‘True Blood’ season 6 reaction: Todd Lowe on ‘happy Terry’ … and then the shock

Even when we first heard the news before “True Blood” season 6 started that there was going to be a major death that took place around the sixth episode, we didn’t really let it settle down into our brain that it could be someone we loved. Instead, we thought more along the lines of Governor Burrell, Sarah Newlin, or Eric’s sister Nora, someone that we like, but has not become woven into the fabric of this beloved show.

Then, it was Terry Bellefleur, and we’re still sniveling about it / slightly upset at HBO for not giving the character more of a due this week. (That will come next week, or so we hear.) This was the heart of the show in many ways: A human trying to survive with something that was at its heart real and painful, and what soldiers actually go through following their time at war. He wasn’t a supernatural being, and it makes sense that his death would come in a very human way via a gunshot, even after being glamoured to where the terrible memories of his past were gone.

In reflection, Todd Lowe admits that losing a character like this is difficult, especially someone who has become a huge part of his life. He laid out his entire emotional process today in a chat with Vulture, including what may very well be considered the many stages of grief for a man who also still has plenty to celebrate:

“It took a toll out of me, emotionally, too. I’ve spent the last seven months planning my suicide. I’m coming out of a depression now that this episode has aired. I’m completing this catharsis, this healing process. I’m not that big of a big Method actor where I’m going to take care of my own affairs because of the part I’m playing, but it was tough. I felt like a Make-A-Wish kid — not to compare it to someone who has far more difficult problems than an actor going out on a TV show. Everyone was so kind to me, and it got to be a little unsettling. I appreciate the love, but it felt like a real death of a loved one, and I went through the whole grieving process, from denial — ‘Oh, they’re not going to kill me!’ — and I’ve finally come around to acceptance. I’m out of the dark cloud I was in. But it took a toll on my well-being.”

You may as well assume that some more death will come this season, but this death should at least cast aside some of the speculation surrounding some other major characters leaving the show for the time being. While death is a constant in this world, we typically only lose one or two longtime series regulars a year.

Be sure to also check out a preview for next week’s episode, including some details on how Terry will be remembered.

Photo: HBO