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12 big-ass spoilers for True Blood season 3
It'll be a while before HBO's True Blood comes back for its third season and we all find out what happened to Bill (Stephen Moyer). But if you can't wait that long, we talked to executive producer Alan Ball and writers Raelle Tucker and Alexander Woo, who probably told us more than they should have about what's going to happen:
We spoke to the writers before they participated in a panel at at the Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Spoilers ahead!)
Bill won't be back for a while.
Ball confirmed that the arc of Bill's kidnapping will last "about six episodes." That sounds like just enough time to put Sookie (Anna Paquin) through the wringer, but not enough to try viewers' patience. Plus, we'll probably still get to see Bill deal with his captors in episodes 1-5.
Meet the Merlottes.
Shape-shifter Sam (Sam Trammell) will find his family this year, and Tucker gets to write their characters a lot in episode two. "I'm getting to write Sam's family, which is a lot of fun, and, really, I feel really satisfying as a character arc," she said. "I really am glad that he's taking this journey and he's learning about himself. I find that interesting. They aren't the brightest people, maybe. At least they appear that way. They're fairly dysfunctional, but like anybody else, they have their good things about them and not-so-good things. They're still getting to know each other. Sam's still getting to know them, and so are we."
Werewolves sink their teeth into Louisiana.
Werewolves are coming to True Blood, and Ball offered a preview of what his wolf-people will look like. "They're just wolves," Ball said. "It's just people who can turn into wolves, but they're slightly bigger and much stronger. Their eyes glow orange a little bit."
There's even more supernatural stuff.
It's not just vampires and werewolves. Woo is most excited about the expanding world of season three. "The entire world is going to get a lot bigger," Woo said. "Not only the human world, but in Sookie's eyes, she's going to see the whole supernatural world. Luckily, since this show is through Sookie's eyes, as an audience we'll get to see a much larger supernatural world."
Sookie will explore her own powers.
Sookie's powers have gone from simple telepathy to some kind of hand-glowing power. Tucker confirmed that Sookie's powers continue to expand in season three. "I think that Sookie is conscious of her abilities more this season than she's been, and she's questioning them more," Tucker said. "We're going to be exploring that more this season."
Meet the Vampire King.
Ball said the Vampire King of Mississippi is coming in season three. He provides a contrast to Sophie-Anne, the Vampire Queen of Louisiana (Evan Rachel Wood). "He's older," Ball said. "He's much more mature. He's much more methodical and grounded. She's kind of crazy. To me, she's kind of like Paris Hilton/Lindsay Lohan, where she has a very short attention span and she's very, very egomaniacal and very self-obsessed and doesn't really think about her actions, whereas the Vampire King is very much an adult. He has an agenda. He has things he wants to achieve. I think he's much more formidable than she is."
Jason will stay out of trouble.
In two seasons, Sookie's brother, Jason (Ryan Kwanten), has been accused of murder and got caught up in a cult. Season three will find him keeping a low profile. "I think Jason's path this season is actually about not getting into trouble," Tucker said. "It's about trying to stay out of trouble. I think it's going well for him."
Sophie-Anne might get into more trouble.
Wood is signed to return for more episodes in season three. Since her recreational activities include orchestrating the sale of vampire blood, things could go very badly for her. "Well, Sophie Anne, when last we left her, she was sort of behind this selling of V as a recreational drug on the streets, pretty much," Ball said. "That's not something a vampire authority figure should be doing. If higher-up vampire authority figures figure that out, they're not going to be happy."
There's a new biker gang in town.
Season three will introduce a biker gang called Coot's F--k You Crew. Tucker said the new characters are still evolving and won't be what you expect. "The one thing I will say is that they are very mysterious," Tucker said. "They're a group who's been around a lot longer than you think. I don't want to say too much about them right now, because I think that we are in the early stages of figuring that out."
A new character called Tommy Mickens brings the hurt.
Woo is writing the new character of Tommy Mickens, who will make a huge impact on our favorite characters. "Tommy Mickens is someone I don't want to reveal too much about, because I don't want to ruin the surprise," Woo said. "He's a completely new character, but he plays very prominently in the emotional life of at first one and then, later, several other of our characters. He'll be the first domino to push the rest."
Headgear plays a major role.
Helmets have become a joke in the writer's room. Tucker explained how the writers became aware they were relying too much on protective headgear. "There've been several moments that we've been pitching things and thought, 'Oh, well, maybe she could be wearing a helmet, and that would protect her. Maybe he could wear a helmet in that scene,'" Tucker recalled. "Suddenly we realized we had a whole bunch of characters wearing helmets for no particular reason. So we thought, oh, that's the theme of the season."
