The Littlest Winslow

(Spoiler-free) Waiting sure does suck, but for fans of HBO’s delicious blood suckin’, fang-bangin’, shape-shifting guilty pleasure, the wait is finally over. Sure, the network’s other fare, full of coming-of-age Girls, Prohibition-age politicians, and sword wielding medieval-doers were worthy enough to hold us over in the meantime; however, with last night’s Season 5 premiere of True Blood, Sookie, Eric and Bill have reclaimed their spot on HBO’s mainstage with more bloodshed, sex, violence, and camp. Let the madness begin!

Although the series’ 3rd and 4th seasons were a little choppy (the Franklin bit carried on for far too long, and I liked the book’s witch-based storyline better), Season 5 is already setting up a grand, epic blowout of a season. In last night’s “Turn! Turn! Turn!” we were reintroduced to each character’s storyline in the exact spot we left them. Sookie and Lafayette were cradling Tara’s seemingly dead body, as half of her blown out head covered Sook’s kitchen floor and walls; Bill and Eric were dealing with the aftermath having just killed Nan Flanagan; Jason was busy getting stalked by newly-vamped Steve Newlin; and Sam was busy trying to keep his new love interest safe from her ex’s pack. (And if anyone can explain to me that shiz with Arlene’s possible-demon baby, I’m all ears!) So basically, everything and nothing happened, all at once. But hey man – don’t we watch this show for the blood, sex, and bloody sex? There was certainly plenty to go around!

True Blood works on so many different levels. On a purely surface basis, it’s a great, cheesy escape…the ultimate guilty pleasure. Digging deeper, however, the show displays some merit with solid writing, great set design and locations (they really come alive from the page), and a cast that gets it. Sure, there aren’t any Emmy-award-winning performances here, but the cast completely understands the tone and focus of the show, and they really commit to it, packing a punch week after week. In particular, Kristin Bauer van Straten is brilliant as Eric’s right-hand vamp Pam, with her icy-cold deadpans (see above photo) and constant “I don’t give a fuck” attitude. Plus the fact that she’s always ready to tear something…or someone…apart limb by limb. That helps too.

With Alan Ball departing as showrunner after this season, I admit I’m wary. With a show like True Blood, it doesn’t take much to jump the shark and completely become a mockery of itself. If the writing remains sharp, (and full of sister-fucking and werewolf intestine-eating!), hopefully HBO can milk another 2-3 seasons off its trashy, but beloved cash cow.

This is the bajillionth post about Scream 4 in the last few weeks and I warn you, gentle readers:  It’s only going to get worse as we get closer to April 15th, 2011.

This teaser trailer debuted at the Scream Awards and has leaked on the Interweb. Check it!

ComingSoon.net has a 30-second-longer offering with actual spoken lines and extended footage.

Why isn’t it APRIL now!?

Scream 4 is filming. Horror fans around the world, rejoice!

OK…so maybe I’m overhyping this messiah to the genre film a little too much, but c’mon! The Cox-Arquettes are in, as is Neve Campbell. Wes Craven is back in action, with a screenplay from original writer Kevin Williamson. That’s at least a good start, right?

The fourth Scream film is also boasting a fresh, young cast including Hayden Panetitereirereree (Save the Cheerleader!), Rory Culkin, and Emma Roberts. Plus, the movie will have appearances by Kristen Bell, Anna Paquin (Sook-eh!), and Alison Brie.

EW posted this First Look at Scream 4:

One of my biggest fears about this movie is that they are going to “Laurie Strode” Sidney, Gail, and/or Dewey. I can accept that one of them is bound to die (tear, sadface), but if all three bite it, I’m not so sure how I’ll be able to LIVEEEE.  And in this photo, Gail looks like she’s in trouble!

My mind is already reeling! Maybe Sid has gone crazy and is the killer! Maybe a copycat wants to “reboot the series”! Maybe Deputy Dewey is trying to salvage Gail’s slightly weathered (HA! Get it?) career?

The possibilities are endless. April 15th, 2011 can’t come quickly enough.

Remember back in the day when TV was trite and stale from mid-May through the sweltering month of August? Summer TV was pretty much non-existent, boosting box office sales for blockbusters starring dinosaurs, aliens, superheroes and more!

Today, we’re seeing quite the opposite – box office experts are freaking out and wondering where the hell everybody is. Yes, people have less cash to flash, but I like to think it’s also a true testiment of summer TV simply kicking ass. As usual, here’s TLW’s recommended menu for delicious summer programs to enjoy when you need a break from the heat.

True Blood

Debuting June 13 on HBO, True Blood is currently three episodes deep on its third season. For those who already watch, it’s the perfect blend of guilty pleasure, horror, and suspense. For those who haven’t taken a bite yet, what are you waiting for? This Anna Paquin-led vampire series is nothing like the nauseating Twilight Saga – this one is for the grown-ups. It’s bloody disgusting and sexy as hell, wrapping comedy, drama, and horror together with a nice erotic bow. It doesn’t beat out my true love Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but it’s a solid contender and the show to sink your teeth into this summer. (::stabs self for making cheesy vampire pun::)

Futurama

…is back! Huzzah! Matt Groening’s futuristic comedy (that’s way better than modern-day Simpsons) is breathing new life on Comedy Central. Join Fry, Bender, Leela, and the rest of the gang for more of their crazy, space-age antics Thursdays at 10 p.m. Maybe I’d have more to say about this had I watched the premiere  (thank God for DVR!), but the zombification of Futurama calls for celebration indeed.

