Uh-Oh, Now I'm In Love With a Vampire

Back before the fall of Lehman Brothers and the global economic collapse, I had a dirty little secret: my weekly addiction to the TV series Gossip Girl, about the absurdly rarefied lives of a fictional group of wealthy New York teenagers. Now ratings for the show are soaring: more than ever, people want cheap escapism.

I hear this from friends, from strangers, from parents at the boys' school. We are looking for any excuse to forget about the fear that we or our spouse might be laid off; that our bank with all our savings might collapse. In the past three weeks I've been into my local branch so often to inquire about the institution's health that now we are on cozy first-name terms.

But when I'm not worrying about money and the fact that neither presidential candidate has shown he has a full grasp of the complexities that lie ahead (in fairness, this is because in the last presidential debate host Bob Schieffer didn't ask them for a sufficiently detailed analysis of the current rescue plan) I'm thinking about something completely different: vampires. This year my television addiction is to an HBO series on Sunday nights called True Blood and just as I did with Gossip Girl I'll wager it will explode into an international hit, even though it's been a little slow to take off.

True Blood is now at episode seven and is gaining momentum fast. It boasts over six million viewers per episode. To me that's because nothing could be more fantastical and romantic than the show's premise namely that a human woman (played by Anna Paquin) should fall in love with a well-intentioned vampire (British actor Stephen Moyer in what is surely a breakthrough role). Last week I almost wept at the equivalent of the balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet when [spoiler alert] as soon as the sun set, she ran to him, barefoot, dressed in a virginal white nightdress. She wanted him to seduce her, which he both did and did not want to do. (He loves her too much to want to harm her with a vampire bite.)

I still play the scene over and over, which is ridiculous, unless you have looked long and hard into Stephen Moyer's eyes and then, you too, might be hopelessly hooked.

Either way, I spend all week looking at the markets during the day and having bad dreams at night. I pray for Sunday to come around. Thanks to True Blood, that's the only night I sleep well.

This article was originally published by the London Evening Standard

Comments

[OkieIntellectual]

"Now ratings for the show are soaring: more than ever, people want cheap escapism."

And that is EXACTLY what is wrong with this country, and its why McC and his band of criminals is probably going to win the WH in two weeks. Americans, for all of Obama's rhetoric and engaging speeches, do not want change. We are content to simply coast along as long as our steady diet of fast food and cheap entertainment is not interupted.

Yes we are concerned right now, but until we start seeing unemployment reaching into double-digits, most of us are going to continue self-medicating with this cheap entertainment. We have lost our ability to genuinely think critically about... well anything.

[alicetilden]

If you like Tru Blood and like to read, you'll love Charlaine Harris's newer series. It starts with Grave Sight. It's about a woman who can find the dead and see how they died. She is accompanied by her step-brother Toliver, who is not actually related to her. They definitely lust after each other. I won't tell you more and spoil it for you. I was so excited when I heard that HBO was going to run the series. I have been waiting for months for Tru Blood like I awaited each new Sookie book. Reading the books, I never realized how sexy they were, but the proofs in the TV show. They have not changed anything from the books. Great fun! I do think Bill's a little wooden, but, after all, he is dead.

[versharma]

I'm from Louisiana - Shreveport, actually (they did second unit filming here!) - and I think their accents are horrible. Love the show, though.

[randarolanda]

It's definitely not something that I was going to be interested in at all. I'm a fan of Entourage and tried it on because it's HBO and their shows for the most part are entertaining. I love this show, and I'm so glad I tried it on!

[maryhaze]

if you guys like this series, get the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward. talk about hot vampires!!! i've turned on everyone i know to the series, even my dh. just make sure you start with the first book, Dark Lover.

[emjay]

I too am addicted. I saw the previews and said casually that I'd give it a shot. Within the first 15 minutes I was hooked. It draws you in and doesn't let go.

Ditto to the above comments on the sunset scene.

[Hipployta]

I haven't seen an episode because I don't have access to HBO where I'm at but I do read the "Dead" book series by Charlaine Harris which True Blood is based off. I look forward to seeing how close it is...or if it's dreadfully different (like The Dresden Files).

Siobhan

[Kasandra]

It's an addiction and I'm right there with you about Stephen Moyer and Vampire Bill. I've been a fan type person since Trek Classic when I was a wee thing and my fascination a character hasn't been matched since I fell in love with Spock, until Vampire Bill. Happily, Moyer is an even better actor than Nimoy and is very easy on the eyes. His hand placement, his body movements, his eyes.. he uses his face like an artist uses a brush blending emotions into a complex and compelling portrait of Vampire Bill. Bravo to he and Alan Ball and the rest of the cast.

[dee90909]

True Blood rocks! I am completely addicted and it just gets better with every episode!

[beantowner]

Another True Blood fan here. I wasn't sure I'd be interested in the subject matter, but the fact that it's another Alan Ball series gives it the kind of cred you can't buy. (Six Feet Under remains my favorite series of all time.)

Needless to say, I'm not disappointed in True Blood. The characters are interesting and the story is compelling. Another winner from Mr. Ball.

[wamy]

The show rocks and so does the chemistry between Paquin and Moyers. Yes, I too have replayed the Sunset scene way too many times.

[ScandalousCandice3]

I love True Blood. Barring some of the really bad accents and that everyone calls Sookie, S-uc-kie, the show is really great.

[Veronica]

As a Tennessee native, I have to say I don't think the accents are bad at all. For instance, a lot of people have complained about Tara's accent, but I have known girls who sound exactly like that. Exactly. If anything, you could say that her accent is more Tennessee "twang" than Louisiana drawl, but it is not as out there as some people think.

And Stephen Moyer's accent is excellent as Bill; he really nailed the antebellum southern gentleman thing...his speech should sound a little outdated. Now he got it right...no twang at all, just drawl. Very Louisiana.

[JeffmChicago]

I am a fan too!

I don't even have HBO but I do have friends that have a HBO.

Thank goodness for friends!

By the way the lead Vampire is THE most sexiest Vampire, ever.

[poomplet]

Actually, "V" the old series was VERY addictive, and they're gonna remake it soon (read "ruin it soon").

TB is great...but while you can speak to the ladies re. Stephen Moyers....men will surely appreciate the ever-expanding amount of nudity, including Anna Paquin's first-ever topless scene two weeks ago (sweeeeeet)...and uber-hotty Lizzie Caplan yesterday (even sweeter, but not as 'special' as Anna, cuz I really didn't expect her to do that so soon).

Again, the show itself should be the reason you tune in...it's really good...but if your menfolk need a carrot to watch with you, ladies, don't hesitate to,er...whip out the nude scene info.

[showbizkid]

I loved the old "V" too. Very campy. Maybe they'll "Battlestar Gallactica" it, and it'll be great.

[showbizkid]

You too? True Blood is as addictive as "V" (not the old TV series, but the potent vampire blood a few characters enjoy). And Stephen Moyers.....my goodness, that is one tasty English biscuit!