My spring Comic Con tour started in Toronto and ended in Boston. If you're not in the know about all-things-Comic-Con, then you probably don't consider the "man behind the curtain," or, who puts these things on.

Wizard World puts on Comic Cons all over the country, including Toronto, Philly, Chicago, Mid-Ohio, Austin, and New Orleans. Their latest acquisition is the "Big Apple" Comic Con for 2013, but that's not the same as the New York Comic Con. Comic Cons in other areas of North America are put on by other companies, like the San Diego "International" Comic Con and, of course, East Coast Cons like Baltimore and Boston.

The Boston Comic Con was a lot of fun. Toronto had a ton of celebs and so, was more about individual fans of individual celebs...and, Yu Gi Oh. There were lots of tween, teen, and young adult boys looking for the opportunity to play in tournaments. You had Artists' Alley, of course, but there were more browsers than buyers because the crowd was more interested in celebrity-sightings and photo opps, using the vendors as a sort of time-filler/killer. In Boston, the focus was on comic books themselves. The celebs? Guys like Al Jaffe of MAD magazine. There were also a ton of families--including mom, dad, and older teens with younger siblings. There were great costumes at both Boston and Toronto, basically, fans who dress up as characters from everything to Star Trek and Star Wars, to X-Men...there was one Merlin from the SyFy show of the same name in Toronto, and one Katniss Everdeen in Boston.

The space was different in Boston, all encompassed in one long, very wide hallway, or branch, of the Hynes Convention Center. The Hynes Convention Center is accessible via the Prudential Center and Copley Plaza off of Boylston Street. Great location near high-end shopping and eateries, as well as more family friendly venues, right in downtown Boston. The hallway was lined with vendors selling all kinds of interesting things, but also, lots of comic artists and indie film-makers, as well as people in costume for photo-opps with fans. On the right side of the hallway, or plaza-level, there were separate rooms for speakers like me, as well as a zombie movie-marathon, while the left had a very large space used for Artists' Alley. There were artists from all the major Marvel and DC groups, as well as Th3rd World and the artist for Cinderella, a great female-hero driven graphic novel. There was about 8,000 fans trolling the Boston Comic Con, mostly in costume. There were no lines, plenty of space and lots of friendly, smiling faces. There was a real fun-vibe happening at the Boston Comic Con. And I was there on the second day. Which tells the whole story, doesn't it?

In Toronto, the speaker rooms and celeb Q&A's took place in one wing of the Metro Convention Centre in downtown Toronto, also near  restaurants as well as the famed Rogers Stadium and CN Tower; the featured rooms were in the center of the wing with hallways and access doors on both sides. Further down, you could find tournament rooms and on the second level, there was Artists' Alley--a warehouse-sized space that had food vendors all around the perimeter, artists and authors in the center and at the back, celeb photo/autograph stations. Like the Boston Comic Con, Toronto had two main rooms for speakers--one large (480-person capacity) and one smaller (350-person capacity). I was originally scheduled for the smaller space, but like Boston, we made a few last minute changes to accomodate the show. Wizard World offers VIP ticketing so for every event or speaker over the course of the day, there were two lines--one for VIP ticket-holders and one for people with general admission day passes. There were two long lines of people waiting to enter the room for my show...which somewhat freaked me out when I realized what was happening. I've had large audiences before--but never people willing to stand in line for 20 minutes to see me. And in Toronto, unlike Boston, no one in attendance was a family member or friend--but I did meet plenty of fans of my books, and, of vampires in general, and, of the supernatural, and, of paranormal romance, and, of superheroes...so it was a real mix that made for a very enthusiastic, engaged audience.

The fans for my Boston show numbered upwards of 120 or so. In Toronto, my audience was almost double that. Of course, the room in Boston seated about 120 (as opposed to Toronto--which seated 480!), and yes, there were people standing up in the back in Boston. Now, what made the Boston audience even more awesome was the surprise. What surprise? Let me explain:

I was scheduled for a room without a projector; the problem there is part of my show at all Comic Cons depends on a multi-media presentation I made specifically to go along with my talk. Without the visuals and sound  to go with my presentation, it would be like serving pancakes...without the syrup. Dry. And tasteless. So, the promoter for Boston had offered to rearrange the zombie movie-marathon so I could do my show properly. Very generous of him, because it meant tweaking the schedule. Unfortunately, we weren't able to make the changes in time to get into the program. So as I spoke to a full room yesterday, while the fans were just awesome and super-engaged in my talk, actively asking questions and sharing comments, I mistakenly thought most were in the room for the zombie-flicks. After I closed my talk, and the kind applause resounded around the room, not only was I bombarded by pop culture enthusiasts, but I realized as we cleared the space before getting George Romero's Night of the Living Dead on the silver screen, that the room was empty of all but five people. That crowd, the people who squished-in, even stood up, to listen to my talk weren't just being polite, they were there specifically to see my show. I am a Native Bostonian and there were five people in attendance who knew me--so what about the other 110 +/- folks???

It was awesome to see so many people pack the room just for my show. I loved my time in Toronto, too--don't get me wrong. It was fabulous. But being in my hometown and having people who didn't know me show up just to see me was pretty amazing. I was humbled, and grateful.

My Comic Con tour continues this fall. Stay tuned for more details! What am I doing in the meantime? Well, for starters--TED. No, it's not what you think. I'll be presenting in the field my Doctorate is in, Medical Humanities, for a TEDx talk in New York this June. I'll also be participating in an event at Yale this summer. By September, I'll be back on the Wizard World Tour for at least two of the three fall Comic Cons scheduled in Mid-Ohio, Austin, and New Orleans.

So what's the big deal? Why are hundreds of people packing into rooms at these Cons to see me? Well, you'll just have to see it for yourself. I can tell you that I do have a book chapter coming out on vampires in popular culture in the definitive book edited by Jody Pennington, Evil in Pop Culture, coming out next year. And yes, there are other projects in the pipeline. A hint? Sure!

Things aren't always black and white...sometimes, they're in Shades of Grey...and other colors, too: Purples, golds, reds, blues, but I've already said too much. ;)

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So, you want the dish? The insider-info on all the dirty details??? Sure, I can help you there. Hang on to your hat!

