12 Most Anticipated Television Events of 2012

Cross-posted on Film.com


We’ve discussed the big guns 2012 will be rolling out in cinemas, but the silver screen isn’t the only arena fans are itching to jump in to. Expect 2012 to also be a fantastic year for television, as we see the return of some of the greatest shows the small screen has to offer, as well as the launch of some major new programming. 

1) The Long Awaited Return of Mad Men (beware spoilers)

I CAN’T TAKE IT ANY LONGER. Season 4, in my opinion the best season of Mad Men yet, turned just about everything on its head, a move that’s become somewhat of a tradition atMad Men, pressing the reboot button with every season. Who knows where Season 5 could possibly take us, but when we last left Don Draper and friends, our charming main character had just proposed to his secretary, the free spirited Megan. Can this work out even close to well for anyone involved? Anyone’s gotta be better than Ice Queen Betty, right? It’s been way too long since one of the best shows on television has actually BEEN on television and its return is one of the absolute most anticipated television events of 2012.

2) Game of Thrones Season 2

Can this be a close second? Game of Thrones season one took the EVERYTHING by storm with its groundbreaking guts, commitment to big budget genre and faithfulness to its material. It broke every rule in the book and did so with a beautiful gusto. Season two sees the introduction of a myriad of new characters, including one played by Rose Leslie formerlyDownton Abbey‘s Gwen, and the second book is supposedly so good that even old school fans of the book have been advising me to watch, not read, because seeing these events unfold for the first time on screen will be an unbelievable treat. Will I be wearing my Daenerys end of season one Halloween costume to the premiere party I’m throwing? You bet. Don’t worry though, it’s primarily a nude colored bodysuit. I’m not crazy.

3) Chris Meloni joining True Blood

Bringing some true class to the table, Veteran Purveyor of Awesome, Christopher Meloni, is joining True Blood for season 5. Season 4 graced us with sure to be an Emmy nominated performance by Fiona Shaw, so a gap had to be filled as far as brilliant guest star was concerned. Meloni, who will be playing “an ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands,” more than fits the bill.

4) Downton Abbey Season 2 Comes to America, Season 3 Airs In Britain In The Fall

I obviously downloaded Downton Abbey Season 2 from across the pond as it aired, but LISTEN, it’s okay, calm down SOPA, I’m gonna buy the Blu-ray anyway AND watch it on American television anyway, so I repeat, everyone calm down. The Emmy winner for Best Mini Series that has since become a full fledged television series, is long form Jane Austen meets old timey British soap and it’s my favorite. Season 2 goes to some very dark, dramatic, pulpy places, which has turned off some viewers, but I’ve loved every moment. This is truly the best ensemble on television, and I encourage you to pick up season one, watch season two (and the christmas special!) and buckle up for season three come the fall. Mary and Matthew forevers.

5) Alcatraz

There has been lots of behind the scenes turmoil as far as this new offering from JJ Abrams and Elizabeth Sarnow (who has since left the show) is concerned, which has made the genre community start to worry, but I’ll be damned if I don’t give this new science fiction program a shot. This story about presumed dead Alcatraz prisoners reappearing in present day, having not aged one bit, stars newcomer Sarah Jones and everyone’s favorite magical island castaway , Jorge Garcia. I’m still hoping for the best, but won’t be surprised if it ends up falling just short of the mark.

6) Smash

Let’s be honest. Glee isn’t quite working out the way we hoped. They cut back on the number of songs per episode, which was always my favorite element of the show, and frankly, have ceased to make much narrative sense since season one ended, if it even made it to then. But I still love musicals, I still love song and dance, and oh yeah, I LOVE JACK DAVENPORT. Smash, from executive producer Steven Spielberg, looks like a show I will be obsessed with, but never admit to obsessing over. Since it’s about putting on a fictional Broadway musical (about Marilyn Monroe yet!), expect lots of fun New York locations and impressive theater related cameos. Oh and actual quality singing by professionals, none of this auto-tune crap. If you’re still “pshhhing”, it’s created by Pulitzer Prize nominated playwright Theresa Rebeck, who also co-produced and wrote NYPD Blue and wrote forDream On.Yes, she also wrote the story (just the story, not the horrific screenplay!) of Halle Berry’s disastrous Catwoman, but hey, the exception that proves the talented rule, okay?

