foxtaco - IWTV S2 EP 6 REACTION

45 mins in and I AGREE! At this point in time, Louis is gaining confidence, falling back into his old pimp persona, and thinks he has a hold of things. He thinks Armand's confession of love means he is safe, that he has a dominant hold over him due to Armand's past. Couldn't be farther from the truth. Like you said, Louis thinks he's running things, but Armand has his own stuff going on. Being submissive in some ways doesn't mean you're being dominated and that's where Louis went wrong. (editing as I watch lol) By 52 minutes we already see it. Louis' confident "he's gonna say yes" simply because told told Armand to do it.

Mcryy

2025-04-18 06:51:57 +0000 UTC

Oof yeah the scene with Madeleine is hard to get past. Only speaking for myself but the only way that I can get past it is seeing violent things happen to horrible people. I agree that something drastic needed to happen for Claudia to show her true nature to her. To me I don't even think Madeleine needed to go through that to accept Claudia. I think she would have been inclined to accept her regardless due to their growing bond and her ability to see past the evils of others. I wish their scene would have paralleled more of Claudia violently showing her true nature to Madelein akin to Lestat with human Louis.

Mcryy

2025-04-18 06:30:25 +0000 UTC

I love re-experiencing all these emotions with you, it's so fun. The GOAT Lestat is back indeed

Ida

2024-12-01 21:41:49 +0000 UTC

idk i it has been mentioned yet but there is a show about the Talamasca currently filming so hopefully we don't have to wait to long to see how the show explains the order and all of its shenanigans

artemys

2024-11-30 03:21:37 +0000 UTC

Totally agree that the way Madeleine & Claudia got together was cheap and/or lazy writing, unexpectedly so from this show. Esp since Claudia too has been through SA.

Amrita Das

2024-11-29 10:14:28 +0000 UTC

Something we can't ever really unpick, but which I think is subtly there, is the interplay between the present day mood and the tone of the flashbacks. Not that I think Louis makes stuff up, but I would say he has been quite coy with the D/s dynamic of his relationship with Armand, but in this episode when he is angry with Armand for what happened in SF he lays it all out there very crudely. The show tells you many times that there are multiple sides to every story, and that's true even within one person's story, from the extremes of 70s Louis compared to 2020s Louis to the bits he emphasizes based on his mood in the moment. I think that when Louis talks about not caring when Claudia left, it's linked to what Claudia said about him being stronger but you have to lose something to get something. He has slipped into his tough, assertive, "good at running things" persona, but to do that he closes off to his connections and pushes people farther away. He can't let himself feel Claudia leaving and maintain that persona, he's colder in his relationship with Armand etc. But it doesn't mean he's stopped caring, he's pushed it down. While it could be true Louis asked Armand to erase his memory, I don't think you can trust it. I love Armand and all his consistent character complexities, but he will say anything. Even in the conversation in this episode about erasing Louis' memories when it seems like he's expressing remorse we know (now you've finished the season) that he did far more than he's admitted to. Yet he's still trying to make Daniel and Louis guilty about being angry with him! It's interesting that in Louis' relationship with Armand, even though we see him saying that he loves Armand, he is still aware of not giving Armand too much affection. Just like with Lestat and never actually saying “I love you”. I think that Louis' insecurities lead him to try and maintain control relationships by keeping his feelings back. And there's a lot going on with Armand choosing the coven, but part of it is that Armand didn't feel that he could trust in Louis' feelings lasting. In this case I think he's probably right because Louis still loves Lestat, but again Louis' withholding (which he does from fear and I understand it, I'm not judging him for it) is part of what destabilizes his relationships.

Leticia

2024-11-27 12:27:08 +0000 UTC

We are on the same page, same paragraph Katie🙏🏿♥️

Raymond Walker

2024-11-25 00:51:59 +0000 UTC

Jumping back in while you’re commenting on the attempted SA as a plot device. There has been a lot of discussion amongst authors and readers about the use of violent acts, particularly against women, to further the plot of a book or further a male character’s development. It’s why I almost exclusively read women authors (although there are still plenty of women who write this way as well). Unfortunately Hollywood still prioritizes male voices, so there’s less variety to choose from where there isn’t a potential for this to be used. Appreciate your calling it out.

Katie Bentley

2024-11-24 17:37:06 +0000 UTC

Haven’t watched the full reaction yet but regarding your commentary on loving/hating characters without being able to appreciate their nuance and complexity, I’m right with you. I’m a big fantasy reader, especially series, and the thing I love most is witnessing the character development throughout the books. While you have heroes and villains, each have pasts and environments that have informed who they are and the decisions they make, and understanding their vulnerabilities and why they may behave a certain way, what traumas they have, really helps round out their complexity and allows them to be more than a 2 dimensional character on a page. Give me a morally grey villain with a capacity for kindness and who just wants to be loved any day.

Katie Bentley

2024-11-24 17:08:54 +0000 UTC

I know I’m late but with the read to me while we do it in the coffin thing I think Armand enjoyed being submissive but also still have some power over Louis. Let’s remember Louis is a pimp 😂

Quanna 🥰

2024-11-15 18:28:59 +0000 UTC

That is my guy!!!!!

Raymond Walker

2024-11-02 04:24:45 +0000 UTC

Happy to talk about these dorks all day. Just a little extra context for my theory: when they’re walking up to the gallery, Louis accuses Armand pretty directly. He says something like “it’s not the art, it’s the apology. Flex your power one night and follow it with grand groveling the next. Vintage Lioncourt.” So I think he already felt played with by the time Armand hit him with the deep lore.

Jessica

2024-11-02 04:10:55 +0000 UTC

It makes me so happy how much you love Lestat. Just got to that part and I'm like 😁

The Existential Shrew

2024-11-02 00:02:58 +0000 UTC

Ben Daniels' monologue starting at about 18:36 is so brilliantly delivered it gives me chills every time. As a long-time book fan, this is all I ever wanted to see. I love him. I love those lines. 🥰

The Existential Shrew

2024-11-01 22:54:22 +0000 UTC

I saw somewhere in a video that Jacob improvised the line about Armand getting through the door with his big head. 😂

Melissa

2024-11-01 14:28:45 +0000 UTC

Jessica, this is the best explanation I've heard for Dreamstat yelling "Ha!" in the museum scene. I've been baffled by it all along and constantly think about what it could be conveying about Louis' internal thoughts. THANK YOU!

Melissa

2024-11-01 14:24:43 +0000 UTC

I watch alot of cinema..and I love anime and manga..so sometimes beats aren't that hard to catch..but im sure I'll still be dumbfounded and some things that happen throughout

Raymond Walker

2024-11-01 05:27:58 +0000 UTC

🚨🚨🚨 Book 4 is also a consent mess. 😅

Jessica

2024-10-22 19:01:10 +0000 UTC

That and the face down in the coffin scene, child. That boy needs to stop, it's giving pimp and I hate it here Louis. 😆

Aquielle

2024-10-22 12:42:06 +0000 UTC

🤣🤣🤣

Raymond Walker

2024-10-22 12:21:07 +0000 UTC

Especially as they bond is already pretty strong...they whole scene is tainted for me personally even though I understand the reasoning and the added context people have added for me..I still don't like it

Raymond Walker

2024-10-22 12:20:53 +0000 UTC

I agree with the take on Madeline's attack. I always skip that scene when I watch the episode because it seems so unnecessary and a far too lazy a way to bond her to Claudia.

Aquielle

2024-10-22 11:59:49 +0000 UTC

Love you starting off with we found love while THAT scene of Daniel and Armand is playing. 🤣

Aquielle

2024-10-22 11:11:12 +0000 UTC

Hahaha, Ill try and keep off youtube comments for ahwile

Raymond Walker

2024-10-21 16:36:08 +0000 UTC

Busy with work but when the notif hits for ep 7 I’ll in right in there, no hesitation. Just crossing every finger no one spoils shit in the YT comments because you’re so in it now.😤

Natasha

2024-10-21 16:29:26 +0000 UTC

Oh I'm ready best believe!! Hope you're doing well Natasha

Raymond Walker

2024-10-21 16:24:44 +0000 UTC

In late and the discourse in here is great as always so just going to say: next episode is going to blow your mind 🤯

Natasha

2024-10-21 16:15:42 +0000 UTC

Now that I have reread this comment, it is very obvious that I wrote this at 2am with a headache. Some of this is just ranting and some of the arguments just get lost somewhere in the middle 😂 Whelp, can't rewrite it now that people have already read and liked. That feels like changing your answers to a test after the fact. I would give myself a C/D depending on my mood - be kind to Maria's tired 2 am brain - it doesn't know any better.

Maria

2024-10-21 15:02:28 +0000 UTC

TACO its feels like you've already watched the episode!!!! 🤣 you have some kind of power we don't know?!?! I'm just waiting for your choice of song for the episode... 😂

Victoria

2024-10-21 07:30:16 +0000 UTC

We're on the same page 90% of the time, do I don't find it odd at all! 😂💌

Victoria

2024-10-21 07:28:19 +0000 UTC

That makes complete sense that Armand would be jealous of what Claudia and madeleine have - because they really did see each other and choose each other. Madeleine was Claudia’s “X” on the map whereas Armand probably feels like a stopping point before you move on to another (like what Lestat did to him). It feeds into his insecurity that he will always live in Lestats shadow when it comes to Louis, that question of “at the end of the day, after everything, would he choose me?”

Caitlin 🥀

2024-10-21 05:30:29 +0000 UTC

oh yeah you're right about Madeleine being a reminder of Armand's weakness to Louis, but I also feel like Armand was jealous and envious of what Madeleine and Claudia had. Madeleine was ready to become a monster, to do anything for Claudia, and he wanted that for himself. I'm pretty sure that also played a role in his decision-making

Aru

2024-10-21 04:35:12 +0000 UTC

Oh yea for sure 1000% I'll make sure I'm ready. The goat is back, he gets to be on stage again I'm assuming. Maybe some eccentric moments some real deep love moments between him and Louis..maybe even armand..and hopefully some details that have been in the dark from Lestat POV that im not in tthe knkw about..and fuck it throw in some death and double crosses too..we're almost at the FINALE let's get FUCKING WILD!!!!