CW-darling, Torrey DeVitto, who plays Melissa Hastings on Pretty Little Liars and Dr. Meredith Fell on Vampire Diaries, is as sweet, nice and TALENTED as you would imagine her to be. She has natural grace under pressure and handled difficult fan-questions during her Q&A with husband of one-year, Paul Wesley, like a champ. Yes, I was moderating the panel. And yes, Torrey was sitting next to me. She was wearing a super-flattering black and white jacket and killer heels. Donning the in-style of darker hair with light-ends in loose curls, she shined. Plain and simple.

DeVitto and Wesley married a year ago this month on the 16th; DeVitto's talents go way beyond the silver screen to her violin. Yes, she's a terrific musician. Her father was a drummer for Billy Joel and her middle name is in Joel's honor. She even played her fiddle for Christie Brinkley at Brinkley's wedding to Peter Cooke.

What I loved about the couple was how Wesley generously shared the spotlight and limelight with DeVitto. There were about 400 screaming females of all ages in the 45-minute Q&A that took place at 3pm EST at the Metro in Toronto. The "talent," as celebs like Wesley and DeVitto are called at events like this, enter the room a few minutes after the session starts. Because, as moderator, I had to lay down some ground rules first. And, get the crowd even more frenzied for their brush with Vampire Diaries fame. Tough job, but someone's got to do it.

The two came running in after my intro and got right to work, engaging with excited fans. Wesley had no problem joking easily with fans, even when one made a comment about how small Wesley is in person. DeVitto picked up the question, explaining how television cameras add height and width to people. And she's right. A television camera adds about ten pounds to a person's perceived frame, and, because of perspective, adds a few inches as well. Wesley also admitted to having slacked a bit on his daily Vamp Diaries work outs, saying playfully, "What do you want? I'm tired...," followed by his signature James Dean-like smile.

DeVitto and Wesley were tight-lipped about next week's season finale, hinting only that Stefan develops a new relationship.

Another interesting revelation was when a fan asked Wesley if he'd ever watched the evolution of Joss Whedon's Angel to prepare for his role as the Ripper. Wesley stunned us all by saying he's never seen Boreanaz's work. Ever. We were all a bit disappointed to learn that Wesley isn't a fan of the genre he's a part of. But that's what acting is all about, isn't it? As fans, we'd like to imagine the people who portray some of our favorite characters are just as enthusiastic as we are.

Wesley also revealed that if he wasn't acting, he'd be writing. I found this of particular interest as a writer and writing professor, and almost handed him my card right on the spot.

DeVitto said she always knew she wanted to be in show biz while Wesley said it was something that evolved over time for him. His favorite movie: Goodfellas. DeVitto, on the other hand, named three--including Newsies.

Now, in case you're wondering, the schedule for a celeb at Comic Con is rather grueling. You're meeting and greeting people for several hours in the morning; you get a short break for lunch before prepping for your next appearance--usually a Q&A--followed by more photo opps with fans. Your hand is cramped by day's end; your throat is dry. You can only see blue spots before your eyes because there have been cameras flashing in your face the entire day. You don't have time to change, so you're sweating--all day--with only brief moments of privacy to touch up and refresh on the go. You have to smile constantly. You can never slouch. And eating or drinking is out of the question because press and photogs are always looking for that "everyday" moment to sell to mags. Even walking down the hallway is a chore because you can't do it without being followed by flashes and promises of eternal love. And the thing is, these actors are just people. Like you and I. They simply embody the ideas writers pull their thinning hair out to develop for you, the fans. And yes, I pull my hair out on a daily basis.

Speaking of hair, Wesley claims to do his own trademark spike.

As moderator, I had to wrap the session at about 3:50pm to get the next celeb (Gerry Ryan) in the room on time; not an easy thing to do, given that the Q&A line at the mic was still 20-people deep. But Wesley and DeVitto were very personable with their fans, giving each question careful consideration and elaborate answers--the kind that you wait in line for 45 minutes to hear. Luckily, Paul Wesley was gracious enough to offer to do further meet-n-greets in his booth stationed along Artists' Alley on the upper level.

Before Torrey DeVitto left the stage, she looked for me to shake my hand, thanking me for my work. She cued Wesley to do the same before their hasty departure. I was holding my cane in my right hand and wasn't quite ready for the back-handed hand-shake so Wesley apologized and shook my other hand, also thanking me before being deluged by fans asking him to stop and take a picture with him. He was being ushered out by his manager and bodyguard, even though it was clear he loved his fans and would have stayed in the room all day chatting them up if he could.

Wesley and DeVitto's first-class flight to Toronto wasn't as easy as one might imagine; not only was Joan Rivers a passenger (so one may find their fashion choice of the day under scrutiny on her next episode of Fashion Police), but the couple had to endure their plane being struck by lightening! DeVitto said it sounded like one of the plane engines had died when they were first hit; she thought the plane was going down. While Wesley joked that he knew they'd be fine, having previously read about how a plane's construction is meant to hold up to lightening. He laughed as described the odd way the pilot came on the speakers, commenting about how it was Friday the 13th so weird things were bound to happen. Indeed.

Before DeVitto and Wesley's session was set up, SyFy's Being Human cast members, including Meaghan Rath, Sam Huntington and Sam Witwer were doing their own Q&A. I was prepping for my spot with Paul and Torrey so was unable to sit in on their session but did rub elbows with Huntington, Rath and Witwer as I was getting on stage for the Vampire Diaries show at 3pm. The chatty threesome, particularly Huntington, were super-friendly with fans and staff. I didn't have time to get too involved but can tell audiences that as I was prepping on stage, Witwer gave me a good, hard, long look. Up. And down. Witwer is six years my junior so I was terribly complimented, especially given his rumored connection with the gorgeous, Alexa Davalos. Three people were responsible for my look that day: Kate Somerville (and her insanely good skin care), my colorist, Jason (who made my hair absolutely perfect for the occassion even though I'm the worst client in the world), and of course, the indominable Roberto Cavalli (for his Moorea batwing blouse that not only helped me keep my cool all day long, but helped me look the part as well). Oh, and lest I forget to mention the adorable, Dr. Irwin Smigel, who has helped celebs like Kelly Ripa keep their smiles whiter and brighter for years--thank you for your generosity.    

Three years ago, I went through a terrible trauma. More cruelty than anyone can imagine. It caused me to have health difficulties that included neurological symptoms like losing feeling on my left side, decreased mobility, weight gain, and depression. So as I stood on stage yesterday with the talented, generous and kind Paul Wesley and his lovely wife and co-star, Torrey DeVitto (whose million-watt smile is even more dazzling in person than on screen), I felt as though--with the help of friends mentioned above and my manager, as well as the love of my life, Bob--like the vampires I so passionately study, write, and speak about, I was born again. Into a new life. A better life. One where dreams can come true. And the cruelty that has caused not only me, but all of humanity, to turn to fanged-monsters as our saviors, has disappeared.

