Do you remember what you were doing on the eve of September 7, 2008? I was sitting on my couch with a pilsner glass of Blue Moon, glued to HBO and the series premiere of what would turn out to be probably my favorite show of all-time, True Blood.

While it seems like old hat now, at the time I thought it was the most fantastically weird and freaky show I had ever seen, and I could have kissed Charlaine Harris for inspiring Alan Ball with this Southern bit of magic. Having been a fan of Six Feet Under, I knew I was in good hands with Mr. Ball, but what I wasn’t expecting was such an amazing (I don’t use that word often, mind you) cast of characters…particularly the supporting ones. From the fabulous Lafayette to the grumpy Tara, the no-bullshit Pam and the clueless Jason, I fell in love with these people and this rural Southern town.

There have been good seasons and great seasons. There were seasons that made me itchy and nervous like season four where witches took control of the vampires. I did not enjoy seeing Eric Northman powerless and sweet. *shudder* There were seasons that turned me upside down, like season five where I watched Bill shift his loyalties and transform into an egocentric bizarre vampire-god. And then there was the introduction of the werewolves and Alcide in season three where women across America swooned in unison.

Through the highs and the lows I was glued to all episodes and went directly into mourning at the end of the seasons. And now, tonight, I sit down with my husband and one last pilsner of Blue Moon to tune into the final, precious episode of the series.

Goodbye, Bill. I’ve been by your side, and rooted your love for Sookie on, even though I did want her to have little bitty affairs with Eric and Alcide on the way. But I always wanted you to win in the end. I have faith that you will tonight.

Goodbye, Eric. I’ll admit, it wasn’t until you cut your hair in season two that I truly fell for you. I’ll always remember the episode in season two when Sookie drank your blood and dreamed sweet dreams of you beside her, when Bill was really the one next to her. (he! he!)

Goodbye, Lafayette. I couldn’t be happier for you and James, even if you did steal him from Jessica.

Goodbye, Jason. I hope Hoyt’s girlfriend is the one for you.

Goodbye, Tara. Oh, wait. You’re already dead.

Goodbye, Arlene. Score one for the forty plus girls! I only wish we could have seen more of you and Keith. (name said breathlessly)

Goodbye, Pam. Thanks for showing us the true essence of aloof.

And finally, goodbye, Sookie. May you and Bill find happiness, and may you finally get some peace from the constant attempts on your delicious blood. Namaste, my faerie friend.