For a backwater burg with only a single watering hole, Bon Temps sure does have a lot of colorful characters passing in and out (well, those that end up making it out). Case in point: Check out the motley crew Alan Ball and Co. are introducing in season 3 (premiering next summer). While Ball teased some of these arrivals in my recent Q&A, there’s nothing like sinking your teeth into the actual casting notices.
* Tommy Mickens is a grungy but handsome man in his early ‘20s who just so happens to be Sam Merlotte’s long-lost younger brother. Apparently, at some point he’ll be showing his unadorned backside, which, with Sam’s similar feral tendency towards the “full moon,” proves that they really must be related after all.
*After his mysterious abduction, Bill finds himself with the latest addition to the True Blood Gallery of Impossibly Attractive Male Vampires (or the TBGIAMV). Talbot, a bitingly (har har) sarcastic vampire with a model’s looks, will appear starting in the second episode as a guide of sorts for the kidnapped vamp.
* More news on the PYT front is the appearance of Jesus Velasquez, an unordinary orderly with a heart to match his good looks.
* In a friendly bit of one-upmanship, Tara gets her very own over-protective vampire buddy. And a “sexy, sexy, sexy, sexy” one at that. That’s right, four sexys. Eat that, Sookie. The neckbiter, Franklin Mott, is also clearly in the running for TBGIAMV status.
* We’ve had vampires, shape-shifters, and demi-gods, and now the next supernatural spook to waltz through Louisiana is…rednecks?! Well, maybe they aren’t so unearthly, but they can sure pack a punch and we can expect a group of them, led by a guy named Coot (of course), to unleash their mobile home magic on some of our dear characters.
* Jason Stackhouse will find that his notoriously limitless libido has taken a hit, when two NYU girls, Jen and Missy, ménage à try to get him into the sack to little avail.
* Yvetta, Fangtasia’s new Czechoslovakian dancer, is tremendously hot and comfortable being in the buff. Oh, and she makes lots of sexy time with Eric. (Don’t shoot the messenger!)
* Tara’s ever-distraught mom turns to the church for comfort (and maybe a little more) in the form of the honorable Reverend Daniels.
Got casting suggestions for any of the above? Share ‘em below! (Additional reporting by Keith Staskiewicz)
More True Blood scoop:
Should Katie Holmes play Debbie Pelt?
Jeffrey Dean Morgan as vampire Alcide?
The twist that could ruin Bill and Sookie!
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hmmm….Franklin Mott is from the books, but the rest are brand new. let’s hope this goes the way of Jessica and makes for a great third season!
Yeah…because in the books it isn’t Tara’s non-existent mom who goes to the FOTS…
I’m ok with new characters – it makes things fresh…but if they’re going to change things this drastically, I certainly hope they don’t mess with the central relationship in the books – Sookie/Eric.
I like Bill well enough and Stephen Moyer does a fab job…but the direction IS Sookie/Eric in the books.
I agree – new characters are great, however, I can’t WAIT for season 4 if it is going to follow the 4th book – my fav in the series because of the Sookie/Eric hook-up! Just as long as that isn’t messed with, I can’t wait to see season 3??? Maybe they can hurry it up and get it out sooner!
I’ve liked a lot of changes but this is a little worrying. A key mythology in the book is that only one child of a shapeshifting couple will be born with the gene to shapeshift. I don’t like a huge change like same having a shapeshifting brother.
that is true but remember the first born thing only has to do with the female. A male can have multiple shifters/weres with different women. so maybe it is his half brother.
Talbot is from the books too.
I just caught Goran Vijnic (Luca in ER) in Practical Magic playing quite a sexy but not so nice guy turned zombie demon…he’d be awesome as Alcide or Russell…
And for Pam’s lover, what about Mia Kirschner?
Ugh all these characters I don’t know.. I’m sorry, I’m a book purist! Why change a good thing? Too late now, seeing as how they made me want to punch season 2. *Siiigh* at least they’re doing Franklin Mott. Does this mean we’ll one day have Tara’s Togs? Haha..
