth it. 😀

        missyella

        Hi Val, I did and yessir he looks smokin as usual…………..lol!!

Antonio

IMO Eric Northman is a complex character. He has done some bad things But He IS a Vampire and an authority figure at That!
Eric is a vampire in the more traditional way..Ruthless,manipulative,deceitful maybe even harsh,But,This Is Who he is! In S2, We(the fans) got to see Another side to him! From the moment he told Bill about the “missing” vampire,You could tell that this troubled him greatly!
What I thought was moving was when Eric spoke to Lorena
Lorena: Why would you think I would want Bill back I havent seen him in over 70 year!
Eric: I havent seen My maker in twice that long But I’m still loyal to him!
Interesting to see just how devoted Eric was to Godric!
Eric also seemed sad “If godric is gone,then Nothing can bring back what i’ve lost!” I sense depression and some regret in there! Then the rooftop scene…Whoa!
Eric big bad ole’ Eric The “tough” vampire broke down and cried like a little boy pleading with his maker not to destroy himself! Perhaps Eric DOES have Some humanity left but he may have to dig deep to find it.

    Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

    Antonio,

    You can argue your case as as much as you want but I only have one word for you: BILL 😀

      Nia

      Halelujious!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Isis Nocturne

      I second Nia, and add an Amen! 😀

        Nia

        Now all we need is Lizzie to complete…

        “Team Commando”….LOL

        So what do you think….black leather uniforms??

          Isis Nocturne

          haha, too X-Men like… But then again… We’ve got Anna as Rogue there, Hugh Jackman as Wolverine… If we added Stephen… ZOMG! *eyes popping out of head animated-style*

          Nia

          I would have said we could wear pink spandex but that would have been WAAAY WRONG!!!!!!! LOL

          OK now I am picturing Stephen as a superhero……ZONG is right!
          He can save me anytime!

          Ladies you have just given me great ideas for sweet dreams tonight!
          Plus I just saw another picture of him elsewhere and he was so gorgeous I almost had heart palpitations.”fanning self furiously”
          Sweet dreams!

          Lizzie 1701

          Team Command Lizzie is here!!!!! BILL!!! BILL!!!! BILL!!!! BILL!!! BILL IS THE VAMP! BILL IS THE HERO!!! GO COMMANDO BILL!!!

          Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

          LOL!!!!!!!!! Love it Lizzie! Go Team Commando Bill! LOL!!!!!!

      jaxx

      LOL, you guys are too funny!!! I’m glad we all have our “heros” of sorts to cheer for. That’s what keeps this show going. Good for you.

        Nia

        Hey Jaxx! How are You??
        Sorry, the team got carried away here and just having a bit of fun!!!!!!!

        Hi Missy!! You are right of course, Eric can fly, obviously the benefit of being so old.
        Do you think he has an old fashioned phone booth somewhere in Fangtasia??? AHHH that must be where he keeps his pink spandex!! LOL
        We may see it yet!!!

          jaxx

          Hey Nia, it’s all good. If it weren’t for us fans, there would be no show to cheer for. I think it’s cute. At least we’re all in good moods. LOL.

          missyella

          Only if AB deems it so………but we can all use our imagination, 6ft 4″ of lovliness……

      missyella

      Just one thing to say BILL CANNOT FLY, now why is that? In the hierchy of Vampire worlds, he is an underling….

      Also don’t forget ERIC IS THE SHERIFF OF AREA FIVE, now to get to this position, I doubt he would have slept with the Queen, but through years of machination, killing and deceit, guile and cunning, an anti hero who knows? But a killer Vamp you bet…..

      Now Eric can fly, would this be because he is over 1000 years compared to Bill’s young 175.

      Lol……………………..

