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Post by tangentgirl on Mar 6, 2009 13:50:53 GMT -5
Okay....
Anyone who knows me even a little knows that I'm partial to stories involving vampires. They aren't always good, but they always pique my interest.
In anycase... I really enjoy the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris on which the HBO series is based.
I managed to watch the first season via various Internet sites, but it wasn't easy and it wasn't always pretty. The series is of course different in many respects from the books (characters and some storyline points) and that is totally okay. I am a fan of Alan Ball (loved Six Feet Under) and as I pointed out, I love a good vampire story.
I don't have HBO, though. I find myself in that position when you were a kid (or when I was a kid in Arizona) and hoped to befriend someone w/ a pool. Don't get me wrong... you want to like the person; you don't just want to use them for their pool or HBO, for that matter.
Back in the day, my friends and I would take turns having HBO. We'd all meet up on Sunday nights and watch Sopranos (not my favorite), Sex in the City, and Oz (oddly enough, I like prison stories, too).
Anyway... I'm excited to say that I found my HBO fix w/out having to feel guilty about it. Was rereading the Sookie Stackhouse books and loaning them to a friend in class. Someone asked what they were and I explained. My friend Jimmy --- who is awesome--- says he loves that series and I say I heard it was great but don't have HBO and that I may have to get it in June.
He invites me over for a ritual Sunday night viewing of True Blood at 9pm (a standing date). How awesome is that!!!??
Only way it could be more awesome is if he enjoys my company enough to hang out for another hour and watch Flight of the Conchords. lol/smile. Okay... that might be pushing it.
Hey... I'm bringing food and drinks... there is an exchange.
Anyway...
1-- anyone else watch this show? read the books? 2-- should I feel like I'm using him for his HBO if I actually really like him as a person and enjoy his company ? (He did offer after all!)
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Post by The Movie Mark on Mar 6, 2009 14:05:10 GMT -5
2-- should I feel like I'm using him for his HBO if I actually really like him as a person and enjoy his company ? (He did offer after all!) Nah. Like you said, he DID invite you. Plus, you're bringing food and drinks! I'd say that's enough considering you're friends. Now, if you couldn't stand the guy and asked him to please watch it in another room then it would be a different story... By the way, I've never read the books or seen the show, thus my non-answering of question #1.
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Post by tangentgirl on Mar 8, 2009 17:41:16 GMT -5
Um... come to think about it; I'm not sure if I'd recommend you watching it. Not that I truly know you, but I can say that as far as the television show goes (and perhaps even the books)... you would definitely say that it is "Not Mama Approved". You might like it though. It's fairly racy, though. (For Instance, I bought the Twilight series for my little sister --- I wouldn't suggest the Sookie Stackhouse novels to her for another decade. smile.) FM, for instance, should avoid the show like it was the plague. I know it wouldn't be her cup of tea. MrCali --- --- maybe. AustralianAnn --- would probably like at least the books. I think she likes vampires, too. But maybe not. In anycase... I'm glad you don't think I'm a moocher. lol/smile. ;D *** The books have me all nostalgic for when I lived in the Shreveport/Bossier City area. I even find myself reading the book w/ an accent. (MON-roe instead of Munroe or Looz-ee-anna instead of Louisiana or Naw'lins instead of New Orleans, etc...) I can close my eyes and almost smell the magnolia trees I used to climb. ****
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TaMara
Full Movie Mark
Posts: 86
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Post by TaMara on May 17, 2009 18:28:47 GMT -5
Totally. JB, you would NOT approve.
For me, I'm "poor" as well. So every two weeks I will drive an hour to my friends house (in Texas mind you) to watch.
I love those books (just read the last one, finished it Friday night. Yes, I am a dork. Please no pointing it out.) its so neat to read about Shreveport and realize that I've been in some of te places she mentions. I've got almost all of her stuff, I'm a big fan. In her latest series she mentions Texarkana, where I live near.
I met her for a book signing in Dallas (my myspace pic is of me and her, note dork again) I was so nerdy, I was like, "I live in southeast Arkansas too!" My friend (who has the HBO) still makes fun of me.
Can't wait for season 2!
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Post by tangentgirl on May 21, 2009 17:59:02 GMT -5
I can't wait for season 2!!! I finished Dead and Gone the Day it came out... so, guess we can be a pair of dorks... does that beat a full house? Anyhoo... If it makes you feel any better ... I got the box set of the first 7 books for my sister. She loved them... yay me! (Love when I score w/ a present.) Then I read them. Then I read the 3 Harper Connelly books; Oh yeah and I read From Dead to Worse, as my sister bought it in Hardcover after I bought her the other books. .... where was I? .... So then I reread the 8 books and (oh yeah, bought a set for myself... but wait... in hardcover and in paperback, so I can lend the books out. --- I don't lend out hardcover books much). (I've turned 2 of my friends on to the series.) I then read all the Aurora Teagarden books, all the Lily Bard books, then read all the books that were out from P.C. & Kristen Cast? -- House of Night series, the books that are out of Maria de la Cruz's Blue Blood series. I picked up one of the compilation books that has a Sookie short story in it (2 actually, but I've only finished reading one of them). So from reading Many Bloody returns, I was turned on to the Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine. I read all of those (next one comes out next month... can't wait!). Finally, Dead and Gone comes out, I read that in one sitting and then move on to Caine's Weather Warden series. I will be finished reading those before the weekend is over. Oh... and I reread Twilight and New Moon, too. I'm a sucker for a good vampire story. (yeah, I did just make a corny pun. Feel free to choose the appropriate response --- > ;D Gotta problem with that? Bite. (insert double groan here!) Okay, I'll stop now. Long pointless story made short --- I think your love and admiration of the works of Ms. Harris are perfectly normal. smile.