I can totally understand the sentiment “why change a good thing”, but I hardly think it applies to this situation. While I love a lot of the characters to come out of the books, we all know they are poorly written, trashy fiction. Alan Ball is putting out a much different product, one with many layers, and lots of subtext. Which are some things the books could use.
Do we really need to bash the books? I think both the series and books have their own charms. I personally prefer the books, but i prefer books in general. Unfortunately for most reading seems to be a lost art. And lets not forget without the books Alan Ball wouldn’t have had the material to create the series. It doesn’t have to be well written to be good. The ideas just have to be good, which Harris’s are.
“We all know they are poorly written, trashy fiction”. Who’s “we”? Oh, that’s right, it’s someone who calls herself Mary Q.Contrary. I doubt you read all of the books, Mary. They got stronger and more complex as they went along. Having said that, I have no problem with the show, which I haven’t seen (I don’t get it up here in Canada), adding new characters. The show sounds awesome and I plan on renting the DVDs some rainy weekend.
Agreed! I do like the books but I really LOVE this series. Sometimes they characters in the books had me scratching my head. And sometimes the rapid ERIC/SOOKIE fans have me scratching my head! They only hooked up in one book and *SPOILER* only because he wasn’t himself!
Stacy obviously you have not read all of the books. Eric is a much more prominent character in all of the books from 4 on than Bill. And Eric/Sookie have some real good scenes in book 9.
Who’s We. They are not poorly written or trashy. They’re funny, and nuanced and fun. I used to be a book snob that only read literary fiction. A book doesn’t have to be pullitzer level with a sad ending to be well written.
@Stacy: It’d help if you read more than the first 4 books. Book 3 is when Eric becomes a more prominent character and gradually becomes THE main guy in her life as the series goes on.
Let’s not forget before you call the books “trashy” that we remember all the porn type scenes in the tv series. There was not nearly that much sex and nudity in the books as there was in the show.
Mary, thats your opinion. I liked the books and while I like TB too, one can hardly say it is deep and meaningful. It is soapy and a little campy and thats why I like it. But that is just My opinion too.
Shut up. The show is different from the book series. They’re separate, they’re different (and the TV show is better). Get over it. If you don’t like the show, don’t watch it. I didn’t like the first few books so I didn’t read the rest. It’s really quite simple. Shut. Up.
The easiest and most ignorant way to counter an opinion is by telling someone to, “Shut up!” If you don’t like the arguments being made, then don’t read them. At least others are contributing valid points. Wanting to silence those that don’t share your viewpoint is frankly, disturbing.
You didn’t like the first few books so you gave up. Yup, you sure have a solid basis for saying the show is better and for being superior to anyone who disagrees. Fantastic argument.
Wow! Let’s show some maturity. This is a place for people to comment about the show. There is no need to tell anyone to shut up. How can you like the series when you didn’t like the books? Yes there are a few differences, but it’s still the same plot. So unless you’re into more sex and nudity or just don’t like reading, that doesn’t make any sense.
Are you 12 Becks?
What about Gabriel Macht for one of the hottie vamps?
Oh I really like that idea. Macht is a good actor with some serious sex appeal!
I agree….. I understand some changes must be made to go to tv….. but seriously, they should retract the statement that the series is based on the Sookie Stackhouse chronicles…. they are veering SOOOO far of course. By the end of this season, Sookie will probably be “turned” and Bill and Eric will be romantic partners. Bad move Alan Ball.
I agree Katty — it does seem like Ball is moving much farther off course than he did with seasons 1 & 2. Hopefully the changes will be good – but he shouldn’t forget the reasons people love the books. I doubt that Charlaine Harris would allow them to do anything TOO drastic that would affect her serious though.
Damn i hate you Book loves who just want the show to be the same.If they followed the books then Lafayette would be dead and that would suck.I wish you “why can’t the show be just like the book”would get a life.I love the books and i love the show.It’s nice that there are different.
I agree, they are both good in their own way. I am a reader and love the books more, but the show is really good and keeps me interested, but I mainly watch the show to see Eric and he does not get near enough air time. I truly admire talent and Alexander Skarsgard is such a fantastic actor that I just love all of his scenes.
