Q&A: 'True Blood' cast

Creator/executive producer Alan Ball

Are the books, written by Charlaine Harris, a burden or a relief to you?
We wouldn’t exist without them. They’re a total relief. Basically we start out every season going, "Ok, here’s our skeleton. Here’s our bare bones.” So they are absolutely a blessing.

How true do you remain to what's written in the books?
We embellish and create things for the other characters who are not Bill and Sookie. Because in the books they only exist when they are in the room with Bill and Sookie. I feel a real responsibility to remain as true to the books as possible and definitely true to the spirit of the books.

Tell us about the new characters.
Well, you met some at the end of last season. You met Eggs Benedict, who is Tara’s new love interest. You met Mary Ann, who is a big part of season two. She’s up to no good. Jason is going to get involved with the church, and he’s going to make a friend at church camp. Sam has a new love interest. We meet some new vampires, and we meet the oldest vampire we’ve ever met.

What are you excited about for season two?
I am very excited about people seeing the show. We’ve had so much fun making these episodes. We have such a blast making the show, and I’m very proud of this season. And I’m really excited about people seeing the season.

Do you still have fun doing TV?
You know what, I’ve never had this much fun in my life at any job I’ve ever had. I’ve loved other jobs that I’ve had, but this is crazy fun. I keep waiting for someone to come out from behind a tree and tell me it’s over!