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Post by shaneo6930 on May 31, 2009 22:25:38 GMT -5
I don't have HBO, but I just rented the first 2 discs of season one on DVD, and I'm loving it! I've only read the first book "Dead Until Dark," but after this, I'm definately going to get more of them.
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Post by DEW on Jun 2, 2009 22:45:05 GMT -5
Okay... I love the books and the show. They are quite different and that doesn't bother me in the least. Alan Ball is a genius as far as I'm concerned. The cast of the show is stellar and I'm in awe of many of the performances.
You ever want to talk about the books... (or the show)...you know where to find me.
I have since read many of Charlaine Harris's other books. I like her characters. I'm not saying the writing is perfect. There are continuity problems that sometimes irritates me, but heck... people are human and she has lots of books to keep straight.
Is her writing going to change the world? Probably not, but just like with my varied taste in movies... what's most important to me is that I'm entertained. I think Charlaine Harris took an interesting premise and dressed it up with interesting characters --- makes for an entertaining read.
My birthday is in a week and the present I asked for... couple months of HBO so I can watch Season 2 of True Blood. Just finished rewatching the first season (a friend let me borrow her dvds... so much nicer watching it on t.v. than the grainy versions found on the internet.) smile.
Enjoy.
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Post by tangentgirl on Jul 2, 2009 17:27:49 GMT -5
;)I'M LOVING IT!!! Sure, there are things that are a tad irksome. I love the books... but I don't expect nor do I want the show to be exactly like the books. Alan Ball is amazing! (The show is far kinder to Bill than the books are. Which is fine by me. I am enjoying watching the handsome Stephen Moyer. I await to see the hotness of Eric. I'd say that my love for the character is the reason I might be developing a crush on Alexander Skarsgard--- he is playing him perfectly. And Eric is my absolute favorite of all of Sookie's prospective love interests. I know, this might be hard for some of you to believe- especially w/ all my "pretend boyfriends" I'm always yammering about. Don't get me wrong, he is an attractive man, but that's not it! Honestly... I am more intrigued by his performance than his pretty blue eyes and the fact that he looks to be about 6'4" --- my favorite height. I watched Generation Kill recently... I was thoroughly impressed by him and HBO. I love HBO shows. Seriously, I'd like to pick his brain... figuratively speaking. Good thing the likelihood of me ever running into him is about... oh... less than zero. I'd have too hard of a time trying not to bring up his dad. (That must suck to have people compare you to your famous relative... though, perhaps not many people know Stellan Skarsgard. Too bad for them! He totally rocks! Then I'd also be asking about Sweden. As soon as I get some money for a vacation... I want to hit Iceland (I've only ever seen the airport), Norway, and Sweden. Probably Denmark, too. Maybe Finland... since I'm right there. Definitely Iceland, Norway, and Sweden! Anyway... 2 whole weeks before I get a new episode of True Blood. Lucky for me, I have lots of books to read to tide me over. Hmm.... I wonder.
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TaMara
Full Movie Mark
Posts: 86
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Post by TaMara on Jul 7, 2009 18:52:03 GMT -5
Is the new season crazy or what? I've only seen the first two episodes so far, but oh man. Crazy.
OMG, tangentgirl are we two peas in a pod or what? I think I've found my Charlaine Harris bff! Btw, she came to Shreveport a few weeks ago, I have some spoilers (not that good) but some if you want to hear them.
I was kinda ticked that Sookie seems to be with Eric now. Not that he isn't hot and seems to take care of her, its just I want her with someone I know she has a future with. Unless she turns.
I've read the House of Night series. No Twilight, but it seems to be more YA than Twilight. In the sense that they are closer to the way teens act. And swear. Zoey ticks me off though, poor girl can't make up her mind. She is 16 (0r 17) though.
I just read (over two days mind you) the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. Oh my gosh, awesome. Good news is the next one comes out next month and the one after that in April.
I seem to realize that I'm getting out of TB territory. I'd love to rec some books for you if you want and I'd love to hear some more from you. (hint someone in charge, we need a book forum!) I saw Rachel Caine at the book signing 2 years ago but I didn't know she had a vampire series.
