INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE - Season 2 Episode 6 - Reaction and Discussion 2x6

[@HuntingViolets]

Daniel isn't doing a puff piece. If they wanted a puff piece, they should have gotten someone else. He's not a guest; he's doing a job, and his job is to poke and prod and not get tricked.

[@sashakhrlmv]

yes! thank you!

[@ofpressure]

that part!

[@ThandoNdlovu-zr3ld]

Agreed Daniel is Chef Kiss 💋💋

[@amandasantos2852]

I love Armand playing all innocent and weak. “They could had killed me” says the guy who could stop time and kill them all in a second.

[@cullenarthur8879]

There is a difference between catching them off guard and putting them to sleep, and taking the whole coven on at the same time. They could have killed him.

[@amandasantos2852]

@@cullenarthur8879 No, they couldn’t. They don’t have to be off guard for this to work. And Armand can make a large number of people stand still at the same time (there’s more than one scene in the show) He could have killed them all very easily (which he did actually with his old coven in the books) You are underestimating Armand.

[@cullenarthur8879]

@@amandasantos2852 I have read the books up to The Vampire Armand. I'm well aware of what he can do. You are underestimating what an entire coven can do if united and determined. They are all vampires. Each one as powers. Together, they could overwhelm Armand. Remember, in the books he (nor any other vampire from what I remember) could not stop time. I'm questioning whether or not I remember vampires being able to put other vampires to sleep. Humans probably, but not vampires. I don't even remember Armand having the fire gift in the books.

[@amandasantos2852]

@@cullenarthur8879 They could have overwhelmed Armand if he wasn’t as strong as he is in the series. He doesn’t have that power in the books and still he was able to kill an entire coven (they were off guard, but Armand could get the new coven off guard too, he’s intelligent). Try to remember the ep 4 scene where Armand put the entire coven and the humans to sleep at the same time in the restaurant while Louis and Santiago were fighting. He could do whatever he wanted with all of them.

[@glittermethis]

⁠@@cullenarthur8879You remembered correct, except Armand doesn’t have the fire gift in the books.

[@hypertwink]

Daniel is probably my favorite character after Lestat. He’s dying, living in secret amid predators. Of course, he’s going to be that way. It’s his only defense 😂

[@struggleskywalker1025]

I read that in Stiles Stilinski’s voice: “I’m 147 pounds of pale skin and fragile bone, sarcasm is my only defense.”

[@t.j._fury]

I also imagine he harbors some resentment and anger about what happened to him the 1st time, and just can't regulate those feelings; so they come out in sarcasm and petty insults.

[@_adrian_sean]

Not just his defense but his right.

[@ThandoNdlovu-zr3ld]

Same I adore Daniel I'm so worried about what is going to happen to him 😬😬

[@Belladonnafeli]

armand is such a liar. He was able to knock out his whole coven in less than a second at the dinner table but then says to louis "they might have killed me" hes way too powerful for that. hes a manipulator thats why its so funny when he calls claudia that.

[@cyanrose499]

And that's exactly how I felt when Lestat was calling Claudia "spoiled, disagreeable, unkind" For me it shows that a lot of vampires tend to develop these characteristics and are able to call it out when they see it...except with Louis 👀👀 Lestat, Claudia and Armand have all been able to point fingers at each other but it's like they're terrified of holding Louis to the same standards when he's clearly acting spoiled and manipulative too. I'm not sure how deep this goes but everyone treats Louis like an egg (understandably so coz he can be adorable 😫) but they are more than ready to tear each other to shreds

[@hypertwink]

Like recognizes like. Which is also why like repels like as well 😂

[@cyanrose499]

@@hypertwink exactly, they're all so alike😂

[@struggleskywalker1025]

@@cyanrose499shoot, if I were a character in this show I’d probably be the first and only vampire in this universe to call Louis out on his bullshit.

[@t.j._fury]

Maybe they don't call him out because the rest of the vampires know something we don't? Lol. Wouldn't that be some ish!?

[@erinmurray2367]

daniel hasn’t been kicked out yet cause he is quite literally louis only hope 😭😭 i thought we all watched episode 5!

[@tsheporabekane4172]

They don't watch attentively or they watch to many things to keep up with details of the story. Armand, Lestat, and Louis all need Daniel as their last remaining connection to their humanity. They low-key enjoy that Daniel takes a dig at them and isn't as terrified of them. Vampires seem to like humans that don't view them as montsers...

[@_adrian_sean]

RIGHT?!? I don't get why they don't like Daniel. It's been proven Armand kidnapped him and held him captive for a week... THEN ERASED his memory and has somewhat been controlling and stalking him ever since. Daniel has a right to be a petty queen

[@evangelinasmusic]

Yaaas! I love Daniel. I’d hope to have the balls he has in a room with two apex predators

[@DoubleBlack2.0]

Thank god other people feel the same way I do!! I find their complete lack of brain power SO annoying!

[@alexie5201]

I don't get why you're so annoyed with Daniel, he's very good at his job plus he's got nothing to lose. And why would he bother with being nice, especially now that he knows what these two have put him through in the past.

[@sashakhrlmv]

THIS

[@JessLoveyy]

Because he is annoying

[@jLachelle3]

Dude is annoying lol

[@iwillcry]

I will never stop singing praises of the cast of this show, but Assad Zaman especially has been acting the hell out of this very difficult role!

[@pookiesis1465]

This is one of the few shows that I have actually enjoyed every episode.I’m loving this!

[@cyanrose499]

The way he can switch from being suave, to intimidating, to cold and then vulnerable...brilliant!! 😳 He's so great at capturing all of the nuances in Armand's character to make us angry at his antagonistic side while also having a lot of sympathy for him as a flawed character like everyone else... just wow...