D. Reilly

Club Dead (#3) and Dead To The World (#4):Sookie goes through major traumas. She gets “staked “at Club Dead, “healed” with Erics blood(blue silk boxers!),she kills a vamp,rescues Bill, then gets attacked by wares;Eric gets shot;Bill& Eric save Sookie.(all book 3)Book 4…BIG BIG HAPPENINGS…(Sookie spends time with the Viking vamp & loves it..never really forgets it.. because they really are “alike”) Big WITCH WAR !! Eric and vamps in danger..Wares, and SHAPESHIFTERS..and Sookie finds out there’s more..But a lot of Eric. He “figures” in Sookies life throughout the rest of the novels;vols. 5-9.Jason,Pam,Sam, Laffayette,Hoyt,Jessica and all of Bon Temps, keep life “busy” as always for our heroine.
Sookie is never trouble free for long. Eric (&Bill) are always there;as she becomes more involved with the supernaturals! “What are you?”..
Sookie finds out. What an ADVENTURE !! TRUE BLOOD.;wishing you a long long run. Every success..so your fans can continue to enjoy these adventures. The southern vampire novels;so much more than “love at first bite”!!

MIRMIDONNA

Eric Northman is the “Mr. Darcy” to the vampire books for me… is an amazing character…i love him!

missyella

Antonio,

I forget to say thank you for a very good article…..about my main Man/Vamp……..

missyella

As an Eric fan from the beginning of the series and then via the Books I can only say what a very good article and I see Jaxx got a mention, good on you jaxx……

To me Eric is deeply dangerous, mesmorising and a beautiful Vampire to look at.

You never know when he will/could turn, so always be on your guard but yet he can be kind, loyal, considerate and at the same time cruel, but is that not the point of being a Vampire, they have ALL lost their “humanity”, because they ceased being “human” once bit and turned….. so this idea of Bill gaining his humanity won’t wash he just cannot get it back!!!

Sheila

I think some of our fascination with him is his strength in leading those around him, but also his vulnerable side where Sookie is concerned.

Lizzie 1701

Same goes for Stephen Moyer! Go check out S1 again! Look at the scene where he is made Vampire! The scene where he goes back home with Lorena, to see his family for the last time – the single tear in his eye! That spoke volumes – more than the crying sissy style of AS when Godric was going to die! Look at the episode where Bill is in the church and he is so still! Then he hears Sookie and Sam come in and all you see is the flicker of Bill’s eye to signify his frustration at hearing Sookie with Sam! When Bill is glamouring the policeman! In S2 when he glamours Jessica’s sister – so sexy and so scarey!!! That man has fantastic acting chops and it would bode well for the others to learn form him! There are many other scenes – go check them out!
The man is also gorgeous – the whole package!

Go True Blood!

    jaxx

    I think this season, we’re going to see different sides to the characters all the way around. Bill, Eric, Sam, Sookie, Lafayette, Jessica, QSA, etc. Some of them may happily surprise us while some of them will shock us. It’s all good. 🙂

jaxx

Thanks Antonio for the great article and shout out.

As I’ve stated before, Eric is a multi-faceted character. We’ve seen the jaded, arrogant, even cruel side of Eric in S1. In S2 we see the softer side of Eric’s potential beginning to unfold. I think in S3 we will see other sides to Eric, romantic, loyal, fiercly protecting those that are loyal to him. This romance thing is all new to him. He has discovered a female of worth that he hadn’t had in a long time if ever. All’s fair in love and war. It happens all the time in everyday life. Sookie is not married to anyone at this point. We’ll have to see where her heart really lies now that Eric and Alcide will be in the picture. Should be an interesting S3. Can’t wait. 🙂

D. Reilly

Back to ERIC: He’s an ancient vampire, and has great “control”..wonderfully playful sense of humor (thanks to alex scarsgard). There are many “sides” to Eric; True Blood didn’t even begin to “explore” yet. Erics quiet speaks volumes,,and when he goes into “action” it will be worth every bit of screen time !! ( note; episode, “scratches”..and who could ever forget Sookie’s erotic “dream” scenes..) etc. Eric’s character plays very well with other characters in series..SKARSGARD …puts his BEST out there..and brings out the BEST performances amongst cast members. DEVELOPING “ERIC” as character will enrich whole ensemble !!

    Eva (too)

    Not suggesting that Alex isn’t a good actor, but you are insulting a fine, fine cast. A cast every bit as talented, if not more so. They do need to be dragged along by him.