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Post by tangentgirl on Jul 8, 2009 0:31:02 GMT -5
Okay... where to begin??? - Do you live in LA or TX? Did I mention that I used to live in Shreveport/Bossier City area. I lived on Barksdale AFB. I like to be surprised, but I might break down and ask you about some spoilers. Or... I can tell you what I think is going to happen and you can just say hot or cold. You know, the "you're getting warmer game". *** Oh, I see. You live near Texarkana... I'm not really sure where that is on a map. I would assume on the border of TX and AR. I'm not a total idiot. And Shreveport is in the northwestern-ish part of LA, so I suppose it might not be too long of a drive for you. *** - I LOVE Eric and I love Sookie and Eric together--- anything for more time with Eric. I understand your point though. smile. Oddly enough--- going from the book and NOT the tv show --- I've liked all of her potential suitors except for Bill. I'm weird, right? The t.v. show is soooo much kinder to Bill than the books although AB said he is going to stay true to that storyline of how Bill came to happen upon Sookie. It's been awhile since I read the last book. (Not truly that long ago, but I've read several books since then.) What is Hadley's ex-hubby's name? Renny? No, that my cousin. Remy? I think that's it. Maybe if she can get over her hang up w/ human boyfriends. ? - We can definitely talk books!!! I read the House of Night series and liked them, but yes... they are a bit more high school, if you know what I mean. I have not read the Vampire Academy series. Is that the one that is going to be a t.v. show? Have you read the Blue Blood series by Melissa? De la Cruz?? It's interesting. I really enjoy the Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine and would highly recommend them. My other recommendation--- and a strong one at that --- would be the Mercedes (Mercy) Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. If you like them, then you should read the Alpha and Omega series also by Briggs. It is the same fictional Universe, but focuses on different characters. It's quite good. There's a short story that sort of sets the series up. (Same w/ the Rachel Caine series.) I can fill you in on those w/out you having to buy some anthologies for a couple of stories. (Just shoot me a private message w/ your email.) Anyhoo... the Briggs series does have some vamps, but it is centered more around werewolves. (Book 5 of the Mercy series and Book 2 of the Alpha & Omega series both come out on Aug. 25th, if I'm not mistaken)Okay... hit me back if you want to talk about any books or what's going on w/ True Blood... the show or the books. Oh... speaking of: tell me what you think of the Lafayette, Maryanne, & FotS storylines in the t.v. show. I'd be interested to hear your take on the matter. Next Sunday is a new episode... I'm excited!
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Post by DEW on Jul 14, 2009 1:49:07 GMT -5
I don't have my decoder ring on me, but I agree that the show is awesome!!! (That's my loose interpretation.)
Seriously, though --- I have no clue what you wrote, but it looks super cool!
smile.
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Post by dew on Jul 14, 2009 2:10:18 GMT -5
Or... it looks like some spam that takes you to some adult sites... not good.
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TaMara
Full Movie Mark
Posts: 86
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Post by TaMara on Jul 29, 2009 18:42:17 GMT -5
I don't know what to think about the Mary Ann storyline. I know they need something to do in Bon Temps while Sookie is in Dallas... And I love Michelle Forbes (she was AWESOME on Battlestar Galetica). It just drives me a little crazy because I am in the same boat as my friend who I watch the show with. I don't know what she is and where this plot is going! Have you watched last Sunday's ep? I won't say more incase you haven't.
Lafayette is so central to making the show funny that it would be a shame to have his charater follow the way of the books. I was so worried when my friend (who still has the first 3 books!!) pointed out what happens to him. I told her I had totally forgotten who the killer was while watching the series (I really did, its been THAT long since I read the first book) so how could I be expected to know what happens to Lafayette? I did know that something happens to him since he isn't the cook in the later books. Just not what happened to him and when.
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Post by tangentgirl on Sept 2, 2009 5:53:31 GMT -5
Sorry... I've been absent. yeah, I am all caught up on True Blood episodes. Only one left and two weeks to wait for it.
Anyway... I think that Marianne is adorable... as is Jessica. (Well, the actresses... the character of Marianne is not so cute)
I think they needed to make the Maenad storyline bigger and badder since they down played the Dallas storyline and because they had to introduce the Queen somehow.
I am still not happy about how the show is so skewed into being pro Bill and making Eric out to be more of a monster than he really is, but at least it looks like they are going to reveal Bill's true reason for coming to Bon Temps and meeting Sookie. They showed that he already knows Hadley and that he didn't tell her about Gran.
Anyway... I'll be interested in how they are going to tie this all up. I hope they don't try to drag the Maenad storyline out for part of next season. I don't think that they will.
I'm ready for Alcide. smile. I would think it has been picked up for another season. Hope so... look forward to what Alan Ball and his gang does with the next season.
Gotta run or I'll be late for school.
ciao.
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Post by tangentgirl on Sept 13, 2009 21:30:10 GMT -5
So... the season finale. Some of what I expected and some of what I didn't yet don't find it too shocking as I've long ago discovered Alan Ball is not following the series all that closely.
Makes me wonder about next season. Will there even be an Alcide?
It's hard watching my favorite character be the bad guy and one of my least favorite characters being the golden child, but it is what it is... and I have to remind myself that I must keep the books and the HBO series separate.
smile.
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