Written by Shadaliza for The Vault
Alan Ball
Alan Ball promises us that True Blood’s sophomore season will be sexier, gorier and funnier but also deeper than what we have seen in the first 12 episodes of the HBO hit series. He feels that the show is really finding it’s identity in the upcoming season.
I participated in a conference call where Alan explained that the story is based for 50% on the books by Charlaine Harris, the other 50% is created by him and his team of writers, Brian Bruckner, Nancy Oliver, Raelle Tucker and Alexander Woo. The writers are as much a part of the show as Alan Ball is, it is like an organic collaboration.
The books by Charlaine Harris are all narrated by Sookie, it is basically Sookie’s story and the other characters only exist when they are in the room with her. Alan and his team stick pretty closely to the original material, they do make some changes where it helps to define the story, but they do however try to remain true to the spirit of the books.
About the writing process Alan says that they start each season with a book, pick the great moments they want to hang on to, spread it out over 12 episodes and then fill in the blanks.
Alan doesn’t feel like he needed to up the ante just to up the ante for season 2, but he adds: “I did feel like it was important to make Eric more frightening and show more of his monstrous side because as the season progresses we definitely will also see more of his more human side.”
The violence in the first two episodes is important to show that vampires are monsters or capable of being monsters and violent. The most evil character in the second season according to Alan is a vampire from Dallas.
It was also important to have a character, who will remain nameless, and who suffers from PTSD over the course of the season.
“You don’t want to have all of that horrible gore and the awful psychological experience just be okay for him the next day. That’s not the way it happens in real life”, Alan explains.
A big difference between the mysteries in season 1 and season 2 is that in the first season the audience didn’t know who the serial killer was and they were trying to figure it out at the same time Sookie was. In this season the audience knows there is a character that is up to no good and dangerous long before the characters on the show know it.
“A part of the show takes place in Dallas but not most of the show,” Alan continues. “There is a lot that goes on in Bon Temps. But definitely we choose to show a very different side of vampire culture. A lot of the show takes place in a hotel that caters to vampires which is very upscale. It’s a different look in Dallas. But while we are in the city, a lot also takes place at a leadership conference of the Fellowship of the Sun in a campground.”
The choice of music for these scenes reflects the difference between Dallas and small town Bon Temps, the music will be more urban and sophisticated. But overall the music will still be very Louisiana based.
There is a lot going on in season 2, which takes place in a timeline of only 12 days.
Bill and Sookie are a couple, but spend a lot of the time running for their lives and trying not to get killed and that leaves them no time to get into normal relationship problems. They basically are trying to get through the day without getting killed.
They do have time for some steamy sex scenes though.
“There is a scene”, Alan tells us. “Where Sookie and Bill make love in the first episode that basically on the page it said “Sookie and Bill make love.” Then I saw the dailies and saw the scene cut together, and I wasn’t there when they shot it, and I was like ‘Oh, wow! Ok.’ But you know, I love it and I think that’s what part of the appeal of the show is. I don’t think we do anything gratuitously. But it’s important to show there is this incredible, erotic chemistry between Sookie and Bill. These are two people who never thought they had any chance at a love affair and they found each other. There is something fantastic and mind-blowing about that. “
Alan doesn’t want to give away too much about the back stories of Bill and Eric, Bill has been alive for 173 years, so there is a lot to explore. We saw Bill’s transition to vampire last season, we will see some parts of Eric’s life that are very interesting and parts of Bill’s life that are very interesting.
Jessica was created after the writers had decided that it would be Bill that would stake Longshadow instead of Eric, the way it was in the book. Bill has been forced to do something that he would never ever wanted to do, the worst punishment for him was to have to turn another human being into a vampire. We will see how he deals with the new born vampire Jessica.
“Jason in the books is very much the hot guy in town,” Alan explains. “He basically is a total womanizer. Once we started to flesh him out, no pun intended, we started looking at him as sexually compulsive. What is that about and what is he hiding from? Ultimately in his core, Jason is a scared little boy that has been abandoned by everyone he has ever loved. It was fun playing the lothario, horn dog aspect of Jason last season along with getting involved in an addiction storyline and also having him fall in love or what he assumed was love. And then lose the woman that he loved. In the second season, he is very much aware of the deep hole in his soul and he’s looking for something to fill that. As many people do, he latches onto religion and becomes part of an organization that makes him feel special and that makes him feel good. But he is going to realize that the Fellowship of the Sun doesn’t really have anything to do with the fundamental message of Jesus. And let’s just say Jason can’t leave his clothes on too long.”
