7.8/103,613 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
7.9/102,654 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: Alan Ball, Scott Winant
Writer: Alan Ball
7.7/102,445 votes
8.0/102,365 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
8.2/102,294 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
8.0/102,239 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
8.0/102,176 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
8.0/102,122 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
8.1/102,084 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
8.3/102,081 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
8.1/102,009 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
8.5/102,219 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
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...
Genres:Sci-Fi & FantasyDramaMystery
Network:HBO
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Strange Love" is the best rated episode of "True Blood" season 1. It scored 7.8/10 based on 3613 votes. Directed by Alan Ball and written by Alan Ball, it aired on 9/7/2008. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "The First Taste".