Season Two of True Blood picks up the story right at the cliffhanger ending of the first season, with Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), Tara Thornton (Rutina Wesley) and Andy Bellefleur (Chris Bauer) discovering a dead body of a woman (with her heart removed) in the detective’s car.  As it turns out, this is the same woman who had performed a phony exorcism on Tara’s alcoholic mother.

As the 12-episode season (on 5-discs) unfolds, we learn that this killing, as well as others, is the work of Maryann Forrester (Michelle Forbes), a black magic Enchantress of mythological origins, who winds up turning the entire population of Bon Temps into zombie-like creatures that do her every bidding.

In the meantime, Sookie and Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), her vampire boy friend, travel to Dallas to help save a revered vampire leader, taken prisoner by a radical right wing religious group that is intent on starting a war between vampires and humans.  What Sookie doesn’t know is that her brother, Jason (Ryan Kwanten), has become a member of this cult, not aware their true intentions.

CRITIQUE

True Blood tells of a nice young girl (the delightful Ms. Paquin) with a special power, who falls in love with a benevolent vampire.

The series is set in the near future when vampires are becoming a part of normal society because a synthetic blood has been developed which removes the bloodsuckers’ need for human nourishment.

It is a well-made, quite entertaining show that takes the basic premise of Buffy, The Vampire Slayer in a totally different, slightly more serious, direction.  Because of this intriguing premise, it allows the producers to insert a somewhat subtle message of tolerance for all creatures…living or dead.

Frankly, I’m not a big fan of vampire stories, but this one has such interesting, multi-faceted characters and truly quirky storylines that I’m hooked.  Production values are first-rate.

The most engrossing story arc this season deals with the religious cult that wants to destroy vampires.  These episodes are loaded with suspenseful moments and cliffhanger endings that make you want to immediately watch the following episode.  Unfortunately, this narrative thread is pretty much over by the start of Episode 9. [Hopefully, it will return next season.]  That leaves the Enchantress story to fill out the remainder of the season.

Aside from the fact that she’s one of the most beautiful women on working television today, I really enjoy watching Michelle Forbes in just about anything.  She’s a fine, intelligent actress who, given the right role, could certainly become a major star.

It is definitely no reflection on her talents that the final 3 episodes of this season seem stretched and repetitive.  That’s the fault of the writers who failed to add another interesting element or two to the story mix.

Personally, I think that zombies are a bore and having them dominate the final three episodes of this season was a mistake.

On the other hand, the season does end with another terrific cliffhanger, even better than the one that concluded Season One.  So, even with its few missteps, this sophomore season is well worth adding to your collection.

THE VIDEO

The picture is broadcast sharp, with no problems whatsoever.

THE AUDIO

The Dolby Digital Stereo Sound is excellent.  Indeed, some of the surround effects are amazing.

THE EXTRAS

Seven Audio Commentaries by series creator Alan Ball, Anna Paquin Stephen Moyer, Michelle Forbes and other cast members.

The Vampire Report: Special Edition: The series’ television news report on what vampires are doing in politics and popular culture.

Fellowship of the Sun, Reflections of Light: Equal time given to the series’ television show, sponsored by the anti-vampire cult.

FINAL THOUGHT

Despite any story problems with the final few episodes of this season, True Blood is an excellent series, an enhancement to any DVD library.