Just how dedicated is actor Kristin Bauer when it comes to her fan favorite role of Pam on TRUE BLOOD? So much so that unlike many actors who consciously make an effort to tackle roles completely different than their regular series gig while on hiatus, Bauer prefers to stay in character. Which is precisely why tonight sees her brushing up on her bitchiness by stepping into the stilettos of one of Hollywood’s most iconic evil queens: Maleficent, the mistress of all evil.

See for yourself what she had to say about the role in addition to Maleficent’s similarities to TRUE BLOOD’s Pam, after the jump.

How familiar were you with Maleficent prior to accepting this role on ONCE UPON A TIME?
Kristin Bauer: I believe the last time I saw Sleeping Beauty I was seven, but we all remember her, I mean she was so amazing. I went to YouTube, watched some clips, read the story online and then I said to my husband, “My God!” For little kids, it’s kind of amazing how frightening she is.

What can you tell us about Maleficent’s relationship with Lana Parrilla’s Evil Queen?
The most interesting thing about their relationship is that the writers decided to make them frenemies. It’s just a minefield of evil goodness. It was me, Lana Parrilla and a green screen and we just had so much fun. Two chicks who are loving playing bitches, who liked each other and went, let’s just play chess. The great thing about playing with another person who is a good player is that you don’t always have to play the obvious and hopefully, what we did is put in different colors that show a history. These two chicks have known each other a long time and they’ve been coveting each other, helping each other and probably backstabbing each other quite often. We tried to get all that in there and we’ll see on Sunday if we succeeded.

How would you compare Maleficent to your other current role, that of Pam on TRUE BLOOD?
I’m not exactly sure yet. But so far there are a couple of difference in how I played it. Pam is very sarcastic and what you see is what you get. Pam to me is one of the only people who always tells the truth at this point, doesn’t suffer fools and doesn’t worry about being liked at all. When we get into the fairytale world with Maleficent it feels like we could have a bit more game playing and a bit more things are not as they appear.

One of the first things that popped into our mind when we heard about you playing opposite Lana Parrilla is the musical Wicked. Does the episode reveal a backstory as to how the Queen became so evil?
It’s a bit like TRUE BLOOD in the sense that the revealing of the characters comes from putting them in situations and the characters have to react. It’s very good, but not obvious writing which I really really enjoy. It feels to me that over time you’re going to get little pieces and morsels of the puzzle in terms of who these woman are and I do think there is a parallel to Wicked in the way they interact. Hopefully I’ll be able to do more of the show, because the backstory is so juicy.

Does the episode leave things open so that you might return?
Having just recently received the script for [TRUE BLOOD] episode 501 in my inbox, it will just depend on the writers and the shooting schedule. But there are a few months of the year when TRUE BLOOOD is not shooting and ONCE UPON A TIME is so I’m hopefully. I think i’ve found a niche for the moment that I just love and it’s called bitch… and also evil!

In last weeks pilot we came to learn that every Fairytale character has a “Storybrooke, Maine” counterpart. Will we get to meet Maleficent’s real-life counterpart on Sunday?
I can only hope and have been imagining what that would be and chuckling inside my head. I think it would be fun to have her be something completely opposite of what we would imagine. For some reason I thought librarian and maybe that’s because we always have that weird thing where we think librarians have this complete alter ego underneath!

Did you get to interact with any character outside of the Evil Queen?
Not as of yet.

And lastly, since you already alluded to receiving the first script, we can’t let you go without asking about TRUE BLOOD. Is there anything you can tease about the upcoming fifth season?
Well, I’ll tell you, reading 501 I think literally my mouth was hanging open. I’ve been waiting, like the fans have been waiting to find out where all those cliffhangers are going to launch us and the seeds that have been planted in the first episode back launch us into a very interesting place. I just can’t wait to get in there and start shooting these scenes, also I sent a very quick email to Audrey Fisher, our costume designer asking “What am I going to be wearing?!” You know, the real important questions!

