New True Blood Season 2 posters have come out from HBO promoting the return of the second season of True Blood on Sunday, June 14, 2009 at 9PM/ET on HBO. There are 7 new True Blood Season 2 posters featuring Bill, Sookie, Eric, Sam, Jason, Tara and Maryann. So enjoy these tantalizing posters as we countdown to season 2 of True Blood.
SOURCE: HBO Inc.
We here at TrueBloodNet.com would to extend a very special thank you to Michelle for telling us about Sam Trammell‘s upcoming appearance on Free Radio on VH1. Sam Trammell who plays Sam Merlotte in Alan Ball‘s hit HBO TV series True Blood is scheduled to appear on VH1’s Free Radio Show on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 11PM ET/10PM CT.
Free Radio is a comedy program on VH1 done in the same documentary style as “The Office” where an intern accidentally lands his own morning show when the morning “shock jock” quits last minute. The main character has no clue what he is doing and the show he hosts is called “Moron in the Morning.” The intern interviews guests stars on his “show” who are real celebrities playing themselves and are asked a series of questions about what projects they are currently working on.
Here is a brief summary of the show:
Completely improvised, Free Radio offers a fresh alternative to the typical sitcom, showing just how far real A-List celebrities will go to tolerate a complete moron. In season one, Hollywood luminaries from “24’s” Kiefer Sutherland to “Heroes'” Jack Coleman and comedy legend Ray Romano are subjected to the idiot storm that is Lance and “Moron in the Morning.”
Forget “24,” when is the sequel to “Flatliners” coming out? Will “Spiderman” be joining the cast of “Heroes?” Hey, isn’t it time that Ray Romano played a serial killer? Only one show digs deep for the answers to these questions.
While runaway celebrity interviews make up the bulk of the show, Free Radio also goes behind the scenes to depict our loveably dim hero’s struggle to deal with his newfound fame and earn the respect of his co-workers.
We can’t wait to see what questions the radio host is going to ask Sam and how Sam will deal with this perhaps usual interview. If you happen to miss the original airing of the episode it does repeat on VH1 and on online on the VH1 Free Radio website. Here is the link to the schedule guide and archive of previous episodes. Once again thank you Michelle for sharing this information with all the True Blood fans.
SOURCE: Free Radio on VH1
(Photo credit: IMDb.com)
Sam Trammell of True Blood seems to have better luck in the area of dating and women then his character Sam Merlotte, the bar owner in Bon Temps, Louisiana in Alan Ball‘s hit HBO TV series True Blood. On the show Sam Merlotte doesn’t seem to have much luck in the relationship area. Either he cannot committ or when he does decide on what he wants and who he wants other situations pop up to prevent them from developing. Sam Trammell on the other hand seems to be more self assured and knows what he wants in a woman and in a relationship. Recently Sam Trammell, along with tennis legend John McEnroe, and bad boy Steve Santagat, answered questions on Extra that ranged from sex on the first date, the things women should never say to men… and what guys think about gals who make the first move! So go to the site and hear what Sam really thinks on these question. Click on the link to be taken to the Extra website to view the video here.
Last time we left Sookie and Vampire Bill, Sookie was left speechless after watching Bill glamour and unarm a police officer. Checking out your human date’s neck for fang marks is apparently a huge faux pas in the vampire world. Needless to say, Sookie is a bit overwhelmed and as they pull up to her home Bill shuts of the radio playing Tuvan Throat singing. Sookie is quite upset at how Bill dealt with the police officer stating that he probably would had done more to him if she was not around. As Bill tries to explain to Sookie that she should not fear things that she does not know he sees that she is quite upset and tells her he will not call on her again. Sookie confides in Gran the next day, who offers some helpful advice, while simultaneously handling phone calls from angry Bon Temps residents about Bill’s upcoming speech at the Descendents of the Glorious Dead (DGD) meeting.
Tara is also a bit perturbed, and across town, she bursts into her cousin Lafayette‘s house, generally making a mess of the place. Tara‘s not exactly thrilled to learn that her cousin has been dealing V, especially considering the life changing evening she spent holding hands with Jason in the ER. Lafayette offers the obligatory apology, but when Jason stops by later, he offers to let him try some V again, this time “the right way.”
