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The Best Episodes of True Blood Season 1

Every episode of True Blood Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of True Blood Season 1!

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 removed from the menu, many remain apprehensive about these creatures "coming out of the coffin." Religious leaders, government officials, and vampire fundamentalists around the world have chosen their sides, but in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps, the jury is still out.

Genres:Sci-Fi & FantasyDramaMystery
Network:HBO

Season 1 Ratings Summary

The best episode of "True Blood" season 1 is "Strange Love", rated 7.8/10 from 3589 user votes. It was directed by Alan Ball and written by Alan Ball. "Strange Love" aired on 9/7/2008 and is rated 0.1 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "The First Taste".

  • Strange Love
    7.8/10 3,589 votes

    #1 - Strange Love

    Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 9/7/2008

    Across the country, vampires have “come out of the coffin” following the invention of mass-produced synthetic blood. In Louisiana, Sookie Stack house, a waitress with telepathic abilities, falls under the spell of sexy, 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton whose thoughts she can’t read. After saving Bill from the Rat trays, a pair of ruthless “vampire drainers”, Sookie tests the limits of Bill’ s gratitude when the two are left alone in the dark. Meanwhile, Sookie’ s best friend Tara goes to work for Sam merlette at his bar and grill, while Sookie’ s roguish brother Jason finds himself in hot water when a “fang-banger” with whom he’s been intimate meets a tragic end.

    Director: Alan Ball

    Writer: Alan Ball

  • The First Taste
    7.9/10 2,636 votes

    #2 - The First Taste

    Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 9/14/2008

    After Sookie gets saved by Bill she suffers a lot of injuries and Bill tries to save her "the Vampire way". The next day her brother is released from police custody and the bodies of Sookie's attackers are found. Later that day Bill goes to visit Sookie's family and gets a not so friendly welcome.

    Director: Scott Winant, Alan Ball

    Writer: Alan Ball

  • Mine
    7.7/10 2,429 votes

    #3 - Mine

    Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 9/21/2008

    Tara visits LaFayette seeking comfort from her woes, Sookie meets some of Bill's rowdy friends and saves them from harm from a human among them, and, Sookie and Hugo visit the Church of the Fellowship of the Sun.

    Director: John Dahl

    Writer: Alan Ball

  • Escape from Dragon House
    8.0/10 2,349 votes

    #4 - Escape from Dragon House

    Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 9/28/2008

    One of the barmaids from Merlotte's is murdered and all signs point to Jason as her killer. Also evident is the fact that she had been around vampires, and Sookie knows just where to go to find out who the girl had been with. Bill introduces Sookie to Fangtasia, the biggest vampire bar in Shreveport, and Eric, the oldest vampire in Shreveport. Her search could lead her into territory she never thought she'd cover.

    Director: Michael Lehmann

    Writer: Brian Buckner

  • Sparks Fly Out
    8.2/10 2,274 votes

    #5 - 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

  • Cold Ground
    8.0/10 2,223 votes

    #6 - Cold Ground

    Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 10/12/2008

    Sookie seeks refuge from her friends' and neighbors' inner voices; Jason wrestles with withdrawal symptoms; Tara's mother needs her help; Sam and Tara make a connection.

    Director: Nick Gomez

    Writer: Raelle Tucker

  • Burning House of Love
    8.0/10 2,161 votes

    #7 - Burning House of Love

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 10/19/2008

    Sookie's painful childhood revelation spurs Bill into action; Tara agrees to pay for an exorcism for Lettie Mae; Jason travels to Fangtasia in search of V juice.

    Director: Marcos Siega

    Writer: Chris Offutt

  • The Fourth Man in the Fire
    8.0/10 2,104 votes

    #8 - The Fourth Man in the Fire

    Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 10/26/2008

    Sookie tries to hold herself together in the wake of another possible tragedy; Tara lashes out at Sookie and Sam; Amy charms the crowd at Merlotte's.

    Director: Michael Lehmann

    Writer: Alexander Woo

  • Plaisir D'Amour
    8.1/10 2,069 votes

    #9 - 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

  • I Don't Wanna Know
    8.3/10 2,069 votes

    #10 - 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

  • To Love Is to Bury
    8.1/10 1,998 votes

    #11 - 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

  • You'll Be the Death of Me
    8.5/10 2,210 votes

    #12 - 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