ONCE UPON A TIME airs Sundays at 8PM on ABC (CTV in Canada) Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv

Photo Credit: Entertainment Weekly

When it comes to last night’s season-ender, TRUE BLOOD was what it always is: a mixed bag. Anyone who wasn’t clued into the “shocking” death of Tara by her and Sookie’s chat in the kitchen earlier in the episode is probably often caught off guard by such things as gravity and noon coming at the same time every day. Even on a show that is about as subtle as a baseball bat to the head, this plot point was telegraphed from a mile away. Other final-moment twists ran the gamut from random (Reverend Steve popping up) to unexpected (the gloriously gory demise of Nan) to intriguing (even a tease of Russell rising from the grave was more interesting than the wrap-up of the witches vs. vampires plot). By the time the episode was over, I realized exactly what keeps me coming back to this series despite a storytelling style that is uneven at best and chaotic at worst: The little things. Andy and Holly’s budding romance. Every heartbreaking thing that Jessica does. Sam’s budding (read: doomed) romance with Luna. These are wonderful beats that often play far better than whatever the big umbrella story of the season happens to be. I may not have cared much for the “journey” Lafayette and his boyfriend were on, but damned if every twitch of Nelsan Ellis’ face when his alter ego is possessed (interestingly always by women) doesn’t do a better job of sending chills down the spine than did those silly masks he and Kevin Alejandro (Jesus) wore. And so, in the end, TRUE BLOOD’s fourth-season finale was like a decent meal in a moderately-priced restaurant: We weren’t exactly bowled over, but we’ll probably come back again the next time we’re in the neighborhood. Grade: C

As a 90210 fan who is still reeling from Naomi’s unexpected pregnancy reveal at the end of last season, I’m curious if you have any ideas as to just how the show plans on dealing with it come season 4? — Allie
The TV Addict: Assuming of course new showrunners Patti Carr and Lara Olsen bother to stick with last season’s somewhat out of left field baby bump bombshell, we can assure you that the pregnancy will have very little effect on Naomi. At least if the first two episodes of the season are any indication, which according to reports will not just see Naomi continue to be the life of the party, but do so in a manner that will catch the attention of both the authorities and the Dean of California University. Ouch!

Season 7 of SUPERNATURAL cannot come soon enough! Any scoop? — Noam
The TV Addict: Entitled “The Girl Next Door,” SUPERNATURAL’s much anticipated seventh season will kick off by not just introducing fans to an old flame friend of Sam’s, but will flashback to Sam and Dean’s teenage years where we’ll meet, as the episode’s title suggests, the girl next door… a beautiful girl who in typical SUPERNATURAL fashion harbours a terrible, emphasis on the terrible, secret.

When we last left WAREHOUSE 13, Myka had left the Warehouse. Will she be back and how soon? — Ricky
The TV Addict: In the wacky mixed-up files of the WAREHOUSE 13 world, the dilemma over how to lure Myka back will be a rocky, but short road. More interesting still, it will take not a friend or a lover to lure Myka back, but a deadly foe. 

Sunday’s season premiere of TRUE BLOOD had far too little Joe Manganiello for my liking. Any intel on when we can expect Alcide to return? — Bittany
The TV Addict: Alcide fans will be thrilled to learn that Joe Manganiello will — at the behest of Sookie — return in a big way in TRUE BLOOD’s third episode of the season. Alcide fans will be somewhat less than thrilled to learn that when Alcide returns to Bon Temps, he will not be doing so alone.

Any hints as to who the hot new love-interest for Captain Jack in TORCHWOOD: MIRACLE DAY? — Catherine
The TV Addict: Yes, and he is quite the eye-candy. However, it is not about who Jack ends up in bed with, but rather who Jack calls from his lover’s bed that may hold the key to Jack’s heart. But to see that scene, you’ll have to wait for Episode 3, entitled “Dead of Night” — and more than one couple ends up in the sheets that night!

What should we look out for as the 4th season of EUREKA resumes on July 11th? — Jeremy
The TV Addict: Look for a trip to outer-space, someone to get cold feet, and musical mood swings that drive everyone to do crazy things.  Mostly, keep an eye on Felicia Day who joins the show for an extended arc as the scintillating Dr. Holly Marten.

Any chance you could shed some light on a PRETTY LITTLE LIARS rumor going around that will see another woman come in between Ezra and Aria in an upcoming episode — Lisa
The TV Addict: As much as we’d like to confirm or deny the report that another girl will very soon come in between Ezra and Aria we have a feeling you’d much prefer to hear from Ezra’s portrayer Ian Harding who had this to say when posed that very question, “Well, yes [another girl will soon have an impact on Ezra and Aria's relationship]. But that’s all I’m going to say because I think where the writers are going with this one story line is really, really interesting. So I think that we’re starting to shoot—well, actually no, I won’t say any more. I’ll just say yes and be really vague.”

Will HAVEN answer the question of who is the real Agent Audrey Parker, or will it be drug out through the second season? — Dylan
The TV Addict: The answer to that gigantic reveal from the first season will be answered within the first new episode when the show returns on July 15th.  You will not want to miss a second of that episode to see how that doppelganger situation resolves itself. 

