INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE (02x04) *REACTION* "I WANT YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING IN THE WORLD"

[@PettyPumpkins]

Hey Pumpkins, we're unable to chat this week for a premier, but hope you enjoy the video and can't wait to chat with you next monday! 🩸✨

[@roseofthegarden_]

I think it's so interesting and fucked up that Armand was sold into sexual slavery as a young child, and had been "donated" to his masters friends occasionally, and then there's Louis, who used to be a pimp. He sold women essentially into sexual servitude. There's a power dynamic between Louis and Armand and although Armand is the stronger one, he clearly is weak for Louis, and there was a bit of a power shift on that bench. Louis calling him "Arun" (the name he had when he was in slavery) and Armand calling Louis "maitre" which is Armand's coven master title. It seems clear to me that Armand has more feelings for Louis than Louis does for him, and part of that is because Lestat is still at the forefront of his mind. Also, it's said by Jacob that Louis is the Lestat in this relationship. Armand often bends to Louis, even though he's harsh with everyone else and Louis has noticed that and uses it to his advantage.

[@MxMelissa6]

Such a great analysis of their relationship!

[@WAWA-yg4cg]

​@@MxMelissa6 Agreed!!

[@HuntingViolets]

Although this dynamic was present with Lestat ("I do everything for Louis") de Lioncourt too.

[@specificsoup]

I missed some stuff with his name. Was Arun his birth name and later he was called Amadeo? Or was the name Arun given to him when he was sold into slavery?

[@pjmnglow]

also i dont think the show is necessarly trying to make you symphatize with Armand, theyre just showing theres no BIG bad here just fucked up individuals who happen to have an immense amount of power which creates a tricky situation. Like louis said "all vampires are born out of trauma"

[@iwillcry]

well i would say theres definitely big bads, i'll never side with marius for instance.

[@cullenarthur8879]

​@@iwillcrywhy not? From what I read, Marius was actually very decent and sympathetic as far as vampires go. He tried to mentor both Armand and Lestat. He actually had a lot of respect for humanity, and only hunted evil doers. Marius was actually pretty moral and loving for a vampire.

[@obehiikhigbonoaremen1241]

​@cullenarthur8879 Two words? The Brothel

[@mercuriallady]

You asked if vampires are fun. The answer is only one of them: Lestat. That's kind of his whole thing in the novels, he is deeply traumatized and insecure but despite it all he enjoys his life and has fun. That's what makes him such a fantastic protagonist ❤

[@cullenarthur8879]

Exactly! Despite the trauma and darkness of being a vampire, Lestat said "fuck it! I'm going to make the best of this vampire thing!" That's why he's such a lovable character.

[@glittermethis]

Yes, most of these vampires are living the way they are now because Lestat’s bratty ass (said affectionately) blazed the way for them. They were all so far removed from human society. I don’t not mean just the basement dweller conditions that Armand’s cult was living under. The others were so remote. Lestat was living amongst humans with all the trimmings life has to offer. He really tries to make the best of every situation even when he fails.

[@Wattsupwithhybristophilia]

I can’t wait to see what genre of star Modern day Lestat will be!!!!!

[@LadyGreensleeves33]

There are ZERO fully innocent characters in this series 😂 Anne Rice was the patron saint of the morally gray before it was cool. They're all totally screwed up and homicidal and all have tragic backstories haha

[@freshPrincess626]

THIS. That's why it bothers me when fans try to hero-ize and villainize certain characters in media like this, bc it's like...do you not know what this IS?

[@claireelyse5992]

I love Armand. He’s a pathetic wet cat with immense power haha. I thought his backstory was so heartbreaking and really let’s us understand where he is coming from. I can’t wait to see what other crazy stuff he does!

[@freshPrincess626]

"a pathetic wet cat with immense power", RIGHT?? That dichotomy is SO GOOD, lol. And it's a trait I'm typically drawn to in vampire characters.

[@avogrid296]

DId you catch Louis calling Armand "Arun"? And then Armand called Louis "Maitre" -- what a power play! Love you guys and your reactions!!

