bloody fantastic

though normally not one to review films and television on here, i find myself unable to keep my mouth/keyboard shut about the new HBO series True Blood. i simply must give it a dripping recommendation.

after only four episodes, i can already say that the show is fantastic -- for so many reasons.

first and foremost, one of its leading mmmen:

and if the man-god named Ryan Kwanten hasn't convinced you to turn on HBO, let me tell you more about True Blood.

it's provocative, sexy (or as a certain anonymous friend of mine called it, "boneriffic"), and just a liiiiittle bit scary. i'm already having mild nightmares, though that doesn't take much.

moreover, it's smart.
shortly into the first episode, it becomes clear to the viewer that this isn't just another vampire story; rather, it's an intelligent allegory to some of the most important civil rights movements in our society's history, including gay rights and desegregation. not in a preachy way, and not in an overly written, obvious way, but... smart. subtle.

here's what HBO has to say about the premise of its newest gem:

Thanks to a Japanese scientist's invention of synthetic blood, vampires have progressed from legendary monsters to fellow citizens overnight. And while humans have been safely removed from the menu, many remain apprehensive about these creatures "coming out of the coffin." Religious leaders and government officials around the world have chosen their sides, but in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps, the jury is still out.

* * *

take it from a guy who doesn't even believe in TV... this one's worth going over to your coworker's house to watch. or -- ideally, you'd have your own HBO, and you could watch it at home. and invite me over when you do.

HBO