      Laura

      Not really, she’s just expressing her opinion. She didn’t say anything negative about any of the other cast members.

        missyella

        I agree, this Article was about Eric and no one else.

        We have got to be very careful that this does not degenerate into a Bill v Eric stand off, like we had before Christmas, when some hurtful things were written…..

        We can all appreciate the fine acting by a great enemble and nothing should detract from that, but I state again this was primarily about the Northman……..

          Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

          Hi Missyella,

          You are absolutely right we have to be careful this doesn’t turn into a Bill vs Eric (LOL why do we keep doing that, I think Stephen and Alex would be ashamed of us all for doing such things). So thank you for being the voice of reason. 🙂

D. Reilly

April Fools Day….My Local channel carries headline: Anna Paquin (of True Blood): admits to being bisexual. Is this true ??

Kathy Livingston

Uhmmmmmmm Eric, ok the character of Eric is indeed many-sided. I feel he will soften on TrueBlood, and he will have to help Sookie find Bill. He won’t like the fact that Bill is missing, because avenging vampires is apparently part of his job. I don’t think he had anything to do with Bill’s disappearance, either. He will probably become more of a hero, if he helps Sookie find Bill, and Sookie does love chivalry. He probably will try anything to win Sookie to his side, and we’ll have to figure out if he is only after winning or if he even cares about Sookie.

Judy

VILF says it all! ;o}

Antonio

1 thing that moved me about Eric was when this tall cowboy vampire got into his face about Godric and Sookie. Eric seemed almost sad..troubled. He expressed something like if Godric was gone that there would be NO Way to bring back what he lost!
I thought “Wow!” this guy may Not be as tough as he seems!
I think that in subsequent seasons we may see an “unraveling” of his character…it certainly will be interesting to watch!
The interesting thing about Most of True Blood’s characters is that they are All complex hard to figure out! I like that!
Again this is just MHO 🙂

Antonio

Its great to see an exchange of opinions,Particularly about the Sheriff of Area 5..Eric Northman
I can see where some of you might not see Eric as an Anti-Hero type,However, I see him as just that. For Me, a “textbook” Anti-Hero is someone who …Breaks the rules,Goes their Own way and Defies convention…A real rebel Non-Conformist. To Me, That IS Mr. Northman to a T! As for the phantom of the opera,I’d consider him to be more of a “tragic-hero” as opposed to an Anti-Hero…But That is just me! Eric is charming,persuasive and seductive and he uses that to further his Own ends But there Is another side to him as we saw in IWRU. Eric may very well be just as troubled as Bill and perhaps maybe remorseful over His past But he may be better at hiding it!
As for Bill, He is far from perfect,also. He can be dominant and hostile He also has a “dark” side ( see ep.3 S1) Plus “glamoring” that patrol officer I dont blame Sookie for getting creeped out there! But This is what makes him so interesting,I think That he has an internal struggle that he wrestles with his “personal dragons”! Eric Is Cool,I think
He can be mean and vindictive and perhaps arrogant but Its hard Not to like him….Isnt that part of what Sookie has to deal with regarding Bill? Doesnt she love him Despite the fact that she knows he’s a Vampire and knows What they are capable of? JMHO Thanks Again for such a lively exchange of ideas regarding Eric 🙂

Anna Sayer

I love Eric! He’s is amazing on screen and if you’ve read the books, he gets better and better! He’s definitely one of my favorites!
http://www.loveofvampires.com/favorite-vampires/

    Lynnetta

    Right there with you Anna!! Sped through the books and couldnt get enough of Eric there… and now the series lets us look at him….YUM!!!

    pbt

    I agree Anna. Eric from the source material was very intriguing, sexxy and all that. I love what Alan Ball has done with his character so far. I know there are others who lament that he is not the same but just wait. I know waiting sucks as the advertising claims but I feel his character will continue to develop on the series.

    http://www.ericsarea5.wetpaint.com

    If you want some more of Eric Northman or Alexander!

Isis Nocturne

I agree 100% with what Katra said. Even having read the books, I still fail to see how anyone can really describe Eric Northman as an anti-hero. Also, an anti-hero is described as the PROTAGONIST of a story. So far, in True Blood, Eric Northman is NOT the protagonist of the story. Bill Compton is.