Raymond Walker

2024-10-21 00:45:50 +0000 UTC

🤣🤣

Raymond Walker

2024-10-21 00:41:14 +0000 UTC

You're points are soo beautifully worded Victoria..yes when you said what stronger motive can there be to manipulate than fear? I immediately went to love and of course you brought that up haha we're in sync. Glad to know I may have been on to something with my Armand Madeline take.

Raymond Walker

2024-10-21 00:40:42 +0000 UTC

I’ll remind you next year when it’s safe 😂

Jessica

2024-10-21 00:35:18 +0000 UTC

Damn Jessica you were cooking I wanted to resd the rest 🤣 thank you for the warning though lol

Raymond Walker

2024-10-21 00:26:13 +0000 UTC

well said

Gaica

2024-10-20 23:44:43 +0000 UTC

I completely agree! Like here you have Armand at the end of his tether, desperately wanting to relinquish this power and control that he’s had to hold all these years and here comes Louis who is seeking the polar opposite of his relationship with Lestat and wanting to gain power back. The last remaining link he has to Lestat is Claudia and now madeleine as an extension of him, and also madeleine may represent a weakness that Armand thinks Louis sees in him because he refused to turn her. Hence why he makes the decision he does at the end

Caitlin 🥀

2024-10-20 23:22:41 +0000 UTC

100% agree! I have faith in the writers and showrunners to due Louis justice in the coming seasons though! Jacob Anderson is simply too good and too popular, I think, for them to just have him doing nothing. Hopefully 🤞🏾

sierra's reaction corner

2024-10-20 21:12:13 +0000 UTC

I like Brad Pitt as an actor and he looked really cute in the movie but for me he was NOT Louis. Jacob Anderson blew me over. He embodies Louis perfektly. He brings to life all I always saw in the character of Louis. He IS Louis to me. Louis is my absolut favorite and I was mad that Anne Rice gave up upon him in the books. I am just hoping to see very much of Louis in the next seasons although Lestat seems to become the main character.

Myra

2024-10-20 21:10:16 +0000 UTC

not sure if anyone mentioned it already, but you were right about Armand's reason to refuse to turn Madeleine. he believes being a vampire is worse than death; he sees it as a curse and a punishment, mainly because of the way he was turned and his maker (Marius). he also believes that every fledgling grows to resent their maker; he even says, 'those we make ourselves will always despise us for it', and he does not want that either. and I think that weird and uncomfortable dynamic between Armand and Louis comes from his previous relationship with his maker too. Louis saw that Armand wants to be taken care of and give up the power he has, and he set up that dynamic as a shield for him and Claudia, and (personally, I feel like) he couldn't handle it well and was just having a bad time pretending who he really wasn't. I don't want to say too much, but I also believe that him being kind of harsh and distant pushed Armand to make the choice he made at the end... you can even see the immediate regret on Armand's face right after Madeleine tells him that Louis loves him, because I don't think Armand knew. I think he was doubting Louis's feelings and their relationship in general, and that's why he did what he did...

Aru

2024-10-20 19:37:32 +0000 UTC

I meeeaaannn 🤷🏿‍♂️🤣🤣🤣

Raymond Walker

2024-10-20 17:40:52 +0000 UTC

I think we all agree the rape trope is overused, but is it the case in this show though? I have to disagree. I don't want to rant though, so I will just point out those people problem with Madeleine is they see her as a slut for giving up her body to a German. Rape being their first choice of violence onherw once they're drunk makes sense. Unfortunately. That's how it is even IRL. Second. Rape as a theme in this show won't go anywhere. In the books, most of the characters are either rape or be raped or both. It's just hinted so far in the shoe, but it also happens to the male characters (I wouldn't call it a rape, but Louis being absentminded, just went along while Lestat f*cked him and Claudia talked to him in 1x06 is iffy on the consent as well. And the force feeding on Louis in 1x05 would be rape if we use the books universe standard). Third, half of the writer's room are women. This episode particularly is written by two women, one of them is a multiple awarded playwright known for her feminist works with themes such as abuse, SA, and abuse victims. Her works is why the showrunner hired her. She basically wrote every episode that is full of abuse in the show, including 1x05. She's also co-executive producer of the show. The director of this episode is also a lesbian. Anyway, about Louis and Armand. We should remember this is Louis who has a very bad experience with his relationship with Lestat. For me, what's happening here is he's overcorrecting. With Lestat, Louis let himself to be vulnerable unlike with anyone in his life. Lestat is the dominant/leader either in the bedroom, in the house, or in society. That's why he can't let that happen again with Armand. When Armand said in 2x04 he didn't like his job (leading and being the one who's responsible), Louis saw that as an opportunity to take some control off Armand, both to ease Armand's plight but also to control the situation because his and Claudia's life have been threatened since Armand knew about Lestat (reminder, Armand threatened their life in 2x03 before kissing and sleeping Louis. He threatened Claudia again in 2x04 before Louis decided to move on from Lestat/Dreamstat and committed to Armand). So, Louis put this "hat" on himself so everyone can be safe and happy (Like, he said here when he saw Claudia with Madeleine "I got you (Claudia) covered") despite he didn't enjoy it at all (he is always mad, always taking a jab at someone else, and depressed and numb when Claudia left him). But ofc what's happening around him is too big for him to control

crazykuroneko

2024-10-20 17:35:37 +0000 UTC

Did he? Totally missed it. Thank you!!

Melissa

2024-10-20 17:25:08 +0000 UTC

Taco after every episode he watched: "Oh, this is my favorite one..." :-)

Myra

2024-10-20 17:23:09 +0000 UTC

You’re not wrong 😗

Grace

2024-10-20 16:56:21 +0000 UTC

Louis and Armand’s dynamic is so unhealthy and detrimental to them both. That part of Louis that makes him shut down and come “Pimp Louis” is the Louis that was suicidal and completely shut down and dissociated from himself in the first episode. That’s the mental state Lestat saw that made him think “I can save him”. Armand’s hundred years of unaddressed trauma only leads him into cycles of retraumatizing himself with these dynamics. Seeing their scenes together is so painful bc they’re a visually stunning pair but MAN they need to separate BAD. As a resident Louis STAN, your journey with Louis has been a joy to watch! Even if you never love him as much as you do Lestat, I’m glad you’ve always appreciated his layers. I think what makes Louis a difficult character to enjoy for people is that compared to Lestat, Armand and even Daniel, he’s the less obviously flawed, at least initially. Lestat for example from the start is extremely charismatic and controversial so he’s fun to unravel and examine in depth. When we first meet Louis it can be hard to get past the initial assumption that he’s some sort of “moral standard” or like representation of the “good” in this story. When that’s not the case at all! He’s our main character but he’s just as flawed and fucked up and complex internally as everyone else. He’s just also wrapped in a thick layer of repression that can be hard to decipher 🤣 It also may be hard to believe but Jacob Anderson and the writers of this show have made Louis into a MUCH MUCH more interesting character than he was in the books/movie. Book Louis kinda sucks. And Brad Pitt played him like a wet piece of cardboard in the movie 😭 I LOVE Madeleine so much! I love her attitude and her strength and the clear love and loyalty she has to Claudia. Their relationship is so beautiful and Madeleine’s turning was the most positive turning scene we’ve had in this show. In regards to her assault scene, I have to agree with you. I understand the people who disagree and I understand the narrative choice for the writers. BUT I didn’t even like that Claudia had to be sexually assaulted as well. I’m tired of sexual assault being something women go through in fiction to put them through a mental or emotional transition. Claudia’s was bad enough, but at least we didn’t have to see anything. Seeing the attack on Madeleine is always painful for me and I skip it everytime I rewatch this episode (skipped past it in your reaction as well so sorry if I just repeated any of your opinions as well).

sierra's reaction corner

2024-10-20 16:55:42 +0000 UTC

If I erased my boyfriend’s memories, I’d just lie. But Armand might be telling the truth— it reminds me of two other scenes. The museum, where Armand tells Louis about his past and Dreamstat gets angrier and angrier. If he's Louis’s subconscious, that anger might be Louis feeling manipulated. It’s very similar to when Lestat came home and told Louis and Claudia about his maker. Claudia wasn’t at the museum to seethe. Louis’s subconcious might have picked up that slack. And that’s the other scene: Claudia getting pissed as Lestat wins Louis’s forgiveness with a sad story after he did something unforgivable. I feel like Daniel and Claudia play the same role here. They were hurt and rightfully aren’t ready to forgive, so they’re pissed when they see Louis “falling for it”. And 🚨🚨🚨 below for Lestat’s turning: Because Lestat was telling the truth, I think the framing suggests Armand might be telling the truth too (or part of it). But lord knows this show likes to prove me wrong.

Jessica

2024-10-20 16:48:21 +0000 UTC

The touch only works because Armand cuts his own finger first. It’s just another way to give the blood.

Valaree

2024-10-20 16:29:15 +0000 UTC

Yes! I couldn't agree more with what you said. I tried to say something similar in my comment but I didn't articulate it nearly as well! Thank you for putting my muddled thoughts into much clearer words.

