Who Were All Those New People On True Blood Tonight?

Tonight’s episode of True Blood, “Beautifully Broken”, introduced a bunch of new characters for season 3. Need a quick rundown? Here are some basics; click the character names for more detailed character sketches. WARNING: Spoilers ahead!

New Vampires

Russell Edgington, King of Mississippi: Played by Denis O’Hare, Russell is intent on expanding his kingdom to include Louisiana. He ordered Bill’s kidnapping to further his agenda.

Talbot: Played by Theo Alexander, Talbot is Russell’s consort, his companion for the past 700 years. He’s also something of a gourmand when it comes to preparing multiple course of blood dinners.

Franklin Mott: Played by James Frain, Franklin is a love interest for a heartbroken Tara, coming to her aid when a couple of rednecks started harassing her. At least he started out on a positive note.

New Weres/Shifters

Cooter (aka Coot): Played by Grant Bowler, Coot is a werewolf in Russell Edgington’s employ. He’s the leader of the F*ck You Crew who kidnapped Bill at the end of season 2.

Melinda Mickens: Played by J. Smith Cameron, she’s Sam’s birth mother and a shifter.

Tommy Mickens: Played by Marshall Allman, we met him last week. He’s Sam’s brother and a shifter.

Crystal Norris: Played by Lindsay Pulsipher, we (and Jason) got just a glimpse of her this week when the police raided Hotshot for meth.

Calvin Norris: Played by Gregory Sporleder, he’s the leader of Hotshot and either Crystal’s uncle or father.

New Humans

Joe Lee Mickens: Played by Cooper Huckabee, he’s Sam’s birth father. He’s not a shifter.

Ruby Jean Reynolds: Played by Alfre Woodard, she’s Lafayette’s deranged, bigoted mother who he had to place in a mental institute.

Jesus Velasquez: Played by Kevin Alejandro, he’s the orderly who helps Ruby Jean despite her racist remarks.

Quite an array of newbies, huh? We have even more new characters coming up on True Blood next week. Season 3 is shaping up to be another wild ride!