That’s right, Campers: That ringing in your ears and ache in your liver can only mean one thing: Blood Work! is back with more unsolicited, unhinged, and underproduced commentary on the new season of HBO’s hit nipple opera, True Blood.
This week Andy and I try to cover all the various plotlines tossed at us in the premiere, including the Gay Vampire American, the Battle for Tara, and of course the Most Uncomfortable Funeral Dinner EVER. We also bring back a few of our tried-and-true recurring features (“Do Bad Things”, “Whatever, Sookie”) and introduce a few new ones as well!
Don’t forget to leave any questions (one of which will be answered in our next episode) in the comments, or tweet it to us @campbloodbuzz or @andyswist.
Enjoy!
ok , first it’s real good to see you back and thank you both for the effort….yeah i changed my hair but we have no wal-mart over here so i can’t compete with your t’s….plot-wise i am looking forward to pam and tara-lafayette. pam apparently has more progeny but doesn’t give a damn about them so something can come out of there. tara being lafayette’s cousin doesn’t she have also some sort of witch power in her? what would happen to that power mixed with being a vampire, enemy of witches? most probably her brain has been restored but the hatred she felt for vamps before with the fact of being turned by pam etc could really make the base for an interesting hole new tara.and also sookie’s cousin hadley and her son?did they drop them definitely? thanks again, clotilde
Is great to see you guys again. I have a feeling that the good reverend was turn by Nan or Nora who could be a double agent. I assume it was Pam because of the comment that she did it before but what if whoever turn him is also the one who free Russell. Maybe one of the factions in the Authority. Something I am curious is how Alciede being a werewolf didn’t smell the tooth or the blood in it. I know by know Sookie is an expert cleaning dead bodies from her kitchen but he suppose to have a great sense of smell.
Thanks guys for this vlog is awesome that you took some time out of your busy lives to entertain your undead campers. My question is If you would turn a character what will you wear in the crave?
Yay!! Blood Work is back! So great to see you guys again. Thanks for the compliments, you look fabulous too.
I loved the entire episode. Such crazy fun! I think Andy’s prediction of Tara not remembering her human life (due to her pre-vamp head wound) might be spot on. It would put such an interesting twist on her character. And then there’s always the option of her “remembering” things as the season wears on.
Steve Newlin…*sigh*. What an amazing plot line! I’m so excited to see where this goes. My guess is that someone from the Authority turned him. What better way to shine a light on the need for an absolute power in the vamp world than to have crazy Russell Edginton on the loose again to subdue? Maybe Nan Flanagan before she met the true death? Whomever did it, I thank them for giving us such a fun bit to watch.
I don’t really care much about the “Eric humping his sister” plot line, except that it shines a light on who will be Sookie’s love this season? It appears that Eric/Bill will be wrapped up with the Authority. Alcide?? I can’t image they won’t have some romantic storyline for our favorite fairy waitress. Guess we will just have to wait and see.
Oh my LAWS, I’m glad to see you two back! This season’s gonna be crazay, and I’ll need all the Brian-and-Andy-perspective on it I can GET!
Oh my Boos! You both hit on some things I had posted too, yeah! I think that someone within the Authority released mon Roi to take down Roman, they know that Russell can do it, as soon as he is no longer a skinless frank. Who is feeding Russell? It looked like bandanna boy-hunk Nate but since he was busy with his hillbilly pack dinner ala Marcus, I don’t know if he could fit in tending to Russell, still won’t rule him or the weres out. Hmmm, still thinking on that puzzlement and who has what to gain by Russell’s return. Great to have y’all back doing vlogs and the new intro music is a DELITE! @TBconfid as usual.
Great episode, you guys.
I’ve been thinking Tara will be the Bubba of the series, but I was reminded just a few minutes ago by a friend that Franklin had his head bashed in, by Tara, and healed completely. He was still batshit, but not brain dead. I thought she’d be pissed about being turned, but she was also rather pissed about life, in general, so maybe she’ll enjoy the power of being a Vampire. It would be great to see Lettie Mae’s reaction.
I thought your “Whatever, Sookie” might be when she came .3 seconds away from confessing to Alcide that she’d killed Debbie. I’ve seen her do dumb things, but that was beyond dumb.
A few little bits I’ve read about this season are 1) Michelle Bachmann’s belief that she has a pipeline to God inspired Alan Ball’s Authority plot line for this season and Christopher Meloni’s character will be head of a group that believes humans are nothing but God’s gift basket for them to eat and 2) Sam Trammell said Sam Merlotte shifts into something “ridiculous” in the season finale. Make of that what you will. I just hate to think Alan Ball was inspired, in any way, by Michelle Bachmann.
Just to play devil’s advocate.. Franklin was ALREADY a vampire when Tara beat his brains in. Though I’m with you. I think that Tara will be the Bubba of the series.
