Team Sam: True Blood Gifts

• Melinda was only sixteen years old when she became pregnant with Sam. Unfortunately her boyfriend Joe Lee Mickens was in prison at the time, so she gave her baby up.
• Mitch and Sue Ann Merlotte adopted Sam. He had a happy childhood, until...
• ... puberty hit and the Merlottes had a shock. Melinda hadn't told them about her genes, and her shape-shifter nature.
• After Sam Merlotte shape-shifted into the image of the family dog, his adoptive family abandoned him. He came home from school to find the house stripped of furniture, but for his bedroom.
• Just a teenager, Sam was left to accept and learn about his shape-shifting abilities for himself.
• He broke into the home of Maryann Forrester. Surprised in the act of stealing money and other items, she forgave him immediately and seduced him.
• When Sam discovered that Maryann was a maenad, he fled the house. But he'd spend the rest of his life looking over his shoulder waiting for her to catch up, and claim him as a sacrifice to Dionysus.
• In adulthood, Sam embarked upon a life of crime, stealing money and jewelery, using his shifting abilities to open doors.
• With his amassed wealth, he finally settled down with his own bar and restaurant business.

By the time True Blood began, Merlotte's Bar and Grill had been established in Bon Temps for years. Its owner Sam was a respectable member of the community, and Sookie Stackhouse was a waitress there.

Sam had a definite crush on her, but never did anything about it. It took the arrival of Bill Compton for the shifter to finally make his move. By then, it was a bit too late.

Nevertheless, Sam and Sookie have tested their waters with the occasional snog. Unfortunately for him, their relationship has never strayed too far from a great friendship.

Which isn't to say that there haven't been other love interests. Team Sam might be better off pushing for Tara or Luna, than waste any more time on the whims of telepathic waitresses.

But throughout it all, Sam has proved that he's loyal and steadfast. A true woman's best friend.

• He's Sam Merlotte!
• Sookie already knows that she can count on him. He's always come through her for over years of fond friendship.
• Sam would be willing to sacrifice himself to save his friends and community. Just think back to the whole maenad situation.
• Sookie's friends and family already know and respect him. There would be definite cheering in Bon Temps, if they ever got together.
• Sam has a good steady income.  He not only has his bar and grill, but owns several houses in the Bon Temps area too.
• He has a great sense of humor ("Nobody likes an angry bunny.."), and he's great with kids (actually turning into a bunny to amuse Emma).
• He's had a crush on Sookie since forever, and it's always lovely to see dreams come true.