A Q&A With Mel & Liz

True-Blood.net reader Ashleigh, from “oh so sunny England”, sent us an email a few days ago asking some questions about running this site, our thoughts on the show, recommendations for reading the books, etc. As we were answering them, we thought, hey, why not share this with everyone? So here it is, our little Q&A with Ashleigh:

What has it been like to interview the members of the cast?
Mel: They have all been a treat to talk to. Everyone we’ve encountered that works on True Blood has been so nice, open and friendly. You couldn’t wish for a better bunch of people.
Liz: It’s been a lot of fun to talk with each of them. The guys have been charming and sweet and the girls have been like coffee-klatsch sessions.

What’s your favourite episode from series 1 and your favourite from series 2?
Mel: It’s a tough call for season 1; the last two episodes of the season were almost like one episode, so I’m going to cheat and say 1.11 and 1.12 are my favorite from season 1. For season 2, no contest, episode 2.09, “I Will Rise Up”. That’s the episode that should be sent to the Emmy nomination committee next year for acting, directing, writing, FX, costumes, makeup, music…everything. It was brilliant.
Liz: In season one, my favorite was 1.06, “Cold Ground”. It was filled with emotion and all the actors stood out for me for the first time. In season two, I don’t even have to think about it, “I Will Rise Up” wins it – hands down. Emotional, visually beautiful, it was the best episode of the season.

What have you preferred so far, Series 1 or 2?
Mel: I like them both for different reasons. Season 1 was so new and fresh, every episode was a surprise. Season 2 saw the overall quality of the show increase along with the depth of the characters and storylines.
Liz: I can’t pick a favorite, and that’s not a cop-out. LOL! Both seasons have been a surprise and a delight for me.

I’m thinking of reading the book series that True Blood is based on, do you recommend them?
Mel: YES! I was a book fan first, started reading them several years ago, and was immediately drawn into this universe that Charlaine Harris created. I like Alan Ball’s interpretation of the books, but recommend reading the books in addition to watching the series.
Liz: Absolutely!

Have you read the book series, if so which is your favourite book?
Mel: I have read the series. My favorite books (so far) are #4 and #7. And #1 simply because it introduced me to the Sookie universe.
Liz: I read the books when Mel recommended them to me. I couldn’t stop after reading the first one. So, of course, I loved Dead Until Dark first. Dead to the World (#4) was so sweet, I can’t help but make that my second choice. Finally, I have to go with #7, All Together Dead. There was so much going on and it was very fast paced.

I’m slightly confused on the order of the books and the books of short stories, do I have to read the short stories as well? If so in which order?
Mel: The short stories are not necessary to understand the novels; they’re little adventures between the novels, if that makes sense. You can read the novels without reading the short stories and not miss anything vital, but the shorts are fun if you need a Sookie fix!
Liz: I haven’t read any of the short stories yet, and I’ve been able to enjoy the Sookie series anyway.

Who has been your favourite to interview so far?
Mel: Gah! Another tough one! How about a Top 5? In no particular order: Michael Raymond-James (Rene) – our first cast member interview, he is adorable with a wicked sense of humor; Kristin Bauer (Pam) – any time we get to chat with her leaves me in stitches, even her emails are hilarious; Alan Ball (the showrunner) – so gracious, so generous, and so funny; Audrey Fisher (costume designer) – what can I say, I’m a fan of clothes and she was a delight to talk with; Charlaine Harris (the author) – please, I fangirled over her so much it’s a wonder I managed to say anything.
Liz: In this order: Kristin Bauer, Alan Ball (I adore the man!), Michael Raymond-James, Raelle Tucker. Raelle was just as much fun as Kristin, I think. She was so easy to talk with; she was just one of the gals!

Lastly, what’s the best part of running True-Blood.net?
Mel: Getting to share our love of the show with people like you! (Touring the set and talking to the folks who make the show ain’t half bad, either. 😉 )
Liz: I agree with Mel. The fans of the show have been so much fun! When Mel first spoke to me about the idea of a True Blood website, I thought it would be fun to have a place for ourselves to gather information and photos, etc. But it’s become much more than that as the show aired and more people were reading the books.