That’s true about Franklin already being a Vampire. I’m not so sure, after thinking about it, that Tara will be full on Bubba. I thought she’d be pissed about being turned, but everything I’ve read about it, and just thinking about it, I think she could be pissed at first then realize how much damage she could do as a Vampire and want revenge. She has a chip on her shoulder, more like a mountain, and there is a preview of Pam whispering in her ear that no other human could ever hurt her, again. Pissed off Tara has always been the best Tara, to me, and I think she’s gonna be all kinds of hell now.
Okay, we all know of Tara’s bisexuality–tendencies maybe?–and we all know Pam’s preferences, so do you think Pam and Tara will become the next big hook-up/relationship on the show?
I’m hoping so. They would be so fucked up, yet cute, together.
There are no words. Seriously.
okay. My thoughts:
a) WTF Eric? Seriously? How many hours ago, you were professing your love to Sookie “oooh, pick me, pick me!”, and now you’re banging the hell out of your vamp-sister? Good thing she *didn’t* choose you.
b) the sister thing totally didn’t squick me. They’re not genetically related!! Not like Beel and Screamy McShriekpants.
c) Where the F is Jesus?! This should be an interesting plot point.
d) The pack? EWW!
e) I’m totally stumped about Russell.
f) is actually my question – Do you think Debbie’s psycho sister will show up? That’d be interesting.
g) oh Tara. I worry that they’re going to Bubba her up, which really won’t be terribly awesome.
h) I hope Jason grows a set and tells Hoyt to grow the F up. Seriously, Hoyt, YOU dumped Jessica. So he’s not a ‘girlfriendfucker’. He maybe made a lousy judgement call, but YOU DUMPED HER. So it doesn’t matter if she’s the only girl you ever loved, you sent him to her with a box you’d written ‘Monster’ on, so you lose your pity card.
Wow. I had more to say than I thought. I love you guys! You make me think some serious thunks. Good luck with the move etc, and I hope you’ll be able to manage to continue with Blood Work!!
I totally agree about Hoyt! He’s just a little boy in an overgrown body here.
Yeah, I’m not understanding the concern over sister-gate either. If vampire genealogy had anything to due with human lineage then I think more people would be freaked out about Bill’s relationship with his maker/mother.
The idea that someone who we already know in the show was the one who let Russel out is fine but leaves out the chance that it was progeny we’ve never met. The guy is ancient. He’s sure to have created a few vamps in that time who’re still around. And, if he called one… easy enough for them to figure they need to get a jackhammer and start digging.
Tara – I don’t think they’ll Bubbify her, because Bubba is sort of slow and kind of dumb. But Tara could easily be like adding vampire to a blank slate… When her brain reformed as a result of the change, was there any information there? And if so, is it just her anger and rage? Or, are we looking at what happens when a vamp is made without a lot of human in them? I can’t wait to find out. But I love the idea that Pam is going to end up with a very different idea of Tara. From their connection, and if she learns more about her.
I think I’m in the minority when I say Bill redeemed himself a bit- he didn’t ignore Sookie’s fear when Eric acted like a big baby and said, “Fuck Sookie” because she rejected them both. Bill still wanted to help her. He was the better man in that instance.
And Nora and Eric? Not related outside sharing a maker. Nora said they’re connected only through Godric and no one knows. I don’t find their sexing it up gross or skeevy since they’re not really siblings in the strictest sense of the word.
Glad your back! I have no idea where the season is going compared to the books, since Jason isn’t turned but I’d love to see him get with The Rev. You should call the question segment this time the Question Collection Plate (in honor of Newlan, or however you spell it) itd be fun to say “Question Collection Plate Question this week is…” blah blah… Or something along those lines. Or maybe since Chris Meloni is coming in it can be something related to OZ or SVU..
Either way, my question is this: If Humbert was lost in the line of duty (i.e. cleaning up after spilt Bloody Marys), and given the option, would you: Call Pam? Or Find the Pet Cemetery, or give him a dignified burial like Gran?
Hey girl! I did highlights on my hair! Thanks for noticing! I hope you like it better than the “Tara short-do” I had before.
It’s so good to see y’all again! Thanks for making the effort to do BloodWork! even though you have a sh¡tload to do, good luck on the house hunt by the way.
I thought it was hilarious how Terry described the whole house-fire incident, I cracked up!
So my question is, do you think that maybe Russel turned Steve Newlin and just called him, you know maker style, or maybe the wolves he had at his beck and call sniffed him out? I just think it’s more reasonable than Pam helping him out or being Steve’s maker.
Anyway, it’s great that you’re back!
Buzz: I LOVED your recap at afterelton
so happy to see you both ! who doesn’t love raccoons Andy!!?? yes, i am growing out some bangs, this “in between stage” sucks.