[@luciaalicea8186]

I love Armand. He’s an interesting character and he’s so powerful it’s intimidating. What he did to the coven when Louis attacked Santiago in the restaurant had me shook and Assad (the actor playing Armand) looked so good doing it.

[@erick7895]

Now I'm sure Armand has a sub kink, that's why he chose to role play as a servant in s1 even though he's the most powerful one for now, and in some demented way it's caused by his past trauma, he served his maker with all the love, then he expected the same with lestat and now from louis who finally gave in, I believe he loves Louis but he probably knows it's a different game on the other side, so he starts playing mind games to not lose the comfort of the relationship, these vampires are freaks and I love it lol

[@Mulbert]

OMG I never connected the sub thing to his Rashid persona! I don't think we found out whose idea it was but from Armand's face when Louis fed on him at the dinner table he seemed very into it lol

[@plutobear1250]

I actually really like Armand LOL. Its not like Lestat is a saint anyways. I like all the main characters tbh! Theyre all charming in their own ways

[@yourvalentine3726]

Desperately agree. I always feel like a weirdo because I'm like Armand is really compelling as a character it's so fascinating

[@Mulbert]

Fellow Armand stan! Don't like how Louis is getting a bit back into his pimp persona at the end of the episode but maybe Armand's into it IDK

[@aniscofra]

So nice to find Armand fans! I find him utmost compelling!

[@charlierayed]

I like Armand as a character but I don't trust him at all 😅 And I just love the others more. Louis is my baby, Claudia has my heart & sympathy & Lestat was charming and fun to watch as a loveable villain. I do love any scene with Louis & Armand though!

[@iwillcry]

@thatveryvvitch_ It really is a big pet peeve of mine when people sum up his motives down to him wanting to manipulate Louis, when that's just one aspect of him. You could say the same about every other character. so it does piss me off when that's the only analysis he gets from some folk.

[@PureeTauruss]

I LOVE Armand. He's lived longer than them all so of course he's a dark person but all he wants is to be loved and Louie is playing with him because whole time he's still in a relationship with Lestat. Armand is so adorable how he longs for Louie's love and how he brought flowers 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@ReelPiscesPlays]

Louie has a thing for playing people. He’s playing Claudia too. The moment he got a new boo he spilled the secret and then continue to gaslight her about staying quiet when he knew Armand already knew. He lie on the way there talking about me and you and you and me and the whole time he seeing Lestat face. He chose Paris for a reason imo

[@freshPrincess626]

​@RowensARTstudio! Oh I was just about to reply to that person too, starting with "none of that is correct, booboo". These anti Louis people be SO unserious, lol.

[@gpeddino]

I like Armand. The character is mysterious and the actor really looks as if he carries the weight of centuries on his shoulders.

[@Banyo__]

In the books, it's easier I guess to see how Armand could be so hung up on Louis and Lestat. He was like that in regards to his master, the one who bought him. He wanted so desperately to love, impress, comfort, and be with him and for him to one day share his favor with him. His whole life has been about a power struggle he's been losing. Even when he has had power, he's never truly been in control. Also to agree with your point, I don't think there can be a happy vampire after a few lifetimes. You've heard all the music, gone to all the places, bought, slept with, seen, heard, watched everything there is to see, do, taste, touch, and feel, and so what's left? You just have endless time to f with other vampires and get involved in their drama and create your own because that's the only way to make it all interesting, but even that gets tired because like Louis and Armand, like an old married couple, you're having the same old fights over and over again.

[@KelliFranklin]

Lestat has to be the handsomest and most charming figment of anyone's imagination ever!

[@pjmnglow]

i dont think armand is cold in fact i think hes incredibly emotional (he has learned to hide it well ofc) you can feel hes desperate almost needy for love which i think has to do a lot with his backstory i mean his parents sold him, he was 15 being used in a brothel and then marius rescued him at 20 only to also use him but i bet armand at one point thought that what he had with marius was love cause i mean he had only known abuse till then and then that gets taken away, the next person he thought he could love was lestat which clearly didnt end well and now finally it seems theres a person that he loves that actually loves him back and hes DESPERATE to keep that, which leads to him clearly willing to do whatever to archieve that.