Kim D

2024-10-20 15:10:01 +0000 UTC

My hangup with Loumand and their dynamic is that I’m sort of not sure if I trust them to look after themselves inside it? Like Louis is slipping back into a colder persona and we had him saying that he’s struggled with allowing himself to experience emotional intimacy with other men in the first episode. It feels like a step back for him rather than forward. Which is understandable considering the relationship he left a few years ago, this need to retreat behind higher walls for a while. Maybe he’s even using it to get to a place where he feels secure enough to let that intimacy in again, but for now he’s slipping back into old patterns he himself felt uncomfortable in. It’s a noticeable change and Claudia calls attention to it too. And Armand… I think he’s into that dynamic, but it is also stepping close to old trauma for him and I don’t trust ANY of these vampires (except Claudia) to actually communicate!! Hell, we see it this episode around the turning of Madeleine that he’s not communicating how big of a ”NO” that was for him (in a way that Louis can pick up on). Is it healing for them or not? Fuck if I know. I do not trust Armand with that whole ”you asked me to erase it”. I just want to wrap Louis up in a warm blanket that entire scene. He looks so vulnerable and he can’t even trust his own memories.

Mozzlan

2024-10-20 14:50:19 +0000 UTC

So, I'm sure you all noticed Armand taking his finger and healing the gash on Louis's arm after he created Madeleine. But back in San Fran when Louis walked into the sun, he withheld healing blood -- and possibly now healing touch!! -- from Louis. Listen, I love and hate Armand. 🤣 but man, this little detail makes me angry. In San Fran, one "infusion" of his blood allowed Louis to be strong enough to get out of his coffin and walk into the living room to save Daniel from Armand. (As far as my recall goes, the healing touch thing isn't in the books? At least not in the first 4, the only ones I have read. Can anyone clarify this?) My feelings for these characters are fluid bc they're so real and complex. I think Daniel may be the only one I consistently love. I mean he gets snarky for sure, but in general I love the guy. And yeah, Lestat. I kind of always love him -- though I don't condone all his actions. Lastly, does anyone else find some things in the show funny? I felt this more in S1, but . . .

Melissa

2024-10-20 13:11:04 +0000 UTC

To Grace (not FoxTaco 🚨🚨): I'm pretty sure I realize what you're referring to as to why the SA/rape stuff. Sam talks about this in his interview with Autumn Brown, too, if I'm on the right scent. But what I'm thinking you're referencing is in QotD? A*****'s goal in that book?

Melissa

2024-10-20 12:50:21 +0000 UTC

ALSO make sure Taco that you are okay with your eyes and ready to be active with next episode because I want you pausing and going back, and talking shit and everything! 🤣 Because on the next episode there is A LOT, and it's pretty important to see every detail of it for the big picture! I'm actually not ready for that reaction.

Victoria

2024-10-20 11:41:31 +0000 UTC

TACO, THE SONG!!! 🤣🤣🤣 I love your speech before the episode because I agree with you 100% (who knew? 🤣). With this kind of show, you have to learn to appreciate all the nuances. There are simple characters like Bruce who are made for you to hate. But you can't hate or agree with everything a character does, because they're not that kind of character. They're complicated, they're imperfect. As you say, many layers. And by the way, when Claudia tells Louis, "You have to let go of something to gain something," I think she is referring to Lestat. When Louis says goodbye to him on the bench, he is letting go of the one thing that makes him vulnerable, his love for Lestat. He does this because he feels he can't survive like this; by saying goodbye to his vulnerability, Louis the pimp regains control. He becomes stronger, tougher, more dominant. Even when he turns Madeleine he says "I thought Id feel like I was loosing Claudia, I didn't care" because now he has not have Lestat it's almost like nothing else makes sense. He is numb. This plays an important part in his relationship with Armand, remember that after he leaves Lestat at the bank, Armand arrives and calls Louis "Meitre" for the first time. Armand, as you rightly said in the previous episode, is very vulnerable because what he wants most is to be loved, which doesn't take away from the fact that, as we see, Armand is clearly very cunning and knows how to manipulate, but what stronger motive can there be to manipulate than fear? All of Armand's actions, from what we have seen so far, are motivated by fear and the need to be loved. It's also very interesting your take on Armand's trauma, let's remember that he was sold into slavery and then was in a brothel.... This can also play an important role in the submissive/dominant relationship. I love that you said that the characters are very real because it is true, they are! I love you knew Armand didn't turn Madeleine because he likes her, you won't believe this but ppl are not picking on that! There's a lot of hate without nuance for Armand and ppl don't want to see pass that! 😅 And we love them, even Louis, even though he is unnerving at times 🤣 but hey, how can you hate him with that face!?! Also I SCREAMED when you saw Lestat hahhahahahaha

Victoria

2024-10-20 11:02:22 +0000 UTC

Definitely agree that Armand and Louis don't seem to have the trust necessary for this dynamic to work. The lack of true communication is a recurring theme in their relationship. Miscommunication is pervasive thoughout the show in general but they seem particularly bad at being forthright with each other. The constant passive aggressiveness alone shows a lack of true understanding. I think for a BDSM dynamic to function as intended in a loving relationship, there has to be both an element of trust and security in the other person's affection. Armand is deeply insecure about Louis' feelings (with good reason since Louis literally carries Lestat with him) and Louis is always wary of the threat Armand could bring down on both his and Claudia's heads (with good reason as shown by his betrayal in this ep).

Vir

2024-10-20 08:47:39 +0000 UTC

I think that is a very important and valid point, I feel the same way. But I do think that while Armand might enjoy BDSM in general, I’m not sure that he enjoys the submissive role as much which is why I said that I think he likes and dislikes it at the same. A part of him might subconsciously want to work through his trauma with someone he loves but at the same time, he does not actually trust Louis enough to be able to shut his brain off during those times and - without having any actual factual knowledge of BDSM and the dynamics - I thought being able to shut off your brain and letting someone else have the reins was kind of the appeal of the sub position (someone with more knowledge, please come and correct me if I’m wrong). Same with Louis, I think part of him enjoys it but at the same time it feels like falling back into old routines/habits/masks (pimp!Louis) without working out if he actually likes or enjoys this side of things and himself. Also since zero communication seems to be happening that just seems like bad etiquette all around.

Maria

2024-10-20 08:39:22 +0000 UTC

Thanks, I love both those idiots with my whole heart, I really do, but man, have an actual honest conversation with each other without trying to pull strings in the background. I think you‘d both be much happier for it.

Maria

2024-10-20 07:51:38 +0000 UTC

We are all frustrated by the rape situation on this show, if only because the writing is so methodical and immaculate, that falling into tired tropes is really jarring. I just hope it’s not something they keep falling back in later seasons, although I can think of one specific reason for it, that won’t become clear until next season. Other than that the characterization in this show is some of the best I’ve ever seen. These characters seem like real, flawed people that we’ve come to know almost intimately. Literally cannot wait for your reaction to 2x07, one of the most challenging episodes of tv I’ve ever experienced, and don’t worry, we all get flustered by Lestat. Real.

Grace

2024-10-20 07:01:44 +0000 UTC

“lestat and his freedom to be himself without pretense are intrinsically linked. which is why he has to let go of lestat in order to don this harder persona 24/7” yup!!!! you ate that UP 🤌🏼 couldn’t have said it better myself

caroline

2024-10-20 06:34:10 +0000 UTC

God, sorry, but also, “Which one is it?” Dad or brother? The answer for me is Dad. In 2x04, Louis calls Claudia his sister and literally a second later, his vision of Lestat says, “The wilderness that is our daughter.” If that was Louis’s subconscious, because we know now it wasn’t Lestat or his ghost, he pays lip service to her chosen title of “sister” and still sees her as his daughter in private.

Jessica

2024-10-20 05:31:17 +0000 UTC

I can't defend the show for writing another rape/sexual assault scene, because you're right—there were other ways. However, I want to point out a parallel: your timestamps 31:42 and 32:37 mirror Louis and Lestat's scene in the church from episode 01x01 (01:03:13 and 01:06:34). Even Claudia's crouching to speak at her level mimics Lestat on the altar. I believe you’re right. Both moments were about loving someone after seeing their worst, and accepting what losing humanity looks like. But rape and sexual assault are lazy character development in a show where the writers aren’t lazy, which is why it’s so disappointing.

Jessica

2024-10-20 05:17:34 +0000 UTC

I interpreted Madeleine's question about Louis' love as a question about Lestat. Louis started quoting Lestat before stopping right before that. He also told Armand he loved him, but he never said that to Lestat, and it was eating him up as shown in the scenes with Dreamstat. Madeleine felt the love and regret, but she couldn't have known about Lestat, so she assumed it was about Armand.

Helen

2024-10-20 03:10:33 +0000 UTC

I have so many random thoughts/comments to make 😂 Thought 1: As someone who grew up experiencing narcissistic abuse, I can understand and appreciate all the characters except Louis because to me Louis is more of a hypocrite. The rest of the vampires are abusive, manipulative, egotistical, and they're liars. I can understand their micro aggressions and their subtext. But Louis flip flopping as his way of surviving I just personally don't jive with. He definitely became more focused near the end of the episode so that's where I started to like him. But I feel your frustrations with him. Up until this point Thought 2: I agree rape is just overused in entertainment. I get why, but there's other things that could be done that are also just as intrusive and add tension. It's almost lazy writing in a way. On first watch, I thought they were gonna just fuck up the store and beat her up. I felt like that would have been more effective. Almost dying from someone else's hand than being saved so you can die by choice, it hits harder as a metaphor. Thought 3: "I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make up for it. I'll never make up for it." Looooooooooove that line and the way Asaad reads it. He's sooo good as Armand. I had a lightbulb moment during this watch through: where Armand maybe be the oldest and most powerful, but he's also been abused viciously for decades, if not a good century or so. So he often seems to go with whats more secure for him which is the mindset of the abused. He seems to switch to it almost instinctively. He almost completely forgets how powerful he is and that he can fight back. Kinda like how you hear about people who've been so heavily abused that they don't even make a run for it if the door's unlocked because they've been broken down so thoroughly that they see no other life outside of the one they are living. It makes me think. Ill need to watch ssn 2 again to see what i can catch from Armand. Thought 4: Madeline ATE every scene she was in in this episode. I love Roxane Duran in this show. Perfect casting Thought 5: I too got super giddy seeing Lestat. His aura is so addictive that it's hard to really care about anyone else when he's around. He just takes up all the scenery 🥰

Tiffers

2024-10-20 02:32:36 +0000 UTC

Always take care of yourself 1st!

