Interview with the Vampire - Ep.1X5 "A Vile Hunger for Your Hammering Heart" (MovieMan Reaction)

[@lovelaced]

lestat’s ability to say the worst possible thing is unparalleled

[@-Arkin33]

Honestly!😅🤣 At the worst possible moment too. It's unmatched

[@gwenharper5334]

@@-Arkin33and that’s why you don’t turn improv comedians. 🥲

[@BumbleyBri]

If anyone argues against how you're feeling about Lestat rn then I think they got the wrong thing from this episode when they first watched it lol. This is coming from someone who loves Lestat as a character, what he did was absolutely fucked up. Enjoy the eps as you watch them, excited to see more!

[@jesstellstales2113]

Exactly. There's nothing wrong with enjoying and appreciating this complex character, but too often does the defense of him minimize and even excuse the abuse.

[@nothingbutintroverted4372]

@@jesstellstales2113nobody defends the actions but understanding the actions and the reasons behind them is what make people love his character and ultimately as someone with abandonment issues i can relate and others can to it’s not defending appreciate nuance or to hold other characters accountable for things they have done to lestat as well which is where this show gets really interesting cause ultimately nobody is good but for some reason some folks just like to make lestat fans feel morally inadequate which a fandom hypocrisy issue more than anything

[@jesstellstales2113]

​@@nothingbutintroverted4372 This is not an issue with Lestat fans (I'm a lestat fan). the issue is looking at the actions of Lestat after this episode and saying "sure, but think of how he must feel!" it comes across as pretty tone deaf because nothing they did is equal to this abuse. [SPOILERS BELOW] another issue with people jumping to defend Lestat after these episodes is that they're coming from a place of knowing the character and having seen both seasons. Of course new viewers are going to villainaize Lestat and fully empathize with Louis at this point in the story. That's what the show invites you to do, that way when they learn later that there's more to the story, it's a much more powerful reveal. The people jumping to Lestat's defense here are trying to rush new viewers to an empathy with Lestat that isn't earned yet. Let them experience the journey with these characters as intended. It'll be a much be a much more fun experience for them and for us to watch.

[@glittermethis]

@@nothingbutintroverted4372👆🏾👆🏾👆🏾👆🏾Excellent comment!!! And yet, someone is still trying to argue with you because you don’t hate Lestat. It is not a requirement to hate Lestat just because of the fight in this episode. I don’t need to be told when to like a character, but I see a lot of people do. Some people can’t walk and chew gum at the same time 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@l.josino]

exactly, and we should go as far as saying that it's not a position to have only in this particular episode, but throughout all the two seasons. no change in perspective can undo the horrible things he did. he sucks and they're toxic, i don't know why that has to be so controversial lol it's ok to like fictional characters who suck and fictional relationships that are a tar pit

[@realrosie23]

This episode was like 200 hydrogen bombs all at once for the fandom when it dropped, god it's A LOT

[@Gman9214]

Your reaction is 100% valid. I felt the exact same way, like how does Lestat come back from doing something like that? Impossible. However this is what the show wants you to feel. Let the fun begin.

[@rachelBradyni]

Right, but even after season 2 reveal, makes zero difference. Lestat was a horrible person. period

[@daizzyify]

@@rachelBradyni agreed

[@paulrosner1967]

@@rachelBradyni And?/ It's fiction and about vampires. Ya'll trying to use your 21rst century moral compass cracks me up like nothing else. Again, fiction, and he's the best character in the whole show. Now what?

[@dovike.V.]

@@rachelBradyni they all are. Louis is one way, Claudia in other. Every single one of them is a monster

[@klavisnow]

​@@paulrosner1967​well yeah but in the context of this scene in particular !!! SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT !!! ........ s2 doesn't really change anything about this scene, it still paints lestat as someone who has been particularly horrific to louis and claudia. lestat even says it himself in That Scene how much he hurt louis, as well as how much he regrets it, so it's not like it's Against the show's narrative to judge lestat for what he did during this episode.

[@AnxietyRat]

13:19 the DV trigger warning was something that was added like a couple of days after the episode aired... When it first aired it did NOT have a trigger warning at the beginning and people were understandably upset about it. So I'm kind of glad they did add one into the beginning of the episode... I definitely would have appreciated it on my first watch.

[@jadibdraws]

When I first watched this episode, I cried so hard. It was specifically the part where they were fighting through the house and claudia was looking at herself in the mirror with the blood trickling from her forehead and calling out for Louis begging them to stop. Stirred up some old feelings in me really identified her in the moment being raised by ppl in a bad marriage.