When asked about the real life relationship of his stars Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer, Alan answers:
“They are such professionals, both of them, that it doesn’t affect filming whatsoever. It only affects filming in the sense that they’re incredibly comfortable with each other and their chemistry translates to the screen. I’m very happy for both of them. They are both terrific people and they found somebody that they really want to be with. There’s nothing negative about it.”
There is no time for Alan to take on any other projects because he and his team of writers will start arching out season 3 while still in post-production of season 2 and he is planning to shoot the first episode prior to the Christmas. So they will be a little bit ahead of the game next year, because right now they are scrambling to get all the episodes done by the time they air.
“I’m really, really happy with season two,” Alan says. “I watched these episodes probably 40 or 50 times given the amount of time I spend in editing. I have only seen up to episode 8 and I really can’t say I have a favorite episode. I just love the show. I have seen those episodes so many times and I still love them.
Alan assures us that all his favorite moments from “Dead In Dallas”, the book on which season 2 is based, have found a place in the script. And he adds that he didn’t receive a note from HBO that there was too much sex and violence in his show.
Nice Interview Shad ! It was nice of AB to do that interview. He is so talented as a ShowRunner, Producer, Director, Writer – He is the BEST MAKER EVAH !
Congrats ! Cannot wait for the start of Season 2 tonight!
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Well done, Shad! Great interview.
Interesting about the writing process. I guessed that they picked the best moments from the book and then made up things on their own, hehe. I like it
Very sweet what he said about Stephen and Anna
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Thanks for this, Shad! He’s such a great guy and so passionate about the show. I had seen bits and pieces scattered around, but it’s great to have one write-up that covers everything he said. I especially love his take on Bill/Sookie, and that love scene is just sounding more and more awesome. Is it 9pm yet??
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Drew Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 15:25
Thanks as well, Shad. I can’t wait to see just how erotic that scene gets.
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Shadaliza Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 15:30
I predict that a lot of hubbies and bf’s will also have a good time tonight! ROFLMAO
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Dorothea (LISMlvr) Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 15:51
We’re already working on the anticipatory energy generated by all this talk about this scene.
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Alan Ball is a genius! I am so thrilled that Season 2 is starting tonight and I just trust him so much that I know we will be in for a wonderful season of True Blood.
Great interview! I’m glad that they expand upon the books and am also glad that “he didn’t receive a note from HBO that there was too much sex and violence in his show.” Yes! I’m so looking forward to tonight!
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Drew Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 15:24
“a note from HBO that there was too much sex and violence in his show.”
After seeing some things in “Rome,” does HBO even make those notes? ;)
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lynnpd99 Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 16:26
RLEASE RE-READ DREW: He said he DIDN’T receive a note from HBO.
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Drew Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 17:46
I know, I’m making a joke about how explicit HBO can get.
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That was a great article. I can’t wait for season 2 to start as it definitely looks to be outstanding! How great is Alan Ball for taking the time to answer questions…he’s truly a class act!
I’m also glad to know I’m not the only one who watches each episode 40-50 times…LOL! Love it!
Thanks Shad….as usual you always have great material on this site!
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thanks for a great interview with our sex and blood fairy godfather!!!
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Great interview. Thanks for posting, Shad. I love Alan’s insights and explanations and that he’s already thinking ahead to season 3. Yea!!! I can’t wait to see how this season differs from the book. We are in for one whale of a good time!
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caleno Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 23:05
I was glad to hear about work starting on season 3, too! Season 2 hasn’t even started and I’m already worried about it ending. LOL.
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Good interview Shad! It sounds that after book 2 then he will not go inorder of the books just pick parts, I think that’s what I read.
Also I’m glad he clarified Bill and Longshadow. They wanted to introduce Jessica, which in my opinion was a good move.
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I can’t help but wonder if the character suffering from PTSD is Lafayette, and not just Terry.
Great interview. I always love to read anything that comes from AB!
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Selle Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 18:51
I think you could be right, Susan. It seems like it would be Lafayette, and this would fit right in with some of the spoilers we’ve seen, too.
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Fantastic, again, Shad. Now which was your question? From all that’s been written about the new season, including this interview, I have a great feeling about it. I’m anxious to see backstories and development of characters. But most of all… I’m eager to see more of my Bill. Oh Bill….
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Thanks for the interview! 50% is based on AB!? Wow, I’m so looking forward.
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Shad Thanks so much for the interview. I loved reading the whole thing. Of course I love that he says there is some really hot sex between Bill and Sookie in the first episode of season 2. But also liked that AB said 50% of the book and 50% from him and the other writers. We don’t what TB to be an exact copy of the books they are two different things and I am happy they are keeping it that way. It makes it more exciting in my opinion.
