True Blood - TV-MA

Sexy, Southern-fried vampire drama for adults only.

(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

Common Sense rates it
3
Seen the show?
9238_orig.jpg
details
  • TV Rating: TV-MA
  • Network: HBO
  • Cast: Anna Paquin, Rutina Wesley, Stephen Moyer
  • Genre: Drama

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this pay-cable vampire series from the creator of Six Feet Under is, like that show, very much intended for adults. Viewers can expect plenty of nudity, simulated sex scenes, strong language (including "s--t" and "f--k"), drinking, and drug use, as well as references to prostitution. That said, the show also explores the human ability to embrace and understand those who are different.

Families can talk about how vampires have been portrayed in the media over the years. Have those portrayals changed over time? If so, how? What things do vampire-centric TV shows and movies tend to have in common? Why do you think so many vampire stories are intertwined with themes of sex and desire? What messages does this show send about relationships and intimacy?

Message

Social Behavior:

The series is a fantasy, but it serves as a metaphor for the unfairness of judging a group or community based on the actions of a few. The cast is primarily Caucasian; Tara and Lafayette are African-American. Lafayette is openly gay.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Lots of visible consumption of beer, hard liquor, and Tru Blood (synthetic blood created for vampires). Some discussion of drug trafficking and images of drug use. Tara's mother is a violent alcoholic.

Violence

Mortals and vampires are shown pushing, punching, kicking, and shoving each other (sometimes brutally). Knives, chains, and other items are sometimes used as weapons. The show's opening sequence contains brief images of the KKK, gutted animals, and children eating bloody organs. Some mortals are "drainers" (they kidnap and drain vampires' blood and sell it). Other mortals are mysteriously found dead. Vampires become more evil when they nest together.

Sex

Right from the opening sequence, there's plenty of nudity (breasts, buttocks) and a wide variety of simulated sex acts, including orgies. There are also images of women stripping and dancing suggestively, and prostitution is frequently discussed. Strong language is used to describe female genitalia. Vampire biting is considered an erotic act and is referred to as "fang banging." Vampire blood is sold on the black market as an alternative to Viagra.

Language

Language is strong and uncensored. Words include everything from "hell" to "s--t", "f--k," and more.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Melissa Camacho

TRUE BLOOD takes place in a world where vampires have "come out of the coffin" and live openly among mortals. Anna Paquin stars as Sookie Stackhouse, a young Louisiana waitress known as the town's eccentric thanks to her telepathic abilities. She becomes even more of an outcast when she finds herself attracted to vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), who's decided to mainstream into the town's human community. As the townsfolk face their prejudices, Sookie's womanizing brother Jason (Ryan Kwanten) finds himself mysteriously connecting with aspects of the vampire culture while striking up an illicit business relationship with colorful Lafayette Reynolds (Nelson Ellis). Meanwhile, Sookie's best friend Tara Thornton (Rutina Wesley) and bar owner Sam Merlotte (Sam Tramell) have their own personal issues to deal with. And then there are the pesky non-conforming vampires who fuel the town's anti-bloodsucker sentiments. ...

Is it any good?

3
True Blood -- which is based on author Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mysteries series and produced by Six Feet Under creator Alan Ball -- is a creative dramedy bolstered by both an unusual premise and strong, well-developed, colorful characters who add a touch of humor. That said, the show also uses vampires' mythic and rather violent sexual appetites as a way to explore human eroticism at various levels. So there are plenty of explicit conversations, over-the-top sex scenes, and obvious sadomasochist references.

Obviously, then, this show is meant for adults. And mature viewers will find that True Blood is definitely entertaining. It effectively weaves "everyday" topics like romance and family dysfunction into a mystical fabric that results in some interesting and sometimes thought-provoking narratives. It also serves as a platform from which stereotypes and bigotry can be examined in an honest, open way.

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/13/08 by Julie P Adult contributor

True Blood is Amazing!

I am addicted to this show. It just keeps getting better. Not for kids---tons of nudity--Jason the brother's role is to be naked and have sex---and he is HOT! Great plots, sexy, but definitely not for kids!

Adult Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/13/08 by Julie P Adult contributor

True Blood is Amazing!

I am addicted to this show. It just keeps getting better. Not for kids---tons of nudity--Jason the brother's role is to be naked and have sex---and he is HOT! Great plots, sexy, but definitely not for kids!

Kids Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no kids reviews.

Review It
What do your kids do online?
Surf
34%
Homework and research
19%
Download music
10%
Chat with friends
37%
132 votes