[@emmaatkinson7379]

Yeah it's messed up the showrunners didn't give a warning at the start. Put so much effort into the writing, such care, but only give a TW so late it's ridiculous. The ending of this episode was triggering as hell!

[@lovelaced]

rashid is such an interesting character to me lol i feel like you’ve gotta be all kinds of weird to take a job like this

[@HannahG-nk2mf]

#1 real freak Rashid 😉

[@lovelaced]

@@HannahG-nk2mf the way his eyes rolled back when he was getting drank from..louis hired a freak

[@BG-kn3nt]

I wonder how you even get a job like his. Is it on LinkedIn? And what’s the role description???😂

[@lovelaced]

this episode was suuuper divisive when it aired (and i fully understand why) but i think it’s quite good!

[@--ArcAngel--]

The first rule of vampire club is you never talk about vampire club. 😂

[@icedchy]

You: “Vampires aren’t real.” Me: *watching a vampire react to a vampire show* 🤨

[@MovieMan101]

I CAN'T BEAT THE VAMPIRE ALLEGATIONS

[@simple_scribe]

Im sure there'd be lots of vampire truthers if Anne Rice had insisted that interview with the vampire was with a real vampire that she met.

[@b3z3jm3nny]

So mad that people have been spoiling this for you :(

[@lakedentist4819]

Of course people can’t help themselves… ugh…

[@b3z3jm3nny]

@@lakedentist4819ugh people just love to make coy comments hinting at what’s to come and they’re never as subtle as they think they are :( let the man think what he thinks episode by episode

[@emorymcc]

You’re not wrong! It’s okay to love the character (I do) and not excuse him. The show isn’t even asking you to excuse his actions. You have to let the tale seduce you as they say ep1! Once you’ve finished you should listen to Sam and Jacob discuss it, it’s very insightful.

[@cullenarthur8879]

Lestat and Louis marked Tom Anderson and the police chief because they realized that Anderson had lured them to the speakeasy under the pretext of asking for a campaign donation so that the police could search their home while they weren't there. When they realized this, Lestat stopped time so they could mark Anderson and the chief as a warning to stay away from them.

[@call_rickey]

y’all idk if you think it’s not a spoiler, DON’T MENTION ANYTHING THAT HAPPENS IN S2. i promise you you’re not being nearly as vague as you think you are

[@ginouclint7845]

God I love this reaction! Thank you for the rant about Lestat. I agree with you! Stay away from spoilers! book or otherwise. And I repeat you don't need to listen to anyone but yourself as far as I've seen you are great at nuance and picking up what you need to. Your anger is justified, the show wants you angry at Lestat, Nothing excuses his actions here against Louis and Claudia. The thing this show is amazing at is showing you the good, the bad and the downright horrendous and give each person nuance! And you get to make your mind up. I think that is why Rolin Jones (the producer) doesn't comment on it, there's no need to state what's plain. Domestic abuse is Domestic Abuse.

[@milenacosta8299]

I think one of the most harrowing parts of that last scene is that the song that plays at the end is “Home Is Where You’re Happy” by Charles Manson, a great callback to Daniel’s mention of him earlier in the episode. The background history of the song complements so well that chilling last shot of Lestat, while the title and cheery tone of the song juxtaposes the violent and heartbreaking events that just transpired. Perfect way to end it!

[@shara-v6074]

It's also interesting that Daniel was comparing Charles Manson to Claudia, but the end of the episode implies that Lestat is far more like him than she is. He's the "head of the family" who started all this by using his charm to lure in Louis at a vulnerable moment and encouraged both Louis and Claudia to embrace violence.

[@deegloss]

Oooh thats interesting! I didn't know who that man is so I never caught the implications of the song

[@sunflowersweeet]

You hit the nail on the head on all my thoughts about this episode! There is no excusing what happened here. None of these characters are perfect, all their faults have reason, but they should all be held accountability for their mistakes, it is what it is! That ending DV scene is still really tough for me to watch because of my own experience, but man is it powerful. And even though I hate Lestat for beating the hell out of Louis, I can never help but feel a little something when he begs for Louis to admit he doesn't love him. And then I feel even MORE when Louis refuses because he knows and we ALL know that he LOVES Lestat back. And that's the crux of their issues tbh...too much love and not enough healthy processing of their issues.

[@tiffanyhill-rice5126]

busts in your mouth GOODBYE SIR. i just howled laughing.

[@t.j._fury]

Since no one else has addressed this in the comments yet; Rashid isn't saying that regular people will come for Louis after the book is published. He is saying other Vampires are going to come for him. It is against Vampire rules to reveal themselves to humans unless they are going to kill them, let alone have it written down & published. They will come for him, and they will come in force.

[@Sicariav]

Dude, spoiler.