[@iwillcry]

he's SO vulnerable with Louis, it saddens me when some people don't see how much he cares and wants to be chosen first. (just like claudia) they mirror each other beautifully. these characters are complex, it would flatten his character to only perceive him as cold and manipulative.

[@zachbrehany2253]

So, with Claudia, there is an official graphic novel from her perspective. Interview With The Vampire: Claudia's Story. Follows mostly the of novel and film, but hey: it's something.

[@PettyPumpkins]

Wow- love knowing this- actually going to look into it - thank you!! 👀🤭

[@beriliumsphere107]

Marius is fine. He had to make sure that "Those who must be kept" were safe.

[@amyg9518]

I feel like you'd have understood Armand better if he'd explained how HIS last coven initiation went. He doesn't know right from wrong. He's only ever known wrong.

[@fortelewisandrew2426]

Armand is amoral in how he has done things for the past 514 years it's neither here nor there as long as he gets what he wants.

[@freshPrincess626]

​@@fortelewisandrew2426Ok? VAMPIRES are amoral (at best).

[@cullenarthur8879]

Is anyone else connecting the news article about Theatre de Vampire burning down with Louis developing his fire gift? He even said that it only seems to work when he thinks of something that pisses him off. I'm anticipating an eruption of Louis anger that causes the fire at the theater.

[@beautifulloly]

I was also iffy about Armand and I'm sure he has secrets like everyone in the show but he kinda won me over this episode idk i felt so bad for him 😭 He's so down bad for louis too and louis was using that ! Jacob said he was "the Lestat" of the relationship there. Armand is cruel with everyone but him tho. Like his entire life has been the coven for so long right ? Tbh i can't believe Louis called him Arun at the end that was sick 😭😭 I was wziting for your reaction i'm so happy 💞 Can't wait to see what happened with Young Daniel

[@freshPrincess626]

If he'd called him Amadeo, his sex slave name, that would've been sick. But Arun is his birth/true name.

[@itswessums]

HAPPY PRIDE YALL!!!!! So grateful for this sexy gay little vampire show that brings us all together! 🤗🏳️‍🌈

[@МиссВи-к3у]

Happy Pride Month ❤🎉 This season has so much symbolism, and I’m not attentive enough to catch a lot of it on my own. But upon reading reviews that uncover the meanings of some scenes I’m in awe of how deep the writing is.

[@freshPrincess626]

Ooh, which reviews? 👀

[@evenstarari]

Once again the actors brought their all! ❤ I have not read the books but from what I understand no character is black and white. I do personally think Armand was sharing something intimate about his past with Louis but then the writing follows that with him threatening Claudia to kinda expand on that point. Speaking of, my heart is breaking for Claudia 😭 trapped in the play, no coven on her side, Santiago with her diary, Louis not understanding her or picking her once again like give my girl a break 💔 I'm happy shes getting these moments with Madeleine for now 😭 also, my reaction to the trailer was the same! What the heck happened in SF? 😮

[@freshPrincess626]

The whole reason they're in Europe is Louis picking her. The whole reason he didn't leave her with the coven and bounce despite distrusting them on sight was him picking her. Bc SHE chose the coven. Her being triggered and FEELING as if Louis is choosing someone "over her" is valid, but that doesn't make it the truth. And honestly, the way they've developed this view of each other choosing someone/something "over" the other is part of their problem.

[@evenstarari]

@@freshPrincess626 I see what you're saying but I think ultimately what I meant to say is that, to me, Claudia is the most tragic character. Yes, she did make these choices but they were made from a place of never having had a true community. I agree that Louis made his choices for his reasons as well ( wanting Claudia to be happy most of all) but I still feel like the broken promises ("You carry him with you", "what happened to you and me, me and you") and miscommunications (Louis and Armand keeping the "secret" about Lestat) and not fully including her in those details really affects their relationship and behaviors. Additionally, Delainey Hayles has stated" I think she wanted Louis to be like, "Claudia, you're the first priority. Yes, I told Armand this, but my priority is you." But in that moment, it's clear that he picks Armand, and that's what it is. I don't think it's so much about what they did to Lestat. If she could, in her world, she'd be like, "Yeah, I did it. I'm going to do it again." It's the fact that, in this moment, Louis betrayed her. They had this plan, they were supposed to stick to it. She kept her end of the bargain, he didn't. He picked another one over her. And it's heartbreak and confusion, in a way. She's confused as to why it was so easy for him to give that up. He didn't know Armand this long. Why was it so easy for him to push her to the side again?" I know it's a show based on POV so you can't speculate on an objective "truth" but my heart can't help but feel like Claudia was never really set up for success. I really hope that made sense and explained a bit of my perspective!