Valentine

2024-10-20 02:27:10 +0000 UTC

I LOVE that you bring up the fact that Louis play that Dom/Sub stuff with a vampire that is literally TRAUMATIZED by ts so DO he really like it or nah??? Hmmm😪😫🥺🤔

AmandaLoLo

2024-10-20 02:18:55 +0000 UTC

I got a similar reading from Louis this episode but in another scene with what you just said about Louis falling into old habits, and I think it is a two things can be true at once kind of situation. Louis can fall back into old habits and think of Lestat because he feels love for him while also being attracted to/caring for Armand. I see Louis as a character with complex feelings for everyone including his romantic and non-romantic interests. I agree, it wasn’t just about being jealous of Daniel because Louis found him to be fascinating but also about Louis rubbing it in his face how “boring” he is, and I think that’s why the whole situation is heartbreaking because although Louis did care for him. Armand was not enough for him. The fact that Louis was subconsciously longing for Lestat as he was trash talking him in a 1973 interview, in the hopes that he would do what Armand called him out for after all these decades speaks volumes. This is why i understand why Armand sold him out. People have different interpretations of love, and while I personally don’t agree that he did not care about Armand, I can see why people don’t see them that way.

RÆY

2024-10-20 02:16:59 +0000 UTC

Gonna come back to this one Valentine I already know you're about to cook but my eyes are drained for the day 🙏🏿🌹

Raymond Walker

2024-10-20 02:16:17 +0000 UTC

The fact that Louis slipped into "pimp mode" reminds me of episode 1 where Lestat tells him "I know what you go through to keep your family ignorant in their comfort" and "all these masks you wear and none of them your true nature". He slipped into this role with Armand immediately after finding out that Armand threatened Claudia in episode 4. And in this ep when he argues with her about Madeleine he says "I had you covered" like he decided to go all in with Armand and slip into his harder persona to protect her from Armand and the coven. For better or worse, Lestat and their relationship was pretty much the first time Louis allowed himself to "be all the beautiful things he is, without apology". I think Lestat represents in Louis mind the freedom from roles and masks. They argue with fury, fuck with passion and love violently. Their relationship was "a challenge every sunset and they wouldn't have any other way". Of course, this lack of restraint in the relationship led to the catastrophic toxicity but I think in Louis' mind Lestat and his freedom to be himself without pretense are intrinsically linked. Which is why he has to let go of Lestat in order to don this harder persona 24/7. Even Claudia notices that he had to lose something to gain results. He has lost that "spark" that Lestat always craved to see. I think Lestat is just pure freedom, hedonism, passion, and chaos. Its why both the viewers and Louis love and hate him in equal measure.

Vir

2024-10-20 02:13:29 +0000 UTC

Your reaction to Lestat had me cracking up. HARD same, I missed him so much lol As for Louis, you know I was also struggling with him this season (to me, he just didn't seem that into Armand and I was confused by what his intentions were with him) until a few people pointed out to me that every time he took his relationship with Armand to the next level, it was after Claudia was threatened (just after she joined the coven, and after she told Louis Armand threatened her in 2x04). He saw the coven as a threat to her and got with Armand essentially to protect her from the coven by having some influence over their leader. The dom/sub thing they have going on is part of this too - Louis trying to gain some semblance of control by reverting to his pimp persona. It all culminates in this episode where Louis, essentially, chooses Claudia's happiness over Armand's wishes by turning Madeline for her, but it's remarkably consistent with his intentions all season, which is, again to protect Claudia. At least, to me, all of his actions make sense when you look at them with that intention in mind. There is a lot of debate whether Madeline was talking about Lestat or Armand when she spoke of Louis' love in the diner scene. I'm personally inclined to think it's Lestat, because again I don't think Louis was that into Armand in the first place (he literally brought a hallucination of his dead ex on all their dates) but I mean, I guess we'll see!

sam

2024-10-20 02:08:15 +0000 UTC

Thank you for looking out for me Melissa😊

Raymond Walker

2024-10-20 02:06:37 +0000 UTC

I agree, It is open for interpretation for me personally Louis quoting Lestat shows that Louis is like all the vampires we've seen so far a creature of habit, he falls back into old roles and perpetuates the cycle. You always go back to the way you were brought up it's an active unlearning to be different hence Louis still has the snide remarks of his mother "There he goes with that big head" While it is for jokes it is also masking his underlined need to distance away from what he is really feeling. This is why he changes his wording when he catches himself doing it while answering Madeline the same way especially when Claudia has made it clear that Lestat's blood wasn't even good enough for her. Tbf Armand was not just jealous of Daniel for being interesting Louis had literally just rubbed it in his face how boring and inadequate he was next to Daniel. Rage is an imprecise emotion and so is jealousy. But I do agree how the show is written shifts their relationships into hard monogamy which is a gripe though I love and cherish the show overall. The point in my eyes is that all those details can be equated to all of them they all have these wonderful and awful traits. While it doesn't mean that Louis does not care for Armand it is used in arguments/discourse of why Louis doesn't and will never love him and I personally don't enjoy nor agree with that sentiment. (Please don't think I believe you are doing this I promise I don't) *Edit just to give another example. Madeline eating the apple is a habit, she has come out from a war. A time when food was scarce, scraping the apple with the spoon wanting to savor it and make it last longer because she didn't know when was the next time she would have this luxury. While Paris is up now she is still stuck there. Same as Armand questioning her a lot of people say that he went in there already knowing that he was going to say no, personally I don't agree. In every situation he goes in he tries to appease Louis. The questions he asks are not flippant they are trying to get to the heart of the person. The way he took his time to understand he was trying to figure it out for himself. He ultimately made the decision that he could not. He fell back to what he was taught by his maker, "Those we make ourselves will always despise us for it".

Valentine

2024-10-20 01:59:55 +0000 UTC

Interesting perspective on that scene but from what I think, it is definitely open to interpretation because why include Louis quoting Lestat? And all those small details that could potentially be about him? Doesn’t mean Louis did not care about Armand at all but from my perspective Louis didn’t put him first or loved him the way Armand wanted to be loved, because one way or another, Lestat was a ghost in their relationship and Louis had Claudia too. I think there was attraction and love especially at first but it was not enough for Armand to feel secure that Louis would continue to love him centuries later. The whole monogamy/poly stuff imho are treated differently in the show compared to the books, these vampires are too possessive to be poly. I.e. Armand being jealous of Daniel in episode 5 bc Louis thought he was interesting, Louis saying, “I wanted him dead, I wanted him all to myself” when people were besotted with Lestat in 1x7 etc.

RÆY

2024-10-20 01:42:51 +0000 UTC

I think the Armand and Louis sexual dynamic is complicated. Not to speak for Armand specifically, but for some victims of sexual assault there can be a healing aspect to exploring past dynamics in a healthier way with a new partner. Mind you, that's 100% not true for everyone. But it can be kind of a way to take the power back, to wash away the stain left by the abuser. Plus, it can be really difficult to be someone who naturally enjoys BDSM but feel shame about it because sometimes there's a perception that someone who's been abused in the past almost isn't allowed to explore the darker parts of their sexuality. There's a lot of shame and internalized fears there. The part I actually find disturbing is the "Arun" outside of a sexual context. Its not something Armand asked Louis to use as far as we've seen and the fact that he thought using a former slave name is ok without checking first was kinda icky to me. But again, we don't see every moment or discussion or negotiation on their relationship so they may very well have had that conversation 🤷🏻‍♀️

Vir

2024-10-20 01:35:26 +0000 UTC

Epic reaction to the Lestat reveal! I felt that to my core. I squealed the first time it happened and paced my room! I recommend coming into the next episode in a good headspace bc it's intense on many levels.

Melissa

2024-10-20 01:32:45 +0000 UTC

I'll add to Rache by saying that how Louis felt after he made Madeleine ... I interpreted that as him now being in Lestat's position as a "maker" and understanding that connection from L's POV. Whether or not you believe Louis consented to be turned or was manipulated (I say a little bit of both), Lestat genuinely felt love for Louis. While Louis may not love Madeleine in that sense, it was a turning made for love -- Louis's love for Claudia wanting a companion and Madeline and Claudia's love for one another. Louis now knows what that feels like -- how can he not be thinking about Lestat making him?

Melissa

2024-10-20 01:28:51 +0000 UTC

Another great ep, Taco! Never noticed Louis' discomfort (almost disgust? with him trying to get her blood out of him) after Madeleine's turning and the dinner til you clocked it. I would love to know what he's thinking -- he was hard for me to read this episode. And Madeleine not being able to hear his thoughts but sense how he feels. How was that for Claudia and Lestat? Does it get under Louis' skin to be "seen" by a stranger? Does it disturb him to have a vampire bond with someone other than Lestat? Does that apply to Armand and why he hasn't turned anyone? It's crazy how much you can endlessly speculate about these characters.

birdie

2024-10-20 01:22:44 +0000 UTC

Yeah, I get the urge that people have to do that too. I truly can’t blame people for hating Armand or loumand because… of all the reasons to do so. I don’t personally feel the way, but I get why people do. It’s the idea that Armand is lying ALL THE TIME like he’s made out of whole cloth and is never … a person that really frustrates me. You’re right, it’s the demonetization of Armand in favor of Lestat, or at least their relationships to Louis. I just think people don’t realize that you can have both. You don’t need to pick a side, especially in a series where all of their relationships are so fluid.