    Laura

    The anti-hero is usually the protagonist in a story, yes, but not always. Bill is very much the “good guy” of the show, whereas Eric isn’t.

    Although, I don’t see either as protagonists.

      Katra

      Actually, I’m an English major. An anti-hero HAS to be the hero of the story! Otherwise, the use of the term ‘hero’ in anti-hero is inaccurate and can describe anyone. Just putting anti- in front of a word does not change how it’s supposed to be used.

        Antonio

        It’s been My impression that an “anti-hero” possesed some dubious distinction or quality. I have always thought that the person that “you Love to Hate” was such a character. There Always seems to be at Least 1 person on a show or in a book series that makes you cringe and that you can’t seem to stand but are Somehow drawn to them. This Is WHY I believe that Sookie is drawn to Eric…She cannot stand him but yet there is Something There that fascinates her that draws her in.
        I have always thought that an “Anti-Hero” is someone who has the potential to do something heroic or beneficial but retains a “dark” side or may have questionable motives for doing so.
        Batman is a Prime example of an anti-hero. He Does help people,But,He wrestles with a darker side a quasi-predatory nature. Anti-heroes are Never perfect Seldom “angelic”
        IMHO,The difference between a Hero and an Anti-Hero is This:
        A HERO acts with the purest of motives and/Or intentions
        He/She is primarily concerned with the well-being of OTHERS and Not so much themself! Frodo Baggins and Sam “wise” Gamgee of the Lord of the Rings are Heroes because they risk life and limb to commit to an ideal or a mission They care Nothing for their own safety or life they are More concerned with the well-being,safety of OTHERS! This is What a Hero is…
        An Anti-Hero by contrast, is someone who MAY or Can Do Something noble or benificial,But, May have an ulterior motive or a whole other agenda for doing so. Eric Northman IS SUCH A GUY!
        He will ONLY do something noble if it suits Him in some way!
        An Anti Hero is someone you may have to trust even though you dont know if doing so is a good idea!
        Sookie may Have to trust Eric if she wants his help in finding Bill She may be foolish in doing so but What Choice would she have?
        An Anti Hero in My estimation is someone whom you may not like but feel drawn to in some way. Example: Bill Compton ~~~ He’s a Vampire and as such a predator ….But he can be kind and attentive and devoted to his beloved Sookie. You See, There is a “duality” of sorts. Tony Soprano is another example : good father,provider, brother,friend but also a crime boss ruthless

eva

Thanks, Antonio, great article. Eric is growing on me, as in I am more interested in learning about him. He’s funny in his “I don’t give a sh*t about anybody” way. Hotness does not come off of him for me. Cool yes. Hot no. He’s too self-centered and cocky. I know that works for some people, that’s fine, but it’s a turn-off for me. His looks don’t do it for me either, so I guess that’s part of it. But they do a good job on the show of dressing him for his character. He really looks the part. And whether he learned anything at all from Godric’s change of heart remains to be seen – it will be interesting to watch for in season 3.

Feflower

I Think he is “just sooo sexy’!!!!
even tho he can be “viciously scary’!

He Has many ‘side’s’ to him, I love his “Loyal, caring side’,

He “is more “Honest’, caring,
“integrity’ for me which is sexy’!
I Beleive He “love’s sookie’ “she has “awakened’ his “human’ “feeling’s’ And “brought him back to life”,

as he said,
(“he hasn’t been happy in hundred’s of year’s’,)

Sookie’s love “Changed him’ for the better’, he has as i said “integrety’ for a “Sexy Viking Vamp”.

Not tlike Bill he’s “possesive, controling, deceitful’, “yuck’.

    Ollie Chong aka AdoreBill

    Ah when did Eric say “he hasn’t been happy in hundred’s of year’s’ and when has Sookie been in love with Eric in True Blood? How has Bill been “possessive, controling, deceitful’? I will not use the last word since it offends me and I would not use it to knock down anyone.