Sookie gets to work, having finally decided she will not see Bill again. Sam sees this as his golden opportunity and asks her to accompany him the the DGD meeting, to which she accepts (smooth move, Sam, take her out to a meeting at which her ex will be the main event). While Sookie is in the midst of accepting Sam‘s offer, she overhears Andy thinking about the alibi Tara gave for Jason at the police station. Tara arrives shortly thereafter, explaining that even though Jason is innocent, he’s not exactly a genius, and he’ll find a way to get himself back into trouble in no time. Tara also manages to pique Sookie‘s curiosity when she takes an interest in Sookie‘s plans with Sam.
Later that evening, as the townspeople gather for the DGD meeting, conversations are varied: some people are supportive, but others are disgusted. Poor old Maxine Fortenberry (Hoyt’s mom) tries to get Hoyt to pull down a cross that sits right behind the podium where Bill speaks. With no luck, the Fortenberry’s hastily throw a sheet over the cross to hide it from sight. (Side note: This is also the first time we are introduced to Mayor Norris. This is also the only time we see him in Season 1. Now, there is also a Mr. Norris in the books, but his first name is different. Book readers: anyone else notice this? Coincidence or more?) Gran reassures inquiring towns folk that they are plenty prepared, and no one should be frightened.
The crowd begins to settle, Sam next to Sookie, the trio of young rednecks (Chuck, Wayne and Royce– a real motley crew of morons), and Tara, who squeezes next to Sam and Sookie awkwardly. Jason even shows up, totally blazed on V, feeling “strong, alive.”
Gran introduces Bill, who has been seated in the back room, using his excellent hearing to scope out the crowd in the other room. When Bill notices the sheet covering the cross, he does something very important: he removes the sheet (as the audience gasps). Vampires can be in the presence of religious icons without dying or being injured. As Bill begins to tell the story of his service in the Civil War, the redneck boys press some cloves of garlic in a press in an attempt to set Bill off. But, garlic does no more harm to Bill than provide a temporary source of irritation– this is also important, because it is yet another common vampire myth debunked (and it provides a great little moment where we see Bill twitch his nose like Samantha in Bewitched before he continues).
There are two very important stories told at this point: one is of Tolliver Humphries, a friend of Bill‘s and a relative of one of the townspeople, who was killed in the war. Bill also receives a photo of himself and his wife and children, a moment which brings tears to his eyes. At this point he must conceal his hankerchief behind his back, for it is covered in tears of blood.
After the meeting, various townsfolk walk up to Bill and thank him for his speech including Terry Bellefleur who hugs him and tells him that others don’t understand (fighting in a war) and to stay strong. Then Sam and Sookie approach Bill to congratulate him on his speech and the favorable response from people. There has always (and will always) be tension between Sam and Bill, as Sam states that off hours he is not Sookie‘s boss though Bill does point out that Sam is still “legally” her employer when Sam drapes his arm around his date’s shoulders. Sam takes Sookie for pie and coffee, and asks her some personal questions about how intimate she has gotten with Bill (Sam, you see, believes vamps are naturally dangerous). Of course, Sookie doesn’t take too kindly to Sam’s prying, especially after he kisses her forcefully, and she demands to be taken home.
At Merlotte’s, Jason, still tripping on V, tells Tara how much he loves her as he caresses her hand at the bar. Tara, though holding on to a shred of hope, knows he’s just high and tries not to get too excited. Across the bar, the trio of rednecks has started causing trouble for Lafayette, resulting in a poignant and shocking scene in which Lafayette retaliates against the rednecks’ comments that he has made them “an AIDS burger.” This is the scene that defines Lafayette‘s awesomeness.
