It’s official; Christopher Meloni is coming back to HBO. Eight years after his stint on the cable channel’s first dramatic original series Oz, the Law and Order: SVU actor is headed to HBO’s True Blood. We previously reported that the actor was being courted to join season five of Alan Ball’s vampire-infused series, but TV Line now confirms that Meloni’s deal has closed. The actor is joining the cast as a series regular, and will play “An ancient, powerful vampire who holds the fate of Bill and Eric in his hands.”True Blood has gotten increasingly batshit crazy, having crossed over fully into the soap opera realm long ago. After a lackluster third season, the show gained some steam (slightly) this past year with a few more interesting storylines. Season four ended with an intriguing tease for the upcoming season, and I’ve no doubt that Meloni will make for a much-welcomed addition. The actor recently filmed a role in Zack Snyder’s Superman reboot Man of Steel. The fifth season of True Blood is set to air next summer.