Any word on how NIKITA plans to start its second season? — Amy
The TV Addict: Remember that quasi-romantic final shot from NIKITA’s first season finale that saw Nikita and Michael peacefully drive off into the sunset mere moments after pledging to work together to bring Percy and Division down once and for all? Well, enjoy that while you can for when NIKITA returns for its second season, their first roadblock will be a doozy. Or to be more specific, a twenty-something love interest for Alex military man who has been tasked by Oversight to help Division now fronted by Amanda track down Nikita and those pesky black boxes.

Additional Reporting By Tiffany Vogt

Although I’ve really been enjoying all the scoop you’ve been posting from Sunday’s MuchMusic Video Awards, I couldn’t help but notice that we haven’t heard anything from THE VAMPIRE DIARIES’ Kat Graham, who I know for a fact was in attendance! Any reason why? — Jess
The TV Addict: Simply put, much like her stunning dress, Graham was holding her cards a little too close to the vest when it came to sharing season three spoilers. Well, except to reveal that there is one thing we’re fairly certain she won’t be worrying about when it comes to what’s in store for Bonnie during the third season of THE VAMPIRE DIARIES. That thing of course being: Death! “Technically, I already died in the second season finale, so I’m not too worried,” joked Graham when asked if she was at all concerned with Jeremy’s history of dearly-departed girlfriends. “Plus, it certainly helps that the characters have such a huge fan base rooting for them.”

Any word on what creator Marc Cherry has up his sleeve for DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES traditional season long mystery this fall? — Zoe
The TV Addict: Not so much of a word, as an inkling that said mystery might have a little something to do with the newest arrival on the lane. According to sources, Producers have quietly been on the look out for a love interest for Vanessa Williams’ Renee, who moves into town along with his out-of-control teenaged daughter to escape his crazy ex-wife who not surprisingly enough may not be too far behind.

With TRUE BLOOD’s fourth season premiere just around the corner, I’m going to need something, anything, to get me through until Sunday! — Michelle
The TV Addict: Although there’s plenty to love about Sunday’s season premiere, Stephen Moyer fans in particular will get a real kick out of the season’s second episode which flashes back all the way to London’s punk scene circa 1982 to reveal a very cool bit of backstory about Bill Compton that sheds some much needed light on the current predicament he finds himself in. Oh, and if your tastes run more towards younger, blonder Ryan Kwanten variety, you’ll be happy to know that poor Jason Stackhouse will spend the entire episode tied to a bed for reasons we’re really not about to get into here.

Any word on what’s in store for 90210 now that the much-beleaguered has two new showrunners at the helm? — April
The TV Addict: Family drama, and lots of it when Navid will not only be forced to deal with his annoying high school-aged sister (Think: Kardashian!) but will continue to deal with the fallout from his father’s exile courtesy of the arrival of an Uncle who is somewhat less than pleased with Navid’s role in destroying his family’s multi-million dollar adult video business, not to mention the lifestyle that came with it.

Anything positive to report on the Annie and Liam front? — Jenn
The TV Addict: Keeping in mind first and foremost not to shoot the messenger, we have absolutely nothing positive to report on the Annie and Liam front. Seriously. Things could not be worse for 90210′s most adorable couple who by all accounts will start off the season further apart than ever thanks in no small part to a mysterious young woman who followed Liam back from his summer job working on a fishing boat in Alaska, and an equally mysterious upper classmen at California University who may-or-may-not have befriended Annie for all the wrong reasons.

Is Nancy’s lesbian affair serious, or just another desperate ratings ploy on behalf of Showtime to promote WEEDS? — Brenda
The TV Addict: If you my friend are actually going as far as to accuse a Network of using a gay/lesbian storyline in a half-hearted attempt to boost ratings ploy, we have nothing more to say to you then…. has anyone told you that you may have what it takes to be a Network Executive?! Of course on a more serious note, while Nancy’s jailhouse tryst is being somewhat blown out of proportion by Showtime’s salivating PR team, it’s only fair to mention that her Russian cell mate Zoya (Olga Sosnovska) may in fact hold the key to a fresh start when Nancy is inevitably released from prison. Literally.

With rumors running rampant with regards to several romantic interests in Annie Walker’s life as the second season of COVERT AFFAIRS unfolds, I would love some intel on which suitor she’ll choose. — David
The TV Addict: With as many as four men ensnared by the luminous CIA beauty, ranging from the mysterious Ben Mercer to the dashing Auggie to the bad boy Jai Wilcox and to suave Mossad agent Eyal Lavin, Annie Walker’s dance card is very full and it is enough to keep a girl dancing all season long.  But one thing is for certain, one of these contenders for her heart will be given a gentle kiss goodbye as Annie leaves him standing alone on the tarmac.

