True Blood - Erotic Television

One of my fave shows is on tonight: True Blood. Now I know we're supposed to be talking about erotic writing here; but since this show is based on a book series (although I don't remember it ever being this HOT when Charlaine Harris was writing it!), and several writers are involved in scripting this show - I say it is fair game as a topic.

I have loved this show from the moment it first began. What really strikes me about it is that it is so raw in both the sex & the violence. I read an interview once with Anna Paquin (Sookie)  where she said ( I paraphrase) that the actors on the set are so accustomed to the nudity, that it's no big deal to just see actors walking around like that every day. Also, that if you want to do the show, you'd better be prepared to be showing your junk to everyone. ("junk" was a huge paraphrase - sorry Anna).

Towards the middle of last season, and now in this season, I really applaud the writers willing to showcase the romance and sex in all aspects. Sure, we had season 2's orgy-fests, but those were done in a different context. Everyone was supposed to be doing what they would do if all of their inhibitions were removed, but one had the feeling it was more of them being hypnotized into indulging in all of their raunchy and at times, destructive behavior.

The recent tone of the show has been to allow the characters to be what they want to be sexually, and the writers are showing it in a very modern way. In last season we saw Lafayette and Jesus's romance bloom just as we would any hetero couple typically seen on TV. Then we find out that Tara is finally happy in a romance - with a woman. There are scenes of them making out in public and in bed together. Eric gets back at his arch nemesis while taking Russell's boy-toy from behind on the floor. Even little snippets of Pam going down on the stripper that Eric was banging tied up in the basement, and the VRA president doing a hot young girl in her limo - these moments place this show in the context of erotica.

Since I'm also a horror fan, the combination of graphic violence works for me too - although I know it wouldn't for some. The quality of the writing, suspenseful story arcs, and the strength and depth of the characters makes this show something you can't wait to see every week and has catapulted it into a hit series with millions of viewers.

So let's recap: Lots of hot sex and nudity that includes group, bi and gay interaction, graphic violence, strong, interesting characters, suspenseful story arcs, excellent writing, and millions of viewers. Now, wouldn't you like your stories to have those, or at least some of those same ingredients? Think about it...