HBO vampire drama True Blood brought in 6.4 million total viewers for its season 3 premiere — up 38 percent from last season’s average.

Obviously the show’s presence is much greater now than it was a year ago, thanks in part to cast and crew working the convention circuits, which no doubt adds invaluable buzz for geekier fiction shows as demonstrated in the past.

But it’s also due to an increased attention to all vampire fiction caused by Twilight — the set of books by Stephanie Meyers turned movies. While True Blood is definitely much more mature, it seems like the producers are well aware of this new female audience and aim to keep them interested well through the end of the season.

[NOTE: Light spoilers ahead for anyone who wishes to avoid them.]

But before you dispel my claim consider those lingering shots of Bon Temps Vampire Sheriff Eric’s naked man-ass, which were a tad (ok, extremely) unnecessary otherwise. And, what about Sam Merlotte’s (Sam Trammell) dream-sequence where Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) invites him into the shower just as the two men are about to kiss. There’s also the whole sensitive male characters not being able to satisfy horny attractive out-of-town women because they’re too emotional?

And least I forget, the introduction of werewolves.

But all that aside, pretty much everything in the first episode of the season was applicable to advance the story forward. The show is still capable of being entertaining on par with last year.

Still, I’m thinking Sunday’s ratings are just a taste of what’s to come.

[Source: The Live Feed]