    Yes I have read all the books but this is True Blood. Who knows what direction Alan will take the storyline but as of now Bill proposed to Sookie, she is in love with him and said yes (even though he didn’t get to hear it) and does not like Eric. Not the same at all and I love what Alan is doing.

    Antonio this is a wonderful piece looking at what makes Eric tick but you know where my heart lies. 🙂

      Lizzie 1701

      I agree with you Ollie.

      Antonio – I know you asked me for some comments to include in your post, but honestly, I thought and thought and I just could not write anything that would not sound horrid. You see Antonio, I can’t stand the Eric character. Oh, he has some funny lines and is OK to look at, but I despise him for what he is and nothing will make me change my opinion. Sorry Eric Lovers, but this is my opinion, and yes, I have read the books, but I still don’t like him! To me, it is all about Bill and I feel sorry for him in the books as I feel he was a Vamp stuck between an rock and a hard place and I think he has been severely critiqued. I dislike that Eric, in TB, ‘downtreads’ Bill at every opportunity and I hope that in coming seasons Eric will get his just deserts!

      Sorry – this is my opinion and no disrespect intended to the Eric shippers – we love who we love. That’s it in a nutshell.

      Oh, one other thing, Bill saved Sookie from the Maenard and took her to Fangtasia for Dr. Ludwig to save ehr and Bill fed Sookie his blood to make her healthy. Also, Sookie would have been saved by Bill at the Church if Eric had not called in Lorena to detain him. Also, do not forget the trickery involved in the bullet sucking scene. No hero of mine.

        val

        Well Lizzie-different strokes for different folks. Personally,I don’t think you have to defend your opinion to ANYONE! We are all Trueblood lovers here. You can certainly like and dislike anyone you want.
        I LOVE Eric and am not embarrassed to shout it from the rooftops!
        That is what makes this site so great-we can love and hate whoever we want and its just O K!!!!

          Lizzie 1701

          Yes, Val, we will stick for those we love and must respect others opinions. We will see how things pan out in the series. Hopefully true love will prevail.

          Hoping for more clips and teasers, but yet, hoping not to see them! They can be the cause of pleasure of pain or false information!

          Go True Blood!

        Nia

        Hi just chiming in here ladies and Antonio,
        Better late than never I guess.

        AHHH another heated debate with no end in sight. Opinions, desires, blind faith, and throw in to the mix, two stories (True Blood and CH’s books), the same and at the same time different, and what do we have?? Fuel for a fire that rages out of control.

        Such is the appeal of True Blood. It makes our blood hot, and our pulses race, especially for our favorites.

        It seems that no matter what is said here we will see and believe what we want to, regardless of any facts. But I must give my opinion as everyone here has. This is JIMO.

        So first let me start by quoting some definitions I found:

        ***”Heroes” face danger for the sake of protecting or saving others with little thought to themselves. In many cases the hero volunteers through sense of duty. Other times he or she rises to the occasion when put in a situation that calls for action.

        The “anti-hero” is often a reluctant hero who does not consider himself capable of accomplishing the goal. He might be selfish, addicted, corrupt, sullen or disaffected. By the end of the journey the anti-hero typically transforms into a fuller, happier or more complete person due to the struggles he or she endures. In many cases the anti-hero dies at the end of the story, even while overcoming.***

        So quite obviously our sweet dark Mr. Compton (thank you pbt for giving Bill such deference and respect as to use his proper sir name, you obviously hold him in the highest regard to do so)or Bill as I like to call him is definitely the hero of the story so far. He manages to fill every bit of the definition given.

        Because it was brought up, and though we have hashed this before, the times when Bill has kept the truth from Sookie has been always to protect her. Should he have told her the truth from the beginning? Sure, but he is not perfect. He is trying though. And that is noteworthy and bespokes a fine character.

        Eric does come “close” to the def. of anti-hero. We have seen him selfish, corrupted, sullen, addicted and disaffected, of course decietful as well. But we must consider that we may see a change in his behavior due to his seemed addiction to this desire to “aquire” Sookie.
        To truly achieve antihero status he must transform himself into a fuller more complete person, not just the selfish selfserving one we have seen thus far. His desire for Sookie may change him. For now I see him as just the antagonist to Bills protaganist.