[@ofpressure]

assad is truly immaculate!

[@jaimebergner]

I am sick and tired of Zaman and Armands constant lies. If they get a third season, less of him please.

[@cullenarthur8879]

​@@jaimebergneryou do know there's a difference between Assad Zaman and Armand, right? If Assad as an actor has provoked such a response out of you, that means he is great at his job. Armand is the most fascinating and well acted character this season. I hope for much, much more of him in the future.

[@SamEfDee]

This man is so evil. Packed a suitcase and everything lol. "They might have killed me 😢"

[@cyanrose499]

Lol! I almost burst out laughing when he said that. Really my guy?? We all know you could wipe out the entire coven in a second if you wanted to😂 But he wanted Louis to believe that he gave everything up for him, so ... Lol! With the small, humble suitcase and everything 😂😂 As if this man's closet doesn't have it's own little closets worshipping it

[@amandasantos2852]

Yes. Such an inocente guy 😢

[@beautifulloly]

man armand should be on that stage instead of directing it because the lying is immaculate LMAO

[@obsidianmermaid]

Okay fair but I will defend my precious baby angel boy who's never done anything wrong till the end of time🤣

[@Stephaniacat]

like i dont get why they're still on Armands side . the way he treated Claudia, making her wear the dress and act like a child knowing the history of child vampires and wanting her to break.... that's straight up evil.

[@obsidianmermaid]

Fun fact: Assad Zaman who plays Armand didn't even KNOW he was playing Armand until a little while after he was cast as Rashid, Assad was just hoping for a minor role in this show, they saw Assad was perfect and revealed to him later hes Armand. Assad has said he was shocked and nervous as hell about being cast. As a book reader hes just perfection these show runners really know what they are doing because he's playing doe eyed sweet angel Armand with such immaculate skill. Dont let him fool you Armand is the most clever and powerful person in the room typically and even Lestat is leery of Armand's craftiness. He still deserves pity and compassion for me anyway (he's my favorite lil gremlin) when we see who he is really but truly...beware the quiet ones definitely applies to Armand.

[@AnxietyRat]

I'm pretty sure he found out after a couple of rounds of auditions... So not quite when he was cast. Slightly before he was officially cast. But you are absolutely right in that he didn't know that he was auditioning for Armand when he first started auditioning. If they sprung it on him AFTER he had been officially cast in the role that he was actually playing a different character that he didn't audition for at all whatsoever... The casting team would have like legal issues. Because you CAN'T get cast for a mystery role did you discover the truth on after you've been fully cast... That's just not how casting works. But yeah, I'm pretty sure he has said in interviews that he found out pretty late on in the auditioning process I think it was something like 6 to 9 auditions into it or something... but he did find it out BEFORE he was officially cast as Rashid/Armand.

[@obsidianmermaid]

@@AnxietyRat Assad has told the story a few times and he was already casted so lol I'm sure they figured it out

[@anacarolmsc]

​@@obsidianmermaidyou can see him taking about it on Katie O'Shaughnessy's recent interview. It was in later rounds, before he got it

[@obsidianmermaid]

@@anacarolmsc ahhh gotcha you're right!

[@elijahjackson1052]

Y’all trust Armond WAY too much 😭 He absolutely weaponsizes his “helplessness” and “love” of Louis. But i also think that’s a testament of his actors incredible performance! He’s a very convincing victim lol

[@dogquixote]

I love how hard y’all ride for Armand! Assad and the writers did such brilliant work with his character this season, giving him more and more layers with each episode, all while knowing that this inevitable betrayal would be coming. This episode felt like the calm before the storm to me, and I’m equal parts terrified and excited for what the next two will bring!

[@kev121]

I think Madeline’s immediate attitude towards Armand is because Claudia told her he said they could no longer be friends and she needed to leave Paris. After all she’d been through before, during, and after the war, she had zero f’s for another someone who’d never even met her, yet was trying to bring more misery to her.

[@hopet7090]

Armand with the kiss of Judas

[@cyanrose499]

😂😂😂😂 on the cheek and everything, perfect way to describe it

[@hopet7090]

@@cyanrose499 I wanted to fight him so bad

[@brittanywallace6485]

I’m pretty sure Louis and Armand have a painting of the Judas Kiss in their room

[@traylee9392]

Daniel is on his way out of here & having to do his job in the company of 2 killers. He doesn’t care about poking the bear lol. & Madeline is a grown woman who has already made her decision based on her life experiences. & Armand is questioning her. I’d also be like “Sir, all these questions are cute but my answer isn’t changing.” Pay more attention to why they act the way they do. It’s not just arrogance for the sake of arrogance.

[@psychedelicpegasus7587]

I think Madeleine also understood Armand was the one who forced Claudia to wear the dress and perform as a child. I also think her aggressive front is a survival mechanism. She has endured incredible amounts of tragedy and experienced war and assaults and degradation. And she is still here.

[@crazieanimefan1]

Give Assad the Emmy already, he has taken Armand and made him his own. He's a brilliant young man.

[@snootyvegans]

Absolutely BRILLIANT!!

[@dawnashwood4611]

If no one on this show receives an Emmy nod.....I am going to loose it!!!! Everyone on this show is a freaking tour de force!

[@IndieRockerHippy]

I think Assad is brilliant at times but then a bit weak in other scenes. Sam and Jacob kill it consistently. And Ben Daniels is class too

[@minigmaenigma]

aw y'all are the only ones that didn't show the reaction to the "lie face down in the coffin" scene lol the lestat reaction was great tho xD

[@amnanasir473]

I just can’t with them hating on louis and daniel and loving armand and believing his every word.

[@DoubleBlack2.0]

THANK YOU!! Like, Jesus, what is it going to take?!