Sophie Heflebower

2024-10-20 01:14:16 +0000 UTC

I agree re: Claudia and Madeleine and would add this: The reason they keep painting the swastika on her window is bc she had a love affair with a German officer. They also call her "slut" for this. These assholes have dehumanized her and seek to further do so bc they judge her not only for her sexual desire but for what they see as the worst betrayal. In that light, it sort of connects that this would be their go-to. I'm not a fan -- don't misunderstand! What I hate the most about that scene is the other woman getting pleasure out of another woman being sexually attacked. 🤬

Melissa

2024-10-20 01:12:27 +0000 UTC

Truly, I think for me its not only the dismissal but the demonization/flat-out refusal to acknowledge it at times. I do understand the urge but I hope that people are able to maybe look deeper as to why they view one relationship as inherently more or less.

Valentine

2024-10-20 01:06:12 +0000 UTC

we really do!! you and me, shaking hands in the comments.

Sophie Heflebower

2024-10-20 01:04:32 +0000 UTC

Wow, you are great at articulating Armand’s relationship to submission. I also agree about people dismissing Loumand in favor of Loustat, that frustrates me too, even though there are elements of both relationships I enjoy.

Sophie Heflebower

2024-10-20 01:02:27 +0000 UTC

Me and You Sophie we see each other

Valentine

2024-10-20 00:59:24 +0000 UTC

the whole "vampire bond" thing feels like an amalgamation of different tv vampire tropes - and I just don't think its supposed to mean those things in this show. because you're right - Claudia didn't feel what Louis felt w/ Lestat.

xris037

2024-10-20 00:58:40 +0000 UTC

I've said this before, but Daniel's “Maitre in the bedroom. Maitre only when it’s hot or convenient " has been a thorn in my side. Under every reaction to this episode, there is a top comment that says this or something similar. While it is a good analysis, I feel that it also misunderstands the dynamic. Louis will always have soft power, especially as the dom. There is an implication that if Louis tells Armand to do something he has to do it (he does not), or otherwise Armand is holding his power over Louis or faking giving up control which misunderstands what a sub is. Sub does not equal no power, the sub tends to have all the power because they are the ones giving up their control, with every task they are actively making the choice to do it, and that obedience can revoke it at any time (given you have a decent person to act as the dom.) It is and is not an "illusion" (to be fair we can say all submission is an illusion ) it's just the dynamic no one has complete power over another being and their actions because they ultimately choose to follow or not. ((I have stated this before on Frank's page and this has been the best way I have ever explained this so for those who has read this before first HEYYYY second this will be like dejavu Tbf I did add new thoughts as well)) Armand is used to that dynamic through grooming/trauma so he falls into those cycles just like Louis and Lestat. What can be misconstrued as a facade are these two things waring inside Armand his desire to truly relinquish control, to foster and nurture the inner child, and the other part of him that is deeply scared of abandonment (as Lestat said "the one thing we vampires fear the most is loneliness" ) fully relinquishing control would require him to trust fully and trust that he will not be left. Armand can not do that he is too terrified. The oscillation between the gremlin and the good nurse is not the relinquishing of power being a facade but that he can't fully lean into either of those sides. He can not dictate what Louis does or doesn't do. They are all the same in different ways. Armand desire to control is directly informed by his desire to submit. If there is any illusion being given it is the "illusion" Armand is giving himself, the illusion that he can truly let go when in truth he is way too scared to even though it is the one thing he craves. The moments of submission are authentic though the manipulative parts of him are as well. I for one do believe that Madeline felt an intense love from Louis was directed towards Armand at that moment. If the question was "Why do you not want him to know you love him?", I could see how since we watched Louis tell Armand he loved him 1 time in order to close the argument they were in about Louis not showing up and being present combined with Louis not saying it to Lestat could lean into interpretating that the feelings were towards Lestat. However, the actual question Madeline asked was "Why don't you want him to know how much you love him?" Which to me is very a different question. Personally, I can't get behind the dismissal of Louis's and Armand's care for each other, that is another one of my small gripes with the show and/or some fandom interpretations making Louis's and Lestat's relationship like this true bastion of monogamous love particularly due to my favorite parts of the books being the fluid nature of the relationships between Armand, Louis, and Lestat they always find their way together, each finding something they enjoy in one another even as Lestat is terrified of Armand he also loves him, same with Louis. The philosophical conversations that Louis loves to have Lestat gets bored with so he has them with Armand because they both revelve in these thought experiments. There is something beautiful to the companionship. I think the scene with Daniel and Armand is what endeared me to him but that dialogue was everything to me at the time and I still go back to it now. "And ones I did on my own, was to protect me, from YOU, Mr. Molloy" shaking, the bitterness in his voice and expression as he was fighting with Daniel I teared up at this scene "Why do I owe you my shame? Why do I owe you my one act of cowardice?" The breaking on the owe you. I'm going to say it "me being a black person" felt that. Why do you get to present my story to what?

Valentine

2024-10-20 00:50:37 +0000 UTC

I loved this reaction. You are probably my favorite reactor currently. I especially appreciate that you can see that all these characters have flaws and that's what makes this show so amazing. Literally along with Lestat in the next episode, Santiago puts on my fav performance. They were both my favorite characters this season. Best show released in years.

Alisha

2024-10-20 00:43:54 +0000 UTC

You’ve commented on a number of instances of ‘maybe Anne Rice was making this or that decision’ but most of the big actions of the show are creations of the show writers. The writers have made a number of pretty extreme changes to how these characters act, so I’d say don’t worry about what Anne intended, just stick with the show as if it’s its own thing. 😅 Great reactions! I always love a reactor who can authentically sympathize with all sides of the DRAH-MAH. ♥️

Rixxey G.

2024-10-20 00:41:02 +0000 UTC

Gotcha 🙏🏿thanks

Raymond Walker

2024-10-20 00:40:29 +0000 UTC

loved everything you said here, “two manipulative, self-victimizing idiots flying by the seat of their pants” is a great assessment for both Louis and Armand, and very funny.

Sophie Heflebower

2024-10-20 00:37:37 +0000 UTC

I’m 100% with you that he was thinking about Lestat in that moment. I don’t think Lestat ever went away.

Amanda Hill

2024-10-20 00:36:08 +0000 UTC

"You gotta give up something to get something" - I think Louis had to give up Lestat (and his vulnerability) to be present (and harder) in his chosen S&M relationship w/ Armand.

xris037

2024-10-20 00:33:31 +0000 UTC

Also can we talk about how Louis said “we will wait for revelation to enter the room”…the level of foreshadowing in that sentence? Especially in relation to the wall 👀

Caitlin 🥀

2024-10-20 00:19:23 +0000 UTC

A fab reaction yet again! Louis gets on my major nerves this episode and he doesn’t regularly get on my nerves so I think you did well being unbiased on him. Thank you for calling out the unnecessary sexual assault trope that writers almost default to in order to give depth to the story? To the characters? I hate it. There’s not much at all that this show gets wrong but I agree with you 100% there. As many others stated in the comments, I feel that way about Claudia/Bruce. I think Louis was so anxious to have Armand turn Madeline or for him to be here for two reasons, one of the Great Laws states no vampire may be turned without consent of the coven leader, and he also wanted for Armand and himself to see the making of a vampire in a kind of healthy way. “The architects of our creation” ope, he caught himself channeling Lestat. I totally agree with another comment on here that he was thinking about Lestat not Armand when Madeleine called him out. “There he goes, mm, there he goes”. Who does he sound like? MAMA DU LAC. Definitely on a second watch, if you ever do one, Louis sounds just like her so many other times, especially when he’s angry. Will never get old seeing people’s reactions to the last five minutes of this episode! Lestat returns 🩷

Amanda Hill

2024-10-20 00:15:04 +0000 UTC

Thank you Tara🙏🏿🌹

Raymond Walker

2024-10-20 00:11:03 +0000 UTC

Nice!!thanks for that

Raymond Walker

2024-10-20 00:10:35 +0000 UTC

Of course. I'm not taking anything away from Anne by saying that. I think she created some of the best characters ever. Lestat being my personal favourite. But in the books Louis is pretty boring tbf. The show definitely made him much more interesting and nuanced I think. And the writing I think the show writers deserve credit for is mainly to do with the whole play being rehearsed, people plotting etc etc that keeps you guessing and isn't really done the same in the books.

Kim D

2024-10-20 00:07:13 +0000 UTC

This show has a lot of historical factors even though it’s a fictional story and I appreciate the writing doesn’t shy away from that even when it’s tough to watch. This probably wasn’t my favorite episode of the season but it was still good. Now I know you gave Louie a pass but I got in his azz bc I had to be fair. I got in the rest of them so it pained me but Louie and I had to have words. But he did my girl Claudia a solid by making her companion. My girl did have a slither of happiness. When I initially watched this and saw Lestat baby my words were , “there he is, there he is baby🥰😍. Looking good in that black. I couldn’t wait to see him cross that stage. Armand the sneaky one I didn’t trust from day 1. Get off my screen ( but really stay bc you so fine). And I absolutely still love Santiago. Ben Daniels just chef’s kiss.

Partrice

2024-10-20 00:04:46 +0000 UTC

no, the attack on Madeleine wasn't in the books.

xris037

2024-10-19 23:57:36 +0000 UTC

Yesss the Judas painting! It’s funny because before I ever noticed it, I could hear Lady Gaga’s “Judas” as Armand kissed Louis on the cheek before betraying them.

