True Blood season 3 explained

The third season of the television series True Blood premiered on June 13, 2010^[1] simultaneously on HBO and HBO Canada.^[2] It concluded its run on September 12, 2010 and contained 12 episodes, bringing the series total to 36. It loosely follows the plot of the third novel of The Southern Vampire Mysteries series, Club Dead.

Plot

The third season loosely follows the plot of the novel Club Dead, which finds Sookie teaming up with a werewolf sent by Eric, named Alcide in Mississippi in order to track down Bill, who has been kidnapped and is being held hostage by a vampire King. Season three is set throughout the course of 10 days.

Episodes

See also: List of True Blood episodes.

Cast and characters

Main cast

• Anna Paquin as Sookie Stackhouse
• Stephen Moyer as Bill Compton
• Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte
• Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse
• Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton
• Kevin Alejandro as Jesus Velasquez
• Marshall Allman as Tommy Mickens
• Chris Bauer as Andy Bellefleur
• Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pamela Swynford De Beaufort
• Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette Reynolds
• Mariana Klaveno as Lorena Krasiki
• Todd Lowe as Terry Bellefleur
• Denis O'Hare as Russell Edgington
• Jim Parrack as Hoyt Fortenberry
• Carrie Preston as Arlene Fowler
• Lindsay Pulsipher as Crystal Norris
• William Sanderson as Sheriff Bud Dearborne
• Alexander Skarsgård as Eric Northman
• Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby

Special guest cast

• Evan Rachel Wood as Sophie-Anne Leclerq
• Adina Porter as Lettie Mae Thornton
• Alfre Woodard as Ruby Jean Reynolds
• Tiffany Taylor as Nan's girl

Guest cast

• Theo Alexander as Talbot
• Grant Bowler as Coot
• James Frain as Franklin Mott
• Joe Manganiello as Alcide Herveaux
• J. Smith-Cameron as Melinda Mickens
• Melissa Rauch as Summer
• Gregory Sporleder as Calvin Norris
• Don Swayze as Gus
• Tanya Wright as Deputy Kenya Jones
• Natasha Alam as Yvetta
• James Harvey Ward as Felton Norris
• Cooper Huckabee as Joe Lee Mickens
• Brit Morgan as Debbie Pelt
• Lauren Bowles as Holly Cleary
• Jessica Tuck as Nan Flanagan
• Tara Buck as Ginger
• Grey Damon as Kitch Maynard
• Lindsey Haun as Hadley Hale
• Željko Ivanek as Magnus the Magister
• Lara Pulver as Claudine
• John Rezig as Deputy Kevin Ellis
• Carlson Young as Tammy
• Bryan Becker as Louie
• Ronnie Gene Blevins as T-Dub
• John Burke as Jerry McCafferty
• Greg Cipes as Bufort Norris
• Gregg Daniel as Reverend Daniels
• Kevin Fry Bowers as Turk
• John Hillard as Hank
• Allan Hyde as Godric
• Kate Lyuben as Natalie
• Andy Mackenzie as Creepy Biker
• Dakin Matthews as Dr. Robideaux
• Michael McMillian as Reverend Steve Newlin
• Tess Alexandra Parker as Rosie
• Dale Raoul as Maxine Fortenberry
• Michael Raymond-James as Rene Lenier
• Jeanne Baron as Hostess
• John Billingsley as Mike Spencer
• Sean Bridgers as Big Bobby
• Arielle Kebbel as Charlene
• Daniel Gillies as Jon
• John Prosky as David Finch
• Stewart Skelton as Minister
• Michael Steger as Tony
• Jorge Diaz as Husband

Production

On January 20, 2010 HBO released a teaser trailer announcing that a third season of True Blood was in production, aiming for a Summer 2010 release date. The teaser featured images of bottles of TruBlood being manufactured on an assembly line.^[3] This was followed by a trailer featuring new footage and the song The Difference Between Us by The Dead Weather. This was released by HBO on May 13.^[4]

Crew

Alan Ball returned to executive produce and run season three.^[5] Michael Lehmann, who had directed five episodes at the end of the second season, is expected to return again to direct three more.^[6] Writers Alexander Woo and Raelle Tucker also returned to script episodes.^[7]