[@t.j._fury]

@@Sicariav I'm not saying anything they didn't already say in the show/episode.

[@rogersjgregory]

Lestat is a very passionate character. He does everything with passion, with enthusiasm, especially killing. He is also very controlling, because he is their maker, he feels like they owe him everything and should appreciate him more, but he also feels like he owns them. A controlling, passionate psychopath is bound to have anger issues.

[@XHeartCriztalx]

everyone stop with the hints and reminders omgggg

[@ItsTella_]

dude, I'll be honest, you've literally been my favorite person to watch react to this show. I absolutely love the way you dissect the events of the episodes, and don't ever feel guilty for feeling what you feel. The series itself says, "Let the tail seduce you", don't let anyone here deprive you of that 😂

[@ArmandXPS]

First time commenter. I love your videos. You’re a fun and amazing dissector of the movies and tv shows on your channel. I started watching your IWTV videos and have watched more of your other videos, and I just love your commentary. Your talent on reviewing videos is really great. Can’t say that enough. I can’t wait for you to get into season 2 of IWTV videos. This series blew my mind and I’m a big Anne Rice fan who’s read all of her books. The creatives of this series have done such an amazing job with the books, with little creative changes to make them better for the conversion to the big screen. I hope no one spoils anything for you, but season 2 is going to blow your mind! (not trying to rush you, but seeing your love for the series, you are going to love season 2 even more than you think you can imagine). Thank you for giving me the feeling of reliving the excitement of watching these moves/series again for the first time. I have nobody to share my excitement of these shows with, as my friends have zero interest in my entertainment preferences so I live vicariously online on KZbin. I hope to one day maybe to get to participate in a live chat on here with you, if you ever do these. But I can only see your channel growing and growing with your fun and great attitude to all the variety of entertainment you comment on. Keep up the great work and can’t wait to see your channel grow and grow. ❤ (not trying to sound too silly, but your channel has just entertained me so much! It’s much appreciated)

[@MovieMan101]

Thank YOU so much for watching and leaving a comment! I appreciate your kind words and the support

[@King_Jonghyun]

when I finished watching this episode I had to take a break from the series to fully process the absolute madness, it's a lot 😭

[@blackcatkyoto]

Me too! I took a two week break 😂

[@LadyGreensleeves33]

Oh there's not much you can say to excuse this. Vampires be monsters and rapid healing makes it slightly less of a blatant murder attempt? 😅 This was Lestat's temper entirely losing control. Though this being shown from Claudia's POV does not do him any favors.

[@AnxietyRat]

Yeah, the majority of fans can't and don't excuse Lestats behaviour in this episode. This episode exists to point out the fact that Lestat is a vampire that is hundreds of years older than Louis... He can very very easily overpower him. Louis didn't stand a fucking chance in that fight once Lestat decided to actually do some damage. But yeah I think you're feeling about Lestat EXACTLY the way that the show wants you to feel about him at this point. It was a really difficult episode to get through towards the end for a lot of people... It brought up a lot of difficult feelings for a lot of the fans... There was definitely some backlash within the fandom because lestat's physical abuse is not THIS severe in the books ... They do have a couple of physical fights but it's never quite to this level... So book fans were pissing their pants about it saying it was out of character for Lestat, which it isn't (book or show version), basically... But yeah thankfully most of the fans dont excuse this... Of course there are a handful who do, unfortunately... But I'd say the majority of people that I interact with in this fandom agree that his actions were inexcusable... there are definitely reasons for why he acted the way that he did and there are specific reasons why Lestat is as powerful as he is... I'm not quite sure if they will get into that in season 3 or if they will hold off and wait til season 4 to delve into it... Because we don't have a lot of information about what EXACTLY they're going to tackle in season 3... But they will eventually explain why he's very powerful because he is technically more powerful than most 200ish yr old vamps.... But even still if he was at a normal power level he's still 1 million percent would have been able to overpower Louis because age equals strength with vamps.... Louis might have been able to hold his own slightly more but... He was NEVER going to win this physical fight.

