Letters to Cast and Crew: Alan Ball

Dear Alan Ball,

Last night, I watched the second season premiere of True Blood. You didn’t lie about this season being “more of everything”. We got a glimpse of what you meant in Nothing But the Blood. However, you are still a tricksy, tricksy man. Not that I’m complaining. On the contrary, having read the books, I loved the “gasp” effect in the opening scene, finding out just who was (and was NOT) in that car. And later, finding out where the individual actually was. In fact, so sure was I of who was in that car, that it’s going to take some time for me to straighten my head out. I think I’m still in shock, because no one – I don’t care who they are – no one saw that coming, in any of the speculations that have been roaming around since last season’s finale.

Another shocker was finding out who was behind the final scene with Lafayette. I had to watch the show three times just to be sure I saw it correctly! Well, that, and I just had to watch it again.

I am delighted with Jessica. She is an interesting challenge for Bill and Sookie. Thank you for not making Bill and Sookie’s love affair boring; hearts and flowers and violin music in the background.

Sam’s journey into his own past was well done, and a little disturbing. His first contact with Maryann raised more than one question, and I am extremely curious to see how you play that out.

Maryann: we know what she is, but we saw last night that there is more than meets the eye with her. Every scene with her in it was riveting.

Tara’s scenes with her mother were quite heart-wrenching. By contrast, her scenes with Eggs were so soft and touching, yet there, too, more questions were raised. This time, having to do with Eggs. I’m sure you will make him a much larger personality than the books did. I have faith in you!

It was about time Sam told Sookie off for all her playing with him the way she had been. She had it coming to her! Even in the books, Sookie frustrated me at times.

Last night, you reminded us that the hot vampires we all love and gush over are, in fact, quite dangerous. Bill ripping off Sookie’s clothes, while totally a waiting-to-exhale moment, reminded us that Bill can be dangerous. Eric appearing in flip-flops, foiled hair and running sweats, just before ripping a guy’s arm off and feeding on him slowly, was like a bucket of ice water thrown in my face. It said, “Wake up and smell the vampire rage, you silly, silly woman!”

Can I talk about Jason for just a moment? Unless I’m wrong, and with you at the helm, sir, that’s a distinct possibility, that boy is in for a very rude awakening from these folks at FotS. He thinks he’s running away from all the hate. Hate sometimes wears its Sunday Best before drawing its ever present machete on you, son.

There’s so much more that I could talk about, but I know you are a very busy man, and I wouldn’t want to take you away from this work that is your playground. I will conclude by saying, thank you, Alan Ball, for catapulting us into season two in a way that can only be topped by, well, a season three!

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Henderson
Completely spent at True-Blood.net