7) The River

The found footage horror-mystery that has been described as Lost meets Paranormal Activity (and created by Oren Pell, the man behind the Paranormal trilogy) that made a splash at Comic-Con by screening its pilot and handing out fun mini branded flashlights, makes its debut on ABC this February. Bruce Greenwood plays an explorer who vanishes under mysterious circumstances. Six months later his family sets out to find him, fully funded by the explorer’s former producer, in exchange for them filming the whole expedition. They are assisted by a collection of supporting characters including the lovely Eloise Mumford, from the short lived Fox series Lone Star, who I’m thrilled to have back on my television set. Fingers crossed the eight episodes ordered by the network stick the landing with audiences.

8) (Formerly the House of Lies slot...but the pilot aired before posting so...) COUGAR TOWN IS COUGAR TOWNY!

I totally forgot Cougar Town was coming back because it's been so long and my whole self is so saddened by the lack of Penny Can, Big Joe (RIP), Big Carl and The Larmy that my mind simply blocked it out so I wouldn't be upset every day. If you're not yet convinced that Cougar Town rules, need I remind you about last season's Community/Cougar Town crossover? Come on, if Abed loves it, you KNOW it's good. The show brazenly makes fun of its title every single week in the opening credits, and has really found its grove as a slightly absurdist show about a bunch of friends who drink a lot of wine. Sometimes while wearing snuggies. Season 3 will see a guest star in Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke as Bobby's recurring love interest and newcomer Briga Heelan as someone Grayson got pregnant years earlier. ABC may have cut the episode order down to 15 from 22, but this show has a rabid and loyal following who know that each of those 15 episodes will be hilarious. GET IT TOGETHER, ABC. 

9) Awake

Perhaps my most anticipated new show of the mid-season, the show (known as REM when the pilot scripts were making the rounds) has gotten rave reviews over its season premiere, drawing positive Inception parallels when it comes to the subject of dreams versus reality, and it stars Jason Isaacs as a man torn between two worlds, one where his wife survives a horrific accident, one in which it’s his son that survives. But which is real? Also starring Laura Allen, Brooke English’s son who took Leo away from Greenelee on All My Children, and Jack Shephard’s son, Dylan Minnette. (This is how my brain works and I like it just fine.)

10) 30 Rock is Back!

30 Rock is one of those magical shows that is so good, I always doubt how good it is. I promise this makes sense. I always think to myself, there’s no way the show can STILL be funny. But it always is. Sure, there are off episodes and off storylines, every show has those, but ultimately, 30 Rock always brings the funny and it’ll be so nice to have Liz Lemon back in my life, making me feel a-ok about how much I love eating sandwiches and making noises instead of saying words.

11) Community Finishes up Season 3 and returns in the fall with Season 4

IF I SAY IT, IT WILL COME TRUE

12) Chuck and Desperate Housewives Come to an End

I have never seen an episode of Desperate Housewives. The fact that it is ending means nothing to me, but it was once a mega sensation, so its series finale is definitely worth a mention. The series finale *I* will be glued to the television for is none other than that of Chuck. Chuck lost me a little bit last season with the constant stream of EVERYONE’S A SPY! combined with EVERYONE’S A FAMOUS GUEST STAR! But this season has be right back on board and I’m loving every moment. I’m actually getting nostalgic for my deep obsession with the show and specifically Zach Levi that I felt during seasons one and two. I’m sad that it’s ending, but thrilled beyond belief that they squeezed five seasons out of NBC and are getting to finish the story they began. Jan 27, “Chuck vs. the Goodbye.”, I’m so there.