[@serralinda73]

What you are feeling about Lestat and this twisted, toxic relationship is legitimate and it's exactly what you should be feeling at this point in the story. If people are telling you differently, they are speaking from having more information, which the show has not provided yet (and, IMO, doesn't ever really contradict this view). Their relationship is a disaster at this point, but...let's be as objective as possible and admit that Louis is telling the story (1), and he's not entirely some pathetic abuse victim only here (2). He has done his fair share of purposefully or passive-aggressively damaging Lestat, punishing Lestat emotionally for "cursing" him with vampirism (even though, in Louis's words, he agreed to it in the middle of a bloodbath/massacre), making him admit to himself that he's gay, etc. This epic fight is just the bomb finally going off to release all that resentment and frustration and betrayal (on both sides). And yes, Lestat has the advantage and uses it here. It's brutal but Louis's refusal to say, "I love you, too/I never loved you," is his way of trying to hurt Lestat just as deeply as he's being hurt physically. We sympathize with Louis and Claudia because these are their words and their side of the story. That doesn't make any of them "good people" (whatever that means). None of them are "good people" - they're just people, good and bad and everything in between. Lestat is a fan favorite, but it's not because of this part of the story, not Book One/Season One. Lestat views being a vampire as a release from society's opinions and moral rules and outsider judgments - it's freedom. Turning Louis should have (Lestat believed/expected) made him free from caring about racism and homophobia and making money and family responsibility. But Louis has very stubbornly been clinging to "human" concerns and morality, trying to use their situation to become a "somebody" rather than understanding that he's been somebody the whole time and doesn't need to prove it through other people's opinions of him. He's still - at this point in the backstory - playing the victim and blaming everyone around him for his own choices. I believe his new interview is Louis trying to finally take responsibility for the role he played in all this trauma and drama, rather than blaming everything on Lestat being a giant manipulative asshole (which he can be and has been at times, let's be real).

[@MariaVitoria-me4tq]

I like how Daniel put Rashid out of the room with the coffee refill excuse, that put an end in a veeeery invasive and uncomfortable conversation for both Daniel and Rashid

[@Atomic0range]

Lestat’s actions are indefensible. I think that’s why some people put so much effort into trying to defend him… because they love him despite the awful things he does. It’s OK to still love him, but they want it to be *morally correct* and I think that’s just an unrealistic expectation.

[@lenoraGrayce]

One of the reasons people believe that Anne Rice’s character of Claudia was such a good vampire, I.e.killer, i.e. predator was because she lived so little of her life as a human, and she knew more of life as a vampire than as a human with human morals. even more so in the book because she is only five when she has turned. Lestat doesn’t admits it, but she is more like him than she is Louis.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Yep claudia takes after lestat

[@DontDrinkTheLuminol]

The song at the end (“Your home is where you’re happy…”) is Charlie Manson, a nod to Daniel’s mention of him earlier. Unfortunately, it really is a bop.

[@MxMelissa6]

Watch. Pay attention. Feel your feelings. Process what you see. This story is only beginning and there is much to be revealed. These beautiful monsters are complex, nuanced and not to be excused for their actions whatsoever. Yet we must continue to let the story unfold with the understanding that these are all unreliable narrators. Enjoy the ride!

[@Calswei]

I am so excited for you to see season 2!

[@jadibdraws]

As a person who likes Lestats' character as in finding him interesting. I do not understand how some Lestats fans excuse how awful his behavior is towards Louis & Claudia is. Its a big reason why the major events in the book interview with a vampire happens.

[@chooseyourmonster]

In all my time in this fandom I have never actually seen anyone excuse Lestats behaviour in episode 5, no matter how much they like him. I feel like it‘s pretty obvious that this was fucked up. Not specific to this episode, but in general I want to say we have to differentiate between „excuse“ and „explanation“. Because there are always explanations for behaviour, sometimes good ones, but it doesn‘t excuse anything. It has happened before that I wanted to engage in conversations and add some thoughts and immediately got jumped even though it wasn‘t my intention to excuse certain behaviour.

[@glittermethis]

Words have meaning. I agree, people seem to not understand the difference between excuse and explanation.

[@orangemarmalade77]

I'm not even going to talk about the concluding scenes (except to say to keep expressing your thoughts because they're valid) because everyone has said it all already, but I do want to say that the scene with Louis and Grace in the cemetery kills me every single time. The way he continues to grasp her hand even as she's walking away for the last time, when she's already gone 😭 Daniel Hart's music there is incredible and the track that plays over the ending scenes, "Vicious," is incredible too. Looking forward to seeing what you think of the rest of the season!

[@Rothchild0310]

Best episode of the season, love your reactions and commentary

[@acecake2052]

You’re 100% correct in how you felt about this episode, LeStat’s actions are irredeemable and yeah, there’s plenty of ‘’’’’reasons’’’’’ consistent with his character that WOULD motivate him to do that. It’s absolutely in character behaviour but at the same time, it’s awful. Please don’t feel like you’re meant to find some type of excuse/justification for what he did just because LeStat stans (would you call them LeStans?) go hard for him. I think I remember reading similar comments on your first episode and it frustrated me. How tf are you meant to pick up on unreliable narrators from the first episode?? Fans would do well to remember what Louis tells Daniel about ‘letting the tale seduce you’. Feel whatever you feel based on what you’re presented with, that’s the charm of this show. Whatever you feel when watching is what was intended by the creators and (WITHOUT GIVING AWAY ANYTHING) all I’ll say is I can’t wait for you to watch season 2 and then reflect BACK on episodes like this one.