Oh no! Franklin Mott! He better be super hot because I know he’s super bad. Otherwise I can take it or leave it.
Alan Ball, if you are reading this please bring back Sarah Newlin! Her character was awesome last year, and I think she is the best match for Jason!!
Maybe she’s too busy playing Pam’s sister on “The Office”. Ha… I wish. She was great in the wedding episode and I’d love to see her as a regular.
When is Lafayette gonna get some love? He is deserving.
And I know that I am going to get blasted for this, but it would be some funny shiznit to have one of the Twilight bunch for a cameo, especially for a sex scene. Kristen anyone?
That is the worst idea I’ve ever read in my entire life.
hahahahahahahaa
Corran, I am literally crying. That is so funny. And true.
still laughing…
(And I meant crispy, not Corran. Corran, your idea was also terrible. Sarah Newlin was a phenomenally written character… but she was cuh-razy. Even Jason… who is a moron… deserves better.)
Lafayette isn’t even supposed to be alive!!
I’m so glad he is still around, though. I love me some Lafayette, even though he wouldn’t go for me… he’s nice…
Why on Earth would any of us want to pollute True Blood with Twilight crap?
It wouldn’t serve anyone in Twilight to be put side by side with anyone in True Blood, lest people notice how woefully inadequate Twilight is in comparison.
You said it perfectly, Hannah!!
Good grief! Keep those little kids out of Bon Temps!!!
“Kristen anyone?”
I’m sorry, you seem to be confused. Having sex with the undead is NOT the same as having sex with corpse, which, given her complete lack of presence and emotion, I characterize KStew as.
This is going to be very interesting season. I can not wait for summer.
Blah. No good news here. Defiantly not the “Extremely juicy” spoilers the title of the article promised.
***Book (and possibly show) SPOILER***:
In book 3, Talbot was Russell Edgington’s human companion. Info on Talbot for season 3 referred to him as Russell’s trophy husband. That info together implies that Bill’s being held at Russell’s mansion in the show, like he was in the book.
***possible SPOILER above***
Good job putting that together! I actually hated the 3rd book so I couldn’t remember if I knew Talbot or not!
OH and Thanks for labeling as a SPOILER! I’ve read the books but I just think it’s so rude when people come on here and post spoilers without labeling. Common Courtesy Y’ALL!
Eric with someone other than Sookie? That’s some GREAT news!!!! I want my Bill & Sookie together!
I agree, I love Bill and Sookie, i have read all the books and i have to say i love the series more, bill would lay down his life for sookie, eric never will, he loves himself too much. Also in the book series, I find Sookie very self absorbed and unforgiving. I like the Sookie I am seeing on tv way better!!
Oh come on, you know it’s just a sexual relationship and won’t last. Don’t get too excited. Alan Ball recently said that Eric and Sookie would happen b/c they were “fated”. I can’t wait!!
Sorry, but Bill & Sookie are the most boring part of the show. Who cares if he would lay down his life for her, whats the fun in that. I think Eric really loves her but he is so complicated and conflicted that it makes him the most interesting character in the show. He is funny too Bill has no humor at all to him.
I totally agree Fallon! Even in the books Bill started to become dull starting in the 3rd book.
Sookie & Eric are the reasons I’m watching TrueBlood. ZZZZZ to Bill.
Me too ! There is so much chemistry between them .
Mike, did anyone ever tell you that THERE’S NO CZECHOSLOVAKIA SINCE 1993?!
Hahhh…correct. At least call it the Czech Republic!
True, but if she’s a vampire she easily could have been made when there was, and would still refer to herself as Czech. Vampires don’t always care that the world has changed around them; she’s working at Fangtasia, so she’s likely a vamp, right?
Hear hear! Nor is there a “Czechoslovakian” language! Ouch!
can I suggest myself for casting?
that would be gear.
Tara’s new hottie – how about Blair Underwood? He’s older but pretty gorgeous…
And I like the idea of Gale Harold for Talbot or Alaric (is that his name? The casting call from awhile back for the tall dark and handsome cynical hottie)
Blair Underwood would be great for Franklin Mott. Good choice Heidi.
matt bomer would make a great vamp… think about it
He can already glamor people with his hotness!