Honorable Mention: Paul Rudd comes to Parks and Recreation. Hat Tip: @oscar

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TRUE BLOOD Season Sneak Peak

 This video is ridiculous. And amazing. I am so excited for the rest of this season. Debbie Pelt, you gonna get it.



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True Blood Gets All tarte-ed Up

 Yes, even more than it already is. In keeping with their already inventive and particularly rewarding style of branding and merchandising, HBO has partnered with cosmetic company tarte to release three TrueBlood inspired products: An eyeshadow palette, a lip tint, and a cheek stain. I was lucky enough to get a hands-on demo (and cocktails!) at the Wired Cafe Oasis during Comic-Con, and was even luckier still when I got to take these products home. They're pretty stellar, and here's why:

Quality. HBO didn't try to overreach by releasing their own cosmetics. They turned to an edgy and reputable company with a popular line of bold colors and quality products and created something in tandem with tarte.

Presentation. A little bawdy but miles from gaudy (oh, we're rhyming now). The black and red leather case sporting eyelets and cord as if it were a corset being unlaced is racy and fun, much like the show itself, but doesn't stand out sorely in an otherwise innocuous bathroom. The drawer containing the primer, liner and mascara bears the words "Open After Dark" on it, a nice touch. The fact that the drawer is lined in red lends it a vaguely coffin-esque feel, which I'm not sure was intentional, but is still charming. The liptint and cheek stain come in sleek black and silver with red lettering, nothing stand out, but all the better. The packaging is clean and holds together in your purse while maintaining the color motif. Tra la.

Logic. It makes sense. The same way releasing a blood orange flavored soda made sense. HBO has gone out of its way with TrueBlood to generate merchandise that belongs in the world of the show and helps draw the consumer deeper into it. Bottle openers and mugs stamped with Merlotte's logo, handbags designed with the flare of Fangtasia in mind and the same shirts and hoodies branded with the vampire bar's name that can be purchased in the world of the show can all be purchased by its audience. Having a line of makeup now that feeds into the glamor of TrueBlood is a logical next step, and an inventive way to expand the brand. On their own, the products are highly purchasable- sexy colors and sleek packaging. That they are inspired by TrueBlood makes them... more special, a particularly intimate way to connect with the look and feel of the world of the show.

Admittedly, most of tarte's collections have something a bit more whimsical about them and aren't quite as dark as, say, a palette from Urban Decay, but the TrueBlood palette covers that gap in spades. The lip tint is a true red with the slightest bit of sheen, long lasting and not prone to bleeding past the lip line- a trait of all tarte's lipsurgence tints. If it's a bit too bold for your daytime look (which... I sort of hope its too bold for your daytime look, cuz damn) you can blot it and it leaves a very dark, rosy pink. Not as glam but still colorful. ($24)

The cheek stain is of the same ilk, a real red with not even the hint so much as the implication of sparkles. It can be used sparingly, spreads evenly and doesn't gravitate toward pores (I would know, mine are sizable).  It can be used for either a dark natural flush or a bright dramatic highlight. A little goes a long way, so this will last you for a long time.($30)







The palette is a thing of beauty. The centerpiece of the limited edition line, it looks and feels like a luxury item should, but it's not just a gimmick. In addition to the eye primer, aqua-gel liner, and lights camera lashes! mascara, it comes with 17 different shadows, each one named for a recognizable component of the show, whether a creature, cast member or location. They are, as described by Sephora (one of the two places the line may be purchased for $55, not counting ebay): 

• The Light (shimmering warm ivory) 
• Fairy (shimmering pink)
• Dusk (matte warm taupe)
• Dawn (shimmering gold dust)
• Werewolf (matte chocolate)
• Waitress (sparkling pink champagne),
• Nocturnal (sparkling deep indigo)
• Charmer (sparkling burnt copper)
• Glamour Me (sparkling deep plum)
• Stake (matte steel)
• Bayou (shimmering golden tan)
• Telepath (sparkling warm rose)
• The True Death (sparkling silver)
• Immortal (sparkling midnight black)
• Moss (shimmering forest green)
• Legend (deep matte black)
• "V" (sparkling crimson). 