[@groolchick2]

When the show switches to Lestat's perspective, we'll probably get to see what visions of Louis Lestat had when he turned Louis.

[@danieladusei1993]

Are the show runner going to do lestat perspective on the show likes in the books

[@obsidianmermaid]

​@@danieladusei1993yes. The Vampire Lestat is confirmed for season three.

[@nebulous8389]

I'm excited for the new fans they really have no idea these 2 seasons are just a glimpse of the Anne Rice world.

[@cullenarthur8879]

​@@obsidianmermaidhave they confirmed season three? Making season three The Vampire Lestat would be awesome, but I just want to know that they confirmed a third season.

[@obsidianmermaid]

@@cullenarthur8879 Rolin Jones just signed a new deal with AMC they are keeping very close lipped on it right now but in the past Rolin has said if they get a season 3 it will be from The Vampire Lestat and it's the whole reason he took on adapting the Vampire Chronicles. So no official announcement but I'm sure we can read between the lines.

[@lenorawilson2326]

I've been reading the comments about Daniel, and honestly I can understand why Daniel is salty, because the vampires were going to kill him. They bit him, drain him, knocked him, all around, held him hostage for days on in, yeah. I would be salty too, I and Danielle's old. He sick. Daniels, like, I really don't have too much to lose, do what you want to do, but you're not going to talk to me and treating me any type of way and not get this tongue lashing. 🤣 And as for Least I can't wait to see him turn up 🧛‍♂️.

[@chanzy8613]

U guys seem like ur falling into armands trap and charm a little too much. He is not as helpless as he makes out. Even at the end you didn’t seem to react to his betrayal and you seem to think Louis has more power and agency. It’s an illusion. Armand just standing there while they are kidnapped like he couldn’t knock all of them out like he did in the previous episode 4. The tension was sharp this episode. It was showing all the nice scenes and I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Armand lies there’s no reason not to believe he is lying about Louis asking him to erase. That’s why Armand is so interesting he is so good at playing submissive and lack of power when he has the most power of all. The coven is complaining about Claudia breaking rules like they don’t break rules all the time.

[@PerfectlyImperfect93]

I’ve watched their reaction videos to this show and a lot of things go over their heads a lot lol that’s why I stopped 😂

[@HuntingViolets]

It's interesting that Armand addresses Claudia by Lestat's surname.

[@poppyyppop]

right lol it’s interesting that he sees claudia as an extension of lestat and not louis

[@HuntingViolets]

@@poppyyppop Yeah. I mean, technically, Lestat made her but Louis wanted it. They were both her parents. I can see the coven going by these technicalities, though, too.

[@poppyyppop]

@@HuntingViolets lestat also made louis

[@poppyyppop]

@@HuntingViolets except he doesn’t treat home the same as he treats claudia

[@HuntingViolets]

@@poppyyppop He made one to be a lover, and the other to be his lover's child.

[@nebulous8389]

Armand totally let it happen! Look how he controlled all of them in the restaurant when Louis attacked Santiago. Armand is a liar! Also I felt the episode was more of a slowburn then I thought it was gonna be but I still really enjoyed it!

[@sashakhrlmv]

honestly, I don't understand why you hate Daniel so much. he's been through a lot and he doesn't give a fuck anymore he's simply doing his job that louis invited him to do.

[@AnxietyRat]

Yeah, they hate that he's poking and prodding Louis but he's literally been HIRED to do so.... That is literally what investigative journalists DO.

[@rrrraquel9314]

I personally hate his rudeness

[@zariahsams9112]

@@rrrraquel9314I would also be rude to someone that lied to me and erased my memory

[@alecblake6022]

I agree about Armand's past informing how he behaves in relationships, but I think it amounts to a very complicated relationship with both vulnerability and control more than being an actual punching bag. He was trafficked and abused by the person who claimed to love him the most (his maker), so I think submission is incidentally something he can fall into very easily, but I don't know that he ever lets it go all the way to true vulnerability like he did when he was human. Physically speaking, he's one of the oldest and most powerful vampires in the show, and with the combination of mind control, long range telepathy, fire manipulation, and an invulnerability to the sun, there isn't much that threatens his safety, the coven's scheming included. Emotionally, Armand is more than willing to be the kind of calm, passive partner that he assumes is a welcome contrast to the intensity and trauma of Louis's other vampiric relationships, but at the same time he begins quietly manipulating things so that both of them won't have any other choice but each other. We saw it in 2x03 when he allowed Lestat to destroy/reshape the coven he was tired of, while also pulling at the threads of Lestat's relationship with Nicky (Lestat turning him after Armand kidnapped him was the beginning of the end for those two), and we're seeing it now at the end of this episode. He'll let the coven remove the obstacles of Louis's strongest ties (Claudia mainly, but also probably Lestat with the betrayal of his testimony), and then he'll let Louis destroy the coven in revenge. Armand and Louis will be left with only one another, he'll be able to convincingly claim none of it was really his fault outside of being lovesick and cowardly, and he'll never have to contend with the possibility of being abandoned for his partner's pre-existing attachments. Sadly, in doing all of this he's essentially guaranteeing that Louis will never be able to organically choose Armand, and he has completely betrayed the love he wants so badly.

[@lunneytoonez20]

I agree! Santiago and Lestat are ACTING! The way Lestat threw off that coat in the last 3 seconds made me jump out of my seat

[@tristenstevenson2949]

I love this episode! As a book reader, I'm really happy to see Lestat at the trial. His presence there is important and nuanced in so many ways, and it’s not totally what it seems. This episode delivers everything that it was meant to and does it masterfully. This show takes all the wonderful elements from the books and elevates them to new heights, and I love to see it! This is my favorite show on television right now. I enjoyed your reaction, especially the part when Lestat came back. I was very much the same lol

[@evangelinasmusic]

I can’t wait I hope we get season 3 so we can see Lestats side!