[@androd1279]

I love how thought provoking your commentary is. I really enjoy your reactions. Thanks for continuing on with the show!

[@MovieMan101]

Thank YOU for coming along for the journey

[@anarudiaz]

As someone who has loved Lestat for literal decades, I was absolutely devastated by this episode the first time I saw it lol

[@iwishiwasthemoon]

about molloy's subjectiveness as a journalist...i'm also a journalist (although vastly unexperienced) i've learned that most great journalists are almost never impartial, as it's human nature to have a perspective and for that to seep into your own work, i think one of the great qualities of his character are his own opinions and perspectives, specially in comparison to tbe previous interview (he commented that on the first episode, he wasn't digging enough about louis' inconsistencies). also, your reactions are so good! love the commentary and insights :)

[@erick7895]

I want to say that I always look forward to your reactions now, so good!

[@missririblaQ]

Wow, thank you very much for your reactions ❤ I'm enjoying them so much, I also love the pauses 😊

[@MovieMan101]

Thank YOU for watching! Appreciate the support and I"m glad you're along for the ride

[@niyah7139]

Lestat doing all of this because he thinks that Louis hates him. Meanwhile Louis is in love with him, but he can't express it to Lestat. I feel really bad for Louis

[@tabstyle01]

I love your commentary. I watch a lot of reaction videos to IWTV and your opinions are very thorough and thoughtful. I love this show!

[@MovieMan101]

Appreciate the kind words, thank YOU for watching!

[@skyflower833]

Love your reactions man, thank you!!!

[@Dark-fr3gk]

I've never seen Midnight Mass but the way you connected the line "you reached through time and you stole from me" is super interesting. I might have to watch that now.

[@Dark-fr3gk]

There are so many perspective comments in this video this might be my favorite iwtv reaction to date.

[@MovieMan101]

Hard recommend for sure! I love Mike Flanagan's work, and Midnight Mass is currently my favorite of his

[@HannahG-nk2mf]

I know the after show clip didn’t give much info for the fight scene, but it allows the audience to form their own conclusions and Rolin just don’t want to give too much away (wont say anything more bcuz even vague comments might spoil) I believe you’re supposed to see Lestat the way you’re interpreting him & his actions, so I think you’re doing an excellent job processing the events & the narrative. Your attention & understanding is why I love your reactions! ❤ I absolutely cannot wait for you to see the future revelations in this season and especially S2! PS. I loved when Daniel got that slap in 😂 I’m proud of him. Fair is fair! There’s something captivating about a man who will purse the truth even to his detriment or give a just hit even when it endangers himself

[@irxna2464]

54:54 trust me, there's a lot of fighting in the fandom because of this. there are ppl who coddle lestat and try to soften or deny his abuse, which is crazy because the show makes it very clear that this shit is Wrong. as someone who loves lestat it pissed me off because trying to make him better than he is defeats the whole purpose of his character. and as someone who LOVES louis and claudia it pisses me off even more because they do not deserve any of this!!! they have their flaws, as anyone does, but lestat has power over them in so many ways and he used that power to abuse them basically, ignore the "mutual abuse" "louis is no saint" weirdos, they are a loud minority in the fandom (thank God)

[@gbekeee858]

They were out here saying Louis abused Paul too so crazy

[@irxna2464]

@@gbekeee858 i saw it!! and yeah louis was violent towards paul in ep1, but violence =/= abuse, especially if we are comparing it to what lestat does throughout the series. but when they start saying that louis was emotionally abusing lestat???? crazy stuff

[@sunflowersweeet]

I've seen people say Louis deserved this and "what did he expect" simply because he was "neglecting" Lestat emotionally and sexually while he was quite literally depressed. It's INSANE.

[@gbekeee858]

@@irxna2464 exactly!! they were trying to make up shit about louis to justify lestat dropping him from the sky. I understand louis is far from perfect and has his own issues but to come up with saying he abused paul or emotionally abused lestat is crazy. I couldnt believe ppl were actualy actually agreeing with that shit.

[@mixmymusicplease]

Do not let the stans silence you lol your reading is yours

[@pisto30]

I disaagree 100% about Daniel needing to know what happened to Claudia. That was her trauma and it wasn't Louis's to talk about. He was protecting his sister

[@shannonmitchell167]

@@pisto30 Daniel was being an asshole bc he knew what happened without those pages. But screw Louis. 'I won't have her exploited'? You didn't have the right to allow this man, or Rasheed, to read through Claudia's personal thoughts and feelings.