As Bill walks home from the meeting for a moment he “sees” his family sitting on the front porch of his home as he “hears” his young son say “look mama…papa.” The memories triggered by the photograph given to him by Mayor Norris at the meeting makes him relive the last time he saw his family. Just at that moment Andy and Bud stop by to ask Bill some questions and Bill invites them into his home as they reluctantly accept. Bill offers them a Fresca to which Andy decides a Fresca sounds nice, but complains when it’s warm (to which Bill responds “I don’t have a refriegerator”). Bill matter-of-factly explains that if the body’s that have been popping up all over town were full of blood, a vampire could not be a suspect to murder, as no vampire would be able to resist a free meal that enticing.
Notable plot point: This is the time we find out how Bill became a vampire. As a soldier trying to make his way home, he is taken in by a beautiful brunette in a cabin. She feeds him, and then feeds on him as he finds out that she is a vampire and has chosen him because he is a man of high morals because he would no take advantage of her. She states that she has waited a long time for a man like him and was now going to make him hers. Afterwards Bill is taken to see his family one last time, at which point his “maker” reminds him that he will never be able to return to them. She tells him to follow her, and he does so reluctantly as he has no control over what he wants to do and is completely controlled by her.
At the end of the episode, Sookie arrives home from her date with Sam, slips off her shoes at the door, and then slips on the kitchen floor in the dark. Hurriedly, she reaches for the light, flicks it on and sees a bloodbath right in front of her. The victim? Gran.
Until next time…
Sookie Stackhouse is the unbelievably popular bar maid heroine of Charlaine Harris’s series: Southern Vampire Series. The book compilation (currently nine books) has become more popular recently. The best thing to come out of her works has been the show True Blood. Because of this blazing hot HBO show, more people are grabbing her books to read up on Sookie, the back story and the future of Bon Temps.
Outward appearances can be deceiving, Bon Temps seems to be just your average town, housing average people who do average things. Sookie Stackhouse is a young woman who resides in Bon Temps and is anything but average. Sookie Stackhouse is in her twenties, sports luscious long blonde hair, a large chest, and a spit fire personality all rolled into one tanned package. She works as a bar maid at Merlottes, the local lunch eatery and bar. She enjoys her job there , but it comes with it’s own set of obstacles for her to overcome.
Sookie was blessed, or as she would think cursed, with an ability to hear other peoples minds. She can actually tap into the mind and listen to what they think, in their own voice . She knows this is an intrusive ability and tires to control it, especially around her loved ones. Sookie has learned to harness her power when she is around people like her brother Jason, or her dear friend Sam Merlotte.
In book one, Dead Until Dark, we meet Sookie and explore the relationship between her and the Vampire Bill. Sookie is a virgin, and it doesn‘t bother her one bit. She considers her self a proper lady and a bit prudish. When she meets Bill, it is the first time she starts to explore her own sexuality and what it means to her. She’s never been able to be interested in human men before because their thoughts were always to human for her. While out on dates she could hear how interested they were in her, what they thought about her body, and other private, rude thoughts. When she meets Bill, she’s shocked to learn that because he’s dead his mind doesn’t emit a signal and therefore she can hear nothing with him. It is her quiet time, her peace. Bill becomes Sookie’s hunky, vampire solace.
Being in love with a vampire really has its issues for a human. In Dead Until Dark we learn about Bill’s allegiance to Eric Northman, the sheriff of their area in Louisiana. In further books the relationship between Sookie and Eric is explored and this really becomes the heart of the series. Fans who have not read the books, may not understand that element yet, but it really is the heart of the entire story thus far.
Eric Northman is a stunning, beautiful, ancient and powerful vampire. In the world of the living dead the older you are the more powerful, stronger and revered you are. As a vampire ages, it also needs less blood to sustain. Speaking of blood, in this world that Sookie inhabits there is a prosthetic blood. Yes, vampires no longer have to feed off of humans, they can use an engineered blood that is provided at most bars and restaurants, and local stores. It doesn’t satiate the vampires at all, really. It is like feeding them beef stock when what they really need is a big steak. However, many vampires, including Bill, choose to mainstream it and use this synthetic blood and not feed on humans. Eric, on the other hand, he needs such little blood it is not made quite clear what he chooses to use. The rebel vampires in the series often still use humans who, some are willing, are often not willing.