[@walksonair]

This was that weird ass quiet calm before the storm.. but I liked the pace of the episode because things can go quite fast. Now… the Trial!!!! Brace yourselves!!!! See ya next week! The arrogance that you see from some characters in this adaptation stems from their experiences in life.. Madeleine went through a lot during the war.. Daniel has been through a lot in his personal life. As an immortal, the longer you live the more removed from humanity; trivial feelings and insults/slights don’t land as good as when you do it to another human being, this is one of the ways vampires set themselves apart or seem to be above humanity. Ben Daniels is an acting LEGEND. Assad Zaman is in his acting BAG. This cast is the best thing I’ve seen in years.

[@raestone4270]

Don’t let Armand’s doe eyes fool you 😏. Louis knows he doesn’t have true power and so does Armand. Both Armand and Louis are both playing with the power deferential. This episode was great because you see the seeds of everything about to happen.

[@tricepnm8590]

So glad they are putting S1 on Netflix. This cast from both seasons have been extremely amazing. The writing amazing! Man it should have so many awards but I just want these seasons to keep on rolling. Now for these next 2 episodes I don’t know if I’m ready. Episode 5 every season poor Louie getting abused, beat up or sunburned. Episode 6 of every episode Claudia’s freedom always taken away. Damn Claudia just wanted to be free. Damn!!

[@ljk242_]

Armand isn't scared of them lol he is the most powerful ancient vampire, remember when Armand make all the coven members head down when santiago & louis arguing? He plays it well. In the book, the reason why Armand killed Claudia because he wanted Louis for himself that's why he dragged Lestat to the trial, imprisoned and manipulated him first so Lestat would testify that Claudia killed him with a promise to let Louis alive. Armand is the one behind all of this.

[@Nado0227]

To answer Michael Clare’s questions about Daniel and Madeline. Their motivations are not about arrogance or appearing stronger or better than these vampires. It’s about proving that while these vampires may be stronger physically with gifts of power it shows how out of touch the vampires are from humans and humanity. In the case of Daniel, as bristlely and rough around the edges as he is, he’s within his right to critique Louis and Armand. Especially because they devastated his life and both nearly killed him. Plus by Louis invitation and going back to Ep1 of S1 he stated that he doesn’t do puff pieces. Daniel is an investigative journalist, it’s his job to poke and prod no matter how dangerous and risky it is to get the result. If Louis wanted to simply write a memoir he could’ve had anyone do that. He invited Daniel because He knows he can get to the bottom of things. In the case of Madeline I think you’re misinterpreting what she’s saying. The subtext of this scene is her telling Armand is that every shred of her humanity has nearly been stripped from away because of the death of her family and being targeted by mobs because she took a Nazi soldier boy as a lover and has paid for it since. Not to mention a war that has taken nearly everything from her When she’s talking to Armand she’s telling him she’s already lost so much and theirs nothing really left for her in her mortal life. Her accepting vampirism openly is because she loves Claudia is why she isn’t afraid of it. What her and Claudia have is different than what most vampires have in that there is no secrets between them because they met each other half way. And because of that Madeline and Claudia work because theirs mutual love and understanding. She wasn’t made under duress or trauma. She was made with love. But the entire point I’m making here is that whole vampires are immortal, they are not so different than the humans they used to be and Daniel and Madeline are evidence of that.

[@HorrorGeek9]

I'm not quite sure why yall are being so harsh on Daniel for doing his job, especially after he realizes the extent to which Armand has abused him. Louis is naive to put his trust in Armand when, as Daniel pointed out, with how powerful Armand is he had to have known that the rest of the coven was planning something but he still allowed this happen (Like when he allowed Lestat to come in and disrupt his first Coven, which is what Armand wanted). It feels like he wants to get rid of Claudia without getting his hands dirty in Louis's eye (which is why he keeps making excuses for his involvement in all of this, but the more Daniel pokes away at his logic, the less everything he says makes sense). I love that yall are Armand apologists because that's a pretty unique perspective from other reactors. Most view him as the manipulator this season. I'm absolutely loving this season even more than season 1. Jacob and Assad are killing it every episode.

[@vodka9384]

Asking Armand to turn Madeleine is huge, but like, Armand's way outta pocket saying Claudia's broken all the coven rules like he himself didn't throw them out the day he met Louis. Since Day 1 he's been dickmatized, letting Louis do whatever he wants while everyone else has to follow the rules. Claudia at least does what she's told and works at the theatre even if the others don't like her.

[@cyanrose499]

That's true, there's a reason the vampire rules existed for so long and I think we tend to forget that Armand isn't the one who made them in the first place. We have no idea what kind of consequences breaking them really has if the coven leader doesn't deal out the punishment themselves and now in Dubai Armand said repeatedly that a whole hoard of vampires were on their way to rip Louis apart for trying to get this book done. Even Lestat was careful in New Orleans and only broke the rules for Louis

[@pointedulacs]

i LOVED this episode so much, mainly because i was so excited for the claudeleine content. and jacob & sam both said this was their favourite episode to watch as an audience member (because of claudia & madeleine) so i was extra excited, and it did not disappoint. i loved the climax and ending so much and am really looking forward to having my heart broken these next two episodes!

[@hopet7090]

just came here to say I believe Armand is full of poop. He is painting himself like a some helpless thing when he has the power to slow time and knock out vampires. I don't believe Louis asked to have his memories wiped three days after deserting Daniel because then how would daniel have the same exact edit on the brain. Next week is going to be insane.