[@deeatlman7079]

Another great review and I 💯 percent agree with your assessment on the DV scene, especially when I was at the point of the show you are in. I literally had to sit in silence for a while after the episode was over. What I will say as well is Lestat is a complex character and he eventually did suck me back after watching all the episodes. I look forward to more reviews and insight from you.

[@kennyawilliams3673]

9:02 I agree. They are not the same thing. Claudia was documenting the last words of her victims. Daniel was invited here to document Louis' hypothetical suicide. Rashid should direct his displeasure towards Louis, not Daniel. 29:31 That's what I said! They probably wouldn't have been ale to save her.

[@davidgalland3070]

I think we're all capable of keeping two sets of books in our heads when it comes whats going on in reality or the quality of a persons character. Self deception is my favourite pastime

[@blotcho84]

I loved the first season, and am loving your reaction and discussion of it!

[@doodleydooo945]

I love how excited you get when talking about your thoughts and opinions 😂 keep it up!

[@asavagegarden]

btw mike LOVES interview with the vampire so good reference point. i loved midnight mass too!

[@sophiamelinda1701]

You are not unjust in your feelings towards Lestat at all, and like you said there will be so much more context in the rest of the season and season two! I think one thing that I see a lot of people doing is applying our modern day moral compass to literal monsters -- absolutely the abuse is awful and inexcusable, but they literally also kill and eat people! There's a quote from Jacob Anderson I believe that sums that up well, he says something along the lines of allowing them to be the montsers that they are. They are all fucked up and insane and that's why I love them so

[@MoogieSRO]

Yeah the comments on any channel watching through this show is just full of people who spoil EVERYTHING. It's super frustrating and annoying. People think they need to give context or say things like "well you can't trust this character because blah blah" and it's like, why can't they just let people discover the story on their own terms? Why do they feel the need to remove all the goddamn mystery and discovery from it? I can't stand those people but they're literally everywhere and seem to have no self-awareness whatsoever.

[@lenoraGrayce]

Lestat would take extreme issue with you calling him “Human” 😅

[@aayushmaaryal7032]

Love lestat obviously but yeah you can’t excuse this particular episode. He honestly broke my heart. Not only bc it’s vampire show but DV like this happens in everyday and in every part of world.

[@daizzyify]

People will say “oh wait till season 2” but it doesn’t change anything. He’s still sucks. Nothing justifies this scene.

[@jadibdraws]

Season 2 kinda made him look even worse, tbh without saying too much.

[@paulrosner1967]

He does not "suck" lol. He's evil and twisted and this show would be boring existential navel pondering if this character wasn't on the show. The show as a whole needs his fucking awesome evil ass to upset the namby pamby LIL preciouses who get offended by a fictional evil vampire.

[@glittermethis]

@@paulrosner1967​​⁠ I’m not sure why people think it’s wrong to love a complex fictional character like Lestat. We know who he is and we still love him…just like Louis. Doesn’t mean we agree with everything he says or does. I literally laughed at his ass all through the TOTBT, while also feeling sad for him because…reasons. I wish people would understand this tv show is grounded in the source material of complex characters and themes. We are meant to root for the monsters or at least understand from their POV. These are not Disney vampires. Some people really need to consume G rated media and protect their energy.

[@evangelinasmusic]

I love Lestat but I don’t consider myself a Lestat apologist 😂 But that’s okay because he’s a fictional character and a monster. He was wrong for dis. 1:00:37

[@Obsessed.Since_2010]

53:33 the music made this scene a lot more joyous, danced instead of sobbed

[@tvaddict6623]

The music you added to the fight scene made it even more eerie!

[@Obsessed.Since_2010]

Lestats action In this episode- I can explain them- but i certainly can’t excuse them bro really BEAT that man. Very excited for you to see season 2 :)

[@jomiasharris357]

Louis put up a fight and his about that life, but he physically could not beat Lestat he's older, wiser, and had blood that makes him stronger than average

[@yangsrightarm3767]

omg i'm so excited this episode is sooooooo crazy :0 Also I love the music they use in the end fight it's so good

[@KarinaLune]

Several times in this video I paused to “like” though I already had. Love your commentary!

[@zombiemom7378]

Goodness, I can't wait for you to get to season 2. Loving these reactions!

[@meleh_m]

And there is nothing I hate more than those people who justify this abuse with "they were both actively fighting". No shit. Because its an equal fight between an ancient vampire and Louis.

[@lovelaced]

HE’S BACK!!!

