True Blood: read the books first, or watch the series?

[FromGirders]

I just bought the True Blood series (very cheap) on Book People, and was planning to read them, but now I see that series 1 is on BT Vision On Demand.
Which should I do first? And why?

Ahh, got it now. Must admit, I quite liked it in the books, ridiculous though it was. But agree it was best dropped from the tv series

I agree to watch the first series first as then at least you get the characters images like they are on teh show, otherwise it will annoy you
Apart from that as others have said it is different enough not to be a problem which you do.
I like tara in the show as well, the book is not so much, and I liked bubba too, but agree, they will need someone in his role, and what about lorena? Hmmm.

They have certainly made some mistakes in the TV show - the Maryann story goes on FOREVER (plus I thought the actress who played Maryann would be perfect for Claudine which is a shame) and the Eggs character was annoying, but so much of it is better than the books, though they are terribly written and Alan Ball is a master so maybe it's not a shock.

OH no, maryann far too old for claudine IMO, but agree the story goes on way toon long.
Charlaine harris is involved with the tv show a bit though, she helps out with stuff, apparently. I think it boils down to what will make more people watch, orgies or religious cults.....
I do like the way they are going with jason on the show though, much better, but only because ryan kwanten is humana humana...

No don't see Maryanne as Claudine, who's good looking enough to be Claude though?!

Have to say Ryan Kwanten doesn't do it for me, Sam Trammell otoh...

It's fun playing True blood top trumps though.
Hoy trumps BIll
Sam trumps Hoyt
Jason trumps Sam
Godric trumped Jason
Eric trumps godric.

Have I forgotten anyone?

Hoyt trumps Bill?? Are you mad woman? I would say everyone trumps Hoyt

Where to put Alcide? He would probably trump Jason & Sam, but maybe not Eric

Maybe I'm thinking about this too much, should probably go get dressed & do something with the ds's

Alcide Level pegging with Jason, but this may change depending on his accent

Bill is meh. Sorry.

SHIT, DON't READ THE TEXT, SEASON 2 SPOILERS.

now now ladies, NO-ONE trumps Eric.

I do not ffind Kwanten attractive, but love how the show have expanded Jason as a character.

Tv Jason is quite different to book Jason. I don't find him attractive. I still remember when he was gormless vinnie in home and away.

I didn't say anyone trumped eric! Sacrilege.

talking off claudine, Cut scene from pilot

Bill is ok, Hoyt is just a mummy's boy

Let's not forget Quinn either!!

I found Quinn creepy. I thought Bill was alright until I read frther into the books.

Pfft, agree about Bill, the more I read the less I liked.

Oh yes, Quinn, Mmmm but I am waiting for the shows to cast people before deciding, Jason in teh books was a no go, and sam.

By DEPECHEMODEFANISBACK Sun 02-May-10 10:40:42
"I have seen the serie 1 then got completely hooked. So waiting for the serie 2 to start"

Series 2 has been showing on SFX for a few weeks now.

I loved series 1 and have series 2 on Sky+ but haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm just reading the fourth book and really enjoying them. I find Eric a much more interesting character in the books than the series. I agree watch first books later though.

Oh and I like the Bubba storylines too.

Dastardly - I am hoping that we will have more interesting Eric stories and more Eric full stop as series 3 comes to an end and series 4 starts. Not sure how they will go with the whole Bill thing on screen, hope they don't keep him around.

Yes PTMD I'm just not that keen on Bill whereas I think Eric is funny and charming. I love the way he's protective of Sookie depite himself.

I love lots of things about himm

lol pfft! But yes, hope Eric's role in the series develops (esp the whole a bit).

Bill in the books seems to become more of a minor character, and quite irritating!! Am interested to see what will happen in the series.

I've read up until Dead & Worse, just waiting to get hold of the last couple now.

Btw, sorry for asterisks, trying not to put in any spoilers!

I'm just reading Dead to the World but am becoming increasingly baffled by the sheer amount of supernatural creatures.