Amanda Hill

2024-10-19 23:56:50 +0000 UTC

loved this reaction! Thoughts, no spoilers: - One of my favorite scenes in the whole show is the one in the restaurant where Armand betrays them. Such an interesting scene. Remember this is just according to Armand and Louis because there aren’t any more journals from Claudia to back it up. Did Claudia really thank Armand for never treating her like a child? He forced her to wear a baby doll dress at all times. - The one thing I do think that differs from a lot of people’s opinions about this scene is i do think Madeleine was really feeling Louis’s love for Armand. I just refuse the idea that loumand was one sided the whole time. By the time we get to the 70s? maybe. but also maybe i’m being hypocritical by thinking this because I did just say that whole scene warrants speculation. -the loumand conundrum. It’s extremely complicated because I do think Armand wants to be submissive but he also… doesn’t. I also don’t want to come down too hard on Louis because I think there’s an element of manipulation on Armand’s side of wanting Louis to think he has control. Armand initiates the “are you asking or making me?” every time, if my memory serves me correctly. he’s the one who calls Louis maitre. I hate it that dynamic between them but i don’t think it’s entirely to blame on either of them. Louis also indicates that he enjoys having control over Armand, or at least likes what it can do for him. He tells Claudia “Or Armand is mine.” He’s also so sure that armand will turn Madeleine but then Armand goes and proves that he can go against Louis’s wishes. - Armand’s disgust with the idea of turning someone is fascinating but makes a lot of sense when you remember who his maker is. Also I truly believe that Armand likes Madeleine. Not enough to not betray her, but I do think he likes her. - Claudia and Madeleine are just lovely together. Not much else to say about that right now other than I love them. I really love all of these characters and I hope it’s obvious I try to see it from all of their sides but I do have biases obviously. I love Armand and all of his fucking mess, but I also don’t want to love him blindly. He sucks a lot of the time. All of the ways he sucks are just so interesting to me, though. I don’t understand the need to see him as a one dimensional villain from a lot of people, because he’s so much more interesting than that. Lestat too. Armand and Lestat are basically two sides of the same coin. Anyway, sorry if this was way too long.

Sophie Heflebower

2024-10-19 23:47:47 +0000 UTC

some of the lines of the play that Santiago was rehearsing are lines between Armand and Louis taken directly from the book. Its pretty cool how the wove them into the show.

xris037

2024-10-19 23:39:39 +0000 UTC

I've been obsessed with this show for weeks and watching different people react to it, you're definitely my favorite. I can't wait to see you react to the rest of the episodes ❤️

Tara M

2024-10-19 23:38:14 +0000 UTC

Oh they for sure have been passive-aggressively dropping Easter eggs to get under each others skin 😂 tbh on a deeper note though it really speaks to their dynamic as a couple - they are so passive aggressive! They won’t say it outright, they’ll leave clues, subtle hints but never a full on argument. Compare that to Louis and Lestats relationship which is very much “whatever feeling was felt in that moment was communicated fully and aggressively” 😂

Caitlin 🥀

2024-10-19 23:30:05 +0000 UTC

Between the Kiss of Judas, the misplaced Fred Steins, and Marius’s painting in the dining room… I think the girls have been passive-aggressively fighting via tasteful art placement for decades.

Valaree

2024-10-19 23:27:07 +0000 UTC

I love how tuned in you are to the characters -- especially Louis! You have him NAILED!! I am so looking forward to your reaction to the next 2 episodes -- best story-telling EVER (movies, tv, books, whatever). Get yourself together and ready!!

Laurie Kyle

2024-10-19 23:25:21 +0000 UTC

I think if you can give Anne Rice sole credit for anything in this show (other than some gorgeous prose ripped directly from the books) it’s the complex characterization. That stuff is her bread and butter, although the way it gets demonstrated is not always directly from the page.

Valaree

2024-10-19 23:24:05 +0000 UTC

Thank you, I was very proud of that turn of phrase to be honest 😂

Maria

2024-10-19 23:21:35 +0000 UTC

i frequently talk about how this story (all Anne Rice stories, really) is asking us to practice - or attempt - radical empathy. and I think that's why I enjoy your reactions.

xris037

2024-10-19 23:19:48 +0000 UTC

“two manipulative, self-victimizing idiots flying by the seat of their pants” — now that’s an excellent summary of 77 years. 😂

Valaree

2024-10-19 23:18:58 +0000 UTC

So insightful Kim. I completely agree with your assessments here.

Terri Matter

2024-10-19 23:17:56 +0000 UTC

I am one of those Louis lovers lol.he is frustrating bcus he is all over the place is still are years clinging to human self to his detriment and everyone

deedra Mcconis

2024-10-19 23:11:45 +0000 UTC

I absolutely think reading Anne Rice at a formative age made me a better, more empathetic person.

Valaree

2024-10-19 23:11:30 +0000 UTC

Once again you have proved your superiority at the reactor game—love your ability to maintain objectivity, compassion, and deep curiosity for these characters. I also dislike the overuse of rape in every story. But i think you hit it in the head with your musings as to possible reasons behind its use here. For me, I think the most persuasive is the connection it allows Claudia to feel for Madeleine. Remember, that all the pages that dealt with her own experience were “torn out” by the males in her life and she never had anyone to talk to about it. This common experience and her ability to stop it for Madeleine must have been empowering and then allowed her to become vulnerable in a way she had not been able to before. I also think the real complexity here is not just in the humanity of the characters, but in our limitations as humans to understand them outside their humanity, in the unfamiliar moral ambiguity of vampirism, which Anne Rice is presenting, not as a curse, but as a dark gift.

Terri Matter

2024-10-19 23:11:01 +0000 UTC

i do think the decisive moment of armand’s betrayal was that scene where they talk about turning madeleine (louis asking armand to come witness and armand falling back into his dom/sub role) i do think it’s a coping mechanism from his trauma

Marjorie Be

2024-10-19 23:10:19 +0000 UTC

I don't think I've ever heard anyone explicitly state that IWTV made them a better person, but I know exactly what you mean. This show is so insanely well done that if you really open yourself to it, you can resonate with so many aspects of human experience through its themes and expand your own ability to understand and empathize with all kinds of people. Having compassion for real life monsters is tremendously challenging undertaking, and I think this show can be a useful exercise in practicing what that looks like.