Sorry, ladies, Eric is still a tease.
Fans keep demanding more screen time for Eric (Alexander Skarsgard), but the writers won't indulge them. "You know, what's funny is that he's in the first two books; he's a fairly minor character in Sookie's universe," Tucker said. "There's a lot of fan pressure that they're supposed to be this big romantic thing, which actually in Charlaine [Harris]'s books doesn't happen until much, much further down. I think if we did that, we'd probably bore them all to death. I think part of the magic of Eric is some of the mystery of Eric and the inaccessibility of Eric. I think you don't want to turn them into the nice romantic love interest who's in every scene. I think his danger is important, so not just throwing him up whenever somebody wants to see his bare chest is actually a more disciplined approach."
By SciFiParent at 9:10 AM ON 11/03/09
SyFy - as a parent of a child who loves science fiction and is comfortable with the Internet, I sure would appreciate it if you'd show a little better judgement in the future with your tag lines.
My son, I'm sure, hears this language all the time, and while "big-ass" isn't the most offensive, please try to remember that you DO have younger folks visiting your site - show some professionalism and good judgment down the road.
By SciFiParent (but not the uptight one) at 9:22 AM ON 11/03/09
Keep you kid on Disney sites if you can't handle 'big ass' spoilers. Unless (hand to mouth in mock horror): he didn't say you had a big ass, did he?
The web is for adults too, and while I might not use the phrase myself, I am not about to see content decisions made by outraged parents.
Keep on keepin' on SyFy.
By SciFiReader at 9:26 AM ON 11/03/09
@SciFiParent: Right, because it's the writer's job to police the internet for your child. I'm sure your child has heard/said much worse in the playground. It's the writer's job to try and reach the larger audience, not worry about the language he/she uses to describe the article.
If you're really worried about what your child reads on the internet, maybe you should think about installing some filters on your computer.
By politicallycorrect at 9:35 AM ON 11/03/09
If you don't like the tag lines or the articles or the pictures or every other little thing that "offends" you, then stop coming to the website, stop watching the shows, etc. If YOU are offended, then go elsewhere, why should EVERYONE else change for you!! I'm sick and tired of people in this country that think the world revolves around them. Get over it and block the site if it's that bad. Try being a parent and take control instead of expecting the rest of the world to bend to your needs or wants.
By Urgh at 9:39 AM ON 11/03/09
And while you are at it Sy Fy, could you not reference 'adult' TV programs like 'True Blood'. I'd rather not have to explain to my son what sex is or have him look at blood. I think your revised headline could read: "12 Really Really Big Spoilers about The Mickey Mouse Club Movie"
Thanks.
By Whatever at 10:09 AM ON 11/03/09
POLICE YOUR OWN CHILDREN.
It's not the responsibility for others to watch your children. We rely too much on others to do what we ought to be doing.
If you don't like it, don't let your kid see it. Instill in your children that you don't find it appropriate. My kids know what we will and will not allow them to see/watch/listen to.
If you don't like it. YOU need to make those changes. Not the government, TV stations, Radio Stations or any other media outlet.
By ohmgawdwtf at 11:26 AM ON 11/03/09
i'm disappointed in not seeing so much eric in this season, although i completely agree with mr ball that eric and sookie are a gradual thing.
as for the rest, well, i'm game for whatever is coming our way, as long as the maenad shtuff is gone done and gone.
By ohmgawdwtf at 11:34 AM ON 11/03/09
oh, and to the uptight parent who is trying to police the internet... do you make your child wear a helmet in the car when he rides with you? you might want to add blinders, as i'm sure that you notice something every day that offends.
i've got the perfect song for you over-protective types: 'mother' by pink floyd. it think it fits.
ps, i chose my handle LONG before your silly inane comment, so it wasn't meant to offend. but if it did... GOOD!
By Meezer at 11:37 AM ON 11/03/09
@all the big ass morons who decided that a parent telling syfy to be more professional is some form of censorship.
If you can tell me how "Big Ass" enhanced this article in anyway then I'll by into your crap. But obviously it didnt because nobody even wrote a word about the fracking article. I dont have kids and dont care what I read, you read or your kids read. I dont even care if your kids ever learn how to read. I am not offended by this. But the headline was not necessary. It seems like syfy wire headlines are put together by teenagers sometimes who validate themselves by how many f bombs they can drop into a sentence. Those of you who visit this site often will recall that syfy wire has dropped the f bomb in a headline before. Somebody stating that it's inappropriate is totally within their right to do so. Unless you think we should start censoring responses. If so, take your big fat ass somewhere else.
