While the True Blood reboot was first announced some time ago, it has not yet been fully confirmed as the studio is allegedly still chasing suitable ideas. HBO’s content chief Casey Bloys tells TV Line they want to make sure there’s a story worth telling that adds to the original. Considering that at the time, despite a shaky start, True Blood had become the network’s most popular show since The Sopranos and Sex and the City by the end of its first season, the stakes are exceptionally high. All the more after the disappointing series finale that triggered a huge uproar among long-time fans.
The original show’s creator Alan Ball, also known for another HBO hit series, Six Feet Under, and the Oscar-winning cult classic film American Beauty revealed that he would not be involved in the reboot, contrary to HBO’s previous plans. According to Daily News, he stated, “I don’t ever need to do anything about vampires ever again for the rest of my life.” However, it will still be in good hands. The Riverdale and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa is attached as the executive producer and co-writer, so there is no doubt the new version will continue its predecessor’s legacy of queer inclusivity.
Although the upcoming supplement to the world of Southern American vampires was pitched as a reboot, here’s why a spin-off might be a better way of reviving the beloved show.
A Reboot vs. Spin-off
HBO
For starters, let’s clarify the difference between reboot and spin-off. Reboot recreates its source material while maintaining some characteristic elements conducive to its initial success. It’s essentially a modernised version, which can be viewed as a standalone piece, for it usually has no explicit continuity to the original characters and storyline. The reason reboots have become widely sought-after by major studios is that they aim to attract a new generation of audience and the original viewership simultaneously and, therefore, can reach a broader spectrum of age groups. Some of the most successful TV reboots are Battlestar Galactica and Doctor Who.
On the other hand, a spin-off serves as an addition to the primary story. It generally follows one of the side characters or major characters other than the protagonist and provides a deeper understanding of their background. In terms of timeline, it can take up the form of a prequel or sequel, or it may run parallel with the original narrative and intersect with some of its key events. Even if it mainly caters to the existing fandom, it also raises the potential for a franchise in the making that spans multiple generations. This way, the original series would also become relevant for the younger viewers. Well-known examples of spin-offs are Xena: Warrior Princess, Angel, and Better Call Saul.
A reboot makes more sense if the show ended decades ago, and there’s a strong enough concept that would reintroduce it to new viewers while honouring the original’s brilliance. It has only been less than eight years since True Blood’s last episode, and it’s arguably too soon for an update. But the timing might be just right for a spin-off. On the whole, it was the show’s charismatic characters that made people tune in for each episode, so why not bring them back? Being loosely based on Charlaine Harris’s The Southern Vampire Mysteries, perhaps there is yet more inspiration to be found in the saga’s thirteen novels. Anyway, that may not be necessary as the characters have departed from their literary counterparts and lived different lives on screen. Let’s think about which one could be interesting enough to lead their own series.
Who Should Be the New Protagonist?
The flamboyant gay medium Lafayette is without a doubt a fan-favourite. Even the author herself was delighted with his portrayal in the series and believed that Nelsan Ellis’s outstanding performance was snubbed by the Emmys. Sadly, Ellis passed away in 2017 from heart failure. It’s hard to think of anyone who could hold a candle to him, but it might also be a great occasion for discovering new talent.
A vampire lead would bring an intriguing spin with their enormous lifespan, offering an opportunity for a period setting or exciting time jumps. How about the queen of sassy comebacks, Pam Swynford de Beaufort, played by Kristin Bauer van Straten? Her absence would surely be felt. And where there is Pam, her maker Eric Northman is guaranteed to be nearby. Alexander Skarsgård’s new blockbuster epic The Northman sparked fan theories linking the film to Eric’s Viking roots in True Blood.
The main character does not always have to be a hero. Eric’s maker Godric (Allan Hyde), who was born before Christ, is another strong candidate. With a life story spanning millennia, there’s a chance for a captivating retelling of ancient history. In True Blood, we mainly got to see his good side, but he wasn’t always compassionate and forgiving. It would be interesting to learn more about his dark past.
Speaking of murderous villains, Russell Edgington (Denis O’Hare) was the show’s most memorable antagonist, and, being even older than Godric, he could also take us further back in time. Or, why not go all the way back to the mother of all vampires, Lilith (Jessica Clark)?
Perhaps the new show will take an unexpected detour from the vampire world and venture deeper into the territory of werewolves, shapeshifters, or fairies. Sam Trammell, who played the shapeshifting mayor of Bon Temps Sam Merlotte, told Distractify he would be open to taking part in a reboot. However, according to Deadline, HBO does not intend to bring back original cast members. Whatever the case, we’re more than ready for another taste of True Blood.
