TRUE BLOOD Season Five Episode 8, 'Somebody That I Used to Know' Preview

Based on the book series by Charlaine Harris and developed for television by executive producer Alan Ball, True Blood stars Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer and Alexander Skarsgård. The next episode is scheduled to air July 29th only on HBO.

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 and government officials around the world have chosen their sides, but in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps, the jury is still out. Local waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), however, knows how it feels to be an outcast. "Cursed" with the ability to listen in on people's thoughts, she's also open-minded about the integration of vampires -- particularly when it comes to Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a handsome 173-year-old living up the road. But at the service of Bill's less virtuous vampire associates, Sookie is drawn into a series of catastrophes that will put their love to the test.

At the conclusion of season four of TRUE BLOOD, Sookie summoned all her resources for a climactic encounter with Marnie, and emerged triumphant. But her showdown with Debbie may have had fatal consequences for Tara. Meanwhile, the denizens of Bon Temps were approaching a new crisis with Russell Edgington, their familiar friend, while new threats from unexpected sources loomed.

Season Five, Episode 8 Synopsis:

Sookie and Jason visit where the faeries say their parents were supposedly killed by vampires. Bill begins having flashbacks. Sam and Luna become stuck. The Authority celebrate their new chosen direction.

Returning cast members on TRUE BLOOD include: Ryan Kwanten as Sookie’s trouble-prone brother, Jason Stackhouse; Rutina Wesley as her best friend, Tara Thornton; Sam Trammell as Sookie’s shape-shifting boss, Sam Merlotte; Nelsan Ellis as Tara’s clairvoyant sharp-tongued cousin, Lafayette Reynolds; Chris Bauer as sheriff Andy Bellefleur; Carrie Preston as Arlene Fowler, a Merlotte’s waitress; Todd Lowe as Andy’s cousin, Terry Bellefleur; Jim Parrack as Hoyt Fortenberry; Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Bill’s vampire progeny; Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam, Eric’s vampire progeny and business partner; Joe Manganiello as werewolf Alcide; Lauren Bowles as Holly, a Merlotte’s waitress; Denis O’Hare as the newly resurfaced Russell Edgington, the Vampire King of Mississippi; Michael McMillian as recently turned vampire Steve Newlin; and Janina Gavankar as shape-shifter Luna.

New cast members for season five include: Scott Foley as Patrick Devins, an Iraq war veteran who comes to Bon Temps to track down Terry Bellefleur, hisformer comrade; Christopher Meloni as Roman, the Guardian of the Vampire Authority; Valentina Cervi as Salome, a Chancellor of the Vampire Authority; and Lucy Griffiths as Nora, another Chancellor of the Vampire Authority.