Entourage

I’m not sure if I’d classify Entourage as “Must-See TV,” but there’s something to be said about a show that’s this consistently consistent. In the premiere, Ari was still a dick, Drama still can’t get a jobby job, Turtle is attempting to validate his existence, and Vinny Chase is filming a biopic about Enzo Ferrari. For Entourage, all of this is plain ol’ normalsville, and that in turn is quite a detrimental factor. But then again, it’s always fun to check in with Vincent and the boys because we get a glimpse of a life we’ll never lead – a fast and fun romp through Hollywood all from the coziness of our couches.

Mad Men

The poster says it all: Donald Draper (aka Dick Whitman) is starting over. Again. Not only are Don and Betty heading forward with their divorce, but Sterling Cooper is no more. Enter Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce – the new ad agency co-starring buxom bombshell Joan Holloway, gal on the rise Peggy Olson, Harry Crane, and Pete Campbell. Mad Men is hands down one of the best on television – impeccable writing, stellar acting, and extra kudos for originality. There’s no other show that will provide this much bang for your buck….er, time. I’ll be counting down the days til July 25.

Rescue Me

Rescue Me is probably one of the best shows I’ve discovered lately, and I’m still about half a season behind (Thanks to Netflix putting the entire series on Instant). Tommy Gavin is one fucked up asshole. You want to root for the guy, but for every step he takes forward, he takes a billion backwards. The stories of these damaged FDNY guys is heartbreaking, funny, and offensive all at the same time. Season 6 starts tomorrow June 29 at 10 p.m. on FX.

Honorable Mentions

1. No summer is complete without Big Brother. I know, I know…it’s terrible! It’s so easy to get carried away in the drama, twists, Coup D’etats, Head of Households, and corny challenges held in the Big Brother house patio. It was a delight watching Jordan win last year, and it’ll be just as fun to root for a fave and hate on some villains this year. Bring it on!

2. I’m still a fan of Jada Pinkett-Smith’s HawthoRNe. I usually despise medical dramas that aren’t Nurse Jackie, but Pinkett-Smith brings a lot of heart to the show’s main character, and the supporting cast backs up Christina Hawthorne’s morality, fury, and passion.

3. Louis C.K. has a new show (again). It starts June 29 (tomorrow!) and is shockingly obviously called Louie. It’s a series premiere, but hell, any Louis C.K. is good Louis C.K.

Did I miss something you’re psyched about? What are you watching this summer? Hollerrr backkk.

So I just finished Book 1 of The Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris. Though not a bad read, it simply make me like it’s television counterpart that much more.

This post is going to be spoilerific for Season 1 of True Blood and Book 1, Dead Until Dark. Reader beware!

There are some key differences in the book that vary from Alan Ball’s portrayal of Sookie and her gang of misfits. First off, the tone of the book is much lighter and airy. Sookie is a little more naive, flighty, and ditzy. Compared to True Blood’s bloody, intense, and much darker tones and themes, I was surprised by my first glimpse into Harris’s world. Sook in the book was quite different, and it was hard to get a grasp on it with Anna Paquin on the mind. (Note: It is only Book 1, so this could definitely change as I dive deeper into the books).

No Tara! There is absolutely zero presence of Tara Thornton! Though, after the first few chapters of the second book, Living Dead in Dallas, it is mentioned that Lafayette has a cousin….because he’s dead and they need to contact his family! Whaaaaat!? I know, right? I’ll pause a minute to allow you to digest.

Alan Ball really gets full credit for the crossdressing, bi-curious drug dealer Lafayette. Not only did he advance this character into a fan favorite, but he chose to keep him alive as well! Kudos, Ball (I promise I’ll get to Season 5 of Six Feet Under soon, but I’m a tad preoccupied as you can see..).

Another con for the books? The entire story is told in Sookie’s point of view. This means less of everyone else and more Sookie/Bill romance action. Look – I’m no Twilight fan and I’d rather hang myself than read that shit. What makes True Blood work is the ensemble! All of the characters are strong, funny, and interesting with each providing some sort of payoff. In the book, almost every character without the name Sookie or Bill takes a backseat. And it’s one of those really, really long van-style backseats. Major con.

So while the book wasn’t bad, I do get that it was Harris’s first attempt at the series. I’m hoping the books get a little better, but when it comes down to it…True Blood is still my go-to Sookie fix

Summer’s here, which means we’re subject to crappy Reality TV (And not the way awesome ‘Survivor’ kind!), boring sports, and repetitive reruns. You’re thirsty for some delicious entertainment, and constantly hearing about Jon and Kate and those retarded Housewives makes you want to vomit. I’ve got just the thing to quench your thirst for compelling and intelligent viewing:

True Blood.

Don’t blow this off. And don’t let your Twilight-induced-upturned-stomache let you make the mistake of not watching this show!

Created by ‘Six Feet Under’ creator Alan Ball (and based on the Sookie Stackhouse book series by Charlaine Harris), True Blood mixes Southern drama with vampiric horror and a murder mystery. Awesome.  What more could ya want?

True Blood depicts a society where vampires are “out of the coffin” and “mainstreaming” themselves into society as regular citizens with rights just like humans. It takes the notion of modern day prejudice and intolerability and flips it entirely upside down.

Academy Award winner Anna Paquin plays the lead role as Sookie Stackhouse. She’s a reader, getting inside the minds of everyone around her both accidentally, and when the opportunity strikes. When Bill Compton, a mainstreamed vamp arrives to their small southern town, the town reacts in different ways and all hell eventually breaks loose as a serial killer starts murdering “fang-banging” young females.

This show is insanely unique both in terms of tone and story (Note:  Harris’ first in the series was in 2001 – a good 4 years before Meyer’s Twilight bullshit even began). Ball adds realism and drama, giving True Blood just what it needs to be far out, without being unattainable to viewers.

Season 1 is on DVD now. Season 2 is 2 eps deep. Get started, kids. You don’t want to miss this one.