Loved Loved Loved Sunday’s two-hour premiere of FALLING SKIES. So much so that I have to ask, is Tom going to successfully be able to rescue his son Ben? — Allison
The TV Addict: Although it should probably come as no surprise that Tom’s operation to rescue son Ben will not be an easy one, what certainly might come as a surprise is the price at least one member of Tom’s team will pay in saving Ben’s life. What’s more, saving (or not saving) Ben’s life may just be the start of a far more insidious problem.

Additional Reporting By Tiffany Vogt and Melissa Girimontehttp://www.thetvaddict.com/2011/06/23/ask-the-addict-spoilers-for-true-blood-desperate-housewives-the-vampire-diaries-90210-more/

TRUE BLOOD’s return is sooooo close I can taste it! Any scoop to tied me over? — Rachel
The TV Addict: Well, since Michael Ausiello already beat us to the punch with regards to the same-sex shocker, and we sure as heck aren’t about to spoil the identity of Bon Temps newest Real Estate baron, we’ll simply leave fans with two tantalizing words to tide you over until the show’s June 26 return: Think LOST.

Any word on what fans can expect from the second season of HAWAII FIVE-0? — David
The TV Addict: Taking the literal approach to answering your question, “Romance” would probably be the one word we’d choose to sum up the start of HAWAII FIVE-0′s second season. Particularly because the show’s Producers (or perhaps Network Bigwigs) have seemingly decided that if you can’t beat ‘em — them of course referring to timeslot competitor CASTLE — you might as well join ‘em. Which is to say, fans should brace themselves for a little island lovefest as Producers begin their search for a thirty-something bombshell to play Alex O’Loughlin’s part-time love interest, full-time Homeland Security Officer Lori Wilson, a character that sources describe as a female McGarrett.

Ridiculously excited for FALLING SKIES. Especially curious as to what the aliens beef is with us poor humans. Any clues? — Jay
The TV Addict: Funny story actually. During our recent visit to the set of the upcoming ABC/Global TV series COMBAT HOSPITAL, we happened to lunch with someone intimately involved with FALLING SKIES which coincidentally enough shot many of their scenes on the very same lot. Much to our surprise, said source was perhaps a little too excited about what’s in store for FALLING SKIES fans, to the point where he actually went as far as to reveal how the season ends! And while we’re not about to spoil that gem, we will say that those pesky arachnid-style aliens who come down to earth to enslave humanity’s youth… well, they might just be the least of the planet’s problems.

Recently you teased that there may be a “bun in the oven” for one member of Vinnie’s ENTOURAGE. Were you being serious? — Bruce
The TV Addict: About as serious as Vinnie is, who we here will soon be shopping for rings of the Karat variety.

Any word on who will be replacing Saffron Burrows on THE FINDER? — Cassie
The TV Addict: No. Although we can confirm that Hart Hanson is currently on the look out to add two new females to the cast, Isabel and Willa. The latter being an ex-con who is forced to work at Leo’s bar as a condition of her parole, with the former playing a Deputy United States Marshall who not only has a history with our hero Walter, but a romantic one at that.

Rumor has it that the central mystery surrounding TORCHWOOD: MIRACLE DAY revolves around how the entire world suddenly stops dying. Of course knowing TORCHWOOD there must be a catch, care to elaborate? — Michael
The TV Addict: It would be our pleasure! The catch is that everybody in the world becomes immune to death… well, with the notable exception of one. Who that person is may-or-may-not surprise you. That said, one thing is for certain, it’s not Oswald Danes (brilliantly portrayed by Bill Pullman) who was scheduled to be executed on Miracle Day.
 
Any SHAMELESS scoop? — Jennifer
The TV Addict: Fans will be happy to know that when SHAMELESS finally does return, the small screen’s most resourceful family won’t have learned a thing from last season’s ridiculousness. While Lip helps make ends meet by commandeering an Ice Cream Truck to sell, well… anything but, Fiona will do a very poor bad job of putting her past relationships behind her by hooking up with Adam, a 27-year-old MBA who bares more than a passing resemblance to the departed Steve. Oh, and for those who are wondering the status of Ian’s relationship with Kash, you’ll be happy to know that Kash did keep his side of the bargain in terms of getting his beard wife Linda pregnant again. Read into that what you will.

As a huge fan of WHITE COLLAR I’m incredibly concerned that the Nazi U-Boat treasure will be too inciting for Neal. Is there any chance he won’t betray Peter? — Amber
The TV Addict: Truthfully we’re not sure. But if it helps, the decision to turn his back on Peter and the FBI isn’t one Neal Caffrey will be taking lightly. So much so that the tenth episode of the season entitled “Countdown” will have Mozie confronting Neal with an ultimatum of sorts that goes a little something like so, “I’ve been patient. Some might eve say door-mattish with understanding, but now you have to choose, Neal. Do you want to leave or not.”