Casting

Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Sam Trammell, Ryan Kwanten, Rutina Wesley, Chris Bauer, Nelsan Ellis, Mariana Klaveno, Todd Lowe, Jim Parrack, Carrie Preston, William Sanderson, Deborah Ann Woll and Alexander Skarsgård all reprise their respective roles in the third season. Additionally, Kristin Bauer, who plays vampire Pam in the series, is promoted to series regular.^[8]

After a long search, it was announced that Joe Manganiello was cast as werewolf Alcide Herveaux.^[9] He was later joined by Brit Morgan as Debbie Pelt. Marshall Allman is added to the third season as a series regular, cast as Sam Merlotte's younger brother Tommy Mickens and Cooper Huckabee plays Sam Merlotte's long-lost father.^{[10] [11]} Alfre Woodard was cast as Lafayette's mother and Southland actor Kevin Alejandro as Jesus, her caretaker and a potential love interest for Lafayette.^{[12] [13]} Denis O'Hare plays Russell Edgington, the Vampire King of Mississippi, while New Zealand actor Grant Bowler plays the leader of a werewolf biker gang and Theo Alexander plays the role of Edgington's partner Talbot.^{[14] [15]} Allan Hyde has confirmed he will reprise his role as Godric in the form of flashbacks.^[16] James Frain appears as Franklin Mott.

Awards and nominations

The series won the GLADD Award for Best Drama Series, Alfre Woodard received a nomination for Best Guest Star in a Drama Series and the show received the "Holy Shit Scene of the Year" award at the Scream Awards for the scene in which Bill twisted Lorena's neck 180 degrees whilst the two were having sex.

Ratings

United States

Episode number (Production number)	Title	Original air date	Ratings share (Adults 18–49)	Viewers (in millions)	Rank per week on Cable
25 (3.01)	Bad Blood	June 13, 2010	2.9/8	5.09	6[17]
26 (3.02)	Beautifully Broken	June 20, 2010	2.5/7	4.26	12[18]
27 (3.03)	It Hurts Me Too	June 27, 2010	2.5/7	4.46	15[19]
28 (3.04)	9 Crimes	July 11, 2010	2.7/8	4.68	10[20]
29 (3.05)	Trouble	July 18, 2010	2.8/8	4.86	13[21]
30 (3.06)	I Got a Right to Sing the Blues	July 25, 2010	2.8/8	4.74	10[22]
31 (3.07)	Hitting the Ground	August 1, 2010	3.0/8	5.24	10[23]
32 (3.08)	Night on the Sun	August 8, 2010	3.0/8	5.09	6[24]
33 (3.09)	Everything is Broken	August 15, 2010	2.9/8	5.00	7[25]
34 (3.10)	I Smell a Rat	August 22, 2010	3.0/8	5.39	8[26]
35 (3.11)	Fresh Blood	August 29, 2010	3.2/8	5.44	8[27]
36 (3.12)	Evil is Going On	September 12, 2010	3.0/7	5.38	13[28]

United Kingdom

United Kingdom ratings data is taken from the Broadcasters' Audience Research Board.^[29]

Episode number (Production number)	Title	Original air date	Total viewers on FX	Total viewers on FX+	Total viewers	Rank on channel
25 (3.01)	Bad Blood	January 14, 2011	524,000	94,000	618,000	1 (FX) #1 (FX+)
26 (3.02)	Beautifully Broken	January 21, 2011	518,000	77,000	595,000	1 (FX) #1 (FX+)
27 (3.03)	It Hurts Me Too	January 28, 2011	440,000	80,000	520,000	1 (FX) #2 (FX+)
28 (3.04)	9 Crimes	February 4, 2011	473, 000	102,000	575, 000	1 (FX) #1 (FX+)
29 (3.05)	Trouble	February 11, 2011	483,000	107,000	590,000	1 (FX) #1 (FX+)
30 (3.06)	I Got a Right to Sing the Blues	February 18, 2011	496,000	87,000	583,000	1 (FX) #2 (FX+)
31 (3.07)	Hitting the Ground	February 25, 2011	494,000	80,000	574,000	1 (FX) #2 (FX+)
32 (3.08)	Night on the Sun	March 4, 2011	TBA	TBA	TBA	TBA
33 (3.09)	Everything is Broken	March 11, 2011	TBA	TBA	TBA	TBA
34 (3.10)	I Smell a Rat	March 16, 2011	544,000	100,000	644,000	1 (FX) #1 (FX+)
35 (3.11)	Fresh Blood	March 23, 2011	398,000	106,000	504,000	2 (FX) #2 (FX+)
36 (3.12)	Evil is Going On	April 1, 2011	547,000	110,000	657,000	1 (FX) #2 (FX+)