[@victorias1227]

Louis' confidence in Paris & potential increasing confidence in the present have a common factor-- the amount of power he has over Armand. I don't think it's a coincidence that Armand calling Louis "maitre" started right after Louis washed away the memory of Lestat-- he's compensating for the lack of power in his relationship with Lestat by being a companion to someone with no boundaries, whose only comfort zone is the familiar and is only familiar with submission. That's why Armand is a terrible leader-- he only took the job because someone else with power over him told him to do it. He's only experienced relationships of any kind as...not even transactional, it's "do what someone else wants and they won't hurt me." How aware Louis is of that I don't have a clear vibe on, but I do think he clings to this unhealthy power he has over Armand as self-reassurance: love can't make me stupid again, I have all the power over him, he's 500 & head of the coven, I can do whatever I want, No Unresolved Trauma To See Here, Folks.

[@shmurr]

I love that you guys don’t make excuses for Louis when he’s acting a fool lol. Lots of people talk about how Armand is the villain but I feel like that only tracks if you regard Louis as the hero…which he isn’t, and was never meant to be. All of these characters are flawed

[@p.a.681]

Sure...that would be valid if they weren't willfully overlooking Armand's manipulativeness and calculated cruelty at the same time, also ignoring the valid motivations that characters like Daniel have for acting the way that they do, etc.

[@specificsoup]

I think y’all got really charmed by Armand. 😅

[@erikadixon8341]

Ben Daniels plays Santiago and he’s a BRILLIANT actor. Showrunners team say when they discussed the role in this series they posted his picture as the prototype for casting. They really hoped he would be open to the role. Fortunately he was.

[@KelliFranklin]

MC I understand your feelings about Daniel. He's certainly brash and confrontational and likes to poke at Armand and Louie. I think it's because he was traumatized by them and gaslit by them when he was young. They erased his memories. I imagine all of that trauma made him the way he is. He definitely annoys me constantly. I just try to remember that he's their victim that's still living and trying to figure out what they did to him.

[@belen2125]

I had a complete different experience with this ep, i ended up on the floor!! This ep was so great for me. I love Armand but he's very manipulative, so all this interactions with the coven and Madeleine, we're only getting his pov, bc the other part is ****, you know... So, this image he presents now of "I had no idea, I could not prevent ir, I was a coward" I don't buy it, I think he had more to do with it than he's letting us know and Louis and Daniel

[@androd1279]

I love the series! This episode was a little on the slower side, but I think it was necessary to the story. The introspection puts a lot of their decisions into perspective. Your reaction to Lestat had me laughing at the screen! I had the same reaction. Unfortunately, I don’t think Lestat is going to be able to be the savior they all need at this point. I really enjoy your reactions to this show!

[@0l._.l0895]

They have done a good job this season trying to remind people that Louis is not a good person. He is still the pimp, still the manipulator, and still super cocky. Armand and Louis could've already left, Armand said let's leave but Louis wanted control over Armand which is also control over the coven. Daniel has been told twice already "You fear Armand but it's the other one you should fear". Louis is the same guy who gave his "employees" higher wages than others but still picked up sad women and girls off the street who he knew would work because they needed the money, this is why he is a good investor and a good character but because he has more control Daniel needs to be terrified of what might happen to himself.

[@charlesharry7901]

Causes Claudia didn't deserve this. She deserve be happy yall call her annoying everything she deserves be mad everything went through whole life.

[@lonzipoo]

I love Daniel! Haha. Armand cannot be trust I feel like. His book is my favorite though! Also he seems to be hiding a lot. We were never told when exactly in time the pages Armand took out were. Louis is so annoying in this adaptation. Santiago tho 👀👀 daddy ❤️ 😂

[@Stephaniacat]

can't believe you guys still on Armands side lol.

[@Triskaan]

Man I wish this show got more recognition. Love that you're keeping up with it. :)

[@mitch1833]

I love, love love when this show blows your mind! Your reactions are the best!

[@marchvolt488]

I think you guys are watching the series and judging based on how you would act in the situation, and not from the characters' perspective, you get mad at Daniel being rude because it would be insane for a human to play with a crazy vampire, but yall forget or not understand that it is the character *Daniel Molloy* with the characters *Louie/Armand* which is a totally different dynamic

[@yakiddin]

"I feel like it would be painful, is it painful? " 😅😂

[@what1dreamt]

Love both your reactions to the appearance of Lestat. Haha

[@mariam5640]

i disagree that louis is becoming arrogant in the dubai timeline. for much of the show (and especially after armand revealed his identity to daniel) we've seen how armand is quietly in control of the way louis reveals his own life story and S2E5/6 is really the first time louis has begun to question armand's words. i think the show is much more complex than simply showing villains and victims and armand is an interesting example of this - he's a layered character who both falls under louis's spell but also wields so much emotional and physical power over louis himself. memories are a huge theme in this season and it's extremely telling that this is the thing to break their modern "marital bliss" - louis's memories are so valuable to him and the fact that the only person who can confirm or deny the truth about whether louis actually asked to have his memories wiped is the person who wiped his mind just opens up a lot of complex ethical questions.

[@KelliFranklin]

This whole reaction was totally worth it to see y'all's reactions to Lestat at the end! He's back!

[@deedramcconis1763]

Did I notice Santiago said "matinee" daytime

[@cullenarthur8879]

Yes. It is ominous.