My one regret? Not having the time to tell Torrey and Paul that they'd be perfectly cast as Ana and Christian in the upcoming movie production of Fifty Shades of Grey. Oh, and by the way, if you are a fan of James' work, I can only hint at connection to an upcoming project surrounding the now infamous "mommy porn"--the dominant to Ana's submissive, as it were.
 
More to come on Toronto Comic Con 2012!!! And stay tuned for next week's reflection on the Boston Comic Con:

Must. Eat. Brains.

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Another late review, I know...but this, unlike its Twilight predecessor, isn't for lack of words. I LOVED UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING. Plain. Simple. To the point. Admittedly, I'm a fan of the Selene character, played well by Kate Beckinsale. She's a tough, smart, strong female hero who also looks amazing in tight, black leather jumpsuits. What's not to like???

I knew Len Wiseman didn't direct this time around--not because I read it in the credits, but because the film lacked his overall intuitive directorial touch. Wiseman did, however, help write the storyline, produce, and is the creator of the characters themselves. Wiseman and Beckinsale are a good team, on and off screen. The two are married, currently living in L. A. Beckinsale was reluctant to don Selene's black-leather again for reasons anyone should be able to imagine. But in the last decade of the 21st century anyway, audiences love a continuing storyline. Throw in a hot vampire chick, some werewolves and a dystopian future (complete with V for Vendetta's Stephen Rea), and you've got a hit made in Hollyhood-heaven! Kind of like Beckinsale and Wiseman. AWAKENING is currently the highest grossing film worldwide at just under $80-million dollars, and only two weeks after its premiere!

Mans Magnus Marlind, the Swedish film director, took on the directorial reins in 2010 during pre-production; the film is the first in movie-making history to be shot in Red Epic, a new kind of digital camera tool released in 2010 from Oakley-founder, Jim Jannard. Many of 2012's new releases like Bryan Singer's Jack the Giant Killer, Peter Jackson's The Hobbit and Ridley Scott's Prometheus will be shot using Red Epic; future pics using it include Avatar 2 by Titanic-sized director, James Cameron.

Using British Columbia as the backdrop, the film began shooting at Simon Frasier University. What was perhaps weirdest about the whole thing was the achived footage of Scott Speedman, who played Michael Corvin in the first two films in the franchise. He announced in 2010 he wasn't going to reprise his role as Michael for the fourth film...so what was he doing instead? Playing a much smaller role in this month's THE VOW? I threw my hands up in the air, too. I. Don't. Get. It. A stand-in played the shots of Michael toward the end of the film. 

The most impressive part of this film wasn't just Beckinsale's performance as Selene--though it was entirely mesmerizing, even Variety agrees with me on that one--it was the addition of another female-supernatural-hero-juggernaut, that of Selene's daughter, Eve.
 
Yes, that hot sex scene in the second film between Selene and Michael was the foreshadow I hoped it would be. Just as Selene and Michael try to make their escape from a world gone mad after the knowledge of vampires and werewolves becomes public, the two are captured and put on ice, literally, for twelve years. Luckily, Selene's daughter is just as feisty as her mother. She's the ultimate hero in the film.

In her first role in a major motion picture, India Eisley, also known for her role in ABC Family's The Secret Life of the American Teenager, plays the most powerful living creature on the planet. A hybrid like her father, Michael, and the last living descendent of Alexander Corvinus, the original immortal, she is remarkable strong, smart...and, psychically connected to her parents.

Newcomer to the franchise, Theo James, known for his role as the unfortunate, if not roguishly handsome, Kemal Pamuk in Downton Abbey, plays David, a vampire who aids Selene in the brave new world she awakens to. The 27-year old British actor-philosopher is a good match to 38-year old Oxford-trained Beckinsale on screen. Even if Michael is eventually written out of the storyline, audiences would enjoy seeing Selene and David develop their budding relationship in future films.

Non-stop action from beginning to end, UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING earns a 9/10 on the Housel-scale. If you haven't seen it yet, go and enjoy the 3-D thrill ride while you can. If you have already caught it once, consider going a second time. Its big-screen worthiness and all-around entertainment value is in the large-scale supernatural action...more so than any other movie in early 2012.

See you at the movies!!!


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Your Pop Culture Professor bent space and time to be on the scene for all the Golden Globes gossip...what a fabulous way to kick off award-season! The stars were certainly shining that afternoon, like being around 200 of Stephenie Meyer's sparkly vampires in the sunlight, minus the fangs. The clothes, the jewelry, but best of all, the movie tid-bits picked up for the next year...that's what after-parties are really all about. Do I have the low-down on the next 007-flick? You betcha! And what about the LOTR franchise? Maybe a little Dark Shadows action via Tim Burton and Johnny Depp??? Hello! LA was all a-twitter on January 15th. And I have the dirty details...just for YOU!

Let's begin with March, as we're in mid-January already. If you've been to the movies at all during the holiday season, chances are good you've seen the trailers for upcoming flicks this month and next, like Haywire--which looks AMAZING by the way and was listed as on of TRIBECA's top picks for January 2012. Steven Soderbergh directed...and has directed a number of upcoming flicks for 2012, including Channing Tatum's film, loosely based on his own life, MAGIC MIKE--which is scheduled for release in June, and has Tatum and Alex Pettyfer (I AM NUMBER FOUR) practically naked for the majority of the film. So is it any good? Who cares??? Channing Tatum. Naked. Nuff said.

Remember how Johnny Depp made it big? It was a late 80's television "crime" drama called 21 JUMPSTREET. The show was really just a venue for hopeful tall, dark, and handsome actors. Depp got lucky. Of course, he's talented, too. That helped. Now, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs co-directors, Chris Miller and Phil Lord head up another silly caricature, minus the animated meatballs. Though there's no telling what may happen on screen; Jonah Hill is co-starring in this 80's remix. Hill's silly persona is off-set by Channing Tatum's solid presence. Worth the price of admission if you're nostalgic for the 1980's, or, if you're hoping to see Tatum shirtless before Magic Mike premieres in June. The film opens on March 16th.