Any word on how TERRA NOVA is shaping up? For such a huge gamble on behalf of Fox, we’ve heard surprisingly little. — Nick
The TV Addict: Word, we’ve got tons of them. Unfortunately as a result of a gentlemen’s agreement we’ve made with our very good friends over at FOX — who curiously enough seem to be taking a page from the J.J. Abrams school of less-is-more when it comes to publicizing TERRA NOVA — we are not at liberty to share the glowing review our very own West Coast correspondent extraordinaire Tiffany Vogt sent us following her exclusive screening on the FOX lot.

Additional Reporting By Tiffany Vogt

Just in time to stave off those end of TV season blues comes a very timely reminder by HBO — in the form of three incredibly hot promo posters — that TRUE BLOOD Season 4 premieres on Sunday, June 26 at 9PM.

At the “Behind the Music: Composing for Sci-Fi, Horror and Fantasy” panel, presented by CW3PR, fans heard from some of the most gift musical talents on television today about how they entered the realm of musical composition.

Moderated by Bryan Fuller (Pictured above, left), creator of such gems as DEAD LIKE ME and PUSHING DAISIES, the panel consisted of Nathan Barr (TRUE BLOOD), Jim Dooley (PUSHING DAISIES, Pictured above, right), Scott Starrett (THE EVENT, DROP DEAD DIVA), Marco Beltrami (“V,” 3:10 to Yuma), Michael Suby (THE VAMPIRE DIARIES, KYLE XY), and Sean Callery (24, BONES).
 
Each credited their current success to sheer luck. But, as anyone who attended this extraordinary panel can attest, luck only plays a small part. Just listening to the melodious sounds they create for some of the hottest shows on television made it abundantly clear that these men are nothing short of genius. They are the Mozarts of our generation. They create the sounds and music that invoke the emotional resonance that we all feel watching the shows we love. For what would “True Blood” be without the curiously intoxicating mix of Cajun tunes back-dropped by something almost otherworldly? Or would 24 have felt as intense without the piercingly riveting sounds reminding us of the ever-present clock ticking down?

Music is perhaps the most subtle form of manipulation on television. It is what draws us in, holds us and sometimes kicks us in the gut. Even the briefest of sounds can launch viewers out of their seats or bring down a rain of painful tears. Listening to each of the talented panelists, it is a reminder that television without the gift of extraordinary sound, is but a series of moving images across the screen. A few interesting tidbits from the panel included:

Bryan Fuller noted that one of the reasons he loves sci-fi music is because it allows going places outside our normal reality.  It allows for the use of instruments that would normally not be used. 

Nathan Barr agreed and said that for TRUE BLOOD he wanted to steer clear of the typical Southern sound and tried to incorporate instead more around-the-world sounds.  He even uses a “human bone” trumpet from Tibet which creates a weird resonance which is used on the show.

Jim Dooley shared that for PUSHING DAISIES each episode paid homage to an earlier film or television work and it was fun to use the DAISIES lens on those sounds and music.

Mike Suby said that for THE VAMPIRE DIARIES one of the techniques he likes to employ is using normal instruments, but then ringing or stretching each sound until it is dead or unrecognizable.  When sounds that one normally hears are stretched to nearly breaking, they are no longer recognizable and thus more interesting.

Sean Callery added that for 24, there were so many deaths on the show that they liked to use subliminal subtexts through music — to get underneath what was going on and invoke an emotional response.  He also noted that each character had their own musical theme, which helped weave the multitude of characters into the story over the course of an entire season.

When asked who were their musical inspirations, each replied:
- For Scott, it was John Adams.
- For Marco, it was Bernard Hermann.
- For Nathan, it was Bach.
- For Sean, it was John Williams work in Star Wars.
- For Mike, it was Alice in Chains.

One of the lighter moments of the panel was when asked about the challenges of composing, and as some of the panelists shared their frustrations in matching up their musical vision to the director’s visual ideas, Scott inserted that it is usually not a problem for him and humorously added, “We’re talking about aliens here — you have to acknowledge the craziness going on!”

Marco also revealed that his current work on Scre4m (aka Scream 4) is especially fun as he enjoys working with Wes Craven and it is cool to score the metamorphosis of Neve Campbell’s character.