[@OscarWild333]

I know Claudia’s play wasn’t her ideal situation but they totally ate with that can’t help but love Santiago, Ben Daniels is too good and I think he could be Claudia’s mentor bestie in another world I found Armand’s backstory heartbreaking and beautifully acted and I love that almost all of these characters are sympathetic AND awful at the same time, it’s so true to Rice’s writing idk if you guys caught that Louis was basically saying goodbye to Lestat on that bench? that’s how I read it anyway that scene was so sad to me

[@cyanrose499]

Us knowing that Armand possibly did something to Louis' memories and his arguement Louis where he says "are you sure about that?" so flippantly almost made me lose it! Like wtf Armand??? I'm appreciating him more as another messed up character sho just wants to be loved and needed but wow that felt like the first time he's overtly taunted Louis who was feeling super embarrassed, confused and vulnerable at that time.

[@HuntingViolets]

Santiago taunting Louis is giving Hannibal Lecter to Clarice about her accent and her shabby shoes. Stellar performances.

[@michaelqualls6509]

I cant wait till next sunday

[@PettyPumpkins]

Us either!!! The rest of the season is sure to be explosive!! 😍

[@rondickey7116]

This was another good show, I got to feel Claudia's hatred for playing a little girl, I think Armand might be doing it to get on Claudia's nerves a little. We also see Claudia and her friend slowly get closer, but when Louis went and grabbed Santiago's tongue, Louise was like, keep fifen with me, see what happens. I love it!

[@PettyPumpkins]

Oh yes, Armand is definitely doing it to demean and punish her! We went a little icy on him because we love her so!!! 🤭

[@cullenarthur8879]

All of the comments about the change in the dynamic between Louis and Armand are right on. Especially at the end, it is shown that Louis is falling back on his experience as a pimp to exert power over a former sex worker. Armand definitely has a sub fetish. He loves giving power over to his partner. Even though he is the most powerful vampire in the show, he loves giving over that power. Knowing Armands history, it definitely adds a different perspective on Daniels off hand insult to Armand/Rashid last season. He called Armand a rent boy. There's no way he could have known how much that probably hurt Armand, considering earlier in his life, he was forced to be a rent boy.

[@beriliumsphere107]

I worried for a second I wouldnt get my fix of my boys. Relief.

[@PettyPumpkins]

Hope you enjoyed!! 😘

[@TaylorJohnson1]

The gworls are forgetting that whoopin Lestat gave Louis...🤣 #TerrorTwink

[@BigFanOfManyThings]

Seeing all the talks with hallucination Lestat helps fill us in on Louis and lestat’s lives between what we saw in season 1. Amongst the fighting and aloofness and violence sometimes, they did have lovely casual moments. Sitting on a bench chatting, Lestat helping Louis with advice about his hobbies, telling him sweet loving things, laughing and making jokes. They were together 30 years, and louis’ ‘ghost Lestat’ became more and more like the side he loved to see most of him as the season went. Louis first saw Lestat as a bloodied corpse with his throat cut telling him he was coming to kill him, then the cut was clean and he sat in silence as Louis gave hard and soft words to Claudia, then there was no cut and Lestat made crude jokes, then he wore light clothing and told Louis things he needed to hear that armand wouldn’t. Lastly, Lestat was wearing louis’ favourite suit, he was soft, without fight and talking as louis’ inner thoughts rather than lestat’s personality. One last sweet line about Lestat adding louis’ name to his pocket and he fades with the rain. I truly thought this meant ghost Lestat was gone for good but it’s not. He still pops up when louis’ psyche would rather have him around instead of Armand. Lestat fading away really made me tear up, any show that does the whole ‘ghost of beloved I must now let go of’ trope wins in my mind ❤

[@Wattsupwithhybristophilia]

I don’t see ANYONE mentioning Raglan James! He’s a key player. A rogue talamascan. Has Daniel met Lestat already and he didn’t know it? Was it Raglan? Was it Lestat?