Globes Gossip: Tatum, whose Native American heritage contributes to his good looks, and his wife of seven years, Jenna Dewan, practically glowed on the red rug. Tatum gushed about his goddess in green, discussing how his wife clocked him in the face while teaching her about on-screen fight scenes. You go, girl! Cute couple. Makes me want to go to every movie Channing Tatum stars in from now on. His abs may have something to do with it, too...maybe. Tatum is also in pre-production on a GI Joe sequel, GI JOE: RETALIATION, reprising his role as Duke. You can see Tatum in HAYWIRE this month and a definite Valentine's Day flick, THE VOW, with Rachel McAdams, being released on February 10th.

Competing for box-office dollars on March 16th is MIRROR MIRROR, directed by Tarsem Singh and starring Julia Roberts. This fairytale adaptation of Snow White, the first of TWO for 2012 (the second stars Kristen Stewart and Charlize Theron, opening in June), also stars Taylor Lautner's flame, Lilly Collins (ABDUCTION). Basically, the film is more of a story about not getting your mommy's approval, no matter how hard you try, or how innocent you look.

THE HUNGER GAMES, the adaptation of Suzanne Collins' wildly popular YA novel series, hits silver screens on March 23rd. Gary Ross directs and Jennifer Lawrence (X-MEN: FIRST CLASS) and Josh Hutcherson  (THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT) star  as competing teens in a weird apocalyptic totalitarian dystopia...disturbing enough for you? Ross says that it was even weirder on set, seeing kids next to all these deadly weapons. Sounds like a light-hearted pre-spring jaunt. No? Well, I tried.

April's got a few fun flicks, like THE THREE STOOGES and an AMERICAN PIE reunion, aptly named AMERICAN REUNION. Oh, and TITANIC will be re-released in early Aprill as well...in 3-D. Sigh. 

Not gonna lie--just thinking of May's movies gets me wet. Girl-wood! Am I allowed to say that??? The thing is, it's true. THE AVENGERS opens on May 4th. Hello?!?! The Pop Culture Professor is one of the pioneering female scholars in the States to look at comic books as more than just a bunch of "low-culture" entertaining scribbles. And, the film is written and directed by--wait a sec, gotta get a towel--Joss Whedon!!! My geek-heart be still.... Fellow brain tumor survivor, Mark Ruffalo plays the Hulk; RDJ is back as Iron Man; ScarJo plays Black Widow; Hawkeye is Jeremy Renner and vice-versa; Chris Evans continues to play the Cap; and last but never least is Aussie-talent, Chris Hemsworth as Thor. Yeah, I'm totally unobjective about this movie. Don't trust a thing I say. Because if it were up to me, it would be mandatory for every American citizen to see this movie in order to maintain citizenship. Yup, I'm THAT passionate about it. Wooh. Was it as good for you as it was for me??? Probably not. Awkward. Moving on....

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton team up again for what should be a fun romp down memory lane, an adaptation of DARK SHADOWS, opening on May 11th. And where would Depp and Burton be without Helena Bonham Carter? She plays the part of the female doctor, in this version, a psychiatrist, while the always beautiful Michelle Pfeiffer is one of Barnabas Collins' descendants. Chloe Grace Moritz (LET ME IN and KICK ASS), one of The Pop Culture Professor's favs, also joins the star-studded cast. Even more fun? The screenplay was penned by Seth Grahame-Smith, author of 2010's Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.(which hits theatres in June, btw). I'm pretty psyched for this Gothic remake. You should be, too!

Globes Gossip: The DARK SHADOWS comic book based on the original television series is getting a facelift with a fresh face, Mike Raicht, newcomer to the series, but not to comics (Raicht has contributed to Wolverine, X-Men and other Marvel comics as well as the graphic novel series,THE STUFF OF LEGEND). The first storyline by Raicht promises a potential "cure" for Barnabas...so stay tuned! You can see Raicht in person at GraniteCon this June.

More Globes Gossip: Helena Bonham Carter is playing Miss Haversham in an adaptation of GREAT EXPECTATIONS directed by Mike Newell. Word on the red rug is that the flick will hit theatres in fall. And, that Bonham Carter is as crazy as ever...just the way we like her!

May 18th sees Taylor Kitsch in BATTLESHIP, an adaptation of the once-popular board game. Hey, if PIRATES of the CARIBBEAN can turn a corny carney ride into box office gold, who knows???

Rounding out the start of the summer box office season is (yet another) MEN IN BLACK film...number three in the franchise. Josh Brolin plays a young-version of what was formerly Tommy Lee Jones' role. Will Smith promised fans after WILD WILD WEST that he wouldn't make bad movies again. Disappointed! But like WWW, MIBIII will make millions and Josh Brolin's gotta do something to avoid being mistaken as George W. Bush, or, cast in a second Jonah Hex movie.... The film opens on May 25th.

June. The real summer blockbusters begin. On Cruise-control is ROCK OF AGES, starring Tom Cruise as rocker Stacee Jaxx in an effort directed by Adam Shankman. And Tomcat can really sing! See it on June 1st. Sharing the opening day is SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN, the second of two Snow White flicks of 2012--but for my money, this is the one to make box office gold. Charlize Theron plays the evil queen; Kristen Stewart is Snow; and Chris Hemsworth is a dishy, if not conflicted, Huntsman. Rupert Sanders makes his epic directorial debut on June 1st. This sinister film will be worth the price of admission.

Globes Gossip: Kristen Stewart dropped Hemsworth like a big, blonde sack of potatoes during rehearsal of a fight scene! Girl power? Hell's yeah!!!

June 8th sees PROMETHEUS open, an ALIENS pre-quel by, you guessed it--Ridley Scott. If you're of the same opinion as I am, you'll love this fictionalized account of who spawned humanity...oops. I wasn't supposed to say that. Sorry, Mr. Scott. That was Globes Gossip that shouldn't have left the coatroom!

June 22nd is a shared premiere of ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER and Pixar's 13th film but first featuring a strong female hero, the well-named, BRAVE. See them both, then, see BRAVE a second and third time. It ROCKS! Brenda Chapman and Mark Andrews share BRAVE directorial credit. HBO's Boardwalk Empire actor, Kelly McDonald, voices the BRAVE-star.

July's got the usual run-of the mill superhero flick's, starting with a new THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SPIDER-MAN on July 3rd and ending with the last of the Dark Knight movies, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES, with Christian Bale as an equally dark, angst-ridden Bruce Wayne.