By the way, this was a decent article if anybody bothered to read it.
By Wibbley Wobbley Timey Wimey at 12:05 PM ON 11/03/09
I know he was not mentioned here, but I was really happy that Lafayette stuck around in the second season, and I hope to see more of him!
By Chels at 12:08 PM ON 11/03/09
Umm, you're worried about 'big ass' on an article about True Blood? The True Blood that shows boobs almost every episode. Hmm.
By Wibbley Wobbley Timey Wimey at 12:11 PM ON 11/03/09
I know he was not mentioned here, but I was really happy that Lafayette stuck around in the second season, and I hope to see more of him!
By ericfan at 12:32 PM ON 11/03/09
eric has alot more presence in the the third book than the first two so i think he needs to be in more of the show....i really hope they do the ending right because it is soooo good!!!!
By SciFiParent at 12:49 PM ON 11/03/09
@chels: did you have to say 'boobs'? my kid reads this.
By 13th Cylon at 1:43 PM ON 11/03/09
@SciFiParent;
Please understand you are a parent first. As a parent it is up to you to control what you think is appropriate for your child to see. It is NOT the obligation of a website or publication to filter their stories so your child won’t read a “dirty” word. Also please remember this; the only thing that gives any “dirty” word power is YOUR reaction to it.
@Meezer You are right about one thing. This was a great article. I for one am looking forward to season 3. I love the show and can’t wait for the next season to start.
By TiredOfMorons at 3:00 PM ON 11/03/09
@SciFiParent - erm - i believe most sci fi shows these days quite likely have far worse words/phrases than 'big-ass'. Even more likely is that your child's vocabulary encompasses most of them. Even Disney animated films contain off-colour jokes these days. Get over it, or police your child's internet use more stringently.
By cloftw at 3:35 PM ON 11/03/09
@scifiparent
hate to gang up on you, but if your kid is watching true blood you've got bigger problems than someone writing "ass" on the internet.
By syfy eri at 3:45 PM ON 11/03/09
I hope Alan uses the same example for Bill's character as he did for Eric. Eric is a gradual thing in the books so don't expect Eric much in Season 3. So that must mean that since Bill's character basically disappears during and after Book 3 we won't have himt around anymore on the TV. I like that example. YEAH!
By lovintrueblood at 4:46 PM ON 11/03/09
Seriously.. Ok moms out there.. this is an article about true blood.. It is full of BOOBS, SEX, BLOOD and other crazy things no kid should see.
So why are you letting your kid read about it. That is not anyone writing a comments fault. This is an ADULT topic. the show is an adult show. Let your kid go read disney or something else. Take a look at your own self before getting on to us.
AND also why the hell are you trying to fight these people on the internet... this is my first thing ever... but it seems so LAME to even do it.. if you dont like an article then just quit reading it... check the article before allowing your kid to read it, and then you can be the good example. You cannot try to change everyone here.. it wont happen so stop being a bitch to us and take care of the kid.
On a better note... Eric (Alexander Skarsgard) is beautiful... the most beautiful man alive and I cant wait to see more of him.
By "the Chemicals are good" at 5:06 PM ON 11/03/09
I prefer my Werewolf as Walking on Two legs and are mindless killing machines like on Being Human.
I wonder Who riped off who Twilight or True blood with the Werewolf's
By Motorcycle Man at 5:57 PM ON 11/03/09
That helmet is awesome! Where can I get one?!
By averageblond at 7:04 PM ON 11/03/09
Two things: 1. I have the freakin' urge to say bad words just to get the anal type parent going...it's how I'm feeling right now...
2. Why do we have to wait so f'ing damn long to see the next season of True Blood? Why?
By averageblond at 7:07 PM ON 11/03/09
Tommy Mickens. Wasn't Mickens the name written on the little peice of paper Sam's dad gave him from his death bed (well, he looked pretty sick anyway)?
