Across the country, vampires have "come out of the coffin" following the invention of mass-produced synthetic blood. In Louisiana, Sookie Stackhouse, a waitress with telepathic abilities, falls under the spell of sexy, 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton.

Sookie 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, Bill goes to visit Sookie's family but gets a not so friendly welcome.

Foiled in their attempt to "glamour" Sookie, Malcolm, Liam and Diane retreat after Bill lays claim to her. Meanwhile, at Merlotte's, Sam searches for a short-term remedy to his long-term loneliness, whilst Tara seeks respite from her mother's alcohol-fuelled rage.

When another killing in Bon Temps lands Jason in custody, Tara attempts to get him free, but neither she nor Lafayette has the antidote to his current ailment. Meanwhile, whilst trying to help Jason, Sookie persuades Bill to take her to a vampire bar called Fangtasia.

Spurned by Sookie, Bill wins over Adele's church audience with his vivid recollections from the Civil War, though Andy and Bud remain suspicious. Meanwhile, Sam tries to make the most of his opportunity with Sookie, though she doesn't seem ready to commit.

Numbed by tragedy, Sookie looks for refuge from the cacophony of her friends and neighbours' inner voices. Meanwhile, Tara resists the overtures of her mother, Lettie Mae, who's trying to rid herself of a demon and needs her daughter's help.