Sookie is first introduced to Eric in Dead Until Dark. She notices him immediately not because of his gorgeous looks, but because everyone at Eric’s club Fangtasia, seems to worship him. Bill explains to her the attraction that Eric has to these patrons and she soon realizes that his power is immense. And soon, like others, Sookie finds herself obligated to do work for Eric.
By the end of book one we see that Eric has a thing for Sookie. It isn’t anything in a major way yet, but he is interested in this toy that Bill has and wants to play with it himself. Bill is protective over Sookie and knows that if Eric really wanted Sookie he could take her, and so they must do what they can to help Eric and keep him happy. Bill and Sookie end up doing a lot of telepathic work for Eric, and this gives Eric an excuse to be around her even more. He uses this to his advantage and begins to get to know Sookie a bit more.
Dead Until Dark really provides this blank canvas for Sookie and Eric’s relationship. We see at the end of the book he sends her flowers when she is hurt and checks on her outside the hospital window. Is there something that Eric knows, that Sookie doesn’t? Why does he care?
Book nine of the series, Dead and Gone, is to be released May, 2009. So what has happened with Eric and Sookie in the last eight books? The best question to ask is what hasn’t happened! Eric is a rock for Sookie when she finds out that Bill has abandoned her for the vampire who turned him, a past lover. Seriously flirting ensues from Eric through the entire series, as he tries to sway Sookie from Bill, and fails. But when Bill disappears and Eric has to tell Sookie that he’s left her for another woman, you can see the relationship change in dynamic ways. Bill has gone missing, Sookie is determined to find him. Sookie realizes she can’t do this on her own (even though she would try) and learns to trust Eric with her life.
The real binding element between Eric and Sookie is the fact that they have exchanged blood several times through the series of books. Everytime Eric and Sookie exchange blood (but for once) they are doing it to save Sookie’s life . After exchanging blood with a vampire you become connected. Although their blood heals any and all injuries and makes you stronger than you can imagine, it ties you the vampire from who it came. When Eric and Sookie find Bill and Sookie saves the day, Bill re-enters Sookie’s life. He doesn’t fulfill the capacity of a lover or boyfriend anymore. He desperately wants her back, but Sookie is one smart cookie, and keeps him as far away as she can. She remains pretty bitter about the whole situation.
Dead to the World is a pivotal book for the relationship between Eric and Sookie. This is the book where Sookie finds Eric running down the road, with his memory erased. He has no idea who he is, who she is or what is going on. He doesn’t have any knowledge that he is the owner of Fangtasia, or the most powerful vampire in the entire area. Sookie Stackhouse brings him back to her home and what she finds out is that Eric is really old fashioned at his core, and that she could love this man. This book shows the vulnerable side of Eric and definitely not the arrogant side of Eric. Without his memory Eric is unsure, needs Sookie around to feel safe and humble. Sookie begins to fall in love with him, which leads to a steamy love making scene in the shower. As with all good things, it does come to an end when Eric regains his memory. He eventually (books later) does find out that they did make love. He becomes quiet towards her and doesn’t know how to act around her. Many fans hope that Dead and Gone, book nine, will shed light on if Eric regains memory of what happened at Sookie’s while he was incapacitated. Could that be why he acts almost shy around her? Eric has never put anyone first in his life, but himself. Could this be his battle ? Falling in love with Sookie would mean putting her first in his life. He has never been the type of man who would give his life for another, could Sookie Stackhouse turn Eric Northman into a better man?
The relationship between Sookie and Eric takes another interesting turn when they attend a very important vampire convention and gathering together. Though Sookie is there to serve the Queen of Louisiana, she is near Eric the entire time because he serves the Queen, too. This is where some are speculating that Eric and Sookie may have the equivalent of a marital bond with vampires. Eric was performing a vampire marriage ceremony where you each use a knife to let blood into a cup and exchange the blood orally, at the convention. The Queen’s side kick decides that he will force Sookie to take his blood so he can be connected to her at all times, because she has been such a valuable tool for them. He wants that strong bond to her so he can be in control. Just at the right moment Eric enters and convinces him that she and he have exchanged blood and it would be best for them to do it because then the bond would be stronger. After all, Eric owed the Queen fealty so if it made Sookie happy, why not? He uses the same ceremonial knife to cut himself and then her so they can exchange the blood quickly and efficiently. This really tightens their bond and even in book eight, she is feeling the bond stronger. The bond is so strong that when the hotel is about to explode she can’t help but save him, instead of just saving herself. She had her chance to run away and let him die in the sun and rubble, but she doesn’t. He feels extremely strong and tied to her, and he doesn’t handle it well. Eric portrays some awkwardness in this book.
