Based on Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire books, the series opens with Bon Temps, La., waitress Sookie Stackhouse welcoming the first vampire, Bill, to Merlotte's bar, while her brother, Jason, deals with the unfortunate fallout of a one-night stand. (TV Guide)

After Bill helps Sookie out of her dangerous run-in with the Rattrays, she invites him to her grandmother's house to meet the family, but Jason is unnerved when they leave together for a nighttime stroll, which ends at the Compton's antebellum mansion. (TV Guide)

Sookie becomes the focal point of a heated dispute between Bill and his more bloodthirsty vampire associates; Sam and Tara find common ground in their current states of romantic affairs; Jason begs Lafayette for help with a personal problem after Dawn kicks him out. (TV Guide)

Another murder throws the citizens of Bon Temps for a loop, and once again the prime suspect is Jason, who's also coping with the extremely uncomfortable consequences of Lafayette's assistance; Sookie convinces Bill to take her to a vampire bar in Shreveport, where she hopes to learn more about her hometown's killings and get her brother off the hook. (TV Guide)

Bill proves to be a popular attraction for Adele's historical society, but his stories of the Civil War dredge up painful memories of the wartime experiences that changed his life forever. Meanwhile, Jason decides to give "V" another try; Sam finally asks Sookie for a date; and Andy and Bud keep the murder investigations open. (TV Guide)

A tragedy sends Sookie in search of a place far from others' inner voices; Jason suffers withdrawal symptoms from a recent habit; and Tara's mother reaches out to her in a time of need. (TV Guide)

Bill takes action after hearing Sookie's distressing recollection about her uncle; Tara resorts to desperate measures to help her mother; Jason takes a road trip to Fangtasia to satisfy his latest craving; and a group of vigilantes hunts for vampires who made a scene at Merlotte's. (TV Guide)

Jason's latest girlfriend, Amy, is a hit at Merlotte's, but her mood darkens when the "V" runs out. Meanwhile, Bill asks Sookie to help Eric in his hunt for a Fangtasia thief; Tara marvels at her mother's transformation; and Rene proposes to Arlene. (TV Guide)

Bill's concern for Sookie's safety causes him to run afoul of the vampire's code. Meanwhile, Jason and Amy resort to extreme measures to satisfy their "V" habit, Tara follows in her mother's footsteps and Sam is tapped by Bill to look after Sookie while he faces disciplinary action. (TV Guide)

Sam tells Sookie a secret when he's caught in a difficult position; Jason and Amy plot their next move with Eddie; Arlene and Rene have their engagement party at Merlotte's; and Bill goes on trial for his recent offense. (TV Guide)

Bill satisfies the requirements of his punishment; Tara's call for help is answered by a good Samaritan; Lafayette surprises a two-faced state senator on the campaign trail; Jason gets in more trouble with the law; and Sookie tries to find the meaning of her latest vision. (TV Guide)

In the first-season finale, Sookie uncovers a common thread in the Bon Temps murders, but her knowledge could prove to be a dangerous thing. Meanwhile, Jason finds a new purpose in life after a jailhouse visit from an antivampire zealot; Sam has an unsettling encounter with an old acquaintance; and Bill's latest attempt to protect Sookie has dire consequences. (TV Guide)