August 2012 sees THE AVENGERS Hawkeye, Jeremy Renner, in the latest Bourne flick, THE BOURNE LEGACY and Collin Farrell starring in a remake of TOTAL RECALL, both opening on August 3rd. 7500, directed by Takashi Shimizu, opens on August 31st; True Blood's insanely adorable Ryan Kwanten stars in this horrible horror of a movie, taking place mainly on an airplane crossing the Pacific. But don't worry, there won't be any snakes on this plane. 

The biggest haps in September is a re-release on the 14th of FINDING NEMO, in, you guessed it--3D. Double sigh. And, another Taylor Kitsch film co-starring Gossip Girl, Blake Lively, in SAVAGES on September 28th.

Other flicks include to-be-annouonced fall releases of GREAT EXPECTATIONS with Bonham Carter and Keira Knightley as ANNA KARENINA, an adaptation of the classic novel by acclaimed Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy.

One of the biggest fall pre-holiday season releases is happening on November 7th. SKYFALL, the 23rd Bond flick, stars Daniel Craig losing faith with M, played by Dame Judi Dench.

Globes Gossip: Dishy Javier Bardem is playing the bad, bad boy (very bad!) and Albert Finney and Ralph Fiennes also star in super-secret agent roles. Sam Mendes directs his first Bond film in the 50-year old franchise. Fiennes makes his own directorial debut in this month's CORIOLANUS, a Shakespearean adaptation in which he also stars.

Not that it needs any sort of mention, but BREAKING DAWN II opens  on November 16th, the final film in the TWILIGHT franchise. GRAVITY ironically follows starring George Clooney and Sandra Bullock...in space, and, in 3-D. More sighing ensues. But, Alfonso Cuaron's directing. And, it's George. Clooney. Mmm-hmmm.

LES MISRABLES opens the December literary adaptation season with Hugh Jackman and Dark Knight alum, Anne Hathaway. Baz Luhrmann directs  Leo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan in THE GREAT GATSBY, but ten days before on the 14th, audiences get to see Peter Jackson's long-awaited, THE HOBBIT. Speilberg will surprise audiences in December with a yet-to-be-announced LINCOLN starring Daniel Day-Lewis, about Abe Lincoln as the 16th President...NOT as a vampire hunter. Ang Lee directs LIFE OF PI, an adaptation of a 2001 novel by Yann Martel, the hit of all women's book groups that year, opening December 21st. The same day, audiences can skip down to see Brad Pitt fighting...zombies? WORLD WAR Z competes with the Apatow family film project, THIS IS 40...40-year olds everywhere should avoid this film like the plague or risk puking up your milestone birthday carrot cake from that swanky little bakery in Haight-Ashbury.

But wait! The saving grace for this holiest of holy movie seasons is from film-Jesus, Quentin Tarantino, with his Christmas gift to the world--the reason for the season--DJANGO UNCHAINED, starring Jamie Foxx as a 19th century slave-turned-bounty-hunter in Mississippi. DJANGO opens on December 25th.

Naughty, or nice, I'll see you all at the movies in 2012!






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BREAKING DAWN I 01/02/2012
 
I saw the latest in the Twilight film franchise at its New York premiere. That was November. So why I am I writing about in January? Good question! If you're a fan of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga, you may not like the answer:

Part of the reason why I'm known as The Pop Culture ProfessorTM, is because of Twilight & Philosophy, a book I co-edited with J. Jeremy Wisnewski, now published in seven languages and sold in about 20 countries world-wide. The e-book and audiobook are both available on iTunes. And in that book, we discuss basic philosophical tenets found in the Twilight series as a whole, including elements from the film franchise. So I know Twilight. Backwards, forwards, you name it. And when I saw the fourth film in the franchise in November, one of two parts adapted from the original Breaking Dawn novel, I found articulating my thoughts and feelings on the subject...difficult.

Kristen Stewart plays an extraordinarily gaunt Bella. While there was certainly good usage of CGI in the film, both with Bella's physique and the later birthing scene, it was clear that the actress--already too thin to be healthy--had lost some weight for the role. So not only is the basic message of Twilight that feminine fulfillment can only be found by changing yourself for a manm now, the visuals of this particular adaptation are cueing the female-audience about body image, perpetuating a negative stereotype that comes directly out of patriarchal discourse.

Fans will love the heterosexual matrix, or love triangle, between Bella, Edward and Jacob. It still exists, and in full force. Make-up on the set continues to evolve, trying to take the white pancake from the vampire faces this time around, and doing a good job there--kudos! But Rob Pattinson is clearly frustrated with the stiff role, wanting, desperately, to flesh out an otherwise flat character. Taylor Lautner's Jacob is always very "real," and pulls on the audience's emotional heartstrings. If Aristotle were here today, he might congratulate writer Melissa Rosenberg for her good use of pathos in persuading the audience to the under-wolf's favor.

The cinematography was excellent this time around. I am a HUGE fan of Guillermo Navarro's work in film like I AM NUMBER FOUR, HELLBOY, and of course, PAN'S LABYRINTH. The wedding scene was gorgeous, lush, and had an etheral quality only possible through the magic of cinema. The wardrobe had equal aesthetic appeal, with Bella's gown designed by Carolina Herrara, one of the most graceful designers of the century. 

The direction by Bill Condon, whose last film was 2006's DREAMGIRLS, was quite good. Though Meyer's basic storyline may be lacking, the film adaptation added dimension and visual conplexity where there was none. Condon has also recently directed two episodes of Showtime's The Big C with Laura Linney. The 56-year old director has heart. And it shows in BREAKING DAWN I.Condon is directing BREAKING DAWN II, being released in fall 2012. Expect good things! 

The music in the film was by Carter Burwell; Burwell, who has worked with the Coen brothers, has done the music for some really terrific films like No Country for Old Men and Burn After Reading. The Harvard-educated Burwell's musical ingenue was no more apparent than in A Knight's Tale, where he combine musical elements like David Bowie's "Golden Years" with the medieval setting. He also directs the music for HBO's newest edgy series, Enlightened, starring the indomitable, Laura Dern. Burwell was in charge of the muic for the first TWILIGHT film. Glad you're back, Carter!