Eric and Sookie don’t have relations again, because Sookie does have a short romance with a Were-Tiger named Quinn. By book eight, From Dead to Worse, Sookie realizes that a relationship with Quinn isn’t going to materialize. Eric steps in and shows a softer side when Sookie finds out she has a relative . This is a huge shock for Sookie, and a huge turn in the series. Sookie’s only relative, that she knows about, is her brother, Jason Stackhouse. Her family is all dead. But, this new relative isn’t an easy one to introduce and almost leaves Eric speechless. Niall is her great grandfather and has known Eric for years. He is full blooded fairy and perhaps one of the most powerful other worldly beings in the world. Even more powerful than a vampire. If Eric is scared of him, you know he’s got some clout.
Book nine, Dead and Gone, will be interesting, because we are promised that there will be major changes for Bill and Sookie. He has been a bit absent in the latest books, however in this book Charlaine has promised there will be a lot of Bill. She also said that we would learn more Eric and Sookie’s relationship in Dead and Gone. Who will Sookie end up with? Will it be either of them or will we be surprised with someone new? Speculations have been heated that Sookie and Bill will end up together while other fans want to know if Dead and Gone means that Eric or Bill will die. I just know that I can’t wait for May so that I can dog ear each page that Eric Northman makes an appearance on!
Sarah Woods is an author on TrueBloodNet and regularly contributes to the Editorial and Review pages. Please visit her website at http://greyblood.com/ to view more of her articles.
True Blood’s Sam Trammell is interviewed on TV Water Cooler and discusses the differences between his character on Alan Ball’s hit TV Series “True Blood” and werewolves. He also talks about the shows tremendous success considering in its first year it was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best TV Drama. He also mentioned how the show tried to keep the audience guessing as to who the killer was by throwning in “red herrings.”
TV Guide interviews Sam Trammell plays the the role of Sam Merlotte who owns a bar in a small town called Bon Temps in Louisiana on Alan Ball’s hit TV series “True Blood”. Sam discusses the conflict that occurs on the show between his character and vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) who comes to town and catches the attention of a telepathic waitress, Sookie Stackhouse, (Anna Paquin) who works art the bar. In the interview Sam discusses the various plot lines that occur in the show without revealing to much.
(Photo credit: HBO Inc.)
Jarett Wieselman from The New York Post’s PopWrap spoke with Sam Trammell and discussed with him his experience working on Alan Ball’s hit HBO TV series “True Blood”. Sam answers the usually questions regarding how he got the part and how he prepared for the role. However, what I found interesting were Jarrett’s questions regarding the men of “True Blood” and they prepare for the filming of the various “revealing” scenes in the show. It is quite refreshing to hear since most shows focus on their female cast . To read Jarett Wieselman’s interview please click on the link below.
SOURCE: “True Blood” Star: ‘Sam Has A Whole Life Nobody Knows About!”
(Photo credit: HBO Inc.)
Bill Lynch with theGazz.com caught up with Sam Trammell to discuss with him his character, Sam Merlotte, the shapeshifting bar owner in Alan Ball’s hit HBO TV series “True Blood”. Sam Trammell was glad to talk to his hometown newspaper regarding how he got into acting and what other work he has done besides “True Blood”. To see the complete interview click the link below.
SOURCE: A West Virginia werewolf in L.A.
(Photo credit: HBO Inc., and true-blood.tv)
Sam Trammel is featured in a one page spread in OK! Magazine where he discusses with Carole Glines his love scenes, his love interest and a little bit about himself. To see the magazine scan of the article click the link below.
