No Bubba?? Very disappointing. He's one of my favorite characters. Maybe if they spent a litle less time with all the sex scenes they would have time to figure out how to add him that isnt' "cheesy".

It's very true about Bubba: while in the books he's a great character and had a semi-large role, it would be hard to portray Elvis without it being cheesy. If you’ve ever met an Elvis impersonator you know that while it is entertaining it’s not the same. There is only one Elvis and, God rest is soul, no one will ever 100% accurately portray him. They do come close, though. But, I digress, I can totally understand Ball’s concern that it would come off as cheesy on screen just about anyway they could muster up to do it. I’m fine with it! :)

I also think there would be some backlash from Elvis's estate. It's one thing to read about "him" and let people use their imagination, but actually portraying him can get into a grey area.

And as for the sex scenes...more more more! I'll never get why people don't make a peep about violence, which this show has plenty of, but when it comes to sex, watch out. Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin are amazing together and Ryan Kwanten is simply nice to look at, no matter how ridiculous his character can be!

Perhaps they could have reinvented the Bubba character by simply making him a rock star of Elvis's magnitude, but not actually making him Elvis himself. Sort of like how they reinvented the Rock Hudson character in the third Tales Of The City adaptation.

Oh man... I'm kinda bummed that there won't be any Bubba! He might not have had a "big" role in the books, but it seemed important to have him in there helping Sookie out and championing Bill. Oh well, we still have him in the books, right?

@ Melora: I like your idea! Hopefully they look into that!

I really, really hope they keep Lafayette. Don't break my heart, Ball!

Less time with the sex scenes? Are you crazy!!!!
MORE sex scenes!! Best written, best acted on TV! Why don't they spend less on passion and desire? Maybe a few less vampires, too?
This show is for grown-ups. Living and undead.

I agree Wren , they always add so much sex scenes that they even lose the essence of the book . But it's HBO what can you expect , seems like that's the only way they can attract viewers.

Boots, sorry to burst your bubble, but Ball has already spoiled Lafayette's fate and it's not good.

@ boots - Lafayette was killed in the books... although they have taken certain liberties with other characters, I don't think they would try to twist his death around somehow. He was a much bigger presence in the TV show than he was in the books (I imagined him MUCH different in the books, but it was a nice surprise because I liked his character in the show)... and besides, they already alluded to his death at the end of the first season.

What about Eric Northman? No updates on him? He is delectable.

I agree, Bubba is one of the best character in the novel, I really wish Ball could have worked him into the story line.

Wren & Sil must not like sex very much if they want it taken out of the show...Please, it is what makes good television and reading. And imagine this...its a natural thing to do.

Ball has changed the story far from the books - what does it matter that he left out Bubba. Jason in the FofS? Maryann Forrester? Who's she? She's not in the books at all. Neither was Tara's mom, Tara's possesion, exorcisms, etc.... I'm really disappointed with the direction the show is taking. The books are so much better.

Bubba is a minor character in the books and I think that is why he works. He's there for comic relief and a bit of texture. I think that it would be possible to put him in the series by first choosing an actor whose looks suggest Elvis but not a real lookalike, then by using serious restraint on where and when he would appear. I bet this decision will be rethought if the series goes on to more seasons.

I love Bubba, but I agree with Ball..it would come off as cheesy and I agree with Rachel, it might cause some backlash.

Having read all of the books, I can honestly say that I like the HBO series just as well as the books (a rare thing for me). I love what Alan Ball did with Lafayette (PLEASE bring him back for Season 2!), and I like the different personality for Tara. I can't wait to see what the show does with Eric's character. :[

I agree with heather in that the show has taken quite a few liberties with the storyline. I almost have to just separate the books from the show - treat them like two totally different forms of juicy, vamp entertainment. Love 'em both and I can't get enough!!

The Bubba decision is regrettable, as he does had flavor and some much needed umor to the story. I agree with Bett in using an actor that suggests Elvis and using restraint in the appearances. I mean, even the characters in the books question the connection to the real Elvis. I enjoy the series very much, but recognized a long time ago that they are LOOSELY based on the book series. Personally, while I enjoy sex, I think they focus too much on it in the series. And, even though I like the actor playing Eric, I find him to be miscast. He's small and effeminate, which is absolutely not how I pictured him from reading the books. It took me a while to adjust to the actor playing Bill, but I have finally caught on to him, but Eric is just not working for me. At all. However, I love the character of Sam and the actor playing him. Spot on in the casting.