As the panel discussed some of the mechanics of scoring for television, they emphasized that to make it in the industry, one has to be working out of Los Angeles or New York and that it is an all-consuming thing — it takes an inordinate amount of time to score for television and the time constraints can mean that one ends up working 16-17 hours a day for 6 days straight to meet the requirements of scoring 42 minutes of television a week; and as much as they would all love to work with live orchestras, there just is not enough money in the budget to make that happen on a regular basis.  Despite the time and money constraints, as Mike noted, composing gets under your skin.  It becomes such an integral part of you that you cannot shut it off.  Your whole life is living and breathing your work.

When asked how to handle that kind of pressure and stress, Jim replied, “Did you see The Devil’s Advocate?  It becomes: do you fold or do you focus?”  It is all about the love for the show and the experience.  It is what pushes you and it becomes your life.

Scoring for a film or television show is an amazing experience and one which none of the panelists would trade for anything.  It is their life-blood and legacy — and we are all the more richer for it.

Tiffany Vogt is a contributing writer to The TV Addict. She has a great love for television and firmly believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored – she invites you to join her. Please feel free to contact Tiffany at Tiffany_Vogt_2000@yahoo.com or follow her at on Twitter (@TVWatchtower). Tiffany also writes as a columnist for NiceGirlsTV.

Photo Credit: Jennifer Schadel

PaleyFest 2011 honored the HBO smash-sensation TRUE BLOOD on Saturday night at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills. With a line round the block and the entire auditorium brimming at the seams, fans excitedly awaited a glimpse of the stars and hoped for some inside scoop on what to expect when the series returns next summer.

While the notoriously tight-lipped cast were careful not to rouse any ire from their watchful executive producer Alan Ball, it was clear that everyone had a great time teasing what they would like to see, hinting about what is upcoming next season, and sharing a bit about what they love about the show.

With loud applause and ear-splitting screams to greet the sexy cast, sixteen cast members and Alan Ball arrived on stage to start the up-roaring evening. Besides creator/producer Alan Ball, in attendance was: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, Rutina Wesley, Sam Trammell, Marshall Allman, Ryan Kwanten, Chris Bauer, Carrie Preston, Todd Lowe, Jim Parrack, Deborah Ann Woll, Nelsan Ellis, Kevin Alejandro, Kristin Bauer van Staten, and Joe Manganiello.

With such a large number of cast on stage, questions tended to invoke a lot of good-spirited, teasing and fan-baiting to see how the audience would react.

The first question of the night was a softball to warm everyone up, with the moderator asking each cast member who they have not yet had a chance to work with and who they would like to work with.

Not even hesitating, Kristin Bauer van Straten coyly tossed out, “I think Jason and Pam would be hysterical.” Followed by Kevin Alejandro who slyly said, “I’d like to work with Stephen or Eric. Anyone but this guy (humorously indicating Nelsan).” Then feeling frisky, Deborah Ann Woll added, “I think Lafayette and Jessica would have a lot to talk about.” Prompting Jim Parrack to admit, “I guess Alex — so I can see why everybody screams so much.” That response nearly brought down the house! Then Rutina Wesley mischievously said, “I think I would like to see some Tara and Pam action,” which elicited a roaring response. But taking a safer route, Stephen Moyer tossed out, “I’d like to sit at [Terry and Arlene's] kitchen table and play Trivial Pursuit.” And queen of the ball Anna Paquin merely acknowledged, “I’m spoiled. I get to play with everyone.” She received her fair share of appreciative hollers from the fans for that comment.

Then trying to amp up the already frisky fans and give them a few spoilers, the moderator asked about some of the characters when last seen and where to expect them when the show returns.

Joe Manganiello noted about Alcide’s unstable ex Debbie, “She’s still alive and at large, so you never know.” Joe also shared that because he kind of played his character Alcide as always being a bit grumpy and because Sookie was always roping him into her outrageous adventures, he kind of played the role like he was the “Winnie the Pooh” character Eeyore. Thus, after a trip to Disneyland, his co-stars Anna and Stephen brought him back a stuffed Eeyore which Joe now keeps on his bed at home. (It was harder to tell which was the bigger softy in this story: the love birds who bought him the Eeyore, or the guy who keeps it on his bed. So cute!)

Kristin Bauer Von Straten also shared that Pam’s magnificent wardrobe and outrageous sense of style continues throughout the next season as Pam always makes sure to dress for every occasion. Kristin also would love to see some flashbacks to Pam and Eric’s adventures in the past, as she thought those may prove interesting and illuminating.

As far as what is next for Jesus and Lafayette, Nelsan responded to the question of whether Lafayette can really trust Jesus, saying, “I think I can. I do. He has me under his spell, so I have no choice but to trust him.” But Alejandro then playfully responded, “Never trust anybody too much.”