SOURCE: Sam Trammell is OK! Hot Guy
(Photo credit: HBO, Inc. and http://true-blood.tv)
Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, the owner of the restaurant in which Sookie works
Sam Trammell studied at Brown University and the University of Paris and has worked in theater, on-Broadway, off-Broadway, and in film and television.
Sam Trammell is an accomplished New York stage actor whose credits include a Tony nominated performance in “Ah, Wilderness!” at Lincoln Center. Off-Broadway, he starred in “Dealer’s Choice,” “My Night With Reg,” “If Memory Serves,” “Ancestral Voices,” and most recently, “Kit Marlowe” at the Joseph Papp Public Theater, where he received outstanding reviews.
Trammell’s feature films include “Autumn in New York,” “Wrestling With Alligators,” the soon-to-be-releases “Beat,” and most recently a starring role in the independent feature “Undermind.”
In television, Trammell was a regular on John Wells’ “Trinity,” while simultaneously appearing in a recurring role in Barry Sonnenfeld’s “Maximum Bob.”
Source: Showtime’s “Going to California” press kit
Sam Trammell plays Sam Merlotte, the bar owner in the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana on the hit HBO series “True Blood”. Sam took the time to be interviewed by Christina Radish from Mediablvd Magazine to discuss his experience with the show. Sam explains to Christina his acting career and how he obtained the part on “True Blood”. Sam provides in the interview an in depth look at the dynamics on the show and background information about the plot. To read the full interview click the link below.
SOURCE: Sam Trammell in True Blood
(Photo credit: Christina Radish/Agency Photos)
Sam Merlotte, the guy with the puppydog eyes. Everyone has met someone like him, he seems too good to be true. Loyal, caring, affectionate, warm, protective, hard worker, shows up in the morning all bright eyed and bushy tailed. You’ve always thought one day you’d start dating but then a new guy shows up and woah.. the fangs come out.
Not to turn Sam’s tail tale into a shaggy dog story but well, that’s just what it is. It’s clear from the first episode that there’s some odd relationship between Sam and that cute little doggie that follows Sookie around, hiding in the bushes and licking her face eagerly after she confronts the V stealing Ratrays. Bill and Sam recognize each other from the first moment but it takes us much longer to stop barking up the wrong tree and realize that Sam sometimes IS that cute little dog.
Sadly, Sam’s story echoes that of many dogs, left behind by his people at a young age, Sam has to make his own way in the world. While we still don’t know what his full story is, it’s clear he’s made a bundle of money along the way because he owns a significant amount of real estate in Bon Temps especially the local tavern where much of the story occurs, Merlotte’s. Obviously panting after Sookie, Sam has kept his feelings mostly to himself until Sookie shows interest in another man, Vampire Bill. After repeated attempts court Sookie, Sam’s canine side comes out when he turns to Sookie’s best friend Tara for a little play time. You just know Sam’s going to end up in the doghouse for this choice.
At the end of season 1 we’re left with a lot of questions about Sam and Sam is left howling out in the cold rejected by both Tara and Sookie despite his heroic efforts to save both Sookie and Bill from the mysterious serial killer in the cemetary and threatened by the mysterious and sometimes naked MaryAnn. One of the last scenes is of Sam stuffing a valise full of cash. Will he make yet another shape shift and rabbit out of Bon Temps? Will he stop dogging Sookie about being with Bill? Is he just going to buy the biggest dog bone in the world to bring in tourist traffic to Merlotte’s? Will we ever get to see him hanging his head out the car window? Only time, and Alan Ball’s twisted mind, will tell.
Bret Federigan from MSN TV talks to Sam Trammell who plays the bar owner of Merlotte’s, Sam Merlotte on the Hit HBO TV series “True Blood”. Sam discusses the mythology surrounding the concept of vampires and the various themes in the show. He further explains his character’s interaction in the show and some secrets regarding the direction future episodes will take. Sam gives us some insight as to some future projects he will be working on. For the complete interview click the link below.
SOURCE: Sam Trammell’s Oh-So Positive About ‘True Blood’
(Photo credit: HBO., Inc.)