New True Blood Showrunner Announced; Full Synopses of the First Three Season 5 Episodes

Steve Barton   |  

May 23, 2012

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Flipboard
• Share on Reddit
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on WhatsApp
• Share via Email

Alan Ball is stepping down as showrunner of “True Blood” at the end of Season 5, and now we know who will replace him should HBO renew the series for Season 6. But before we get ahead of ourselves, here are the synopses of Episodes 5.01, 5.02, and 5.03, airing June 10, 17, and 24.

According to Deadline, co-executive producer Mark Hudis will be upped to executive producer/showrunner for Season 6 as part of an overall deal he has signed with HBO. The two-year pact also includes a development component.

Hudis has been on “True Blood” for two seasons — last year’s Season 4 and Season 5, which premieres June 10th. While his and Ball’s paths previously crossed on the CBS comedy series “Cybill”, where they co-wrote several episodes during the 1997-98 season, the two first met two decades ago working at trade publication AdWeek. While leaving “True Blood” full-time after Season 5, Ball is staying in business with HBO through his overall deal there. He will continue to be involved in “True Blood” and also executive produces new series “Banshee” for HBO sibling.

In any event, here’s what we’ll be seeing over the next several weeks — JUST BEWARE OF SPOILERS:

Episode 5.01: “Turn! Turn! Turn!”
Debut: SUNDAY, JUNE 10 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Sookie (Anna Paquin) and Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) struggle with the aftermath of Tara’s (Rutina Wesley) shooting, while also cleaning up after Debbie Pelt. Meanwhile, Bill (Stephen Moyer) and Eric (Alexander Skarsgård), cleaning up a mess of their own, are visited by the Vampire Authority, one of whom is Nora (Lucy Griffiths), a woman from Eric’s past. In search of the missing Marcus, Alcide’s (Joe Manganiello) werewolf pack comes after Sam (Sam Trammell). With Bill away, Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) enjoys her new freedom by partying with local college kids; Jason (Ryan Kwanten) is visited by the recently turned Rev. Steve Newlin (Michael McMillian); Terry’s (Todd Lowe) PTSD is reignited by Patrick Devins (Scott Foley), an old Iraq War buddy; and Alcide turns up at Sookie’s to warn her about the recently resurfaced Russell Edgington (Denis O’Hare). Written by Brian Buckner; directed by Daniel Minahan.

Episode 5.02: “Authority Always Wins”
Debut: SUNDAY, JUNE 17 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
At the Vampire Authority headquarters in New Orleans, Bill and Eric meet Salome (Valentina Cervi) and become acquainted with the Authority’s interrogation techniques. Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) recalls her human life as the madam of the Comstock Brothel in San Francisco and her first encounter with Eric. Werewolves J.D. (Louis Herthum) and Rikki (Kelly Overton) pay tribute to Marcus, but Alcide refuses to participate or take his rightful place as the new packmaster. Martha Bozeman (Dale Dickey) shows up wanting to see her granddaughter, causing conflict for Sam and Luna (Janina Gavankar). Fearing Russell’s return, Sookie procures a home-protection system; Arlene (Carrie Preston) tries to get to the bottom of Terry’s erratic behavior; Steve Newlin stops by with an offer for Jessica; and Jason feels the brunt of his womanizing ways. Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Michael Lehmann.

Episode 5.03: “Whatever I Am, You Made Me”
Debut: SUNDAY, JUNE 24 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Bill and Eric barter for their lives with the Authority Chancellors and their leader, Roman (Christopher Meloni). Salome and Roman enlist a new ally in the face of Russell’s return. Sookie goes to Fangtasia to ask for help from Pam, who is still caught up in her memories of Eric and the strange murders at the Comstock Brothel. Andy’s dalliance with Holly (Lauren Bowles) comes back to bite him in the butt; later, he’s visited by Gordon (Steve Rankin) and Barbara Pelt (Linda Purl), who are searching for Debbie. Jason bumps into an old high school teacher, but their reunion brings up conflicting feelings. Written by Raelle Tucker; directed by David Petrarca.

For more info visit “True Blood” on HBO.com, “like” “True Blood” on Facebook, and jump in on the Twitter conversations here using the hashtag #trueblood.

Subscribe to our Newsletter