See also

• Longwood (Natchez, Mississippi)

Notes and References

1. News: 'True Blood' to return June 13. Variety. Levine. Stuart. 2010-03-15. 2010-03-16.
2. http://www.hbocanada.com/trueblood "HBO Canada website"
3. Web site: True Blood: Season 3 Back In Production Tease (HBO). dead. YouTube. 2010-01-20. 2010-03-10. 2016-01-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20160130163601/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn_5sqAFwZk.
4. Web site: True Blood: Season 3 Trailer #1 (HBO). https://web.archive.org/web/20100624212426/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JCODjwMFQc . 2010-06-24 . dead. YouTube. May 13, 2010. May 15, 2010.
5. Web site: Alan Ball of True Blood: The TV Squad Interview. TV Squad. Boursaw. Jane. 2009-09-11. 2010-03-10.
6. Web site: Exclusive: True Blood cast reacts to Golden Globes nominations. True Blood Online. Shadaliza. 2009-12-16. 2010-03-10.
7. Web site: 12 big-ass spoilers for True Blood season 3. Sci-Fi Wire. Topel. Fred. 2009-11-03. 2010-03-13. 2010-04-04. https://web.archive.org/web/20100404014432/http://scifiwire.com/2009/11/12-big-ass-spoilers-for-t.php. dead.
8. Breaking: 'True Blood' promotes vampire Pam!. Entertainment Weekly. Ausiello. Michael. 2009-12-08. 2010-03-10.
9. 'True Blood' scoop: 'Tree Hill' stud Joe Manganiello is Alcide!. Entertainment Weekly. Ausiello. Michael. 2009-12-15. 2010-03-10.
10. Web site: True Blood: Debbie Pelt Cast. IGN. Owen. Phil. 2010-02-05. 2010-03-10.
11. Web site: 'True Blood' fills Alcide role . The Hollywood Reporter . Andreeva . Nelllie . 2009-12-15 . 2010-03-10 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20121024061113/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/blogs/live-feed/true-blood-fills-alcide-role-52766 . October 24, 2012.
12. Web site: Three New Cast Members Join True Blood Season Three. Shock Till You Drop. 2009-12-15. 2010-03-10. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20100225104932/http://www.shocktillyoudrop.com/news/topnews.php?id=13290. 2010-02-25.
13. Web site: 'True Blood' adds 'Southland's' Kevin Alejandro, plus more casting news. Zap 2 It. Porter. Rick. 2010-01-04. 2010-03-10.
14. 'True Blood' scoop: Denis O'Hara crowned King!. Entertainment Weekly. Ausiello. Michael. 2009-09-14. 2010-03-10.
15. Breaking: 'Ugly Betty' hunk joins 'True Blood'. Entertainment Weekly. Patrick. Andy. 2009-12-02. 2010-03-10.
16. Web site: EyeCon – Allan Hyde – True Blood's Godric. https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211215/by5EkjbCR70 . 2021-12-15 . live. YouTube. Zevchan. December 9, 2009. April 29, 2010.
17. Web site: Cable TV Top 25: Disney's Toy Story 2 Tops Burn Notice, Royal Pains, Pawn Stars, True Blood. TV by the Numbers. Gorman. Bill. June 15, 2010. June 16, 2010. June 18, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100618062746/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/06/15/cable-tv-top-25-disneys-toy-story-2-tops-burn-notice-royal-pains-pawn-stars-true-blood/54150. dead.
18. Web site: Cable TV Top 25: Pawn Stars Tops Royal Pains, Burn Notice, RAW, Hot In Cleveland, True Blood. TV by the Numbers. Gorman. Bill. June 22, 2010. June 22, 2010. November 4, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131104074143/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/06/22/cable-tv-top-25-pawn-stars-tops-royal-pains-burn-notice-raw-hot-in-cleveland-true-blood/54869/. dead.
19. Web site: Sunday Cable TV Top 25: BET Awards, 16 Wishes, USA/Algeria Match Top Week's Cable Shows. TV by the Numbers. Gorman. Bill. June 29, 2010. June 30, 2010. July 2, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100702024618/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/06/29/cable-tv-top-25-bet-awards-16-wishes-usaalgeria-match-top-weeks-cable-shows/55627. dead.