By pbartteacher at 7:08 PM ON 11/03/09
Not much Eric. Are you kidding? He is throughout book three. Sookie's house when Bill goes missing. Alcide's apartment looking out for her. Club Dead when Alcide leaves her high and dry. Russell's mansion. Blood exchange that gives her supernatural strength to rescue Bill and kill you know who. Drives her home to Bon Temps when another you know who rapes her. Saves her from the killers at the gas station. Eric and Bill save her from the weres at her house at the end of Book three. I still wonder if the writers are reading the same books I am. Granted part of the Eric mystique is just that keeping him mysterious. But lets face it writers, Eric is by far more interesting than the damn maenad was. Twelve episodes of the madness was poorly planned. I know this TB and not CH novels, but there really were some good plot lines and character development. Let's hope that the writers and AB read these blogs. I am sure several of us would volunteer to help write a few episodes. LOL. True Blood Season Three 218 days away. But who's counting.
By sheena0620 at 8:52 PM ON 11/03/09
I am getting confused from reading all these spoilers updates.I do trust this website with their newsource.Pretty interesting new characters being introduced,for season3.I enjoy both the books a Alan Ball direction,for the show.I like seeing different writters being brought to the table for storyline.I know that everyone has their own favorite character for this show.I feel that Alan has done a great job so far with the show.Personally if I were asked I would bring more Pam a Nan Flanagan characters please.Eric is going to be a tease, in the season3.I knew that was coming to us Eric fans.I would like to see Eric in a love story in some sorts.The books seem to factor in on Eric/Sookie.That would be great in some degree to see that happen.On a final note Alan Ball I applaud your awarness for the Gay/Lesbian.As an activist for the Gay/bi-lesbian community I thank you for making True Blood show more realistic for today's lifestyles.You have my vote!
By Alaerys at 10:18 PM ON 11/03/09
A) There were a few spoilers in there I hadn't heard of before and now I'm even more in need of the new season to be here.
B) Wolfman vs. Wolf - I happen to like the fully transformed animal. And if you're going by 'lore', the Wolf is the first aspect of it. Wolfman came by way after. Waaaaaaaaaay after.
C) Lafayette wasn't mentioned in here, but I've already heard that he gets some nice romantic action going on in season 3, as well as there being a couple Lafayette/Eric dream sequences. This pleases me in SO many ways. Srsly.
D) HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! @ parents.
By PamsGirl at 11:27 PM ON 11/03/09
Why? Why? Why? Why can these writers not understand the wonderful attraction to Eric Northman played by Alexander Skarsgard?
Yes, I joke about wanting him to be naked in all the scenes and yes, he is absolutely gorgeous, but I ask for more Eric in TB because he is such an interesting, complex character and Alexander Skarsgard gives an absolutely awe-inspiring performance every time he is on screen. The subtlety of his acting soooo amazing to watch.
Do I want Eric and Sookie together? Absolutely. Do I want them to be the next Bill and Sookie, all digustingly in love and dependent on one another? No way.
What I want is for Eric Northman to be written as the extremely multi-dimensional character that he is... he's not just a villain. What I want is for Sookie and Eric to have the sweet, humourous friendship that they had developed by the end of the second book!
As for the Eric/Sookie romance not being until soooo much farther on, um yeah, actually it happens in Book 4 which would be Season 4 the way the show is going which would be the one right after Season 3, which they are working on now. Yes, that is so far off that we definitely should not build up to it at all. (holds up sarcasm sign)
I don't want Sookie to jump in bed with Eric and declare her everlasting love for him. But I would love to never have to watch a scene where she screeches "monster' at him and tucks her head into Saint Bill's chest.
Eric may not be a very big part of the first book and even for the first half of the second book, but from the last part of Book 2 right on through Book 9, he is absolutely my favorite part of the SVM series. And he is a MAIN character in the series. And they have one of the most talented actors I have ever seen cast in this role. But by all means, no they should give him more screen time. (sarcasm sign again)
Don't get me wrong. I love the show, I adore the show. I think these writers, producers, directors, etc. are some of the most talented around. The casting for the show is brilliant. But sometimes it seems like they are continually misunderstanding the very large segment of fans that love Eric Northman and it really sucks (pun intended).
By justbrowsing at 5:45 AM ON 11/04/09
I'm glad there isn't going to be a lot of Eric and that Alan Ball already said at Paley Fest last week that Bill 'would not be marginalized' as in the books and that on the show 'Sookie and Bill have a connection that will not die.' For me, this show is all about Sookie and Bill and always will be.
By Dazzler69 at 7:59 AM ON 11/04/09
True blood is an adult show only. Not for kiddies. Not everything has to be made for kids in mind. Adults need entertainment also.