I can totally understand why 'Bubba will not be in the show" I love Charlaines 'Sookie' book series and am totally addicted, but I also love the show and look forward to the new season. Its nice to know that it will stray a little from the book it gives us book readers something new and different to look forward to.

This is one of the first times I have enjoyed a tv/movie just as much as the books, its wonderful! Even with the changes he makes in the story, it still works and keeps the essence of the books I think. I'm excited what he does with future seasons as things are completely changed in later books.

And Maryann is in the second book, she is the m word that I can't remember, she just has a different name and isn't such a prominent presence throughout. At least that's what I heard her character is stemming from.

And the complaints about the sex? You should read all the books, he is definitely staying in line with the books and the sex, lol! At least with Sookie, the Jason sexcapades are an extra, and I'm not complaining.

While I understand what Ball wants to do with expanding characters, I was so pissed off about the Maenad. I love the show, but can't help but get mad sometimes at how different it is, when in my opinion the books are perfect the way they are and would translate well to film.

And I will get REAL angry if they mess with the Eric storyline! He's my favorite!

I'm really surprised at your comment, NormanMclane. Alexander Skarsgard is 6'4" and in no way small or effeminate. I think he's excellently cast as are most of the characters.

I agree that bringing Bubba in would be difficult to accomplish without coming across as cheesy and camp. I think it's a good decision on Ball's part. And for those complaining about the sex - though it may not be explicitly talked about in the books, it is CERTAINLY hinted at and touched on numerous times. All Ball is doing is fleshing out the innuendo Charlain Harris has laid down.

@NormanMclane : I completely agree about the actor playing Eric. This guy is supposed to be a viking. Come on!

Tara's Togs, anyone?

How you say Eric's character is effeminate? I find that hard to believe considering he's neither, short nor small. We didn't see enough of him last season to know what he's capable of. He may be a "viking" but what would you prefer he look like?

Make Bubba, Jim Morrison...

I don't mind the sex scenes, but try not to make them too long, it's embarrassing watching them with your friends, and your husband thinks you're watching porn in the other room, tone it down a bit please -- we get the point!!!

I am not reading the books because I don't want to spoil the show for myself

To many things from the novel series have already been changed to think of the show as anything but an alternate universe full of equally interesting characters but not the ones from the books.

I will Bubba. (Don't call him anything else or he gets grumpy.)

I like it anyway. I got HBO again just to watch that series. Can only wonder what syndicated versions will be like once it hits mainstream viewers.

For those craving more sex with their horror, read Laurel Hamilton's Anita Blake series. The girl dating the monsters is as tough as they are.

I like my friend's idea for keeping Bubba in the show: "they should just keep Bubba's face in shadow, and just the voice and silhouette of his hair should show."

I also look at the books and the series as two different things since Ball has changed quite a bit. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, in fact it's fun not knowing exactly what's going to happen. And I do love what he did with Tara, that added a much needed bit of sass to the story.

a huh a huh, Bubba could work especially since he's a little ...off... since he was changed. offer him a few cats and he's happy.

Bruce Campbell would have be a great actor for the part. He can be funny, insane and scary.

I love this series! I have to separate the books from the show to enjoy it though. I love the guy playing Eric and look forward to seeing more of him. I would love to see Lafayette become a vamp, he would make such a fine one!

I am extremely disappointed that I haven't heard more about Eric in the show...He has a major role in the books and I hope he gets the role he deserves in the show...I love his character it's probably my favorite male character! Everyone seems to be disappointed by his portrayal in the show...but I am not just yet...I figure that since his role gets bigger as the books go on..his character will start to evolve more and be how we read

Heather, I agree that Jason joining the FoTS is ridiculous. I hoped that they would focus more on his ACTUAL role in the books. Maryanne is the Maenad.

I hope to see much more of Eric this season!

Overall I think Ball is doing fine. It may be different from the books but it's still a GREAT show. The books are GREAT as well. Just think of it a two AWESOME ways to entertain yourself!

I think you are doing a great job on the show so far however, Jason joining that cult it was Arlene that joined it in the books why stray from that. How is that going to work especially after he gets turned into a Were panther later on?

Don't make Lafayette a vamp! You can't show what he'd bite even on HBO!

And I hope that the second season doesn't take nearly as long to go to DVD. I don't have cable now and I'm in pain!!!