Melissa Rosenberg had written a piece that appeared in Entertainment Weekly before the 2011 film premiered, asking fans to forgive her for various omissions or changes necessary for adaptation. What most people don't understand is that a typical film script for a two-hour movie is about 90 or so pages. The original novel was some 700 pages. It is IMPOSSIBLE to create film from a book and include EVERYTHING. As a writer, I disagreed with Rosenberg's PR tactic; why try to appease? I've NEVER seen any male writer do anything like that. Women's brains produce neurotransmitters that result in apologetic behavior in efforts to maintain vital social connections. It's basic machinery of the human brain. With more than half of Rosenberg's family being therapists, you'd think someone might have advised her otherwise. Because she had NOTHING to apologize for. Her script was good; it allowed for some rather awkward moments, like the vampire birth and the imprinting between 17-year old Jacob and the infant, Renesmee, to look almost normal. Not an easy feat, I assure you.

Overall, the film itself earned a healthy 8.5/10 on the Housel-scale. Everyone involved in the project put A+ efforts into turning a book with simplistic dialogue, settings, and characters into full-blown entertainment in living color and sound. But you don't need me to tell you that--the film has grossed close to $300-million world-wide.

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TRUE BLOOD 4:12 09/11/2011
 
*SPOLIER ALERT*

Too good to wait. Boy, that was a GREAT finale! I have to admit, Raelle Tucker, the author of the last episode of Season 4, managed to surprise even me.

We all knew it wasn't Jessica knocking on Jason's door again--Hoyt, maybe, but the Rev...and with fangs??? I liked it. A lot. But that storyline only has about three possibilities...not enough to keep the Truebies busy over the next nine months. A tad disappointing there. After a truly remarkable season of one breath-taking episode after another, it would be difficult for Team-True Blood not to falter...if only a little. I found this device old, tired and ultimately, cliche. But if anyone can pull it off, it's Tucker. Here's to hoping! (and I'm actually toasting to that success with my latest mixology concoction, the "Cruel Mistress," which will be featured in this month's Pop Culture Cooking...yes, it's back!!!)

Ready to keep going? Onward!

Sookie shoots Debbie. Fans of Harris's novels had a heads-up there. Which begs the question, why is hot, hunky Alcide Herveaux attracted to homicidal maniacs???  Sookie just joined the club. She killed Debbie with the same precision with which she spooned sugar and poured milk into Tara's mug earlier in the episode. Scary. And so was that scene with Bill and Eric. No manage a trois this season, kids....

Jesus dies. But don't feel too badly. He was never really part of Harris's novels anyway. Lafayette, on the other hand-- resurrected as he was--has only one place to go from here.... I can't say anything more. And yes, I'm as big a tease as that ginger-slut, Jessica. And you love it, don't you???

There were some great lines in the last episode; I'll let you savor all the fun one-liners on your own. Some of them had me laughing out loud. It's one of my favorite parts of the show. And, Tucker's golden pen.

Nan gets it in the end, or does she? Perhaps she who laughs best doesn't have to laugh last...because someone dug up Russell Edgington. Oh yes, he's back, baby!!!! Season 5 is looking good....

Sam and Luna are tight after both burying their dead...and just as she tells Sam not to jinx their joy, a werewolf emerges from the shadows. We saw that one coming with our eyes closed, people!

Tara is shot! In the head. Saving Sookie. Oy. She looks dead, but if you're a fan of Harris's novels, you know Tara lives a relatively normal, healthy life...with marriage, children, even a career as a local shop-owner. I want Tara to live and love again--not only because I think Rutina Wesley rocks and would miss her inspirational performances--but because I'm sick of seeing the African-American characters get beat up. There. I said it.

Does Andy Bellefleur father a faery-child? His world is in for a shake- up, down, and all around in Season 5. Holly, better hang on to your witch's hat...cuz you're in for the ride of your Wiccan-life!

And poor Arlene! Isn't it bad enough she was engaged to a serial killer who impregnated her with his demon spawn? I guess not. Terry's a good man, but as the peacock-owning author Flannery O'Connor once pointed out--also a Southerner like Harris and Ball--"a good man is hard to find"....

We all know #waitingsucks...so why wait? Check out the 2011 E-dition of True Blood & Philosophy: We Wanna THINK Bad Things with You, available at Barnes & Noble, Amazon...and iTunes! Shameless plugs aside, like our favorite TB vamps, you can only sustain yourself on True Blood 4 re-runs for so long before you need an infusion of human hemoglobin...and I understand (from very good sources) that mine is rather magical. At least, in literary form. 

TB 4:12 rates an unapologetic 9/10 on the Housel-scale. Great season, everyone--and of course, our thanks to Alan Ball, Raelle Tucker, the cast and crew of HBO's True Blood, all the behind-the-scenes HBO peeps who make it happen, the "real" Sookie--Charlaine Harris, and yes, YOU--the fans--without whom none of this would matter. 

Until Season 5...stay thirsty! For True Blood, that is.... 
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Where to begin??? I asked the question in my original post, which was lost moments ago into the magical ether of technology. Boy, do I hate that. And, my mysterious keyboard, which still holds secrets even after four years together....

Alan Ball is a genius. But you don't need me to tell you that. If you're a fan of True Blood, finishing its fourth season tonight, you undoubtedly agree. Never would I have read one of Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse novels and thought, "Emmy winner!" But Ball did. He, and people like Raelle Tucker, have created a show that make synapses snap to attention. Mine included. I used to call True Blood an existential train wreck with crashes of soft-core porn; today, I call it life-blood.

In a sea of otherwise uninteresting and unimaginative fare, Ball & Co. prepare a veritable feast for hungry audiences. And we are VERY hungry. Reality TV is the viewing equivalent of Chinese take-out; audiences find themselves starved for something more...well, meaty. Protein-based foods take up to four hours to digest, keeping you fuller, longer. Carbs, like a big plate of lo mein, can take less than two hours, tricking the body (and mind) into a false sense of satisfaction. But like a bloody steak, True Blood provides enough mental protein for eager audiences to feast on for nine months in between seasons. Now that's what I call a good meal!

The last three episodes have been some of the best television witnessed in my lifetime, and that's no small feat. As "The Pop Culture Professor," it's my job to review EVERYTHING...from Russian Dolls to new animated Wolverine episodes to the latest Food Network Chopped. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it. And I've been doing it for 17 years. In ALL that time, NEVER have I seen anything so original as the last three episodes, 9-11, of True Blood. And as today is 9-11, it seemed the right time to discuss it with all of you.

Today is a difficult day in American history. One of the people I admire in 2011 is Lesley Jane Seymour, Editor-in-Chief of More magazine. She put out a Twitter query on Friday: What were you doing on September 11, 2001? I answered.