Then talking about the young lovers Jessica and Hoyt, Deborah Ann Woll revealed that there may be a few bumps ahead. In fact, she teased, “The fairy tale can’t go on forever, but maybe the reality is better than the fairy tale?” She explained, “I think they see something of a similar struggle in one another,” but that familiarity and comfort may also lead to tension. Jim wisely kept silent on the matter and merely cryptically smiled.

Likewise on the situation of the ongoing romance and relation with Arlene and Terry, Carrie Preston candidly shared that she knows that Arlene is concerned about her baby because of who its father may be. She said, “Certainly, in Arlene’s mind, there’s good and there’s evil and if you are a serial killer, you are evil.” To which Todd Lowe added that maybe there is still the issue of paternity to be resolved, which may make things a bit easier. Carrie then added, “Last we left it, the baby was on-board and we’ll just say that that problem grows exponentially.

Then, in the world of Andy Bellefleur, Chris Bauer noted that Andy’s awakening interest in the illegal vampire-blood substance “V” will lead to a whole world of problems for him. He laughing said, “V has a lot of properties that Andy didn’t know about.”

Ryan Kwanten, playing Jason the ladies-man of Bon Temps and new law enforcement recruit, shared, “I think it’s kind of hilarious that this guy who’s not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed has been bestowed this sense of authority and, if anybody should not have a sense of authority — should not be wielding a gun — should not be looking after an entire village of meth addicts — it’s Jason Stackhouse.” So with that will surely unleash some future hilarity and sticky situations. Ryan also noted that upcoming for Jason are “good things — intriguing things– and hopefully very ‘watchable’ things happen!”

Marshall Allman who plays Tommy, Sam Merlotte’s younger brother, was the dark-horse of the night keeping all the secrets, but still charming the fans with a tale of how his grandmother referred to his show as “vampire porn.”

Slightly less reticent, but still holding his cards close to the vest, Sam Trammell would only share that the chances of Sam Merlotte finding love this next season is, “Slim — looking at the record — but I’ve got another shot. I’m at bat again.” Then noting the sad state that Sam endured last season, Sam said “He had a bad day — it was a bad week — the whole season. [But] I think he’ll sober up.” (To which Alan Ball added that in TRUE BLOOD, no one is allowed to exist in a state of peaceful happiness for more than one episode — it is just not as fun to write and the audience won’t sit still for it.)

Rutina Wesley was similarly reluctant to talk about what Tara will be doing when the show returns. She would only reveal, “We’ll see a new Tara. I think it will be very surprising where she’s been and what she’s been up to. I think she’s a lot more stable and that’s good. She may find some happiness.” She also noted, “It’s kinda cool where she goes.”

Not feeling at all encumbered talking about what is next for Eric, Alexander Skarsgard was a fount of information. He confirmed right away that Eric’s amnesia will have a big effect next season. He shared, “[Eric] doesn’t know who he is anymore — 1000 years of resentment for humanity is just gone — he’s very innocent… [He] needs help.” He added, “What we’re doing now is so different. This powerful character is just gone. What we’ve built up over the last three years is just gone and it’s lot of fun, because it’s the polar opposite of who Eric really is.” But Alex is clearly delighted with the change of pace, as he happily noted, “This is just a blast — what we’ve been shooting now — because he is lost, completely lost and he discovers a lot. He doesn’t know who he is. He knows he’s a vampire, but then he slowly finds out stuff. Like ‘Oh, did I do that?’ and ‘I killed those people?’ ‘Oh, really.’ That’s not easy to hear and it’s definitely a struggle for Eric, not knowing who he can trust and who’s a friend and enemy. He’s very vulnerable.” Alex also said to be on the look-out for a pivotal flashback involving Eric and Bill early next season, as well as perhaps a visit or two from Eric’s maker, Godric. (Alan Ball confirmed the reappearance of Godric in one form or another, as he explained, “One of the great things about having characters who have been around for hundreds and thousands of years is you can go back and you can see them at a different point in history. Or they can appear in people’s dreams. Vampires dream, too.” Then Alan cheekily added, “Or they might have been cloned.”)

Stephen Moyer, not feeling as candid as his co-star, returned to a more cautious approach in describing what to expect for vampire Bill next season only noting that there will be an entanglement with The Vampire Queen, played by Evan Rachel Wood. Stephen revealed, “There is a bit of a bite-off. There’s a bit of a fight, bit of a bundle and… things happen.” (To make sure the fans understood the heightened implications, Alan added that Bill and The Queen are not the only characters involved in the fight scene.)