If Yvette is a vampire, she could easily be Czechoslovakian, Paulina.
Well, Czechoslovakism a term for the political and cultural conception of Czechoslovakia, which was made by the nations of Czechs and Slovaks. Therefore there is, and never was such nationality as “Czechoslovakian”. I mean, really, don’t you Americans know any history at all?
Yep. She’d either be Czech, or Slovakian. She wouldn’t be both. And don’t give me the “she could have been alive when it was still Czechoslovakia” spin.
You might want to do a little research before you start bashing the US for not studying their history.
Czechoslovakia: A former country of central Europe. It was formed in 1918 from Czech- and Slovak-speaking territories of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Communists gained control of the government after World War II and stayed in power until late 1989 when demands for democratic political reform forced Communist leaders to resign. In 1993 the country split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
If they are united under 1 flag, they are considered 1 nation. Therefore, they WOULD be Czechoslovakian.
OMG! “Czechoslovakian dancer”
michael. if you copy-paste, than think a little bit. there’s no such thing like Czechoslovakia since the 90’s
I would like to see Jenny McCarthy as Debbie Pelt
Surprisingly…I kind of like that idea!
I hope Jenny McCarthy never works again. Hoping didn’t work with Jenna Elfman so your idea will probably fly.
Ugh–not me. I’m really hoping that Debbie Pelt will be played by Sarah Brown (Claudia on General Hospital). She’s a really good actress who can mix bad-ass and vulnerability. She’d be perfect as Debbie.
I’m so excited! I love new cast additions!
I’d like to see BSG alum Jamie Bamber on TB. He is good looking beyond all fairness. (and he’s a decent actor, too.)
OMG seconded! He could totally pull off the pale vampire look!
not so sure about the southern accent though, since he’s english…
(I knowthe guy playing Bill is too, but tbh his accent is questionable)
Forget Jamie. He has been cast in the UK’s version of Law & Order.
I am excited about them bringing Talbot and Franklin Mott on. Franklin Mott was such an awful being in the books, but it will make for good TV. I also like the idea of Sam’s brother being on as well. I don’t really know about some of the others however. I can only imagine the backlash from Eric’s new lover… she better be a decent actress or its going to be ugly…
The words “Yvetta” and “sexytime with Eric” make my heart sink. Yep, I am a rabid Eric/Sookie fan. Well, if it means more Alexander Skarsgård in any capacity I guess I will take what I can get.
If she is Czech-born, I hope they spell/say it the correct way (Iveta); then I’ll get to hear my name coming from Eric’s lips! I’ll definitely take that!!!
Jesus christ, Czechoslovakian? Czechoslovakia doesn’t exist since 1993….
I’m from Czech rep. and I’m not offended, I’m just kinda dissapointed that’s still an issue in some US tv shows. And Yvetta isn’t really a Czech nor Slovakian name. Come one, is it really so hard for creators to find some traditional Czech name?
Hey, Castle had Eliška Sokol, after all
*waves a proud Czech flag*
So, what do people from teh Czech Republic call themselves? Czechs? Do you not have any pride of what your country was at one time? Please inform us.
Eric having sexing time sounds OK to me ! LOL
I would prefer it be with Sookie but I’ll take Alexander Skarsgard on screen as much as possible.
Gale Howard would be PERFECT for “Talbot”
He was on Desperate Houswives and Queer as Folk.
It’s Gale HAROLD. But yeah, I agree.
I think great choice for anyone who will be on the show for a long long time. Talbot, Alaric (sorry book readers do you know if the name is right? THe other casting call given a month back?) – whomever. Just get him on that show!
thank you and god bless you all
If they need me to play Yvette I am sure I can find the time.