September 11, 2001, I was in a rehabilitation hospital two weeks after a neurosurgery for brain cancer that left one half of my body essentially paralyzed. My world had ended. Nothing was as it seemed. Everything was surreal, absurd even. As I lay in my hospital bed, unable to move, I watched a plane crash into the Twin Towers; one of the nurses had come in to give me a Heprin shot (to prevent blood clots) and turned on one of the many morning "news" shows that clutter American telvisions each morning...even Saturdays. At first, I thought it was some kind of stunt; it was just so unbelievable. Though totally numb from my own constant pain, I was sadly aware I was no longer alone.

The stories that began to unfold from that moment forward were something unthinkable in the American collective unconscious. And yet, still real. Still happening. Almost as unbelievable as a 30-year old woman being diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor for the second time since she was 20. Seven years later, we all found ourselves in a better place. I was literally back on my feet again, and so was America. We had healed, together yet separate. Part of what helped us move forward was the mindless escapism pleasantly provided by popular culture, ever-eager to serve. And by the summer of 2008, we were all ready for something new. Something daring, adventurous...something, unthinkable. Dark creatures of the night are now the heroes. Humans are the monsters. In a Joseph Campbell-esque world, where "ritual death and dismemberment" are real, True Blood provided American true-blues with a much needed catharsis.

So this piece tonight is dedicated to Alan Ball & Co., to Charlain Harris, to all the Truebies, Fangers, Bangers, and Monster-mash ups like Marnie. Thank you. Humbly, gratefully and most sincerely. 

Episode 9 was amazing; I'd never seen anything like it...until Episode 10. Episode 10 took Episode 9 and rolled into Episode 11 with a BANG! CRASH! KAPOW! We've seen the miracle of rebirth with Mavis and her infant son, thanks to Jaguar-Jesus and Lafayette.

Lafayette's character died early in Harris's novels; it's only appropriate that someone who is brought back to life, so to speak, exists between the two worlds. Seeing through the thin veil between life and death is something common to those of us who are now in what I call "the between space." And Marnie, well, let's just say that tonight...she's attempting to bridge the gap between the here-after and the "between." Will Jesus and Lafayette survive? We'll know in 15 minutes!

Jessica and Jason...as predicted earlier this summer, the twain have met! Hoyt is no longer part of Jessica's equation. Does Season 5 hold a future for these two star-crossed lovers? Only time will tell...because if I do, the plot may change, and we don't want that to happen (again). ;)

Sookie Stackhouse. Anna Pacquin's thighs don't even touch she's so skinny this season, no more apparent than in her red, lacey get-up where she dreams about BOTH Bill and Eric. Lucky girl. But all the actors looked more gaunt this season; like they'd subsisted on a cube of cheese and seven almonds for the nine months in between Season 3 and Season 4.  Well, everyone except Alcide Herveaux or Joe Manganiello, whose last name contains the word "eat" in Italian...yum.

No were-tigers this season, sadly, Maybe next. Sam Merlotte, though, has had quite an interesting run. In turn, Sam Trammell has really gotten to show his chops (and choppers) this season...here's to more of that in Season 5!

Is Pam going to reunite with Eric? Of course, my beautiful Vampirazzi...have no fear. Pam will always be pretty in her pink casket.

And what of Debbie Pelt? Her last name is a big foreshadow...no surprises there. But there ARE surprises in store...keep watching! I know I will....

On the Housel-scale, True Blood 4:9-11 earn a bloody-good 10/10...if I could give it more, I would. Damn, I hate limits. And that, my dear readers, is EXACTLY why True Blood is so AMAZING.

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Truebies, Fangers, Bangers, and Vampirazzi, alike! We've got lift off!!! Yes, Episode 6 ends with a (lackluster)) sex-scene featuring our two favorite blondes, Sookie Stackhouse and Eric Northman. Episode 5 leaves us burning in anticipation of the moment, as Eric gets drunk on Faery blood, killing Sookie's "Faery Godmother," Claudine. He runs around and swims in the sunlight...until he's on fire. Luckily, Alcide rode up on his white horse to help Sookie with the newly innocent (but still sexy) Eric--the Viking Vampire that could. Just like that little train in the storybook. So cute! Pam, on the other hand, is simply rotting with anger.

Caught in the mayhem of medium-witch, Marnie, Pam finds herself speaking through the veil--literally, But King Bill won't allow vengeance on humans per the Authority. Ah, mediocrity! Alive and well, even amongst the undead....

Jessica and Jason, sitting in a tree--K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes love, then comes...Hoyt! Ah, sorry, dude, but your girlfriend's got the hots for Jason. You've got no shot. Best Jason quote to date: "You mean, like why I'm real good at sex...and shooting." Yes, Jason--we all have our crosses to bear.

The foreshadow about Sam's shifter girlfriend's sad tale of shifter-lore and her ability to turn into not just animals, but people, comes to light in Episode 6--Tommy bangs Sam's girlfriend...as Sam. After Tommy kills his parents--naturally. Of course, he only kills them because they kidnap and torture him. Great example of how some of us are just born into bad situations. That's what I love about True Blood--it may be full of hyper-sexual, weirdly-supernatural situations, but the fiction maintains the strangeness of truth. Sam's a good brother, but he's also a killer. Watch out, Tommy....

We think Bill's a bad guy--because he is. But then he let's Eric go at the end of Episode 6, after setting Eric up to take a literal fall this season. Just remember, TB-fans, Bill doesn't do anything without an agenda. Bill's always been a fanged-wolf in sheep's clothing. If only he could meet his true-death at the hands of a real one. We'll have to watch and see what happens.

And will Jason ever become a were-panther??? We think not. But oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive....

Terry Bellefleur is definitely father-of-the-year. Such a nice man. He deserves better than what's in store. Stay tuned!

Bill, like the ass he is, had sex with his great-great-great grand-daughter. The fanged perv-boy acts all innocent in front of Bible-toting grandma, Caroline, but this guy's as old as the hills...literally. Are we honestly expected to believe he didn't know before having hot sex with a relative??? All truths are inconvenient to an undead bastard like Bill.    

Tara is caught in a lie by her girlfriend in Episode 5; by Episode 6, their holding hands and eating together at Merlotte's...that is, until a rather pissed Pam shows up. Meanwhile Tara's cousin, Lafayette, is locked in some Mexican shack with Jaquar-Jesus and his crazy-ass grandfather. Nelsan Ellis is one of my favorite actors on True Blood. I want to see his storyline have a Hollywood ending, please. Raelle? You hear me? Mr. Ball? Let's make it happen.

