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The Best Episodes of True Blood

Every episode of True Blood ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of True Blood!

Thanks to a Japanese scientist's invention of synthetic, blood vampires have progressed from legendary monsters to fellow citizens overnight. And while humans have been safely...
Genres:Sci-Fi & FantasyDramaMystery
Network:HBO

Best Episodes Summary

"Timebomb" is the best rated episode of "True Blood". It scored 8.8/10 based on 2108 votes. Directed by John Dahl and written by Alexander Woo, it aired on 8/9/2009. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "I Will Rise Up".

  • Timebomb
    8.8/102,108 votes
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    #1 - Timebomb

    Season 2 Episode 8 - Aired 8/9/2009

    Sookie's captivity takes an unexpected turn; Sam makes a gruesome discovery at Merlotte's; Tara and Eggs eat a mysterious meal prepared by Maryann; Jason pays off his debt to Eric.

    Director: John Dahl

    Writer: Alexander Woo

  • I Will Rise Up
    8.7/102,191 votes
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    #2 - I Will Rise Up

    Season 2 Episode 9 - Aired 8/16/2009

    A wounded Eric plays Sookie for a sucker, to Bill’s dismay, and ends up getting inside her head. Later, Sookie and Jason bond over their recent adventures. Blaming Eggs for Tara’s bruises and bizarre behavior, Lafayette and Lettie Mae try to figure out a way to pry their kin from Maryann’s clutches. Hoyt defends his relationship with Jessica to Maxine, to no avail. Jailed by Bud along with a group of Bon Temps revelers, Sam looks for a way to escape and avoid capture by an increasingly obsessed Maryann. In Dallas, Eric and the vampires defend their recent actions to Nan Flanagan and are shocked when Godric decides to take the fall for their PR disaster.

    Director: Scott Winant

    Writer: Nancy Oliver

  • You'll Be the Death of Me
    8.5/102,215 votes
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    #3 - You'll Be the Death of Me

    Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 11/23/2008

    Sookie finds a link to the string of killings in Bon Temps; Tara wants to make the most of her second chance; Jason finds a new calling; Bill tempts fate; Sam is upset by an encounter with an old acquaintance.

    Director: Alan Ball

    Writer: Raelle Tucker

  • New World in My View
    8.5/101,832 votes
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    #4 - New World in My View

    Season 2 Episode 10 - Aired 8/23/2009

    Sookie, Bill and Jason return to a Bon Temps turned upside down by Maryann. Lured to Merlotte’s by Arlene, Sam and Andy find cold comfort in their refuge from a group of bloodthirsty revelers. Bill discovers that traditional vampire techniques don’t work on Maryann; Hoyt and Jessica try to keep a lid on Maxine’s madness; and Sookie tries to push through the darkness consuming Tara. With all hell breaking loose, Jason takes the bull by the horns to rescue Sam, at least for the moment.

    Director: Adam Davidson

    Writer: Elisabeth R. Finch, Kate Barnow

  • Everything Is Broken
    8.5/101,714 votes
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    #5 - Everything Is Broken

    Season 3 Episode 9 - Aired 8/15/2010

    The Vampire Rights Amendment is close to being ratified so Nan confronts Eric at Fangtasia about the whereabouts of the Magister. Russell vows revenge against all his vampire and human adversaries. Bill discovers the truth about Sookie's true identity. Unexpected help arrives as Jason goes up against Felton and Calvin. Arlene is overcome by a sense of futility about her future while Tara meets up with a new ally and with someone who caused her pain in the past. Sookie meets a new family member. Hoyt addresses his real feelings head on.

    Director: Scott Winant

    Writer: Alexander Woo

  • Release Me
    8.4/101,832 votes
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    #6 - Release Me

    Season 2 Episode 7 - Aired 8/2/2009

    Drunken Andy helps Sam escape from Maryann's clasp. Sookie uncovers the traitor. Sam confront Daphne to discover Maryann is a Maenad. Jason gets caught fleeing the L.O.D. church by Sarah. Eric overhears Barry's message to Bill and goes to Sookie's aid.

    Director: Michael Ruscio

    Writer: Raelle Tucker

  • And When I Die
    8.4/101,729 votes
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    #7 - And When I Die

    Season 4 Episode 12 - Aired 9/11/2011

    The souls of the dead rise up in Bon Temps. Sookie makes some important associations. Jesus and Lafayette's connection is imperiled. Sam and Luna imagine a happy and perfect future. Sookie and Tara are confronted by Debbie.