The palette also includes in its packaging a quick how to illustration chart with four separate looks, including a fairy inspired look, a vampire inspired look, and my favorite, "Not Your Average Waitress". The how-to guides can also be found on tarte's website,  here.

When the fabulous Aline was done with me, I had a matte smokey eye that lasted me into the evening's festivities. Shazam! 

Note also: Fangtasia recreation complete w/deer head to my left (your right), and plastic cup of red liquid- TrueBlood inspired cocktails galore. None of the ones we created for the site, but a whole new batch of delicious, its-5-o'clock-somewhere justifying goodness. 

 Having now used the above products a few times and as a habitual and avid makeup user, I can happily recommend them all. As a big old Truebie nerd, I can say that the palette is now the centerpiece of my geek shelf and that I have never felt so stealthy in my geekitude as when someone complimented me on my eyes. Use this palette. It will be the closest you can come to glamouring someone without turning into a vampire.

I'm a vampire! I'm a vampire! I'm a vampire!

                                                        Bonus shot of liptint color: 

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Sneak Peak: True Blood 4.2 [Clips]

Three clips from this Sundays episode of True Blood, "You Smell Like Dinner"

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True Blood Original Score Soundtrack Giveaway!

To commemorate the end of another fantastic True Blood season, we’re holding another True Blood contest!

LoquaciousMuse and I are huge fans of the True Blood score and we’re thrilled to giveaway True Blood Season 1 Soundtracks to a few lucky contestants.

Nathan Barr is the amazingly gifted composer behind the True Blood score. His elegiac and beautiful music provides the perfect backdrop for all of Sookie’s twisted, dangerous, and romantic escapades. Barr’s score is also great to listen to on its own. So here’s how you can enter to win your free copy of the soundtrack:

1. Leave a comment below, telling us why you love Nathan Barr's True Blood score.
2. Go to Nathan Barr's official Facebook page and leave the same comment on his wall.
3. On that same wall comment, leave a link back to this post.
4. Wait for us to chose a winner!

See it’s easy. Just show some love on two different pages, link back to this post when leaving your comment on Nathan Barr’s FB page, and then you’re all set and entered to win a free copy of the Season 1 score. Good luck!

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Nekkids True Blood Trashy Delicious HEART!

EXACTLY, you guys. I rest my case. See full post

True Blood Preview - "Everything Is Broken"

True Blood clips for you from this Sunday's episode?

Sidenote: How fucking good is this show right now? Yes, so good it requires cursing. Holy sex scenes, Batman, you guys! I love this show.

Stay tuned - coming up very soon we will be giving away a True Blood gift bag from Comic-Con and a soundtrack of the score.

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Geeky Ringtones For You?

Because I said so

Tonight, @Brotodeau created an Inception ringtone and posted it on Twitter for all to download. This resulted in me downloading it. It was awesome. Afterwards, I got inspired and decided to experiment with my new droid and its ringtone capabilities. I don't know what the rules are for iphones and what not, but these will CERTAINLY work for a Droid or a Blackberry. Here they my geektastic experiments.

Battlestar - Violence & Variations (Lee/Kara) - Download

Battlestar - Roslin & Adama - Download

Lost - Life & Death - Download

True Blood - Hairclip (Bill/Sookie) - Download

Scott Pilgrim - 8 Bit Universal Theme (For @genjadeshade, whose idea it was!) - Download

Note for Droid owners - I sent the files to myself using Bluetooth, then set them to ringtones. Super easy that way. Actually, if there is any other way to get ringtones on the Droid from your computer...I don't know what they are. See full post

True Blood Season Three - TONIGHT!