        Is Eric a reluctant hero? I cannot believe that Eric would be reluctant about anything. He did step in front of Sookie to take bullets for her, but then used the situation, her naivte’, to his advantage. That a hero does not make.
        But perhaps Eric will redeem himself in the seasons to come and we may see some admirable qualities surface. For now though he has done very little to achieve the anti-hero status.

        As you know I am a true lover of Bill but I enjoy Eric as well for what he is. What would we have to talk about if we did not have these two glorious men pitted against each other??? LOL
        Goodness how life would be boring.

        As the seasons progress I am sure we will see more depth to both these characters. That is inevitable. So it seems time will tell the fate of our vampires.

        Heroes, anti-heroes, villains………….???? Only AB knows for sure!

      Laura

      The possessive and controlling aspects of Bill’s character have been shown plenty of times on True Blood. I’m sure the “deceitful” part will be shown next season.

        pbt

        Have to agree Laura. So many instances when Mr. Compton has been deceitful. As Sookie said, you are not protecting me you are lying to me. I love Mr. Compton’s face when Sookie inquired further to ask what else aren’t you telling me. Purses lips and eyes turn darker.

        Example: Coming back from Fangtasia after the LS stabbing. Bill are you sure you aren’t in any trouble. A simple slap on the wrist that’s all. But Pam. Pam was made over a hundred years ago and still remains how everyday is Halloween.She is all drama and theatrics.

        After Mr. Compton’s discussion with Eric he knew he was in a big boat load of trouble.

          Antonio

          Hi PBT I always enjoy reading your posts..They are always well expressed and passionate! I agree with you there were a few times when Bill Was deceitful and witheld the entire truth from her! Sookie can Not hear his thoughts So she has NO way of knowing if he is being completely honest with her…About Anything! This Is Why she gets So hurt about this! She trusts him More than the others and yet she cannot hear his thoughts and read his intent. I Like Bill a lot! But He IS a Vampire and Most of them,If Not all, can be Quite deceptive and manipulative to attain what they want! Eric,I think is a fascinating character study! In future seasons, We may see what makes him tick and perhaps an “unraveling” of his character.
          Can Eric be deceptive,vindictive, harsh, relentless…Yes
          But AB makes it so that we can get to see What drives a character
          What makes them the way they are. He did this with Bill,Sam,Jason and Even Sookie and Tara,too!
          Eric has a “dark side” but So does Bill and Sam and even Jason wrestles with doubts and a darker side ( he feels guilty about
          Amy killing Eddie in front of him~~BTW That scene was Gross!~~
          Not to mention, the guilt he must now feel over “accidentally” killing Eggs Talley!
          Bill IS Every Bit as much Vampire AS Eric!
          Bill “TRIES” to do what’s right Eric is just Who he is “What you see is what you get”
          Like it or not Eric Is who he is
          Sookie had also accepted this fact about Bill!
          Besides, If we are talking “villains” here I think that Maryann Forester was Much More Diabolical and wicked minded than Eric!
          In Season 2 We got to see a different side of Eric I think this will be elaborated upon much in subsequent seasons
          Besides, IF Eric were All bad then how would it be possible for Sookie to see “Love” in him??
          Dream Sequence Season 2: Sookie: You seem to have love in you
          Eric: Only for Sookie
          Besides, I thought the whole sequence when Sookie was trying to console Eric after he lost his maker was Incredibly moving and sexy too! Was Season 2 a bit overdone? Yes I think so BUT I remain a fan of the series,Nonetheless!

          Thank You for permitting me to express my thoughts on this

          pbt

          Hey Antonio. Happy Easter from the States. Loved reading your article on the Anti-hero(s) of True Blood. I believe there are many who this article could be written about. I will confine my ramblings to Eric Northman since that is who you wrote about.

          The word anti-hero as defined by dictionary.com defines it as one who is a protagonist who lacks the attributes that make a heroic figure, as nobility of mind and spirit, a life or attitude marked by action or purpose, and the like.