[@BadBloodwillout]

It's really funny how pro-Armand you guys are. I'm enjoying it because I'm also pro Armand so I'm praising him along with you the whole time. But it's like you're ignoring the messed up things he's doing completely. He was a literal horror show last episode and he wiped Louis' memory of it only to now say "oh yeah you asked me to do that" and you're just taking him at his word smh. He literally sold Louis out this episode and you're still praising him. I get it, Assad is amazing and Armand is the best but GUYS he gave Louis up to the coven and you have zero negativity on it. Again I don't mind it, it's funny that you're Armand apologists first and foremost. The power of Assad hahhaha

[@insomniaddict6510]

I find it hilarious as well 😂

[@kev121]

One other thing. DreamStat told Louis he would wait until he was happy to come and kill him. We got one moment of happiness in that cafe and boom.

[@Zahra_sal98]

I think you missed the whole point of Armand selling out Louis, the one he's supposed to love. Armand being the strongest one doesn't justify him doing anything or people obeying him, which is something you should consider. Apart from that, I have really enjoyed your reaction to Iwtv. 🥰

[@kthxbi]

I mean, Armand say's Louis asked him to erase the memories of San Francisco, but I don't know if I believe him. Armand is a character who, like Lestat, hates being alone, but unlike Lestat I think he struggles to even feel a sense of identity when he is alone. I think it's a hold over from the trauma of his early life. Ever since he was a child he has been cast into subserviant roles where his identity is defined by his use to another, and that is clearly where he now feels most familiar - controling people from a position of apparent submission. We see it in his relationship with Louis - despite being vastly more powerful, he lets Louis take on the apperance of control while he pulls Louis strings in the background. He latches on to a person or group and finds his sense of identity in that relationship. When Louis destroyed the Paris coven, he lost his identity as their Maitre, and instead became Louis lover. I think he worries that if he loses Louis, he loses himself because he doesn't know how to be alone. Louis had a chance to speak with Lestat while he was burnt up, and I think Armand is very aware of how much their connection endangers his own relationship with Louis, and therefore might put him in a position where he is left by himself.

[@erikadixon8341]

Love you both for such realism and maturity in your assessments of what we’re seeing, so many nuances to these relationships 💯💯💯

[@yvettelang1961]

You didn't realize that you need to take a breath. The next two episodes are going to be a roller-coaster ride.

[@alinder2327]

Mikal-Claire!! This ep was anything but slow-How dare you! It was riveting from open to close and I’m personally offended by your opinion😂. It’s definitely character-driven and not action-oriented but, COME ON, so much plot was forwarded.

[@PureeTauruss]

No Armand slander allowed here 😤

[@cyanrose499]

I really like Armand too but him walking into the apartment with his humble suitcase had me in stitches😭 It was ultimately a sad thing though because he's trying so hard show Louis his sincerity (even though there's a good amount of it that's manipulation too)

[@L-ZE]

Exactly

[@melsaint8616]

My question is where is Lestat in present day? And why did Louis still stay with Armand after what is going to happen in next episode? Did he forget the role Armand play in this?and is Lestat going to argue for Louis and Claudia or against? Great review guys.

[@struggleskywalker1025]

There is a chance we already met Lestat in the body of RJ aka Raglan James (the guy Daniel was talking to at the restaurant). If so, then we will get the Tale of the Body Thief before Queen of the Damned. If not, then he’s probably in his rockstar era right now.

[@mayaamis]

The episodes names are so long because they are usually direct lines taken straight from the books. they've been naming episodes as book quotes since ep 1x01 :)

[@lovecrystalmagic]

The lestat reveal was insane i was screaming for a full minute lolol!!!

[@evangelinasmusic]

I think it’s really interesting how you both accept Armand and Armand’s rules are just right and true. I believe 99% of the vampires in these stories act out of fear and preservation which is a reflection of us as humans, and why we fall in love with Lestat who is constantly questioning the status quo 💕 The “laws” of the coven are not the universal laws of all of the vampires. It’s okay to question them :D

[@victorias1227]

About the human fascination with blood sucking/whether it hurts: from what I understand as somebody raised Catholic, other Christian dominations have a slightly different culture around sex (I swear this is relevant lol.) We aren't taught sex is unnatural or sinful, but that it's so good that we have to wait for it. We aren't like Forever Stained if we do sexual things that are "bad," because we can go to Confession (like Louis did in the pilot) and be forgiven. But the thing about Confession is, you can only be forgiven if you don't intend to do it again. So we're told sex is super amazing, but don't do it, which of course makes you all the more curious about it, even though it's "bad" for you. Does it hurt? What does it feel like? and if you do it, you'll know just how good it feels-- but you'll be a Sinner. Considering the metaphors of blood drinking for sex & birth & all that jazz in the show, & it's very Catholic influences, I think that's why Madeleine in particular is Like That. Granted, I also think Madeleine is passively suicidal (doesn't want to live but doesn't want to die), so she's kind of just baiting vampires (Claudia AND Armand) to see what happens.

[@cullenarthur8879]

That's a very interesting take. I would also like to point out how strange the christian obsession with blood is. Look at it from someone's point of view who is foreign to Christianity. All of the references to blood. Drinking Christ's blood to gain eternal life. Washed in the blood. Drinking wine as a stand in for blood as a ritual. Christianity has a strange blood and cannibalism obsession.

[@Pooobaihr23]

All of this plays out differently in the book than this series. Way different. Daniel and Madaline have different personalities than they do here. Hollywood gave them personality because of this being a series so it made them more engaging. Armand, also, is different. Kind of. There is a reason the fandom is entirely against Armand. Im still waiting to see his angle because mind games are his thing. Here and in book form. I dont think the games are over... Present day Louis has reason to be skeptical. As for the Talamasca, theyre an organization that oversees all of the paranormal activities that happen around the world. Raglin doesnt answer David, because that isnt what they do. They watch. Period. Nothing more. They document the happenings that they see, but stay uninvolved. Especially with vampires because theyre dangerous. Edited to add: the members of the society also have their own special gifts. Real Rashid probably has psychic ability just as strong as theirs and can hide his mind.

