In case it wasn't already obvious from these True Blood episode descriptions, creator Alan Ball has now made it clear:

"Tara is still part of the show," he told TV Guide last week, in reference to Rutina Wesley's character, who was shot in the head to close True Blood Season 4.

In what capacity, however? That remains the question.

A vampire? A ghost? A regular human being? Neither Ball nor Wesley will say, but the actress did tease that fans will need to prepare for a difference in Sookie and Tara's relationship no matter what state the latter is in.

"That's going to be the interesting part to watch: Tara's reaction to Sookie and Sookie's reaction to Tara," Wesley says. "All I can say is it's charged."

True Blood is back with new episodes on June 10.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.