HBO – Mythic Scribes Test Site

True Blood: Is It More Than Erotic Vampires?

I’ve been at the helm of the Twitter account (@MythicScribes) every Sunday to live tweet about True Blood (using the hash tag #TrueBlood, along with the show-specific hash tag if HBO specifies one). Generally speaking, I haven’t been very interested in erotic fantasy writing, movies or television. When my wife tuned to HBO for the premiere episode of True Blood, the unique opening sequence hooked me immediately. Alan Ball, series creator, opens the show every week with a snippet of the show’s bottom line: a very modern spin on the classic vamp themes of sex, religion and death. There is something very raw and symbolic about the music and images used, and it served its purpose (which can be viewed here). I had to watch.

How Much Do Endings Matter?

by Test Administrator

Recently a feud of sorts has developed between George R.R. Martin, author of A Game of Thrones, and Damon Lindelof, the mastermind behind Lost. When Martin was asked if he felt nervous about ending his series, he answered that he feared “pulling a Lost.” When Lindelof learned of this interview, he lashed out on Twitter, understandably miffed that his show has become synonymous with disappointing endings.

This exchange prompted me to consider a point of crucial importance to all writers. Specifically, how much do endings really matter? If a story is otherwise excellent, can a poor ending bring the whole thing to ruin? Conversely, can an outstanding ending elevate a mediocre story to greatness?

Lessons From The Wire: Character Development and Contrast

by Test Administrator

I’ve been catching up on The Wire, a crime drama which ran on HBO for five seasons. It’s one of those special shows that you must watch from the beginning in order to appreciate.

A number of critics have hailed it as “the best show ever.” After watching the first three seasons, I’m inclined to agree. The Wire is spellbinding. As masterfully written by series creator David Simon, the story unfolds as if it were an epic novel, not a television show. Writers from all genres and mediums can learn something from studying this series, for The Wire is storytelling at its finest.