Ep 1. Strange Love

In the HBO series True Blood, season 1 episode 1 titled Strange Love, viewers are introduced to the world of vampires in a small Louisiana town, Bon Temps. The episode begins with Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) working her shift as a waitress at a local watering hole, Merlotte's. She overhears the thoughts of the patrons in the bar, including those of her boss, Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell), who she has a crush on.

As the night goes on, a stranger walks into the bar, Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), and Sookie is immediately drawn to him. She is surprised to discover that he is a vampire, something that was only recently revealed to the world after the development of a synthetic blood substitute called Tru Blood that made it possible for vampires to coexist with humans. Sookie and Bill strike up a conversation, and she is thrilled to find out that she cannot read his thoughts. This sparks her interest, and the two start to get to know each other better.

As Sookie leaves work, she is attacked by a gang of humans who have turned against vampires. They brutally beat and try to rape her, but Bill comes to her rescue, killing the attackers. Sookie is grateful for his help and invites him into her home to feed. The two share an intimate moment and begin to develop feelings for each other, which is complicated by their different immortality status.

Meanwhile, Sookie's brother Jason (Ryan Kwanten) is having a rough time. He's recently been dumped by his girlfriend and is struggling with addiction. He also has a history of sleeping around with the women in Bon Temps, including Maudette Pickens (Danielle Sapia), who he is caught in bed with, only to find out that she has been killed in a similar manner to his previous lover. Jason becomes a suspect in Maudette's murder, and Detective Andy Bellefleur (Chris Bauer) is hot on his trail.

Another significant subplot revolves around Tara Thornton (Rutina Wesley), Sookie's best friend. Tara is an angry young woman who constantly clashes with her mother, who is an alcoholic, and her employer, Sam Merlotte. Tara's cousin, Lafayette Reynolds (Nelsan Ellis), is a cook at Merlotte's, and he has some illegal dealings with V, a drug made from vampire blood that can give humans a high. Tara's life is turned upside down when her mother crashes her car, and she discovers that she's been hoarding a large amount of cash.

There are additional small subplots woven throughout the episode, including the introduction of several other characters who will play significant roles in the series. Arlene Fowler (Carrie Preston), a waitress at Merlotte's, has trouble dealing with her two children. Gran (Lois Smith), Sookie's grandmother, is preparing for a charity event, and other townspeople are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Overall, True Blood season 1 episode 1, Strange Love, sets the stage for the entire series. It introduces viewers to the characters and sets the tone for the world of vampires and humans post-Tru Blood. The episode is both gritty and sexy, with a mix of horror and drama. It's suspenseful enough to keep viewers hooked and curious about where the series will go.