Having a season three premiere party tonight and may even use some of the ideas you readers suggested in our True Blood mega prize package contest! If you haven't entered yet, you can by clicking HERE. And we may actually add even more True Blood swag to the prize package....stay tuned.

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Reason To Watch Seasons 1 & 2 of True Blood RIGHT NOW

From Kristin Dos Santos' Spoiler Chat over on E!

I don't consider this a spoiler, but you might

In the first three episodes of season 3, either Bill or Sookie has sex with someone, and it is hands-down the most unforgettable (you will have dreams/nightmares afterward!) sex scene in the entire run of True Blood so far.

CATCH UP, PEOPLE. See full post

Win Tru Blood, Season 3 Teaser Poster, True Blood Shirt and MOAR! [Contest]

We had such a good time with our last True Blood contest, we decided it's time for another.

Season three premieres on Sunday and if you're anything like me, you're practically jumping out of your skin in anticipation. When season two ended last year I exclaimed NOOOOOOOOOOO the moment the credits rolled. Just because waiting 9 months for a show you love to return is no fun for anyone.

So in celebration of True Blood finally returning, we're giving away some awesome items. One lucky winner will receive:

• (1) Tru Blood 4-pack
• (1) Season 3 teaser poster
• (1) T-shirt (both men & womens available)
• (1) Tru Blood bottle opener
• (25) cocktail napkins
• (2) cocktail menus

All you have to do is:

- Add All Things Fangirl to your google reader by going here

- Send an email to AllThingsFangirl@gmail.com, telling us an awesome idea for a True Blood premiere party. Games? Costumes? Food? Anything! The more specific and clever, the better.

- If you also post your answer in the comments section, your entry will count as two entries

-The winner will be chosen randomly Monday, June 14th, the day after the premiere

And hey, while you're here, be sure to check out our in depth interview with Sheriff Andy, Chris Bauer, and our original cocktail recipes made with Tru Blood.

Plus, keep an eye out. We have another True Blood contest coming up soon that you won't be able to find *anywhere* else.

Update: Congrats to winner: Royal!!! Hope you enjoy your True Blood Prize Package and thanks to everyone for entering! See full post

Tru Blood Contest - Winner!

We finally have a winner! I randomly selected three names out of a hat - and by names, I mean numbers and my hat I mean surface. If the first person I selected doesn't respond within 24 hours, the prize will then go to the name I picked second, and so on and so forth. Here's a reminder of the prize!

(1) 4 pack of Tru Blood
(1) Exclusive All Flavor No Bite Poster
(2) Cocktail Menus that list 3 drinks:  The Fangbanger, Death on the Beach, and Plasmapolitan
(50) Tru Blood branded cocktail napkins

The winner is:

Allison!

And here's her answer to the contest question,

A perhaps obvious, yet sexy choice, would be the brooding Bill Compton. However, Eric is my favorite character. I think his character grew a lot in season 2; plus the hair cut makes him all the more attractive. Love triangle? Yes please! We've learned more about his past this last season, but he's still very enigmatic. As for season 3, I hope to see more of Eric. But what I love about True Blood is that I don't know what to expect. It's crazy, sexy, and campy. However, I really hope that Sam's story develops more this season, e.g. his parents.

Allison, we did not receive your mailing address to allthingsfangirl@gmail.com within 24 hours :(. So the prize will go to the next name I chose -

Jadzzia Di' Xevar

who wrote

i loved Godric..... for all the obvious reasons....His gentle power was attractive. and Sookie is precious.....that untouchable innocence... hmmm can hardly relate. LOL
A>)
But i'd have to say i'm truly looking forward to more Eric..... He's Delicious! It will be exciting seeing How He will handle all the power in His future. Oh! btw, i liked his hair long.. *grinz*

B>)
Eric Flashbacks will be Awesome... and werewolves... well interesting for sure!.... but ohhh Sookie Sookie (LOL)... and her unresolved feelings for Eric.......Wooohooo HAWT! Can't wait to see what developes!!!!