          In many ways, Eric Northman is the anti-hero of True Blood. He does not broadcast his triumphs and failings as others do. He is not the typical knight in shinning armor type of hero. His life is marked by purpose. Eric is the sheriff of Area 5. Which we know by Mr. Compton’s admission is a role of great power amongst his kind. I am sure he didn’t get that position in Louisiana by being all candy sweet coated and nice. Eric obtained that position because he was smart, cunning and let’s face he can kick some as* when need to. I am looking forward to more of that kick-as* attitude this season.

          He will be the “hero” to our Sookie this season. IMO, he will be helping Sookie on several different fronts. One being that she will help her locate Mr. Compton who seems to have been kidnapped. On the other front, she will be helping Sookie from an apparent “were” attack at her house. The spoiler/teaser video that True Blood has promoted that scenario. Apparently Mr. Northman will be hurt in his attempt at heroism. Did Sookie really shoot him? Or were his wounds as a result of the “weres”? We will have to wait another 70 days to find out. Actually 77 days, since I believe this happens in Episode 2 of Season Three.

          I would agree that Eric is harsh, vindictive when the occasion arises, deceptive and ruthless. I would also add that he is loyal, compassionate and a true friend to those that deserve it. Again those are my opinions only.

          I liked how you mentioned that “What you see is what you get!”. That will be interesting especially this season. I am not sure that expression will always fit this season. Perhaps just the opposite. Perhaps what you see is not always what you get! All the characters are multi-layered personalities. That what drives the show. If they were one sided cardboard cut outs of good and evil it would be truly boring very quickly. Instead Alan Ball has created muli-dimensional characters that possess both qualities. Hence, he has us talking about show that was well over about 7 months ago and we are still analyzing the contents of it.

          I would agree that neither Eric Northman or Mr. Compton are all good or all bad. Even MaryAnn Forester had her redeeming qualities. She did one level help Tara realize her potential and what was holding her back from achieving the good things in her life. While I agree, that the Season Two maenand storyline took entirely too much away from the Dallas storyline it was OK. MaryAnn was necessity for Tara to move forward in her evolution for this year’s storyline. We will see many more villains this season (Debbie Pelt) and in future seasons (Hallow).

          I would concur that the dream sequences were interesting since they are told from Sookie’s point of view. Her first dreams of Eric Northman were very soft, light and loving. If we think back to Sookie’s first dreams of Bill even before having his blood, they were sexy yes but also menacing. I believe the line was “who said anything about sex.” It was another interesting take of Sookie’s subconscious. The second dream about going to Eric’a suite after Godric’s death was another interesting dream. Sooking trying to console the Viking after the enormous lost of his maker. Ended up being a love and blood fest. While I believe that Eric Northman is interested in Sookie for her blood. He is also interested in Sookie for other reasons some of which will be explained this season. Alan Ball has already spoiled the “glowing hand” as being important to Sookie’s apparent attraction by vampires.

          I believe we will see a multitude of layers of Eric’s personality. Through flashbacks and his interactions with Sookie, we will see why he does what he does. Season One was just an introduction to the Viking, Season Two was a little more of as to his background with Godric and his extreme loyalty to his maker. Remember without Godric, Eric would have surely perished from his battle wounds. Godric is the reason that Eric is the vampire that he is. Some see as evil. Some see his redeeming qualities. I tend to see both.

          There will be an attraction on Sookie and Eric’s parts this year. Will it be fully realized? I don’t think so. Will we some steamy scenes between our two? Yes, most definitely. Two words for me are “blue boxers”. That is a nod to the original story. The dynamics of the central players are starting to form an interesting triangle, square or pentagon depending on who you include in the formula. Lest we forget about Alcide Hevereaux. This will yet be another layer to add to the story.

          Well, 70 days until the v-ddiction continues. Go True Blood! And of course, Go Eric.

          jaxx

          Well said both Antonio and PBT.

          I think this season we are going to see the opposite sides of our favorites and characters. Who was perceived as being good, will show his/her bad side and who was perceived as evil, will show his/her good side. Some people may not be happy with the side shown of their favorite characters, but that’s what I like about AB, he eventually will show every side to every character in this show. It will give everyone a well informed and well rounded look at all the characters, see what really is behind their motives. I have a feeling we are all going to be shocked at what we discover with some characters this season.

