During this period, romantic narratives shifted between traditional "happily ever afters" and cynical subversions:
: On , the couple made headlines when they were spotted in a public display of affection in Santa Monica, solidifying their status as a major tabloid fixture of the year. Mena Suvari’s Vatican Wedding : On June 26 , actress Mena Suvari married concert producer Simone Sestito at the Vatican. America Ferrera Scarlett Johansson Ryan Reynolds Adult films, like the
: In early June, the former Vice President and his wife announced their separation after 40 years of marriage, shocking the public. Scarlett Johansson Ryan Reynolds By June 25, 2010, Victor had faked his
Adult films, like the one mentioned, involve performances that are often scripted and directed. The performers, in this case, James Deen and McKenzie Lee, are adults who have chosen to participate in the adult entertainment industry. By June 25
Meanwhile, in Genoa City, the eternal dance of Victor and Nikki Newman reached another crescendo. By June 25, 2010, Victor had faked his death (again), and Nikki was moving toward a relationship with a new character. The romantic storyline here was one of addiction—not to substances, but to a specific person.
Season 3 premiered June 13, 2010. True Blood pushed the boundaries of romantic storylines on television.