    Director: Scott Winant

    Writer: Raelle Tucker

  • Save Yourself
    8.4/101,753 votes
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    #8 - Save Yourself

    Season 5 Episode 12 - Aired 8/26/2012

    Eric tries to save Bill from losing his humanity.

    Director: Michael Lehmann

    Writer: Alan Ball

  • I Don't Wanna Know
    8.3/102,075 votes
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    #9 - I Don't Wanna Know

    Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 11/9/2008

    Sam shares a secret with Sookie; Lettie Mae and Tara celebrate; Jason and Amy debate what to do with Eddie; Bill faces a harsh penalty.

    Director: Scott Winant

    Writer: Chris Offutt

  • Cold Grey Light of Dawn
    8.3/101,510 votes
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    #10 - Cold Grey Light of Dawn

    Season 4 Episode 7 - Aired 8/7/2011

    With Marnie empowered by spirits of the dead, Bill issues an unpopular order to save vampires from the light. Eric embraces his amnesia; Luna discovers Sam’s not the man she thought he was; Lafayette expands his consciousness; Pam gets a body peel; Andy’s date with Holly doesn’t go as planned; Jessica has doubts about her future with Hoyt; Alcide and Debbie join a new pack.

    Director: Michael Ruscio

    Writer: Alexander Woo

  • Sparks Fly Out
    8.2/102,287 votes
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    #11 - Sparks Fly Out

    Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 10/5/2008

    Bill wins over Adele's church group with his vivid recollections from the Civil War; Sam reveals his feelings to Sookie; Jason gives vampire blood another shot with the help of Lafayette, and hurts Tara in the process.

    Director: Daniel Minahan

    Writer: Alexander Woo

  • Scratches
    8.2/101,871 votes
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    #12 - Scratches

    Season 2 Episode 3 - Aired 6/28/2009

    Bill and Eric team up to save Sookie from a mysterious creature. Jason has second thoughts about the Light of Day retreat anti-vampire agenda, but Sarah and Steve counter his doubts with flattery and promises. Sam leaves town after alienating everyone. Jessica heads over to Merlotte's, where a smitten Hoyt falls for her. Tara is attracted to Eggs but is rudely interrupted by a fog.

    Director: Scott Winant

    Writer: Raelle Tucker

  • Shake and Fingerpop
    8.2/101,819 votes
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    #13 - Shake and Fingerpop

    Season 2 Episode 4 - Aired 7/12/2009

    Bill and Sookie travel to Dallas to carry out Eric's mission; Jason falls victim to a practical joke; Maryann throws a birthday party for Tara.

    Director: Michael Lehmann

    Writer: Alan Ball

  • Hard-Hearted Hannah
    8.2/101,797 votes
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    #14 - Hard-Hearted Hannah

    Season 2 Episode 6 - Aired 7/26/2009

    Sookie embarks on a dangerous mission to locate Godric. Bill is shocked when a vampire from his past resurfaces in Dallas and keeps him hostage. Jason makes some difficult decisions. Andy interrogates Lafayette about his disappearance, Terry intervenes.

    Director: Michael Lehmann

    Writer: Brian Buckner

  • Night on the Sun
    8.2/101,632 votes
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    #15 - Night on the Sun

    Season 3 Episode 8 - Aired 8/8/2010

    While Sookie must rethink her relationship with Bill, he reconciles with Jessica. As Russell decides what he's going to do next, Sophie-Anne relocates her residence. Jason offers a challenge to save Crystal while Ruby Jean pays Lafayette a surprise visit. A new waitress starts at Merlotte. Eric's allegiance to Russell is proven. Alcide's family emergency puts Sookie in a vulnerable position.

    Director: Lesli Linka Glatter

    Writer: Raelle Tucker

  • You Smell Like Dinner
    8.2/101,624 votes
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    #16 - You Smell Like Dinner

    Season 4 Episode 2 - Aired 7/3/2011

    Sookie adjusts to Bon Temps' new realities; Bill reveals pieces of his past; Eric crashes a witches' meeting; Jason gets his wounds licked; Andy struggles with his addiction; Sam learns of Luna's special talents; Jessica satisfies her blood cravings; and Arlene witnesses strange behavior from her family.

    Director: Scott Winant

    Writer: Brian Buckner

  • Plaisir D'Amour
    8.1/102,078 votes
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    #17 - Plaisir D'Amour

    Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 11/2/2008

    Bill must pay a steep price for protecting Sookie; Jason and Amy break a taboo; Tara consults with Miss Jeanette about exorcising her inner demon; Bill enlists an unlikely bodyguard.