[@emmaatkinson7379]

Dude there is nothing. Nothing. Like seeing someone you love get abused in front of you, see them getting hurt badly, and hear them say "oh don't worry, we're done, just stay down, everything's going to be ok" like. This is vampire stuff but it's also just abusive family stuff, and I do NOT care about Lestat's perspective here or what alternate version of events he feels happened. If Claudia wanted to hate him for the rest of her life because of what he did, in this episode with Louis, I'm sitting here supporting her. Screw him and all his feelings, there is no excuse or justification. Props to you for another great reaction, keen for another:)

[@Yiningwu5622]

That absolutely broke my heart when I heard it

[@maryammohammed4779]

' the vampires out there are vicious '

[@jaginaiaelectrizs6341]

Love your closing commentary/thoughts!

[@lovelaced]

i think lestat is an amazing character and can also recognize that the way he acts throughout the season, especially this episode, is appalling! it’s not that hard lol i feel like book fans are wayyy too overprotective of his character and forget that he’s done awful things in the books too (although that may be a little easier to dismiss bc anne rice was weirdly obsessed with making characters do rly fucked up things and then having them be forgiven or not face any consequences). you can recognize that his actions are influenced by stuff he’s gone through in the past and come from a place of hurt without tripping over yourself to defend him!

[@brenda2789]

Lestat is always much more brutal when seen from Claudia's POV

[@nkechi4635]

Oof yeah I remember this episode was rough as hell

[@AFellowGeekGirl1]

i've never seen that interview with the showrunner holy moly lmao -- i do generally believe the writers know what theyre doing and the severity of the sensitive material they're handling tho. hopefully that interview was just botched or smth lol

[@gbekeee858]

Yeah I was surprised that’s all he had to say about the abusive scene

[@tayleoanna6928]

Every time I watch this episode, I sob

[@maryammohammed4779]

no one denies that what lestat does here is absolutely horrifying btw, this ep left me feeling out of it genuinly. im looking forward to what you think of the following eps! these vids are a highlight of the week for me i always enjoy hearing what you have to say abt this show

[@davon1650]

Glad you also found the showrunner commentary for this episode oddly flippant and off-putting. "Louis never says it back." Lestat is very verbose with his love, but Louis's love language is clearly acts. And that's after we get Claudia's POV, which is clearly of having two (dramatic) parents in love. And Louis not hesitating to explain to her that he loves Lestat, in contrast to when he used to "pretend" to. I also found Claudia's arc to be really great this episode. You can take or leave the rape, but she had a complete breakdown, left, put herself back together again, and came back stronger. You actually see the mind of a fully grown woman.

[@nikkiwilger6377]

I really appreciate your style and thoughtful analysis. I hope you enjoy continued success.

[@yosrafaiz9857]

There is no excuse, no reason, no justification for what happens at the end of this episode. And i say that as someone who enjoys all of these characters. Sure, its a show about monsters. That doesnt justify dv. We can like these characters and still acknowledge when they're being awful !! Those two things can coexist To be fair to Rolin, he's not getting into the last scene for multiple reasons

[@l.josino]

15:15 somebody's getting decked 😂😂 lmaoooo

[@jaginaiaelectrizs6341]

Really sorry that so many comments have still been verging on spoilery for you! (Also, really sorry if any of my comments have too. I generally try to avoid saying anything spoilery or to give plenty of clear warning that I'm about to so people can nope out before seeing it at their own discretion, but I dunno if I always succeed at that very well or not.) It's so hard sometimes to talk about things in retrospect in the same way you might have done before that without having all the same info or context. Especially in this particular fandom, where deep thought / intensive discussions are so thickly interwoven into it all. But you do whatever you feel you have to do in order to preserve the best version of the watching experience for you that you can! 😊💖💖

[@rese9016]

I think sometimes people who love Lestat go a bit overboard with making excuses for him so they can go on loving him without feeling guilty about it, but I think that's something people should try to step away from. Like he's an interesting character with a lot of different facettes to him and you're allowed to love him without having to minimize some of his more horrible actions. It's all just fiction in the end.

[@Zer0_Insp4]

“Damn this dude has been spitting facts about Lestat (& all the other characters) all episode. Might have to check out his other videos…” 57:15 Slams subscribe button 😂😂😂

[@MovieMan101]

So happy whenever I have an excuse to talk about THE Handsome Jack

[@maryammohammed4779]

one thing i have to say is that the story of the first book is told in the first TWO seasons !!

[@Daring-ie1hf]

People woobify these vampires too much. Theyre evil!!! Louis is at least trying. But what Lestat did here was awful and theres no excusing that away. The show asks us to sit in and fully feel the awfulness and realize, time doesnt heal all wounds. Reconciliation and change are necessary. Otherwise things will continue to play out in this toxic manner into perpetuity because these people have no expiration date.