          And yes, PBT, I too am waiting and hoping for the “blue boxer” scene. I so hope we see that one.

          About the dream sequences, I have a question for anyone who has an opinion: When Sookie takes either Bill’s or Eric’s blood and dreams about them, is it just Sookie having a dream or can having that specific vamp’s blood in her can that vamp somehow project the type of sex they have in the dream???? And, does the vamp know when Sookie has had a dream and what they were doing in the dream???? Maybe I’m looking into this too deeply but it is a question that has always been in the back of my mind while watching all the dream sequences. Anyone???

          pbt

          Hey Jaxx. You are right. We can only hope for the “blue boxers” scene. Who knows what AB will do with the Club Dead plot lines. As far as the dreams, I have had the same question in the back of my mind. I suppose we won’t find out until Alan Ball reveals that parcel of knowledge. We know from the original material that I believe vamps did not dream and that there was no reference to controlling dreams. I have always thought that there had to be an initial attraction to the vampire before the dreams/fantasies to occur. That could be my own spin on things thou. This is an aspect of the vampire story that will be interesting in the upcoming seasons!

          Wohoo True Blood! 68 days!

          jaxx

          Oh girls, you just reminded me of Leif and I had to laugh to myself. I soooo hope they do that scene. That was Eric/Leif at his best, incognito of sorts and that’s when Sookie/Tara do the “dance” in front of him. I could so see Alex playing out the Leif character to its fullest for, if anything, some laughs. Viewers need to see this side of Eric. Oh, how I loved Club Dead. I’m going to have to reread it before S3 starts. Please AB, silky blue boxers.

          pbt

          Jaxx, I have to agree. I reread this recently and held a discussion group on the TB Red Wiki. It was very good source material for this season. Do you think if we say blue boxers enough it will come true??

          Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers,Blue boxers. You get the idea AB. Make our dreams come true. Please!

        missyella

        I totally agree and this “Sookie is miiiiine” is becoming quite wearing lol.. can you imagin Eric proclaiming to all and sundry at the drop of a Hat, that Sookie was,is his.

        I feel that Bill somtimes forgets his place in the Vampire hierachy!! Other Vamps would just know!!!!!!!!!!!!

        Roll on the episodes based on Club Dead and especially Leif in his Specs and Eric in his blue Boxers, Silk of course…..

          pbt

          I agree about Leif. That is another part that I would like to see in True Blood. The original description of that particular scene was priceless. I am dying to see what Alan Ball does with it. As we all know, he has ramped up the story lines so much. It should be a drop dead season of surprises, intrigue, lust and love. I love the twists and turns and how he makes the material into his own vision.

          I wonder if Leif will bring a date to Club Dead. It would be awesome if he brought along Laffy as his day time guy to help out with Sookie. That would be awesome to see Laffy at Russell’s mansion. It would feel like home to him.

          val

          MMMMMM what a mind-boggling imagine that conjures up!!?? SILK!!!!

          Sorry-just got carried away for a minute!!!

          There may be Weres with amazing abs,and shifters with amazing eyes in the third season, but I will never FEEL this way about any other supe like GORGEOUS ,HUNKY Eric! Love that Viking!!!!!

Merciless Ink

I just like the fact that he’s a freakin’ VIKING VAMPIRE!!!! VIKINGS = AWESOME, VAMPIRE = SUPER, VIKINGS + VAMPIRE = SUPER AWESOME!!!!! Someone who’s as ancient but as powerful and brutal to have become a vampire since vikings roamed is pretty metal. XD

Katra

Honestly, I can’t see Eric as an anti-hero, since a TRUE example of a good anti-hero is Erik aka the Phantom of the Opera. He’s good, he’s bad, but he loves deeply. While some of these qualities can be ascribed to Eric Northman, not all of them can. Eric may deeply care about Godric, but he has yet to prove to me that he actually loves Sookie. Besides that, an anti-hero is someone people are continually attacking and attempting to put “in their place.” I have yet to see that happen to Eric, so I can’t acknowledge him as an anti-hero. JMHO.

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