With many critics hailing True Blood as the best television they've seen in quite a while, it's no wonder that people are talking about what makes the series so powerful.
Is it the lush graphics and cinematography, the sensibility for which Alan Ball mastered in his film "American Beauty" and has clearly brought over to television with True Blood? Is it the whip smart dialogue that the actors deliver flawlessly each and every week? Is it the gasp inducing plot twists and cliffhangers that the series is quickly becoming known for? Or is it, perhaps, as many critics and fans alike have suggested - the depth and realistic portrayal of the great characters, originally created by Charlaine Harris in her fantastic series of books.
Let's take a look at a few of the characters and who they are.
Sookie Stackhouse - Sookie is the naive and telepathic waitress who serves as the main character of the show.
Her life gets turned upside down when she embarks on a relationship with the other lead character, vampire Bill.
Bill Compton - Bill has been a vampire for two hundred years, and he is tortured by his dual nature.
His bloodthirsty vampire instincts will never let him be entirely human, yet his human core will never let him entirely surrender to his base reptilian mind.
Jason Stackhouse - Jason is Sookie's brother, and although the two have their differences, they are fiercely loyal to one another.
Tara Mae Thornton - Tara is Sookie's best friend.
She grew up with an alcoholic mother, Lettie Mae, and she idolizes Jason, who protected her from Lettie Mae when they were children.
Sam Merlotte - Sam owns the bar and grill where Sookie and Tara work, and he is a "shifter" - meaning, he can switch form from human to animal.
He is desperately in love with Sookie, but it is as yet unrequited.
Bon Temps - This is the town where all of the main characters live, but it is really like a character itself on the show.
It is a small town in rural Louisiana, and the location really gives the show much of its southern, small town flavor.
If you haven't seen True Blood, you really should.
You're in for a treat.