My theory on GVA Steve is that Russell turned him and then Steve rescued him from the concrete. or Flananagan- and she really did just leave him all alone in his grave. Can’t wait to see what kind of crazy Steve brings to the party. Honestly couldn’t care less about the Terry storyline- do we really need this much stuff going on? Don’t care what Hoyt is up to either. And was there any reason for us to meet Holly’s kids? that was a huge waste of valuable screentime that did zero for the plotline. I’m nervous that they couldn’t think of ANYTHING else to put on screen. They could have shown Eric cleaning in slow motion for F’s sake – .. oh my blood pressure ! OH, and I’ve dug deeper holes to plant a shrub – REALLY ?? There couldn’t have been more than five inches of dirt on top of Pam and Tara. If Tara’s turning doesn’t work out it could be because they did a half-assed job of digging her grave!!! And if she bitches about being a vampire what’s stopping her from meeting the sun? If she ends up whining about it all season–I’m hoping she LOVES being a vampire. What are the chances.
My wolf bag question: Do you think that Sookie will keep her fairy snatch in her panties all season?
Best of luck with the acquisition of the American dream !! keep us posted – I’ll be anticipating my invite to the house warming !!
hugs
Susan
It is just FABULOUS to see you both again!
My theory on Russell is that Debbie dug him up before she headed over to Sookie’s place. She was living in Alcide’s house and wanted revenge on Sookie. She would’ve known what happened via Alcide. It doesn’t answer the question of who is keeping him locked up in a janitor’s closet though….. other anti-vamp werewolves maybe?
Okay, first off, I just discovered your vlog and all I can say is, praise Jésus!
Here’s my question: what’s going on in the creepy corner right now? (Hopefully, you’ll answer this question after S5E2.) Are Hoyt, Patrick, and Ms. Marcus still there? How are they getting along? What kind of activities have they been up to? Any new arrivals? What’s the atmosphere like in the corner?
Welcome to the cult! Er – club! Now wouldn’t you feel MUCH more comfortable in this beige caftan? There we are – much better. Now – can I get you something to drink? Some Kool-Aid, maybe?
So glad you guys are back! I look forward to your recaps just as much as I look forward to the show!
My wolf bag question: What other main character would you like to see turned into a vamp or what vamp would you like to see turned into a human?
I have to agree with you. I actually looked forward to the recaps more than the show this season.
Don’t you think Tara will be ‘damaged goods’ since half her head was blown off, or as Pam said “Fucktarded”…to take the Bubba role from the books…please don’t let her eat cats. Or sing.
Love you guys, glad to see you back.
MaryBeth aka TxGriff in Texas
I have to admit that Eric and Nora were totally hot together, but did anyone else have a Joe Dirt moment – “I’m your sister. I’m your sister”- ? I couldn’t help laughing through it since that’s all I could think about.
Anyway, I think that someone else already wondered about who they would have as Sookie’s love interest this season, I was thinking that they might bring Quinn into it. As much as I think there are already so many characters and storylines, he was really the only other love interest in the books. Do you think that they might introduce Quinn this season, or at all?
Yesss…you guys are back! The dedication you have for us fans and the enthusiasm you show for this series is simply bananas. Banana flantastic, in fact.
(True story: as a requiem to last year’s finale and final Blood Work, I baked an actual banana flan. It proved to be highly inedible, but the gesture was sincere…)
You are too sweet – that’s very kind of you. And HOLY EFF regarding your Banana Flan Shenanigans – that’s awesome!!! I bet true dedication never tasted so good.
I’ve always thought that in 3000 years Russell must have turned more vampires than just magnum-sized-perfume-jarred-Talbot (‘put a dash behind each ear’). Soooo maybe Russell summoned one of his the other children? What do you think?
Thank you for continuing the tradition!
Thank you for pointing out the Steve Newlin muppet-exit, I knew it looked familiarly hilarious but you nailed it.
–Side note on Steve: He said he didn’t know his maker, but then said he couldn’t glamour without training… I think he does know his maker, but I don’t see it as being Russell (though he is a southern american version of Talbot, and his newly identified gay pride… now I’m questioning).
My question (picking yours and Tara’s brains): How likely do you think it is that we’ll get to see naked Christopher Meloni this year? He’s not shy by any means.
Whee! So happy you guys are back. My sister and I watch your recaps religiously. I think we missed you more than we actually missed True Blood, which is A LOT. Thanks for keeping this going, it truly is one of the joys of my week. ♥ you guys a ton!
Love the Vlog… So glad you are back!! Only found it towards the end of last year… but going back through the past seasons definitely helped pass the time until this season!
Good luck with all of your busy-ness… I’ll take any reviews you have time to give us
I appreciate how much time it takes, so thanks!!
As far as this new season.. I think it’s off to a good start… some new questions in this first ep, I totally agree, WTF is Jesus??
My wolfy witchy btch plz! question this week… Which vamp do you think is going to end up heartbroken at the end of the bromance?? Longing for those moments together in the trunk…
I’m just excited True Blood is back and y’all are back too.
YAAAAY!
My guess as to who freed Russell from the cement? Nora.
Think about it.
Nora is very high on my list too….