[@I_amsoprecious]

I just discovered IWTV and found your channel and between the 'emms' and 'umms," I feel like I've found my tribe! Your take on Madeleine surprised me a bit. I thought it was pretty clear that after the life she'd led up to that point, choosing to become a vampire and spend eternity with someone who loves and cares for her was a no-brainer. She made an informed decision and was clear-eyed about her decision. She could rest easy.

[@nobodyexceptme7794]

Damn i accidentally clicked but that intro reaction make me want to watch the show😂😂😂😂 damn what happened, lol!

[@sakurapablo671]

lol! The body swap is the Tale of the Body Thief book. Also, the one that Daniel is talking to, is the Talamasca. They’re like a secret organisation, in which their motto is “we watch and record history, never interfere.” Also, they kept tabs about anything on vampires, witches, and ghosts, so to speak. Which, the Mayfair Witches is pretty much coincidence with the Interview with the vampire series, and it makes sense with this season.

[@ungukubus7905]

When people said Louis is mean to Armand in ep 5, well Louis should be meaner tbh. Armand always gaslighting Louis even use the maitre or sub/dom thing so he could manipulate Louis, makes Louis thinking he could lead the relationship but at the end, Armand always have the power over Louis, he is the ancient vampire, the power imbalance is always there, he makes plan to kill Claudia because he wanted Louis for himself, he didn’t want to make Madeleine because he knows if his blood in her body, she will be so strong like him, it will be hard to get rid of her too. The one that wants the equality in the relationship with Louis is Lestat. Lestat never show his power to Louis like flying because he wants him to feel equal eventough later on when they fight, Lestat unleashes it. But Armand likes to play victim, said he could not prevent the trial when he could make all the coven members fell aslep when Santiago & Louis arguing before. I don’t know how people fall for Armand’s trap like Anne Rice literally wrote him as the antagonist one until book 6 when she wrote about Vampire Armand and make his character having more nuance.

[@gregdbarnes]

Louis was under the thumb of family obligation at home. He was under the thumb of Lestat as a young vampire. He then was under the thumb of obligation, which he chose, to Claudia. In Paris Louis experienced real freedom for the first time and danger be damned.

[@deeatlman7079]

I love the reviews. Your take on Louie and how he has changed is interesting. I see it differently, it’s not that he doesn’t care or is being selfish, etc. from my view he simply doesn’t want to be controlled anymore by ANYBODY.

[@reneejones5760]

Armand likes to play his power from behind the scenes. Armand should not be 100% believed.

[@terrestrialbody]

y’all such daniel haters please i love him 😭

[@chrisnthingsofficial]

Madeleine is not scared. She's just fed up.

[@Leomerya12]

0:05 I already know.

[@Glo419]

Ben Daniels plays Santiago & yes, he was brilliant! I loved the cafe scene until.....and too bad Claudia & Madeline couldn't enjoy each other more, so unfair. You two were so happy to see Lestat, lol I get it, I yelled & laughed at my screen at the same time. Armand has always been very manipulative, yes because of his beginnings. His childhood, his early experiences, what happened right before he was turned, which you guys will find out in the future or read the books, especially The Vampire Armand, which is the 6th book in the Vampire Chronicles. Assad Zaman is amazing in this role & he made us feel sorry for him yes, but book readers will know a different Armand than you guys saw.

[@mitchmatt6002]

Felt exactly the same way when Lestat's beautiful face comes into view!🤩 As for what I think of this ep after hearing your opinions post-watch - I thought the focus on Claudia & Madeleine's happiness was deserved and beautiful (particularly the turning scene) - Daniel's jab-back attitude is his armour against these all-powerful vamps (bc Louis can't be 100% trusted as a firm ally right now) who treat HIS trauma & truth with a detachment that's frankly insulting, so all the power to him for taking swings when he can, I say - yes, Syntell, Sanitago's trial outfit IS fire - the pacing was what I expected for an ep that's laying final groundwork for the big event, so I've no problem with an ep that's 99% whip-smart dialogue - and all of these traumatised blood-suckers have burrowed their way into my heart, for better or worse, and that means even when they're being despicable and duplicitous, I'll be applauding them all through gritted teeth, no matter what they do - so help me, God! 🤣 Now, let's brace ourselves!!

[@janicedrew9782]

Madeline has to be the most tragic character in this story next to Claudia. They found happiness for a minute before getting snatched up! I find it ironic that Dream-Lestat told Louie in episode one, he was waiting for him to be happy before he kills him. Louis was happy and relaxed in that restaurant with his family.

[@0912sooli]

I wonder what will they do with Devil's minion in this series

[@alexie5201]

Me too. I don't see how it could be done, even in later seasons, but there's still a lot that we don't know, so here's hoping

[@glittermethis]

There’s still so many years unaccounted for after ‘73, so DM could’ve already happened. Daniel will need to get those memories back, and then it can pick back up after whatever’s happening in Dubai is finished.

[@jewgirl012]

I liked the pace of that episode,a little calm before the storm as we say,next episode will be fire!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@LadyYunalesca]

I love y’all but it’s kinda sus that the gay scenes seem to all be skipped…

[@vikki-333]

This part

[@SarZol]

loved the dreamgirls reference ♪

[@smolson8471]

Ya'll are so duped by Armand that its difficult to watch. He can literally do no harm in your eyes. He could torture Louie and Claudia to death and you guys would talk about how they had it coming and you have more respect for Armand

[@obsidianmermaid]

The titles: they are always a passage/quote from the book that relates to the episode's theme. That's why it's long and poetic, Anne was like that.

[@PLLittleMama2007]

Lestat definitely did not have a good childhood/life before he became a vampire. Hopefully we get S3 so Lestat can tell his story.