Please send your mailing address to allthingsfangirl@gmail.com to claim your prize!

And finally, if I hear from neither person above, the third name I chose, Garrett,

Sam Trammel, because a) he's hot and b) his backstory is super interesting. And while I know that we're going to find out a bunch of stuff relating to that in the next season what I'm MOST looking forward to is the *SPOILER ALERT* sexual dreams/attraction/tension that's going to be brewing between him and Bill since he drank Bill's blood to heal after the whole Marianne debacle.

Hoyay.

Thanks to everyone who entered the contest! Be sure to check out our original Tru Blood cocktails for delicious ways to enjoy the drink and tune into to HBO on Sunday nights for the re-airing of True Blood season 2!

Other True Blood related posts!
-22 Theme Songs in 7 Minutes (including True Blood)
-Exclusive interview with Chris Bauer, True Blood's Andy Bellfleur
-Etsy Geek Search of the Day: Tru Blood

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Original Tru Blood Cocktails

Since one of you readers will be winning a four pack of True Blood this week, I thought it only fitting to get a post together featuring some original Tru Blood cocktail recipes. I recruited a foodie, sommalier & drink expert, who we've had yet to officially name, who formulated four very special concoctions. And with this post, we officially welcome her to the team. From time to time, All Things Fangirl will now feature a Foodie element, but as we're all Fangirls here, all our food or drink posts will of course, have a slight geek edge to them. As soon as we figure out a fitting name, expect to see it listed with the rest of our lovely contributors :)

Before we get started - you may notice all the drinks are the same color - Tru Blood doesn't allow for much variation in that sense, the coloring is serious, but each one has an incredibly distinct flavor, and that's what really matters.

The Bon Temps

The most unique flavoring of the group, The Bon Temps acts as the centerpiece, the featured drink, of the group. Not only is it unlike anything you've (or at least I've) had before, but it forces people to say "Bon Temps" over and over again. The drink is spicy & flavorful and feels appropriate for a hot southern town filled with vampires. Here's how to make it:

Wet the rim with blood orange & dip the glass in a cinnamon/sugar blend
1oz Honey Bourbon
3/4 oz Cinnamon Liquer
3/4 oz Ginger Liquer
Shake
Pour in a glass, top with Tru Blood
Garnish with a cinnamon stick

Too sweet for your taste? Switch the honey bourbon to regular bourbon.

Sweet Sookie

A drink representing the sweet disposition (and sweet blood?) of Sookie Stackhouse, the Sweet Sookie has a tropical, refreshing feel to it. And that candied orange peel kind of looks like a lock of Sookie's hair, so, WIN! I originally considered naming it Sookie's Blood, as if we were trying to recreate what Sookie's blood must taste like to Bill (can't get enough!), but in the end, that seemed a little on the creepy side. This drink is safe in theory, but dangerous in practice. You can hardly taste the alcohol, but trust me, it's there, and before you know it, you could be under the table. Sookie may look harmless, but she's got bite.

1oz Mango Rum
1oz Vodka
2oz Pineapple Juice
Shake
Pour in glass, top with Tru Blood
Garnish with candied blood orange peel

Greet The Sun

If you like bold flavors in your drinks, our take on a Tequila Sunrise is the one for you. A strong tequila sip, followed by a sweet raspberry aftertaste, Greet the Sun is named for the harsh ceremony in which the Fellowship of the Sun sacrifices vampires. Because what's the best way for a vampire to respond to a ceremony that aims to wipe out his people? Why, name a drink after it!  Turn the tables on the bigots. The harsher their violence, the sweeter is the Vamps' revenge, and Greet the Sun is a reminder of that fact.

1oz Tequila (Recommended brand: Cazadores Reposado or at least 100% agave. In fact, _____ says "if it isn't 100% agave don't drink it at all. Ever. If you use Cuervo - thou hast lost an eighth.") (1 1/2 if it's too sweet)
1oz Chambord
2oz Cranberry
Shake
Pour in glass & top with Tru Blood
Garnish with blood orange slice (the sun!)

