TV Review: ‘True Blood’ Season Seven Sneak Peek

As the final season of True Blood approaches, HBO releases True Blood: The Complete Sixth Season on June 3, available on DVD, Blu ray and Digital HD.  For those who won’t have the time to rewatch it before the big premiere on June 22, check out my full recap of season six.

So what’s in store for season seven?  In the season six finale the residents of Bon Temp face a crisis, thanks to Hep V, a deadly virus that kills vampires.  Sam Merlotte (Sam Tramell), now mayor of the small town, suggests a solution: that humans and uninfected vampires commit to a monogamous feeding relationship. While some in town embrace this, others refuse, sickened at the thought.  The season ends as a band of Hep V infected vampires head toward the residents, gathered at Bellefleur’s Bar and Grill for a barbecue.

*SPOILER ALERT: HBO has released spoilers of the first two episodes*

Stephen Moyer steps back into the director’s chair for Episode 71, titled Jesus Gonna Be Here, written by Angela Robinson.

The series picks up where season six ends, as the group of rogue Hep V-infected vampires attack those at the vampire-human barbecue, and with shocking results.  In the face of vigilante insurrection, led by redneck Vince (Brett Wickaby), Bill (Stephen Moyer) receives aid from an unexpected source.  Meanwhile, Sookie (Anna Paquin) is blamed for the chaos in Bon Temp and the “one vampire for every human” plan goes into effect.  This episode premieres June 22 at 9:00 p.m. on HBO.

Debuting June 29 at 9:00 p.m., Howard Deutch directs Episode 72, I found You, written by Kate Barnow.

During the attack, three hostages are taken from the Bellefleur’s, and they look to a familiar face for a possible liberator. Meanwhile, thanks to a young woman’s diary, Sookie and Jason (Ryan Kwanten) learn of Bon Temp’s possible fate upon visiting the neighboring town of Saint Alice.  Spurned by Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis), a desperate Lettie Mae (Adina Porter) turns to Willa (Amelia Rose Blair) to channel her family’s past.  Vigilante leader Vince whips his crew into a dangerous frenzy.  And finally, Pam’s (Kristin Bauer van Straten) search for her maker leads to a familiar place.

There will be a few new faces in season seven, including Nathan Parsons who is taking over the role of vampire James, previously played by Luke Grimes.  During captivity at the vamp camp, James refuses to have sex with Jessica in the name of science, however later does hook up privately.  If Parsons looks familiar to you, it might be due to his recurring role this season on The CW‘s hit The Originals, as werewolf pack Alpha Jackson. This Emmy-nominated actor has incredible screen presence and will be a great addition to the cast as a series regular.

Last season, one of the executives from the True Blood Bottling Company had been brutally murdered at the hands of vampire hater and religious fanatic Sarah Newlin (Anna Camp).  Will Yun Lee is set to cause a little turmoil for our Bon Temp residents.  Get ready to meet baddie Mr. Gus, a Japanese business man living in Texas, out for revenge.

Lastly, French actress Gabriella Wright will make her entrance as Sylvie, a love interest for our tall drink of water and dangerous vamp Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgard).  She’ll catch his eye and it’s about time!

Season seven sounds like it’s going to be a sexy, bloodthirsty, spine-tinglng thrill-ride so don’t miss out on the series’ final ten episodes, every Sunday at 9:00 p.m. on HBO starting June 22.  Be sure to use hashtags #TrueBlood and #GoodbyesSuck during the season premiere.

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