[@jomiasharris357]

Santiago is not as powerful as you think. Armand would dog walk Santiago even on his worst day. I do think Louis does irritate me but apparently that is what makes him so desirable, he's extremely human. Armand has this thing where he just wants to be loved so he will change his personality to whatever his partner wants to keep them and hope they love him for it. The Claudia thing was cute. They deserved to be together. But Armand is definitely also a mastermind type of person. He wants this trial to happen. He wants Louis alone. He doesn't want Louis longing for Claudia to make him leave Armand. I just want to see what happens with Lestat and Claudia because they really are like each other.

[@tvaddict6623]

I love your reaction!!!

[@sashaparrish228]

The HBIC is back! Loved the lestat reaction . I really enjoy Daniel and Madeleine's attitude as foolish as it is lol. I think i just really respect (esp with Daniel) that they can walk into the lions den and refuse to cowed and refuse to bow and scrape or be any less themselves. Plus neither of them have anything to lose really. Madeleine was almost killed and Daniel is dying. We've seen Daniel do the submissive thing back in the 70s and that interview was a biased mess.

[@nkechi4635]

Same, also he's dying why should he bend to these asshole vampires regardless.

[@lestatsbaby8]

The arrogant humans are white. I think it's important. But Madeleine's arrogance is also about who she wants to be with: Claudia. Armand has been saying Claudia will not survive and Madeleine just like Louis before says she will survive. I think Armand takes the hits people throw his way to survive. If people think he's weak he can then manipulate them and get what he wants before they realize what's going on. Louis was convinced Armand would say yes. But Armand doesn't change his mind unless it benefits him and turning Madeleine does not benefit him. He changed his mind about killing Daniel because Louis told him it would prove their love was strong. Madeleine just like many characters has been given much more to work with. in the show. She wasn't necessarily arrogant. She was just devoted to Claudia because her own child had died and Claudia in the book is a forever child (5 year old body). I think it's why the show had Louis ask is Claudia a replacement for your dead sister?

[@jMichaels878]

I know people have mixed feelings about Armand, but either way Assad did an incredible job... I simply don't think I could ever dislike Armand because I like the actor and how he portrayed him too much.

[@niyah7139]

I think Claudia wanted Armand to bite Madeline to incriminate him in the plan and to mess with his moral compass. She knows that Armand despises her he even abused her last episode

[@inallthechaos2774]

You're the only reactors I've watched that don't hate Armand and I'm here for it. He may be the most powerful among the coven technically, but that doesn't mean their combined power couldn't overcome him. A large component of a leader's power is the submission of his followers. Armand his lived through a brutal age seeing vampires older and more powerful than him tortured and mutilated in accordance with the rules. He's not overconfident. He's cautious and realistic. He knows that progress is slow. Inspired by Lestat, he's brought the coven a long way from their days lurking in filth and ruin in crypts, but they aren't going to let him throw the whole rule book out overnight just because Louis du Lac hit the scene.

[@nicholasassaf8441]

lol i think you guys are a little too tough on louis and not enough on armand. dont get me wrong, armand is my third favorite character after claudia and louis

[@nicholasassaf8441]

Armand is the leader of the coven and he is the one in power, but he refuses to use that power because of his trauma locking him into constant power games. As the leader of the paris coven, he could’ve turned Madeleine, but he did not because of his beliefs. “can’t vs won’t”.

[@nicholasassaf8441]

He consistently drops the ball on doing the “right” thing because of his inferiority complex. Despite him being the most powerful one in the room, he allows others to make choices for himself because that absolves him of major blame.

[@GenerousKingATL]

Such a good ep

[@kristycoppedge8754]

Will you be doing a rewatch of the seasons? While waiting for the third. I'm curious if you see things differently now that you know more of the truth . Enjoy watching my shows with you both 😊

[@Banyo__]

Why would Armand make Madeline into a vampire? With Louis, Lestat wanted him, he wanted a companion and lover, so it wasn't hard. He helped make Claudia because he knew Louis was in emotional ruin over his disastrous choices and he did not want Louis to leave him. On the other hand, for Armand, knowing his own pain, and that this person is going to be tied to you for literal eternity, why would Armand make some random lady he has zero connection to and had never even met before? Armand wants to be the child he never was allowed to be. As soon as he's in a relationship, he defers to them and lets them lead. Though he has powerful moments like putting everyone down at the table or in dinner scene, he has said that he was forced into the role of leading the coven and the theater and it seems he's content watching them all burn to be able to allow him to move on to the next thing without the burden of the old hanging over him. He also parallels Louis in the eyes of Lestat, in that Lestat can see being a vampire as a gift, one to flaunt and use to every advantage to move through the centuries, but with both Armand and Louis, they work in such a microcosm where they can only see the things right before them and can't even figure out how to get those things right on their own. I know what's coming having read the books, but boy am I excited to see how it all goes down.

[@beautifulloly]

I don't think we needed more action we're probably getting it next episode lmao. Daniel was an old man sick of everything when he came, he was ready to die lol ! He's teaming up with louis here lowkey, also he's always been like that we saw that even as a boy, he has history with them so he's just not afraid. I think the thing about Madeleine is that she's already lost everything, she's a pariah in Paris, she has no one, and when she finds Claudia they're both suffering and lonely. As a human she can't really feel Armand's ancient power anyways so being treated as a potential member of the coven probably made her roll her eyes lmao, she wants to be with claudia and get the hell out I don't think Claudia's ever disrespected Armand like you said tho ?? Actually they wouldn't have broken any rules if armand turned madeleine because in the rules he's the only one allowed to do it. Louis and Claudia didn't know the rules before so it's stupid of him to blame them for that, but if he had said yes then it would be valid