By TBlver at 8:47 AM ON 11/04/09
There is NOT one bit of proof sited that the writers said that they will not indulge the fans desire for more Eric screen time.
What a manipulative stament. All the writers say is that Eric and Sookie will not hook up ...NOT that Eric will not have more screen time.
Poorly written
By Lisa from Louisiana at 9:58 AM ON 11/04/09
The helmets are a cute idea, but bikers in Louisiana do not wear them. No helmets required here, and it's too hot to wear them.
By Nid at 12:05 PM ON 11/04/09
I'm jumping in the pool now guys!
Hey SCIFI mom. I guess your spawn watches tru blood too? Yes? heheh.
Your influencing the choices that your child makes is the bigger issue. Get to work!
Your comment was silly and was out of context with enjoying the right to comment on SyFy's article.
By gotcha at 10:38 AM ON 11/05/09
Im hot for Eric as much as the next girl, but Im thinking its pretty smart of the writers to keep teasing with him. This will keep all the crazed Eric fans around for as long as they want. bwwwahahaha -smart yet evil thinking there!
By whatthehell at 12:14 AM ON 11/06/09
I wonder if the writers and creators realise the majority of the fans of the eric/sookie relationship actually have the same views as they do?... I am a fan of eric and sookie relationship. I would like to see the show explore this. But like what others have said. I dont want them to turn into bill and sookie. And not straight away either. Its not organic for one thing, and frankly. I am patient person and would prefer they developed eric and sookie over a period of time. Just like the books.
The whole draw card to the eric and sookie relationship is not the romance. Its the tension. I just want to see more interaction between eric and sookie. Whether that is erics constant teasing, sookie hating his guts. Getting on each others nerves, or the sexual tension that has been set up cleverly by sookies vivid fantasies. I dont care what they show, I just want to see more interaction. Its interesting and damn funny to watch.
By nutzy327 at 12:46 AM ON 11/10/09
ok... Charlaine Harris' southern Vimpire Series came first. Twilight copied it and turned it into romance novels for tweens.
SciFiParent...maybe you should limit your child's exposure to vampires to Twilight, this way you don't get offeneded.
In our world, vampires don't sparkle, they kick your "big ass" all over town.
By pierre at 1:44 AM ON 11/17/09
boobs! ha!
By hotdvdmovie at 10:23 PM ON 12/08/09
awesome
By CW2008Alum at 8:33 AM ON 12/16/09
I'm a straight dude, and I want to see more of Alexander Skarsgard on True Blood. He's a frickin' amazing actor from a very talented family. Seriously, the scene in s2e09 (?) where Godric meets the sun? I cried a little--almost entirely because of AS's performance; Erik's emotions, his desperate grief and heartbreak, came through so vividly I felt like I was the one losing a best friend/father/brother/son.
My second point might be summed up thusly: Twilight sucks.
SciFiParent--please tell me the second comment was a sharp piece of self-satire? Cuz if not, you got problems. And by extension, so does your child.
Lastly, Sweden rocks. Tack så mycket!
Jag älskar er! Bra natt!
By Isabela at 4:09 PM ON 12/17/09
I love True Blood and I do LOVE/ADORE Eric, but I agree with the writers "part of the magic of Eric is some of the mystery of Eric and the inaccessibility of Eric."
When Godric died, we all saw that Eric is not all about killing and making money. We saw that he real loves him. He loves Godric enough to be willing to sacrifice his own life. I have no doubt Eric would have perished with Godric, if he had let him.
I want that Eric love Sookie like he love’s Godric. But Eric and Godric had a relationship for a thousand years. When he turned Eric, he offered to be a father, a brother, and a son to Eric, When Godric died, Eric losing that entire people at once.
I have no doubt that Eric one day will love Sookie, but he doesn’t love her now. And Sookie hating his guts.
The Eric/Sookie romance happens in book 4, which would be season 4. The writers need to developed Eric and Sookie, they need time to developed a seriously relationship between them.
By UrsTruly at 5:15 PM ON 12/21/09
I for one am happy to keep Eric slightly less important in seasons 1-3 as long as I know we will get more and more Eric as the seasons continue, I will be fine. Love me some Eric. Not to sure I like allll the new characters. Why do we need a bike Gang? This sounds like a big ass mess. But, I love the show so I am sure it will be great.
Visit mobile.syfy.com/wire on your mobile device.
UrsTruly:
I for one am happy to keep Eric slightly less important in seasons 1-3 as long as I know we will get more and more ...More »