The Shifter Shooter

Finally, the shot of our Tru Blood drink series, which hits on the dessert part of the pallet, specifically the Chocolate Orange. This particular drink comes in two varieties. Have any chocolate cordial cups laying around? That you can experience the Shifter Shooter in its true form as it magically goes from drink to treat the moment you pop it in your mouth. The plus side of using a shot glass? It's slightly more alcoholic and due to the chocolate liqueur, it actually looks like you're taking a shot of whipped cream topped blood! If you think I'm not serving that at every vampire themed party I ever have, you're out of your mind. (Note to readers: I have never had, nor never plan on having, a vampire themed party.)

Chocolate Cordial Cup
1/2 Chocolate liqueur
1/2 Tru Blood
Topped with homemade vanilla infused whipped cream

Shot Glass
1/3 Chocolate liqueur
1/3 Vanilla Vodka
1/3 Tru Blood
Topped with homemade vanilla infused whipped cream

Other True Blood related posts:

-22 Theme Songs in 7 Minutes (including True Blood)
-Exclusive interview with Chris Bauer, True Blood's Andy Bellfleur
-Etsy Geek Search of the Day: Tru Blood

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I Wanna Do Bad Things With You [Etsy Geek Search of the Day]

Today's entry?

In honor of our ongoing True Blood celebration (currently re-airing Season 2 from the beginning on HBO, plus we gots this contest going, a bad-ass interview with the genius that is Chris Bauer AKA Andy Bellefleur and have a very special original Tru Blood cocktail post coming up very soon), today's entry is, you guessed it,

Tru Blood

Today's results?

Today's recommended buy?

True Blood Mini Dress - $45

It's like being a Tru Blood shot girl! Not sure where or why you would ever wear this, but it's cool and apparently the only other options are pendants. Personally, I want someone to turn that Tru Blood bottle into a flask. Who knows how to do that? So, anyway, I'm going with the unique choice of the bunch. And only 2 of these were made, so if you want in, you better get on that shit! See full post

Gonna be at Wondercon? Wanna try Tru Blood?

Exciting news, True Blood fans!

The manufacturers of Tru Blood, the drink we're giving away and created cocktails for (stay tuned!) are going to be giving away samples & coupons at Wondercon next weekend!

You'll be able to find them at booth #519. The hours are as follows:

April 2nd: 12pm-7pm

April 3rd:  10am-7pm

April 4th:  11am-5pm

Be sure to stop by and try it! See full post

Chris Bauer Talks True Blood: Horror, the South and the Inner Workings of Andy Bellefleur

True Blood is awesome. We all know this. It's why we watch! With HBO airing season 2 again starting Sunday night, we wanted to celebrate with some fun True Blood related things. Wait til the liquor post. If you win the TruBlood we're giving away, you will find yourself equipped with a list of recipes to make your season 3 premier party positively debauched. Like Pam-approved levels of debauched. So, along with the chance to win a TruBlood party pack from our awesome friends at HBO and the video of that amazing kid incorporating the True Blood theme song into a medley next to the Simpsons and Firefly, we would like to offer you our exclusive sit-down with the man who portrays Bon Temps' favorite rough 'n tumble lawman, Andy Bellefleur: Chris Bauer.

Erudite Chick: So you of course have had experience with cop dramas before, and now you’re playing a police officer on True Blood, but it’s a slightly different take on it. Going into the first season’s scripts, had you read the novels in preparation?

Chris Bauer: I read the first novel, and I read the second novel, and I read some of the third. I read enough to get a sense of the atmosphere and to be responsible to the vision of the writer Charlaine Harris, so. But episodic television ends up plotting at a different tempo, developing character in a much more idiosyncratic way than a novel does, so, having shot the two seasons I kinda now feel like the world of True Blood on HBO is informed by a fifty fifty inspiration of the books and our show.

