It's amazing to think that the second episode of 'True Blood' season 5 hasn't even aired yet, and already we're looking toward the end of the season and beyond.  Much like last year with actor Scott Foley, 'True Blood' has just picked up a fluid bit of casting for the final episodes of the season that has us wondering if we might be setting up an even bigger year in season 6.  So who's the mystery man?  Come with us if you want to live!

The Hollywood Reporter, uh...reports that iconic 'Terminator 2: Judgment Day' star Robert Patrick has joined the fifth season of 'True Blood,' to make his first appearance in the season's ninth episode "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."  According to the release, Patrick will take on the role of Alcide Herveaux's father Jackson Herveaux, seen in both flashback and modern day.

Jackson will first appear in the 1980's alongside teenage versions of Alcide and the now-deceased Debbie Pelt.  Then seen as a "powerful, inspiring and heroic" figure, the modern incarnation of Jackson has given up on himself and life in general.  It's also possible that we'll learn exactly what debt Jackson owes to Eric Northman, which Eric called upon back in season 3 to enlist Alcide's help finding Bill Compton in the first place.

Don't expect Robert Patrick to maintain a regular presence on the show next season, unless the scheduling somehow works out with the actor having just been upgraded to series regular status for ABC's freshman naval drama 'Last Resort.'

What say you?  Do you think ol' Jackson Herveaux can shift his shape into someone more menacing, at least enough to terminate a few vamps?  What do you like most about 'True Blood's new season?  Give us your take in the comments below!

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