20. Web site: Sunday Cable TV Top 25: LeBron, Pawn Stars, Hannah Montana Forever, Deadlist Catch Top Week's Viewership. TV by the Numbers. Gorman. Bill. July 13, 2010. July 20, 2010. September 29, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120929010920/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/07/13/cable-tv-top-25-lebron-pawn-stars-royal-pains-deadliest-catch-top-weeks-viewership/56943/. dead.
21. Web site: Cable Top 25: Deadliest Catch, The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles & Home Run Derby Top Week's Viewership. TV by the Numbers. Seidman. Robert. July 20, 2010. July 20, 2010. June 25, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120625215356/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/07/20/cable-top-25-deadliest-catch-the-closer-rizzoli-isles-home-run-derby-top-weeks-viewership/57704/. dead.
22. Web site: Cable Top 25: Rizzoli & Isles, The Closer, Burn Notice, Brickyard 400 Top Week's Viewership. TV by the Numbers. Seidman. Robert. July 27, 2010. July 28, 2010. September 29, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120929011020/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/07/27/cable-top-25-rizzoli-isles-the-closer-burn-notice-brickyard-400-top-week%e2%80%99s-viewership/58279/. dead.
23. Web site: Cable Top 25: iCarly Tops Hannah Montana; Snooki Edges Sookie. TV by the Numbers. Seidman. Robert. August 3, 2010. August 4, 2010. April 14, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120414190710/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/08/03/cable-top-25-icarly-tops-hannah-montana-snooki-edges-sookie/58915/. dead.
24. Web site: Cable Top 25: The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, Burn Notice, Royal Pains, Covert Affairs Top Week's Cable Viewing. TV by the Numbers. Seidman. Robert. August 10, 2010. August 11, 2010. September 30, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120930124137/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2010/08/10/cable-top-25-scripted-dramas-the-closer-rizzoli-isles-burn-notice-royal-pains-covert-affairs-top-weeks-cable-viewing/59604/. dead.
25. Web site: Cable Top 25: Rizzoli & Isles, The Closer, Burn Notice, Jersey Shore & Royal Pains Top Week's Cable Viewing. TV by the Numbers. Seidman. Robert. August 17, 2010. August 17, 2010. August 20, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100820074851/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/08/17/cable-top-25-rizzoli-isles-the-closer-burn-notice-jersey-shore-royal-pains-top-week%E2%80%99s-cable-viewing/60156. dead.
26. Web site: Cable Top 25: The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, Pawn Stars, NFL & Jersey Shore Top Week's Cable Viewing. TV by the Numbers. Seidman. Robert. August 24, 2010. August 25, 2010.
27. Web site: Cable Top 25: The Closer, Rizzoli & Isles, Burn Notice, Royal Pains, Covert Affairs Top Week's Cable Viewing. TV by the Numbers. Seidman. Robert. August 31, 2010. August 31, 2010. September 3, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100903151033/http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/08/31/cable-top-25-the-closer-rizzoli-isles-burn-notice-royal-pains-covert-affairs-top-weeks-cable-viewing/61626. dead.
28. Web site: Cable Top 25: VMAs, Boise State, The Closer & Rizzoli & Isles Top Week's Cable. TV by the Numbers. Seidman. Robert. September 14, 2010. September 15, 2010.
29. Web site: Weekly Top 10 Programmes. Broadcasters' Audience Research Board. April 25, 2011.