This past season had a lot of fans divided, particularly over Sookie and Bill's relationship, and the sudden fervor for Eric- but Andy Bellefleur also developed a stronger fan base. Personally, he became my favorite character on the show. And when I say favorite, I mean I favor him above all others and am kind of obsessed with him. I explained as much to Chris.

EC: Before you started filming, did you know where he was going to end up, as a character?

CB: No- First of all, thank you very much, because one of the dilemmas for me, as an actor, is that I really play the part that they write. Which means, if they write somebody who’s socially awkward, if they write somebody who’s alienating, if they write somebody who’s full of faults, that’s the character I’m going to play. Frequently, that has the effect on the audience that it has on the other characters, so in the same way that people are calling Andy crazy and they want him out of the bar? Sometimes I feel like fans have sort of a lot of critical feelings about Andy. So for you to say that you liked him is really, really meaningful for me. Because I think he’s a good guy! And I think that he’s a human being, and I think he’s evolving, and I think one of the great validations of the theme of True Blood is that it’s the circumstances of the world of Bon Temps that are sort of pushing him into more and more sympathetic and human territory.

You know, this season I think he went through some obstacles that are going to be very playable in successive seasons, and that what started as a guy who was fiercely insecure and way too into his title and authority, looking for a personality behind his badge, was humbled enough that he might- I mean, look how it ended up. He ended up essentially teaming up with his arch enemy. And what I love is, we can still play it in a super real way. They’re such great writers. And the inspiration from Allen through the whole writing staff is such that they give- if you think about it, they have 60 minutes to hand out character development to double digit characters.

EC: Yeah, it’s a huge cast.

CB: It’s huge! And we get like five and seven minutes on average to make our mark and push the character forward. You can only do that with good writing.



The rest of the interview after the jump
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Want To Own Some Tru Blood Of Your Very Own? [Contest]

Welcome to True Blood Week on All Things Fangirl!

In honor of HBO re-airing the awesome season two starting this Sunday, we've decided to celebrate one of the best shows on TV with one True Blood-themed post per day for the rest of the week.

If you don't watch True Blood, borrow my season 1 DVD (or okay, I guess that can really only apply to people who know me...@Brazenlycastle, I'm looking at you) to devour over the next few days, so you're all prepped for Sunday. Season two, for me, far surpassed season one, and not just because Eric cut his hair.

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Another factor that made season 2 so amazing? Fellowship of the Sun. Oh and how could we forget my favorite? Andy. Effing. Bellefleur. I'd watch a buddy cop show featuring him & Jason Stackhouse. Just saying. And stay tuned this week for Eruditechick's in depth interview with Bellefleur's portrayer, the incomparable & thankfully ubiquitous, Chris Bauer. Also expect a post from me on the best way to serve some Tru Blood at a party...

Which brings us to our first post, a True Blood contest!

If you've ever had an interest in throwing a True Blood premiere party (June 13th! Be here now!), this is the contest for you.

One lucky winner will receive the following:

(1) 4 pack of Tru Blood
(1) Exclusive All Flavor No Bite Poster
(2) Cocktail Menus that list 3 drinks:  The Fangbanger, Death on the Beach, and Plasmapolitan
(50) Tru Blood branded cocktail napkins

Of these items, only the Tru Blood is available for purchase. The others are exclusive to special events such as The Scream Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and various HBO celebrity events.  They are not sold in any stores.

To enter, just follow these simple steps!

1. Add All Things Fangirl to your Google Reader

2. If you are on Twitter, follow @loquaciousmuse & @eruditechick 

3. In the comments section below, answer the following questions: A. Who is your favorite character and why? and B. What are you most looking forward to/hoping to see in Season 3?

You have all week to enter and the randomly selected winner will be announced this Monday! Be sure to check our site then to see if you've been named the winner. If the winner does not claim their prize on Monday, we'll choose someone else.

Best of luck and hope you enjoy the rest of True Blood Week!

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