[@glittermethis]

I’ve been trying not to spoil stuff whenever I comment. I was hoping to see what the show watchers thought about him . He is a big deal. Hopefully, the chatter will pick up about him.

[@mandyb2245]

Claudia's channeling Shirley Temple!

[@KimLarae366]

I love watching this series with you. I loved your reaction to Lestat disappearing in the rain. 🩶

[@JuniorMarzy]

I like Santiago with Claudia not him messing with Louis either. He’s charming and creepy and a good mentor in his own unique way.

[@charlierayed]

Definitely disagree with the "why doesn't Louis just join the coven". He's the only borderline happy vampire, everyone else is absolutely miserable! P.s As a fellow Louis stan you're my favourite reactors for this show but can you please be careful about potential spoilers 😅 I'm waiting till this ends to watch the film but I can guess a couple plot lines feom.what you've said

[@PettyPumpkins]

But he’s practically in the Coven 😭 literally sits in on meetings- dating the leader of the Coven, related to another. And we don’t actually mean “join” - it’s hyperbolic. And sorry about the spoilers 😅😅

[@1nellychick]

Yay! I’ve been waiting for this! 😊

[@Mulbert]

I loved this but also next week cannot come fast enough!! I ship Daniel and Armand so much 👀👀

[@keishie23]

Amazing performances this episode ❤❤

[@PerfectlyImperfect93]

Yay!! I love you guys!❤😆

[@HuntingViolets]

"The coven requires a letting go of the self." What is this, the House of Black and White? I don't think she knew she was joining the Faceless Men.

[@Glo419]

Delainey Hayes is a great singer but the song was…not so much. And Louis & Armand’s answers to Daniel about the new show….so contradictory, so funny! “Are you schizophrenic Louis?” Personally, I’m leaning towards yes he is. Actually, I just think that he’s haunted by Lestat cuz he still loves him & not only the vampire bond. Armand certainly does NOT like Louis talking about ‘the secret’ at all. Claudia & the dressmaker, do we know her name? Wow, Armand is pissed at Claudia & Santiago! Armand is wicked powerful cuz he’s so old. The movie is different as far as the relationships between all the main characters. So of course, the books are also different from the show. I’m enjoying the show the most, then the books, then the movie. I never enjoyed Santiago in the movie or the books but this one of the show, is awesome!! That episode really ended abruptly, holy shit! Was I getting that right?? In the scenes from next week, both Armand & Louis drank from Daniel????? Again, almost every time Lestat was on screen, his ‘ghost or presence’ was so funny! I'm hoping we actually see Lestat, in the flesh before the end of Season 2.

[@legaultrants]

Lestat has a type, and that type is depression.

[@iwillcry]

Armand and Claudia are the characters that make this season what it is. So much interesting stuff happens outside of them but they're what I'm here for this time around.

[@whatadollslife]

😂😂 I called Armand Louis's probation officer ,trying to control Louis

[@TheViralLockerrRoom]

Why was Armand dressed like Carmen Sandiego?

[@PettyPumpkins]

He was serving!! 😂

[@mialeshae8661]

I'm with Louis. Claudio chose the coven and Louis doesn't have to deal with rules that Claudio does because he didn't join. That's HER fault, not his.

[@stellamusungu7902]

12:43 I close my eyes and all I hear is the late Alan Rickman playing as Severus Snape. If they ever do a remake, he'd be an excellent candidate.

