Sam Merlotte is the owner of Merlotte’s, a bar and grill where Sookie Stackhouse works as a waitress. (But have you noticed lately that she hasn't been working) Sam has a romantic interest in Sookie, but they continue to just remain good friends. He does have a dark secret. Sam Merlotte is a shapeshifter and is able to change forms at will. His favorite form is of a collie, but can change into almost any animal. Much like werewolves, Sam feels the affects of a full moon and the need to change.

Tommy Mickens

Tommy Mickens is Sam Merlotte’s long lost half-brother. Like Sam, he may also be a shifter. He works at a tire store in Arkansas. Tommy’s family is known for having a bad reputation.  So far Tommy is feeling like he should take care of his parents who are dead beats.  He shifts into a bull dog and goes and fights. He is going to be a handful for his brother Sam now that he decided to move in with in for a better life. He is now a bus boy at Merlotte's and seems to have an attracting to Baby Vamp Jessica.  Wonder how this is going to play out with Hoyt and the "thumb with titties" Summer?

OLE DIRTY DRAWERS

Now on to ole greasy head Joe Lee Mickens. He is Tommy' human father.  We all know that he is sorriest of the bunch.  When it comes to work he tries to make excuses not to work.  Hell why should he work when he has a shape shifter son to support him. Thy need to put a collection can at the entrance of Merlottes and name it "THE BUY JOE LEE MICKENS A BOTTLE OF BLEACH AND SOME HEAD AND SHOULDERS FOR THAT GREASY HAIR),  Every time I see him I want to throw sand on the TV because he is so greasy.