I say the less it has to do with the books the better, so I am happy to hear most of these characters are new. I read the first two books thinking, “If the show is this good, the books must be f***ing incredible”. Alas they are trashy and poorly written and Alan Ball and company have made vast improvements to the source material. I can’t believe I even bothered to read the second one, but I will always give something a second chance. I did read the synopsis of the rest of the books, and was aghast to find out Bill was pretty much history after the second and the plots it described sounded even more absurd as the books progressed. Go on Alan, give us our True Blood, truly better made than the truly trashy tomes.
I actually agree with you, Rosey. There’s a time and a place to stick with the books, but True Blood isn’t it. The books make for good inspiration and a jumping-off point, but I’m glad that Ball is deviating a little. How boring would it be if everyone always knew exactly what was going to happen, especially given the “mystery” aspect of the series?
That’s also an excellent point Kelsey. I know how it is when you have a beloved series, like say Harry Potter that you have adored and created lavish productions in your mind about. You want the movie to have all your favorite scenes when it comes out and are even more upset when they change or create something new. But, in this case, you book lovers have to admit that it is more exciting to be surprised by the outcome of the each season’s Big Bad. And while it works in the books, there is no way they are going to let us fall in love with a a character like Bill only to leave him in the middle of nowhere for the rest of the series. Long Flow True Blood.
Agreed. I read the entire series to give it a chance… alas, I was unimpressed. The plot has its high points, for sure, but great googly moogly! Charlaine Harris is not the best writer. I swear, every time she mentioned Sam she had to follow it with something about “his halo of red-gold curls.” Enough already! Get a thesaurus! (Cough, cough!) You too, Stephanie Meyers!
Thank You thank you thank you!
Love the show.. thought the books were good STARTING point, but definitely not as great as people make it out to be.
The show is better.
OMG! I am an Eric/Sookie fan all the way, from the books. I read them all, from 1-9 in a week. I couldn’t put them down. The differences between the show and the books bother me! I also think that the show is poorly acted, poorly written and not true to the books at all. They probably won’t even develop Eric/Sookie like they did in the books. It’s so slow in the books, it’s agonizing, but it makes you yearn for it. in the show, its all muddled. I really really love the books and only wash the show because my roommate likes it. Sure, Alexander is awesome to look at. And he does ok in the acting catergory, but for Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin? AWFUL acting.
Then don’t watch!
What do you mean poorly acted?? Are you crazy they are all excellent actors and Alexander Skarsgard is probably the best actor to come along in the last 10 years. He was brilliant in Generation Kill and simply the best in True Blood.
I loved the books and am enjoying the show too. However, sometimes the show is a little cheesy. Mainly when it comes to Jason’s character.
I agree with the other posters. Why are you watching if you hate it so much? Eric and Sookie are clearly being developed; not like in the books, but that’s true of EVERYONE. Happily. TV has different storytelling requirements.
“Awful acting” – what makes you such a judge??? The critical and popular fanbase of this series and the amazing cast is huge, but obviously you are above all that and know more about the art of acting than anyone else. How f..ing pretentious!! Do us a favor and don’t watch it. BTW, I have read the books, too. I enjoy them, but they’re not Moby Dick and TB is based on them. CH is perfectly fine with any changes AB makes to her story.
bad acting wow and they both won awards annas up for her second one for true blood the heart and soul of the show so far is anna and stephen i read the books too and like them but these is not the sookie stackhouse show its called true blood
Alcide isn’t a vampire……he’s a werewolf!
Laz Alonso for Franklin Mott!
I think Alan Ball is doing a terrific job. He is using the book series as a framework for his own show. You can’t compare the book characters especially Bill and Eric to the TV characters. I dont think I would like to see Eric tamed by Sookie. He is too much fun the way he is, sarcastic and contemtpous of humans. TV Eric seems like a perenial bachelor. TV Bill is trying to regain his humanity, with Sookie’s help. I understand people are devoted to the books, but jeez lighten up people. It’s supposed to be fun.
Couldn’t agree more. Each have the merits. Enjoyed the books and am enjoying the television show. I’d only add that while I adore Eric’s arrogance and think it is too early in the show’s history to swap to the eric/sookie plot line I wouldn’t mind a few more of sookie’s dreams (though I suppose Yvette will serve the same function so whose complaining?).