I'm... puzzled with all comments. It's almost as if no-one has any idea of what's gong on with he show.
Alan Ball hasn't really changed the storyline from books, but he has added a lot of subplots. And they all fit pretty nicely with the original one. If Sookie didn't hear something, or see something, it wouldn't have made it into the books, since she wouldn't be aware of it. Like Tara's Mom, or Maryann Forrester, with whom she hasn't had contact in the books, or the series (well, at least her human form, in the case of Call... Maryann).
People seem to be comparing the first season against the other nine books, which is stupid. Eric not having a prominent role in the series? Well, how many times did he appear on Dead Until Dark? Harris only expanded his character because she liked it so much. Arlene joining the Fellowship of the Sun instead of Jason? I think you're getting your timeline all messed up.
About the sex. It surprises me how much people seem to be bothered by this. And yet, I haven't heard anyone complain about the violence, that scene where Sookie gets beaten up was horrifiying, I had to force myself to watch it. Again the sex in the show is, I believe, tastefully done, and romantic when it's supposed to be. Not saying that gratuitious sex is a bad thing. This is, after all HBO, what exactly were you expecting? Rainbows and puppies? A cheesy chickflick? Sparkly, hundred year old virgin vampires?
Apparently some fangirls were expecting a carbon copy of the novels. I for one, am happy about the "changes". The universe in wich Ball has let us into is so rich and compelling, that I find myself much more attracted to the non-Sookie characters of the show, wich might change once Sookie starts getting into the mysteries and detective work, which is, I believe, the essence of the novels.

I am a fan of the books as well as the show, but I do hope that Eric takes on a few more of the traits he had in the books. He needs to have that sexy/dangerousness with the slight air of cockiness that comes from just knowing that you know more than everyone else around you. The clothing is somewhat off and what's with the new haircut?!'

The show will not be the same in story as the books, but please reflect them more when building upon characters this season.

Good job on the show thus far though, it IS the reason I read the book series, lol.

I too really hope for Eric Northman to start taking on a larger role on screen. I have high hopes that they let Sookie develop a romantic relationship with him as it happened in the books.

I find the whole Jason character and storyline really annoying. I didn't like the prominence of the "V" storyline, which was never in the books. You know, Sookie ends up taking vampire blood lots of times, and she never got that 'drugged' effect.

I wonder, if the series lasts long enough, if they will bring in the Hotshot community and the Jason/Crystal- were panther storyline? Honestly, Jason is just as annoying in the series as he is in the novels.

i don't get where they got tara's character she is nothing like that in the book. i agree i hope they show more of eric he is one of my favorite characters , i have read all the books and i love them. I thinks the series would be fine with less explicit sex scenes.

I hope to God they cut Kwanten's/Jason's screentime this year, but it doesn't seem likely given Ball's remarks here. I hate the character (he's venal, selfish and moronic) but obviously the producers love him (and love him naked) so I guess we're in for him dominating the proceedings to the detriment of the more important characters' (Sookie, Bill, Sam, Eric) stories. Yecch. Almost makes me not want to watch - and yeah, I think I'll DVR/download this season's episodes and fast forward through Jason's scenes.

Why not get Bruce Campbell for a small recurring role as Bubba? He was fantastic in 'Bubba Ho-Tep', not at all cheesy, even though the movie was (and was meant to be).

I have been reading some of the other comments, and agree with a few I have read. When I first started watching the show, I had a really hard time with it. The books are about Sookie and her adventures with the supernatural beings of Bon Temps and beyond... but the show gives you other points of view.
While watching, I would constantly say, "That never happened." But-- how would I know if that didn't happen? Yes, there are a lot of differences, but if it was identical to the books, what would be the point of watching? There are a lot of things that are just the way I imagined, but many more different-- I like it that way. It makes it more interesting.
As for "too much sex"-- I disagree. I pay $12 a month for HBO so I can watch "TrueBlood" and expect it to match up to the books in at least that detail. If you have read the series, you will know that there is a lot of focus on sex. That's not what it's all about, but it plays a key element in many of the storylines. Watch basic cable if you find the content unappealing-- I think there is a new vampire show on this season on fox. That is sure to be PG.

Very easy to have this Bubba character not only work but make the show even better... Bruce Campbell would play Bubba like in Bubba Ho Tep... He would give that character the right edge while bringing in many fans... Oh maybe if Elvis was black he would get to be on HBO eh :)?

WHAT??? NO BUBBA!!! You have got to be kidding me! His character is ESSENTIAL to the story lines!!!

To Mr. Ball... Where there is a will, there is a way to make the Bubba character what it should be. Not cheesy and important to the story as a whole.

There's this really great song that would go really well in the next season when sookie and eric get together. It's called Angel by Massive Attack. Everytime I hear it, for some reason I think about those two.