Amanda Winstead

2024-10-19 23:06:37 +0000 UTC

“Can you love somebody for all their flaws?” That was so beautiful, this whole intro and everything you said about the characters is exactly what I have been feeling. I just love all of them and yes, they are all messed up and they all have done messed up shit and we should acknowledge that but we can still love them and those two things don’t have to be in opposition with each other and nobody should feel bad or should be made to feel bad for loving certain characters. At least that’s how I feel about it. But now straight ahead and right into the thick of it, I still have to write two more comments (S2E4, S2E5) and I don’t want to get overwhelmed by all of the other comments again 😂😂😂 Am I the only person who thought from the moment that Rashid left Daniel alone in the restaurant that he was an agent for the Talamsaca? It seemed so obvious to me but you and Frank both were so confused by it that I just don’t know if I just caught onto something you two did not or if I’m a deeply suspicious person who thinks everyone is always up to something. Also is Raglan James not just one of the creepiest guys you ever met? “Hi, good to see you. If I could wear your body like a skin suit, I would be the boss of my super secret organisation.” Like what the hell is this? Also, I feel forced to repeat a joke I already made in my comment to Frank’s reaction to S2E6 concerning Rashid’s status as a double agent: “I guess it depends on how you define double agent because – and bear with me – have you considered that Real Rashid might not in fact actually be called Rashid? Maybe he is very Unreal Rashid, maybe he is Armand the Second.” -me quoting myself. I asked you in S2E3 if you consider it a spoiler to know real life inspiration for certain characters and since now it has finally been revealed that Sam the Vampire is inspired by Samuel Beckett, I can talk about how hilarious I think that is. Especially considering the fact they are practising “Waiting for Godot”, an existential play that is just an endless loop of more or less the same conversation, waiting for a guy (Godot = Guido) that never shows up. And then we have them directly and indirectly talking about Lestat all episode long only for him to show up at the end. Boy, when I tell you the first time I realized this connection I laughed so freaking hard I nearly cried, I’m of course speaking hyperbolically but also not really. Also all of the coven scenes are so interesting to rewatch because I think there are so many tiny details that I missed the first time around. Concerning Madeleine’s sexual assault, I just wanted to say that does not appear in the books at all. Madeleine and Claudia’s dynamic was also completely different because Claudia is physically five years old in the books. So a lot of elements but especially the reveal of her being a vampire had to be different to suit Claudia’s new physical age and how that affects the relationship she could have with Madeleine. I also think it is supposed to mirror Louis and Lestat’s encounter in the church in S1E1 where he kills the priests. Because like Lestat, Claudia reacts violently to something they (Lestat & Claudia) perceived as a threat to someone they like/love and they want to protect them from it and then don’t want the object of their affection to be frightened by them. But they could have done all of that if Madeleine’s attackers were just physically violent as well. Sexual assault did not have to factor into it at all. But as some have pointed out, it might have been done to reflect the times and circumstances of Madeleine's ostracism from society. And because you had such a strong reaction to the SA I’m not surprised that the whole “maître“ – BDSM dynamic between Louis and Armand has sent you reeling. I feel like Armand (and Louis as well) likes and dislikes the dynamic at the same time. As you pointed out it plays into familiar roles for both of them. Armand’s past as a sex slave and Louis’ past as a pimp. But then again, Armand likes to act like he is passive but he is not truly a passive person at all. We see that throughout the episode, and we saw it in S2E3 with Lestat and in S2E5 with Daniel/Louis. Like Louis, he likes to frame himself as the victim but he is also someone who manipulates people to his ends and for his means. Still, I think psychologically the dynamic and the word maître has a deeper meaning for Armand than it does for Louis (at least in a sexual context), especially considering his past. But I think Louis is being willfully ignorant of that fact, especially because in S1E2 he made such a big deal about Lestat calling him fledgling which he said sounded like "slave" to him but then forty or so years later he feels comfortable being called maître by his boyfriend, yeah, I don’t know. And as we have seen in S2E5 Louis does not get more sensitive about the whole issue, I mean “my daddy vampire groomed me”. So I’m completely with your assessment of the situation! It is so weird and both of them play into it a lot - partially maybe because they think the other one wants/needs it - but as usual nothing is actually verbalized and discussed and so we are just here, watching two manipulative, self-victimizing idiots flying by the seat of their pants. What else is new? But I don’t think Louis is actually being possessive in the way you perceived it when he said “or Armand is mine.” I think it was meant to imply that they are companions and that Claudia wants a companion for herself. Also “a weird white lady that I met by happenstance” is also a great description of Louis and Lestat’s relationship honestly. Also in this context, I want to talk about the “Claudia de Lioncourt” comment. A lot of people think that Louis’ “no” right after that is because Armand called her a manipulator - and let’s be honest when Armand looks at Claudia all he really sees is Lestat in my opinion - but I personally think Louis’ reaction was because of the name. Because even in Armand’s contempt he claims or brands Claudia as Lestat’s daughter, as his fledgling. And as we find out Armand has a general aversion to fledglings. But anyway, here we have the ghost of Lestat whom Louis said goodbye to the last episode once again in the room. Someone on Frank’s reactions pointed out that Claudia’s, “You have to give up something to get something” might be hinting at Louis closing his heart to Lestat in S2E4 and I totally agree with that. Especially because of her furious speech in S2E1 when she was like “you carry him in here” and how she thought that made him weak and now him getting “stronger” is because he cut that part of himself of. I really love how Lestat’s presence haunts everything that happens on-screen during this episode even though not even Dreamstat is in it until the last few seconds. And yes, Louis has many masks and that is part of the problem in his self finding process in my opinion, because as Lestat said in S1E1 he plays all these roles and none of them are his true self. And he does not really know who or what his true self is, or at least is not able to accept who and what he is. First his sexuality and how he was perceived as a black man in New Orleans than as a vampire and what that meant for his human relationships and attachments to his in-between state in Paris to the mess he is in San Francisco to who he is now in Dubai. And he is still searching and he still hasn’t fully settled but I do love to see the different stages and masks Louis tries on to find one that fits comfortably. Also I too have a weakness for pimp!Louis. This is also why I love Louis being petty. I’m gonna quote part of my comment to Frank once more: “Speaking of petty, I personally think petty Louis is so fun to watch. I never would want to be on the other end of that ire because he can be so effin cold but damn is it amusing to watch sometimes. He gets so snide, and I think that is the side of him that Lestat always thought would excel at being a vampire. I think the whole discussion about what to do with the wall is very interesting from a storytelling point of view. Because the paintings that hung there previously seem to have been picked out by Armand or at least by them as a couple but Armand was the driving force behind the sale – a little bit like the memory discussion and now that it’s bare they can buy something new or hang something old but either way they are at a crossroad. They can’t make this decision together at this point in time and that is to me what the wall represents. They don’t really want to confront the past (the Stein pictures or the sold paintings), Louis definitely does not want something new at the moment, and Armand is trying to act like everything is alright which it most definitely is not. And then they finally have this huge blow-up during the interview and personally, I don’t believe Armand when he says Louis asked for it, at least not completely. I think he thought that he was doing Louis a favor that he was protecting Louis from himself. Like Louis said in S2E5 “Armand preserves my happiness, even when I don’t or can’t.” or Armand said in S1E7 "Louis can sometimes act out. I protect him from himself, always have." For me, that is what’s happened here. Maybe Louis did say something that Armand interpreted as Louis asking for it, but I don’t think that Louis made the active, conscious choice of asking for it. I don’t think he would choose to forget. At least not in this way. I do think Louis twists narratives like a jumping rope and picks the narrative that suits him best (as we all tend to do) but if he had to choose between the blue and the red pill, I’m sure Louis would pick red. Otherwise, why do this interview twice? Even if the first interview was a farce Louis still had to remember things about the past to give a more or less fake interview, so even if he pretends obliviousness to the outside world in his heart of hearts, I think he’d always want to know what the truth or the truth how he experienced it is. I think he and Daniel are actually quite similar in that regard even though Daniel is much more truthful with himself.” I also love how fast you worked out that you can’t trust what Armand is saying because while it might be true from his perspective that does not necessarily mean that it is all there is to it and I can’t believe that you predicted him giving up Claudia, Louis and Madeleine without having read the book. That was really very impressive. “And then we have the maker-fledgling bond and Louis self-harm. First of all we are now aware that makers and fledglings can feel each other. Like in their blood and I think something you have not considered yet it what that means for Lestat/Louis/Claudia’s dynamic as a messed up family. Because if Madeleine can feel Louis and Louis can feel Madeleine that also means that Lestat was able to feel Louis and Claudia in his blood as part of himself. The same way Louis felt Madeleine as part of himself and tried to get her out. About the self-harm I think it was partially because Louis just didn’t know Madeleine and suddenly she was part of him. Part of his very being when he hasn’t fully come to terms yet what he is to himself. Who he is. Like when Claudia asked him who he is outside of his role and relationship to Claudia and Lestat and he tries to figure that out while is in Paris and then he gets to a point where he can finally see who that person is or what this person might look like and suddenly there is a stranger in his head, in his veins. A person he does not really know but will now forever be linked to. Louis hasn’t been fully stable since Paul died and even before that he was never honest with himself about who he is, and what he wants. So finally having some sense of self and then having a whole person invade that space that you don’t really know how to protect and guard yet especially because you didn’t know that you would have to might have felt really unsettling to him and because of that Louis was heavily disassociating when he and Claudia said their goodbyes and that's why to him it might have felt like he didn't care in that moment because his true focus was on feeling violated by having Madeleine's blood in him and his connection to her thrumming in his veins and so he couldn't even fully process what was happening with Claudia as she was leaving. In this line of thinking, I also have to add that I don’t think Madeleine felt Armand when she said “I feel how much you love him” because if you could feel random vampires just because they have an emotional connection to your maker then that would open up the field for a whole new level of messiness that I don’t think is happening here. I think Madeleine can feel Louis because he is her maker. And I think she might be able to feel Claudia because they share a bloodline but she has no connection (at least bloodwise) to Armand, so the logical leap would be if she felt another love connection she would feel her maker’s maker. People disagree on this, a lot. And as I 've said before I’m not saying that Louis does not love Armand, I just think the connection as well the description and the words Madeleine used do not fit with what I have perceived while watching Louis and Armand’s relationship unfold.” So here is the whole comment and I will probably think of a hundred other things to add but now I’m actually really tired and I’m going to go to bed! It’s been a pleasure and have a good night!

Maria

2024-10-19 23:00:51 +0000 UTC

Exactly how I feel i have some crazy theories but I don't want to put yall in a situation where you could be unintentionally guiding me lol

Raymond Walker

2024-10-19 22:59:30 +0000 UTC

Cannot WAIT to see how that unfolds 😂

Caitlin 🥀

2024-10-19 22:57:25 +0000 UTC

[Spoilers ahead] I hope it wasn’t all doom and gloom for him especially if DM happened in the 70s

RÆY

2024-10-19 22:56:04 +0000 UTC

Literally no one ever was ready.

Amanda Winstead

2024-10-19 22:54:09 +0000 UTC

Who's pimping other? Armand or Louis? I always think about what each character wants. I love your reactions.

MJG Story Creation

2024-10-19 22:51:24 +0000 UTC

About the r*pe… it’s actually a general consensus in the fandom that it was unnecessary with Claudia. With Madeleine I get why they thought it was a good idea to include it because it’s a commentary on many French (and Italian, Ukrainian, Polish, etc.) women who suffered from being labeled collaborationists. But yeah, I can see why it can be perceived as unnecessary. One of the writers of this episode is Hannah Moscovitch. It seems that she likes writing dark stuff like this (this is actually mild for her, it seems). So she and her colleague Shane Munson probably discussed it and decided to include it. I personally can give them a benefit of the doubt: they probably wanted to show what was happening to some real women in that time period. The show always made comments about history and real life so i can intellectually understand why that choice was made, even though, for me too it was hard to watch the scene.

Mary

2024-10-19 22:46:25 +0000 UTC

you’re always on point with your analysis and thoughts!

Marjorie Be

2024-10-19 22:45:09 +0000 UTC

This is making me spiral 😂😭 because then Armand knew? He knew that Louis’ love was temperamental and conditional and still stayed for 70+ years just waiting to be seen and CHOSEN. I’m going to be sick 😂 I feel like I could dissect this show 100x over and have hour long discussions lol

Caitlin 🥀

2024-10-19 22:41:55 +0000 UTC

Since I can’t spoil anything… just a bit of cornplating: - Raglan’s line about body-swapping is an easter egg to one of the books that might or might not be adapted in the show (I hope we have another 4-6 seasons of this). - I loved that Rolin Jones, who also writes for theater, decided to show how the sausage (theater plays) is made, the creative process of that all. I, like Armand, would destroy my script with notes.

Mary

2024-10-19 22:38:07 +0000 UTC

The books and the show are in a weird position that is hard to categorize them in the sense of how similar/different they are. I believe the show, while on the surface is different from the book, it deals with the same themes and the essence of the characters in the show is closest to the books than the 1994 movie was even though the movie was more faithful on a surface level

RÆY

2024-10-19 22:29:50 +0000 UTC

Yeah and it also makes sense because [SPOILERS AHEAD DO NOT READ TACO 🚨🚨🚨] Armand told Louis he chose the coven because he did not think Louis’ love for him would persist. Armand choosing the coven over Louis makes so much sense if you think about it from that perspective and how Armand wants to be loved and put first but he isn’t.

RÆY

2024-10-19 22:25:43 +0000 UTC

Forgot to say this but I agree when you were talking about Louis putting on masks to get what he wants done. When he called Claudia a burden, I don’t think it was because he truly saw her as a burden. He just wanted to get things done, just like Claudia said to him “you gotta give up something to get something” and Louis’ attitude throughout this episode reminded me of Louis’ pimping days right before he met Lestat. A Louis who was always on guard of his business, always watching out for his brother and family, but also repressing his true self.