Then, when it was her turn to share a few teasers, Anna Paquin vaguely said, “Well, [Sookie] disappears into this soft, warm fuzzy light with Claudine, and she comes back . . there’s some stuff that’s different.” Then hearing what she just said, Anna laughingly said, “I don’t know if I said anything at all!” She then explained that the glowing hand powers make an appearance in an upcoming script, which she made a point of emphasizing is actually called, “microwave fingers” — but that Sookie does not have control over that ability yet because it is so new to her. Anna noted, “She’s still very new at this fairy stuff.”

While the whereabouts of Sookie Stackhouse may be a mystery, Anna was a bit more forthcoming about the trio of men in Sookie’s life. She slyly noted, “There are certain things going for the different men in Sookie’s life.” Working in Alcide’s favor, Anna assessed, “[He] doesn’t turn into a ball of charred fire during the daytime and Alcide has that nice warm thing going for him, which is a plus. But Alcide comes with some baggage, which is less of a plus, namely an ex-girlfriend who wants to kick the ever-loving *bleep* out of Sookie. That’s a minus.”

As for the 1,000 year old vampire itching for some Sookie love, Anna reflectively shared, “Eric’s a little problematic for Sookie. He’s caused her some trouble. He seems to be looking out for himself a lot of the time. Every once in awhile, he proves himself to be disarmingly on her side. So it’s a bit confusing — and he consistently has shown interest, which might get acted upon. I mean, you never know. I guess you’ll just have to watch.”

But, for now, the love story of Sookie and vampire Bill is not all wine and roses. Sookie feels betrayed by Bill’s actions last season and is not willing to forgive and forget. Alan Ball revealed about a possible Sookie and Bill reconciliation, “It’s not going to happen fast.” They have a long journey ahead and it is likely not to happen very quickly — hopefully, 17 years (or television seasons) if Alan’s wish were to come true. But not wanting to put a complete damper on the fan’s expectations, Alan confessed, “It’s hard not to think of them as soulmates, when they’re soulmates in real life.”

Alan also explained that Season 4 is about “the duality of existence.” Trying to shed further light on what that means, Alan explained, “We don’t really think in terms of themes. I do, each season, come up with a stock answer, but I so respect and admire the hard-core fans that are here tonight that I’m not going to lie to you. We try to do a show that’s really amazing and fun and surprising and where you care about the characters and you care about what happens to them. Now I’ve told some people at HBO, perhaps, that theme of the season is ‘Man vs. Nature.’ Perhaps I said to someone earlier at the beginning of this project that it was about The Terrors of Intimacy… But I think the theme is ‘True Blood,’ More ‘True Blood.’” And that was the answer everyone was looking for as the room erupted with a roar of approval!

Spoilers ahead . . .

Then for those who are looking for a few spoilers, a sneak peak of Season 4 including a rough-cut scene where Jessica and Hoyt are leaving Fangtasia and are accosted by a rowdy bunch of protestors. While Pam and Jessica are forced to stand helpless by and watch, Hoyt is goaded into a scuffle with one of the protestors as another protestor video tapes the incident. It becomes a showdown over those who simply want to abide by the Christian values of love versus Christians who only live with hate in their heart. Hoyt believes his values are stronger and worthier as his heart is full of love. Unfortunately, this inciting viewpoint only leads to an outright physical confrontation — and what looks to be a very bad outcome for Hoyt.

In addition to this, next season be sure to watch for upcoming appearances by Gary Cole and Fionna Shaw, as a Wiccan witch, and perhaps a return appearance by ex-Vampire King Russell Edgington, played by Denis O’Hare. To which Alan helpfully explained, “We specifically made the choice not to kill [Russell]. I don’t know when he’ll be back, but there are definitely plans to bring him back… And he is gonna be pissed!”

So Season 4 is going to not only offer vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, and witches, there will be a new baby on the way — and a whole lot of the characters making decisions about where they want to go next.

In the end, Alan acknowledged this about TRUE BLOOD, “It’s for the fans — we just want to have this fantastic, escapism, emotional, sexy, romantic, terrifying journey with them — because that’s really fun.” And Season 4 is guaranteed to offer all of that. If the past three seasons are any indication, the hot-blooded world of Bon Temps is only about to get steamier, sexier and more seductive. Things are about to erupt yet again as the boiling point is reached. And you will want to be there!

Tiffany Vogt is a contributing writer to The TV Addict. She has a great love for television and firmly believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored – she invites you to join her. Please feel free to contact Tiffany at Tiffany_Vogt_2000@yahoo.com or follow her at on Twitter (@TVWatchtower). Tiffany also writes as a columnist for NiceGirlsTV.

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