[@dcemerald70]

I really do feel bad for Claudia as she really wanted to find a home with this coven only for her to realize that maybe her home with Louis wasn’t so bad. I dread the possible danger that’s coming not just for her, but Louis and Armand as well. I am too curious to see what happened int the original interview. 🧛🏻‍♂️🧛🏾🧛🏾‍♀️🧛🏽🩸🖤

[@yanikdumont4619]

Love your vid 😀❤ i started watching you guys at Wednesday reaction and now they are fimling season 2 i cant wait to see the show and your reaction 🙂👍

[@Simplordbrudda]

Hii I love yall

[@JuniorMarzy]

Armand has jealous tendencies and obsessive and clingy tendencies. Louis has a type but he never hit Louis so that’s a point. And he is controlling not Lestat level but still. I like Armand as a person but Louis deserves better.

[@LavenderViolet536]

"Armand is selfish," and then "Armand ruins everything." YES! This. 1000% This! I cannot with Armand.... ETA: I am aware that Lestat is also selfish and could be accused of ruining everything, but he is my baby and I don't care. I never claimed to be consistent. 🤷‍♀🤪

[@PettyPumpkins]

THIS 🤣 we understand completely!

[@TheViralLockerrRoom]

You guys need to react to Gen V before the new seaon of the Boys starts.

[@PettyPumpkins]

We’re actually sitting down to film Gen V in 10 hours! 😘🤣 and The Boys Season 3 binge will be out this week! 💜

[@TheViralLockerrRoom]

@@PettyPumpkins Can't wait! Gen Z is a wild ride.

[@anasofy2572]

You need to watch The Movie Queen of DAmed that film is about the life of Lestat afetar 100 years Lestat is a Rock Star is very good

[@stevenjump8234]

I hope you guys react to Dead Boy Detectives. It's a good show.

[@PettyPumpkins]

Dead Boy Detectives was not on our radar and it came out of nowhere for us, so we decided we’re going to do it- but once our schedule has died down! It’s definitely coming though.

[@stevenjump8234]

@@PettyPumpkins It's actually set in the same world as The Sandman, but it's not really needed to watch before DBD.

[@LoneRanger-et7gq]

I need MORE Ben Daniels. Armand is definitely lying about his origin story. Oh, and happy Pride. 🏳️‍🌈❤

[@remholloway2579]

Armand isn’t lying… although he probably is slightly exaggerating his relationship with his maker (at least going off of the books)

[@welq3616]

He's not lying 🙄🙄

[@HuntingViolets]

Anybody could play this little girl. One of the guys could. And Claudia can easily play an adult. Most women are not that tall, especially post-War. Not Santiago standing up for Claudia instead of Louis's doing it. I'm sure he has his reasons, though.

[@eldritchbaobun9976]

You mean to tell me that to maintain control of a coven that doesn't want him, Armand has to treat Claudia like shit and Louis is letting him? Given what happens later that's some fuckshit. And now these queens are in the present living it up in Dubai!? Nah, I'm throwing hands when I see Jacob Anderson...XD

[@cullenarthur8879]

Armand is treating Claudia like any other member of the coven. She has been lying to them from day one and neglected her duty to clean up the corpse from the basement. Why should she get special treatment? She wanted more than anything to join them, and now she has to deal with her consequences. Armand is actually taking a huge mercy on her by not revealing that she has been lying and that she killed her maker to the rest of the coven. He is putting himself in danger by keeping her secret. Louis warned her that this was dangerous and that they should leave. She told him to mind his business and that she needed this. She shouldn't look to Louis to use his relationship with Armand to earn her special treatment.

[@charlesking8943]

I read the book when it was introduced and was the big drama in literature, it was a success. Then saw the Tom n Brad movie and was really impressed. It’s the closest adaptation. Seeing this version.. not much of a fan. Hollywood was again took a great story and make many many changes so now we are essentially getting a new new story with the title of the book and it’s characters. Not that the actors are untalented.. but acting in a brand new story using a title and characters from a different story. For me it gets exhausting to watch Hollywood regurgitated old stories in a “new “ way. Just write your own story and characters… oh.. that’s right.. it’s because they can’t write only plagiarize. But as a new story I was ok with it. Full of drama and good acting. I just can’t.. I loved the original, any other “version “ just doesn’t work for me. Kinda eating a frozen dinner and calling it cuisine.

[@LexiMackenea-tt5ts]

Happy pride month yall!! ❤ @pettypumkins

[@PettyPumpkins]

Happy Pride!!!! ❤🏳️‍🌈