[@nothingbutintroverted4372]

y’all don’t spoil the show for people yes it’s complex and yes narratives go all over the place but let people watch the story without being spoiled

[@KamBB-gu3pv]

This ain’t funny but somebody said Lestat beat his ass from the first floor to the second floor 😂😂😂😂

[@osito1329]

I wanted to wait to comment about the "time stop" that Lestat does until you were a few episodes in. He isn't doing that. To keep it brief and as spoiler-free as possible: while vampirism as a whole is referred to as "the Dark Gift" there are a sub-group of Gifts. Cloud is flight (which we see this episode and back during E1 when Lestat and Louis were getting it on), Fire (we saw Louis use this to burn the tapes), and then Mind (which we see as telepathy to talk, and have seen when Lestat controlled the military men to leave their house after he was jealous about Louis hooking up with someone else, or when Lestat made Lily in E1 pass out so he could get it on with Louis) which with age also branches into telekinesis. The "time stop" is Lestat flexing telepathy and telekinesis at the same time to physically and mentally stop people from doing things. Also I just noticed the Cult of the Lamb figure in the background! Praise the Lamb!

[@b3z3jm3nny]

But in the poker game we see chips mid-air frozen in their fall?

[@osito1329]

@@b3z3jm3nny That's the telekinesis part of the Mind Gift (manipulating objects). I mean Season 3 might prove me wrong, but the director/writers have kept pretty close to the book series, so I'm more inclined to think its just a really flash way in a visual medium to show what old/powerful vampires are capable of with the Mind Gift.

[@b3z3jm3nny]

@@osito1329 ooh I see what you’re saying now, interesting

[@iabcesuu]

I like your reaction. It is exactly as it should be at this moment. It is very interesting to hear your opinion and to realize that I once felt the same. But this show is very confusing and ambiguous (mainly because the plot is told in the first person). Even now I do not know the explanation for many moments. It is very fascinating to analyze the actions of the characters when you have already seen the whole situation. You discover a lot of new things. I really like how all the characters are ambiguous, even "unpleasant". If all people were correct and emotionally mature, it would not be so dramatic to live this life, right? It will be very interesting to see what your final attitude to the characters will be, especially to Louis. And about Lestat, I want to note that he is not even in this story (I mean his opinions), this is also a very interesting point. "Odyssey of memories", right? I'll be happy to continue re-watching with you, and it's also good for my English;) (Sorry if the message seems strange to you, I wrote it through a translator).

[@ru-mg9dj]

mind you everything is from claudia's book so ppl saying stuff about difference in povs are just trying to cope coz I would rather believe claudia than I do those 2 men

[@Banyo__]

I've had people in comments in other places try to justify the violence to me. How is always my question...does this equal love to you? Mortal or immortal? One comment though resonated with me, and that's that, just like in real life, many people don't seem to recognize domestic violence between two males as valid because oh at least with a man vs woman, she's supposedly the weaker sex, but with two males, people don't think they can get hurt. I think some of that is definitely at play here especially given they are immortal, but I think had Lestat "been allowed" to go further than he did with shoving Claudia before Louis jumped in, the outcome of opinions would have been vastly different on what a so called loving person Lestat is.

[@jadibdraws]

@Banyo__ I think anybody who views that and doesn't see it as clear abuse and domestic violence is slow. It's so obvious that's what happening.

[@aliapistachio8125]

28:10 imperfect “human beings” 😂

[@HoundsBane]

One of the most harrowing episodes of the season/series & I have to say that I appreciate your edits 😂😂 🖤 50:36. Not picking up on the Notes. Someone was just talking about trying Beyonce’s new Whiskey 🥃 lol

[@simple_scribe]

Soooo satisfying to hear you call Louis out for what he did to Claudia. So many people just blame Lestat for being bitter and only see Louis as having "saved" Claudia's life.

[@daizzyify]

I think that one thing that makes it easy to excuse his action (for those that do) is his looks. They don’t want to admit it, but if he wasn’t conventionally attractive and white and Louis wasn’t a man and black, it would be harder for them to overlook 🤷🏾‍♀️ I’m just being honest. People don’t like to think of themselves as being that shallow but they are.

[@Yiningwu5622]

Yeah, if Lou was a woman and/or white there would be no way in hell this would be allowed to air at all. I'm not against dark or repulsive themes being touched on in fiction, and in general the portrayal of abuse and DV was done quite well imo, but I think it's quite clear that this level of brutality and violence was only palatable if it was inflicted on a black man.