‘True Blood’ Season 5 July Episode Guide

Kristin Bauer von Straten as Pam in 'True Blood'
Kristin Bauer von Straten as Pam in 'True Blood' - Photo John P. Johnson/HBO

The fifth season of HBO’s True Blood started off slow, and the numerous storylines (which have nothing to do with Charlaine Harris’ books) haven’t – thus far – drawn me in. There’s been too little vampire action in the form of Alexander Skarsgard as Eric Northman and Stephen Moyer as Bill Compton and too much of the Vampire Authority, other supernaturals, and humans who should be relegated to limited supporting roles.

Here’s hoping True Blood will get back on track as the season progresses.

True Blood July 2012 Episodes

Episode #52: “We’ll Meet Again”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 1 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: July 1 (11:00 p.m.), 4 (10:00 p.m.), 5 (11:00 p.m.) and 7 (12:15 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 2 (9:00 p.m.), 5 (8:00 p.m.), 6 (11:00 p.m.), 8 (3:00 p.m.) and 20 (9:00 p.m.)
Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and Bill (Stephen Moyer) have doubts they will survive the search for Russell (Denis O’Hare). Sookie (Anna Paquin) opens up to Alcide (Joe Manganiello). An irate Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) unwittingly puts Sookie’s life in danger. At Authority headquarters, Roman (Christopher Meloni) and Salome (Valentina Cervi) continue interrogating Nora (Lucy Griffiths) about the Sanguinistas – and a possible traitor within the Council. Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) forces Tara (Rutina Wesley) to toe the line; Andy (Chris Bauer) and Jason (Ryan Kwanten) go to a burlesque party; Sam’s (Sam Trammell) shifter friends invite him for a run; Terry (Todd Lowe) flashes back to a deadly night in Iraq; Hoyt (Jim Parrack) tests the fangbanger waters; Sookie drowns her sorrows.
Written by Alexander Woo; directed by Romeo Tirone.

Episode #53: “Let’s Boot and Rally”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 8 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: July 8 (11:00 p.m.), 11 (10:00 p.m.), 12 (11:00 p.m.) and 14 (1:55 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 9 (9:00 p.m.), 12 (8:00 p.m.), 13 (11:00 p.m.), 15 (3:30 p.m.) and 20 (10:00 p.m.)
With time running short, Bill and Eric enlist Sookie to probe for clues on Russell’s hiding place. Unable to deal with the demon magic inside him, Lafayette calls out to Jesus’ spirit for help. Patrick Devins (Scott Foley) and Terry are held hostage in the bunker of their Iraq War buddy Brian Eller (Brian Geraghty). Jason wakes to a disturbing dream; Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) gives Tara advice on adjusting to vampire life; Sam visits Luna (Janina Gavankar) with bad news.
Written by Angela Robinson; directed by Michael Lehmann.

Episode #54: “Hopeless”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 15 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: July 15 (11:05 p.m.), 18 (10:00 p.m.), 19 (11:00 p.m.) and 21 (12:45 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 16 (9:00 p.m.), 19 (8:00 p.m.), 20 (11:00 p.m.) and 22 (1:50 p.m.)
The aftermath at the asylum leaves Sookie with an eerie sense of foreboding. At Fangtasia, Pam breaks up a vamp-girl fight, praising Tara for her tenacity. Lafayette visits Ruby Jean (Alfre Woodard), who also received a disturbing message from Jesus. Fearing for his family’s safety, Terry blames his curse for his troubles with Arlene (Carrie Preston). Alcide challenges J.D. (Louis Herthum); Sam offers to help Andy investigate the recent shootings; Roman lays out his plans to take out Russell.
Written by Alan Ball; directed by Dan Attias.