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Dorothea (LISMlvr) Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 18:26
I’ve heard those Billsbabes are a wonderful group of women!
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It’s here! It’s here! It’s here! It’s here! It’s here! Sorry I just needed to get that out! Woooohoo!
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buellblaster Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 17:24
ROFLMAO! Well, “technically not until 9:00 p.m. est”….(yeh, I’m crazy/excited too!)
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Great interview Shad! Alan Ball sounds like such a nice person. I’m so he chose not to follow the books to a T–that would have been boring. He has kicked it up so much that it leaves you speechless. He is my hero for creating such an addictivly and wonderful show. Thank you Alan Ball!
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Congrats, Shad! Fantastic. I loved the interview.
I am so jazzed … I can barely contain myself … tonight’s the night!!!
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Selle Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 18:56
Me, too. It was my very first thought when I woke up this morning. Tonight’s the night.
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I’d like to clarify that it was a conference call with 13 other reporters. I did not conduct the interview alone, we all had our turn asking questions.
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I can’t help but wonder what his favorite moments from book 3 are, as it sounds like they may have already been renewed for Season 3 or are very close to it. As far as Season 2 plotlines go I think the character suffering from PTSD this season may well be Bill. I’m glad Allan is making it an issue on the show, as it is definately an issue for many in real life and a lot of people will be able to relate to it.
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Sanna Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 20:47
What is PTSD??
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Shadaliza Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 20:48
Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
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Susan Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 21:37
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
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I’m glad to hear they are confident about season 3!!! :-)
Only hours away, people! WOOO-HOOO!
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Just a little while longer and the BEST HOUR on television will be here. Looking forward to everyone and everything on TB but especially Bill and Sookie. They are the heart of the show and they have captured my heart for sure.
Thanks for the interview Shadaliza
AB, you are one kool kat!!!
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Excellent interview Shad and I am super excited to know that we will have a season 3!! Alan Ball is pure genius and Stephen Moyer is going to set the screen on fire tonight!!!
Thank you Shad for all the great info you give us!!
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Dorothea (LISMlvr) Reply:
June 14th, 2009 at 20:54
That ain’t all he’s setin’ on fire!
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Awesome article Shad! I’m actually writing this from my desk at work. I just had to visit the Vault before season 2 starts tonight! I’m sitting her and looking at the time- 5 hours and 45 minutes till True Blood Season 2! Can’t wait for the RIDE!!!!!
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Thanks Shad, as everyone else has said, great interview. Love AB’s comments about AP & SM’s relationship. Has anyone else noticed how Alan Ball always talks about or looks at the two of them like he is such a proud papa? I have noticed it several times in interviews and some of the pictures of all of them.
Anyway, can’t wait for 9 o’clock!! Reminds me of the old Mervyn’s commercial where the lady is outside the store looking in the window with nose smashed up against it with her hands out in the air saying: “Open, open!!” I am looking at my tv screen saying: “Is it 9 o’clock yet, is it 9 o’clock yet!!” LOL!! Okay ladies start your DVR’s, or tv’s or both!! Can you imagine all of us turning on our tv’s at the same, we could cause a major power failure!! “LOL!!” Not to mention the major Earth quake that could happen when everyone faints after all of the excitement of seeing our favorite vampires and all of their hotness. Since I live in California, I am used to it, I can handle it! “LOL!”
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Terrific article, Shad!
I love The Vault! It’s the first thing that I go to when I’m on the computer – truly, I’m addicted!
Thanks so much for all of your hard work!
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Great interview SHAD. Watching the clock. Only two more hours to go!!!
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Thank you Shadaliza for the article and all the others. Where would we all be without you? 8 min. to go, I get the East Coast airing and get to watch at 6:00pm here in CA. Bill’s calling…
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Shad – a great read – thanks so much for a window onto the creative process behind True Blood. And the sex scene was amazing – and to think all it said in the script was “Bill and Sookie make love” — yipes – here’s to inspired improvisation!!
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Hey,
I’m new here and just wanted to say how amazing this show is!
I discovered it about 10 days ago, and have just watched ep 11 of s1, and im going to america next week so i can catch up with the new episodes as they air!
Just wanted to say awesome show, awesome website!
:D
JD
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Shadaliza Reply:
June 15th, 2009 at 23:00
Welcome JD, glad to have you on board!
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I hope that we get to see eric looking gay xDD That’s sooo funny LOL
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i just started watching true blood on HBO on demand and it is by far the best vamp movie ever made
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