Marnie is in a locked cell in King Bill's manse. Until she's possessed by a 17th century witch-spirit bent on vampire-vengeance. Hey, if you were repeatedly raped, drained, then burned at the stake--you'd be out for revenge, too! 

Holly and Andy are dating! Andy's hooked on V, and Holly's a working-waitress-single-mother-witch...but hey, nobody's perfect. Andy's terrier-sister has a happy ending, too...and no, not that kind of happy ending!

But what about our little Sookie? Eric's innocence is as temporary as the spell that made him that way. And so is Bill's nice-guy act. Things are about to heat up in Bon Temps...don't turn that channel!

Episodes 5 & 6 get a hot-and-heavy 9.5/10 on the Housel-scale. Loving every True Blood-minute this season...keep up the GREAT work everyone!!!
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Okay, so I'm a bit behind on my True Blood reviews this summer. And no, it's not because I'm working on a third edition of TRUE BLOOD & PHILOSOPHY...though you never know. I have been faithfully watching this fourth season's adaptation of Harris's literary guilty pleasure, the Sookie Stackhouse novels. And I've got to say, I LOVE it! It's true, I now walk around the grocery store wondering what it would be like to bite out someone's throat with my teeth, but that's just the pop culture talking. I'm a vegetarian, for crying out loud! Of course, so was Edward Cullen--and that didn't stop him....

Episodes 3 & 4 help to move along the long-awaited Sookie-Eric romance, which comes to an eager climax in Episode 6, which aired on July 31st--my birthday. Lucky me! We see Sookie considering Eric (and Bill) with fresh eyes. And in the meantime, we get to see Tara's story continue to unfold as intertwined with Lafayette's, who is in turn intertwined with Jaguar Jesus...you didn't forget about that Jaquar tattoo, did you??? You'll have to re-read my Season 3 reviews from 2010 to catch up!

We also get into poor Jason Stackhouse's storyline as it coincides with Hot Shot and crazy Crystal(-meth) who arranges for Jason to not only be kidnapped, but tortured and repeatedly raped by her inbred sister-aunt-cousins. Is there anyone in Hot Shot who isn't related by at least 34/46 chromosomes???

Now, I have barely touched on Fiona Shaw's inclusion in this season--she plays Marnie, a powerful witch-medium whose odd social behavior makes her a candidate for the R-wing...and not just because she invokes blood-magic to call upon long-dead vengeance-driven witches from the 17th century to enter her body.  She's like a hippie-throw back with a terribly forced Southern accent. I half-expect Harry Potter to show up any second. You caught the pop culture irony there, right? Her most famous character portrayal is as young wizard Harry Potter's magic-hating Aunt Petunia... Yup. Cosmic irony, pop culture style.

And let's not forget Arlene Fowler's demon-child, spawn of evil. Love the inclusion of baby-vamp Jessica's creepy doll and the apparent ghost attached to it. That storyline's a real fire-starter, wink-wink.

Sam and Tommy still have a sibling rivalry, which heats up as the season continues, along with Sam's romance with a certain hot-mama shape-shifter!

Hello, Alcide Herveaux! Joe Manganiello is a tall drink of cool, dark water. But my biggest question is, where's Sookie's big, bald were-tiger??? Herveaux's a handsome wolf in flannel-plaid sheep's clothing, but he's up to his eyeballs in blonde-ambition with the nutty (and hopefully soon-to-die), Debbie Pelt. Rigorous honesty, my ass!

There's more death, dying, mayhem, torture, and soft-core sex to come! Don't miss a minute...and stay tuned to my TB4 reviews. The season may be half-over, but the fun's just begun!

Episodes 3 & 4 get a raving 9.5/10--summer's MUST WATCH event is HBO's True Blood. Best thing since sliced bread! Next to TRUE BLOOD  & PHILOSOPHY, that is....

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*SPOILER ALERT*

True Blood is back, and better than ever! Fans can now be held emotional hostage all summer long, with nary a whimper of complaint. The first episode of the new season teased audiences with the first eight minutes a month or so before the fourth season began. Sookie's in Faery-land, but it's not all it's cracked up to be. Using the old device of time-travel, audiences find Bon Temps 12+months ahead of where we last left them in September 2010. Jason is a real police officer. Bill is King of Louisiana. Lafayette and Jaguar-Jesus are partners. Jessica and Hoyt are playing house. Arlene and Terry are married; and the "critter" Arlene tried to abort last season is alive and kicking. Sam is still running Merlotte's. And Tara is now Toni, living as an Ultimate Fighting lesbian in New Orleans. No surprise that Eric is still Eric...at least, for most of the first two episodes. ;) 

The post-Russell Edgington world has left vampires to clean up their image on a heightened tour of humanity with less bite and more civilized smiles and nods.

New on the scene: witches. And lots of 'em. They'll be a fun addition to our little town of supernatural misfits. And naturally, Lafayette is turning out to be one powerful practitioner. Remember, TB fans, Lafayette's character is killed off during an orgy early in Harris's novel series. The HBO-adaptation of his character is totally original. And played well by one of this reviewer's favorite actors, Nelsan Ellis.

Another original novel variation in the first two episodes: the queen of Louisiana meets a very different end than she does in the books. Luckily, TB writers are keeping it real when it comes to Eric and Sookie.

Audiences will see their burgeoning relationship grow this season. Though Eric seems to have forgotten himself, his new innocence will open a window even after Sookie closes a door she swears she will never even leave ajar. Oh, Sookie...haven't you learned yet? Never say never when it comes to tall, handsome, rich, Viking-vamps....

Were-panther, Crystal, and her Hot Shot entourage are finally (!) making good on their threat to help Jason, ah, evolve.

Times they are a'changin' in the fictional HBO world of True Blood. And my, how all the actors look practically gaunt this season. You don't need to actually starve to look hungry, y'all....

First two episodes get a combined 10/10 on the Housel-scale! And if you want to know a bit more, buy the 2011 e-dition of True Blood & Philosophy: We Wanna THINK Bad Things with You:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/true-blood-and-philosophy-expanded-editior-john-wiley-sons/1030831992?ean=9781118119303&itm=2&usri=true%2bblood%2bphilosophy

Coming soon to Amazon for your Kindle!!!

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