Alcide Herveaux is staying in Bon Temps. Joe Manganiello’s portrayal of the brooding wolfman for season 3′s outing of True Blood was an absolute hit among fans and producers alike. The ever-nude Alcide on the “Vampire/Shapeshifter/WTF Are They” hit HBO series gets a promotion to series regular for the 4th season return of True Blood. Manganiello, an alum from CW Network’s One Tree Hill, was originally brought on to appear in a few episodes but won out for a fulltime stint as Manganiello’s character plays a substantial role in The Southern Vampire Mysteries novels (on which True Blood is based).

If you haven’t been in touch with season 3 of True Blood, here’s what you missed so far:

1. Werewolves finally make it to the show.

2. A new vampire monarch appears.

3. Jessica learns some new tricks.

4. Sam finds his roots.

5. Tara has man issues.

6. The most shocking sex scene ever happens.

7. Eric comes face to face with his legacy.

8. Bill walks in daylight.

9. What the hell is Sookie?

With only 5 episodes left in the season, the ride ahead for our favorite creatures of the night is one not to be missed.