    Director: Anthony Hemingway

    Writer: Brian Buckner

  • To Love Is to Bury
    8.1/102,004 votes
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    #18 - To Love Is to Bury

    Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 11/16/2008

    Sookie and Sam investigate her most recent vision; Jason helps clean up Amy's mess; Tara becomes angry with Lettie Mae; Lafayette visits a senator.

    Director: Nancy Oliver

    Writer: Nancy Oliver

  • Nothing But the Blood
    8.1/102,119 votes
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    #19 - Nothing But the Blood

    Season 2 Episode 1 - Aired 6/14/2009

    A shocking murder outside Merlotte's has Bon Temps reeling. Meanwhile, Sookie's relationship with Bill is tested when she learns about Jessica, and of his involvement in her uncle's death. Sam recalls a shape-shifting encounter he had with Maryann as a 17-year-old. Jason gets a sudden windfall that allows him to pay for a leadership retreat with the Fellowship of the Sun. Two adversaries find themselves sharing a mysterious dungeon and, possibly, the same fate.

    Director: Daniel Minahan

    Writer: Alexander Woo

  • Keep This Party Going
    8.1/101,895 votes
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    #20 - Keep This Party Going

    Season 2 Episode 2 - Aired 6/21/2009

    Sookie is forced to babysit Jessica and the romantic inconveniences the teen vampire's presence creates. At the Light of Day leadership conference, Jason makes an impression on its ambitious leaders, Steve and Sarah Newlin. While one of his fellow campers, Amanda Jane with her band, the God Rockets, livens the spirits at camp with their hit single, Jesus Asked Me Out Today. Maryann casts her spell on Merlotte's patrons.

    Director: Michael Lehmann

    Writer: Brian Buckner

  • Beyond Here Lies Nothin'
    8.1/101,912 votes
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    #21 - Beyond Here Lies Nothin'

    Season 2 Episode 12 - Aired 9/13/2009

    Bon Temps reaches a fever pitch as Maryann prepares for her ultimate bestial sacrifice, conscripting Sookie to be Maid of Honor at the bloody nuptials. Meanwhile, Sophie-Anne warns Eric to keep the lid on Bill's inquisitiveness; Jason leads Andy into the heroic abyss; and Hoyt struggles with Maxine's endless stream of insults. Deliberating on what may be his final move to save Sookie and the town, Sam places his trust, and his life, in a most unlikely ally

    Director: Michael Cuesta

    Writer: Alexander Woo

  • Bad Blood
    8.1/101,966 votes
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    #22 - Bad Blood

    Season 3 Episode 1 - Aired 6/13/2010

    Sookie turns to Eric for help finding Bill; Andy urges Jason to stay the course; Sam reconnects with his past; Tara seeks refuge from her grief.

    Director: Daniel Minahan

    Writer: Brian Buckner

  • Trouble
    8.1/101,627 votes
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    #23 - Trouble

    Season 3 Episode 5 - Aired 7/18/2010

    Alcide and Sookie turn to an alpha-wolf "packmaster" for advice on how to deal with Russell's minions. Tara considers a proposal from Franklin, who's completed his mission for Russell; Joe Lee breaks his promise to Sam and Tommy; Lafayette learns the meaning of patience from Jesus, his mother's orderly; Jason meets his match in a mysterious girl named Crystal. An heirloom reminds Eric of his past and his ongoing thirst for vengeance.

    Director: Scott Winant

    Writer: Nancy Oliver

  • I Got a Right to Sing the Blues
    8.1/101,613 votes
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    #24 - I Got a Right to Sing the Blues

    Season 3 Episode 6 - Aired 7/25/2010

    Spurned by Eric, Sookie fears the worst for Bill, whose fate now lies in Lorena's hands. Fueled by a night of bloody passion, Tara executes a desperate plan to stave off Franklin's advances. In Bon Temps, Tommy finds it difficult to leave the family nest; Jessica gets her fix from a Merlotte's customer; and Jason's romance with Crystal hits a snag, as does Lafayette's with Jesus. After revealing his master plan to Eric, Russell pays a visit to Louisiana in order to start executing it.

    Director: Michael Lehmann

    Writer: Alan Ball

  • Hitting the Ground
    8.1/101,604 votes
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    #25 - Hitting the Ground

    Season 3 Episode 7 - Aired 8/1/2010

    Sookie's attempt to rescue Bill has unforseen consequences. Meanwhile, Jason seeks the truth about Crystal. Sam must step in when Tommy gets involved in a dog fighting ring, all thanks to Melinda and Joe Lee's quest for money. Eric figures out how to get the information he wants from Sophie-Anne. Debbie plans to get even with Alcide while Russell ignores the Magister.

    Director: John Dahl

    Writer: Brian Buckner