RÆY

2024-10-19 22:21:29 +0000 UTC

So many people who haven't read the books keep commenting on the amazing way Anne Rice wrote these characters but honestly, the show writers have added so many layers and extra depth that they deserve much more credit. I know you bought the first book to read after the show but I will warn you that it is veeeery different to the show. You really need to read the second book too to get the whole story. Also, I think the thing Louis gave up to get "stronger and harder" is Lestat. Last time we saw him at the end of episode 4 he finally said goodbye to Lestat and his relationship with Armand immediately changed. He took on the dominant role and went into pimp mode. So in some ways Lestat brought out Louis' softer side. Even in season one when you look back, he seemed more loving with him. I think the basic choice Armand was given was us (the coven) or them (Claudia and Louis). He pretended to Louis that he'd chosen them and been kicked out of the coven, but really he was setting them up and had chosen the coven.

Kim D

2024-10-19 22:19:28 +0000 UTC

Omg! I am in total agreement with that theory! It makes so much sense because I was also confused when she said that he struggled to tell him he loved him?? I was like “I’m sure he did tho?” Even though at times I do question the sincerity of that…but it makes complete sense why she would feel his repressed love for Lestat and not know or assume it was about Lestat. Love this!!!

Caitlin 🥀

2024-10-19 22:17:03 +0000 UTC

Go ahead! Even without credits I do not mind at all 🙌🏽

RÆY

2024-10-19 22:14:21 +0000 UTC

I loved your reaction to Lestat 😂 I think I literally had to stand and pace the floor for a solid hour afterwards lol. Also! Something I noticed on my 1000 rewatch is that in Dubai, in their bedroom, hangs a painting of the kiss of Judas. The kiss signifying his betrayal of Jesus - just before Santiago turns up at the cafe, armand kisses him on the cheek EXACTLY like the painting. Set design went crazy with that sly foreshadowing hahah Louis, I think, once he let go of Lestat or dreamstat he became a harsher/more hardened version of himself, the old pimp Louis returned. I think he needed to in order to gain a semblance of control over his life again which you can see in how he treats armand and how he speaks towards and about Claudia. In my opinion there is a part of Louis that is using Armand to feel more in control, he needs someone who won’t argue with him, is more passive, basically the polar opposite of Lestat in temperament.

Caitlin 🥀

2024-10-19 22:12:55 +0000 UTC

THA MFKN GOAT!!🐐

Raymond Walker

2024-10-19 22:08:36 +0000 UTC

I'm rocking with your theory the context clues are way too heavy not to..thank you for this 🔥( i wanna put this in the youtube version so you can get some credit) I love it

Raymond Walker

2024-10-19 22:00:57 +0000 UTC

your reaction to Lestat was everything.😂😭 oh you aren’t ready for these final 2 episodes. peak television.

terrestrialbody

2024-10-19 21:56:16 +0000 UTC

Sorry I had to skim through the reaction (I could not wait) because I have an appointment in a few minutes and only had time to watch it for half an hour but I will rewatch as soon as I’m back home. Sorry if you’ve touched on any of this in the reaction. I agree with you about the scene of Madeleine almost being raped. There were definitely other ways they could have done it. Like i understand what they were trying to do but it sucks it had to be done that way. Jacob Anderson and Sam Reid said this was their favorite episode too! I think it is because it was the episode Claudia got to be happy even if it was short lived. Assad said his scene with Madeleine was his favorite and honestly it is one of my favorite scenes of the episode. The way it was shot and everything was just too good. I mentioned this in Frank’s reaction but I’ll mention my interpretation here (if anyone else has a different interpretation, I’m willing to listen to it). In the bar scene, and when they’re talking about makers and fledglings and how Madeleine can’t read Louis thoughts… right after Madeleine says that Louis says, “The architects of our… coughs” he was quoting Lestat word for word from Season 1 Episode 2. My theory is that what Madeleine was feeling there was Louis’ love for Lestat but because 1. She couldn’t read his mind and 2. Louis is with Armand, she assumed it was him. Another part that made me feel it was Louis’ love for Lestat she was feeling is because in S2E4, Louis had already told Armand he loved him. He never struggled to say those words to him but he always struggled to say those words to Lestat and even Claudia. And I think Armand knows this because unlike Madeleine, he can read Louis’ mind. It must have been heartbreaking for Armand to realize he was never going to be 1st in Louis’ heart. I can’t say more to add this interpretation because there’s still much more to go and I don’t want to spoil you. But yeah, let me know what you think of my theory.

RÆY

2024-10-19 21:53:40 +0000 UTC

Ep 7 will be epic! I can't wait till you watch it.

Roxana G.

2024-10-19 21:24:57 +0000 UTC

Did I stay up late just to see this reaction as soon as you uploaded it? Yes, and I have no regrets. And my, this song slaps so hard especially considering the themes of the episode. I'm so ready ✨✨✨✨

Maria

2024-10-19 21:06:21 +0000 UTC

IWTV S2 EP 6 REACTION

Comments

I love re-experiencing all these emotions with you, it's so fun. The GOAT Lestat is back indeed

idk i it has been mentioned yet but there is a show about the Talamasca currently filming so hopefully we don't have to wait to long to see how the show explains the order and all of its shenanigans

Totally agree that the way Madeleine & Claudia got together was cheap and/or lazy writing, unexpectedly so from this show. Esp since Claudia too has been through SA.

We are on the same page, same paragraph Katie🙏🏿♥️

I know I’m late but with the read to me while we do it in the coffin thing I think Armand enjoyed being submissive but also still have some power over Louis. Let’s remember Louis is a pimp 😂

That is my guy!!!!!

It makes me so happy how much you love Lestat. Just got to that part and I'm like 😁

Ben Daniels' monologue starting at about 18:36 is so brilliantly delivered it gives me chills every time. As a long-time book fan, this is all I ever wanted to see. I love him. I love those lines. 🥰

I saw somewhere in a video that Jacob improvised the line about Armand getting through the door with his big head. 😂

Jessica, this is the best explanation I've heard for Dreamstat yelling "Ha!" in the museum scene. I've been baffled by it all along and constantly think about what it could be conveying about Louis' internal thoughts. THANK YOU!

I watch alot of cinema..and I love anime and manga..so sometimes beats aren't that hard to catch..but im sure I'll still be dumbfounded and some things that happen throughout

🚨🚨🚨 Book 4 is also a consent mess. 😅

That and the face down in the coffin scene, child. That boy needs to stop, it's giving pimp and I hate it here Louis. 😆

🤣🤣🤣

Especially as they bond is already pretty strong...they whole scene is tainted for me personally even though I understand the reasoning and the added context people have added for me..I still don't like it

I agree with the take on Madeline's attack. I always skip that scene when I watch the episode because it seems so unnecessary and a far too lazy a way to bond her to Claudia.

Love you starting off with we found love while THAT scene of Daniel and Armand is playing. 🤣

Hahaha, Ill try and keep off youtube comments for ahwile

Busy with work but when the notif hits for ep 7 I’ll in right in there, no hesitation. Just crossing every finger no one spoils shit in the YT comments because you’re so in it now.😤

Oh I'm ready best believe!! Hope you're doing well Natasha

In late and the discourse in here is great as always so just going to say: next episode is going to blow your mind 🤯

TACO its feels like you've already watched the episode!!!! 🤣 you have some kind of power we don't know?!?! I'm just waiting for your choice of song for the episode... 😂

We're on the same page 90% of the time, do I don't find it odd at all! 😂💌

🤣🤣

You're points are soo beautifully worded Victoria..yes when you said what stronger motive can there be to manipulate than fear? I immediately went to love and of course you brought that up haha we're in sync. Glad to know I may have been on to something with my Armand Madeline take.

I’ll remind you next year when it’s safe 😂

Damn Jessica you were cooking I wanted to resd the rest 🤣 thank you for the warning though lol

well said

100% agree! I have faith in the writers and showrunners to due Louis justice in the coming seasons though! Jacob Anderson is simply too good and too popular, I think, for them to just have him doing nothing. Hopefully 🤞🏾

I meeeaaannn 🤷🏿‍♂️🤣🤣🤣

Did he? Totally missed it. Thank you!!

Taco after every episode he watched: "Oh, this is my favorite one..." :-)

You’re not wrong 😗

The touch only works because Armand cuts his own finger first. It’s just another way to give the blood.

Yes! I couldn't agree more with what you said. I tried to say something similar in my comment but I didn't articulate it nearly as well! Thank you for putting my muddled thoughts into much clearer words.

To Grace (not FoxTaco 🚨🚨): I'm pretty sure I realize what you're referring to as to why the SA/rape stuff. Sam talks about this in his interview with Autumn Brown, too, if I'm on the right scent. But what I'm thinking you're referencing is in QotD? A*****'s goal in that book?

Thanks, I love both those idiots with my whole heart, I really do, but man, have an actual honest conversation with each other without trying to pull strings in the background. I think you‘d both be much happier for it.

“lestat and his freedom to be himself without pretense are intrinsically linked. which is why he has to let go of lestat in order to don this harder persona 24/7” yup!!!! you ate that UP 🤌🏼 couldn’t have said it better myself

Always take care of yourself 1st!

I LOVE that you bring up the fact that Louis play that Dom/Sub stuff with a vampire that is literally TRAUMATIZED by ts so DO he really like it or nah??? Hmmm😪😫🥺🤔

Gonna come back to this one Valentine I already know you're about to cook but my eyes are drained for the day 🙏🏿🌹

Thank you for looking out for me Melissa😊

Epic reaction to the Lestat reveal! I felt that to my core. I squealed the first time it happened and paced my room! I recommend coming into the next episode in a good headspace bc it's intense on many levels.

Truly, I think for me its not only the dismissal but the demonization/flat-out refusal to acknowledge it at times. I do understand the urge but I hope that people are able to maybe look deeper as to why they view one relationship as inherently more or less.

we really do!! you and me, shaking hands in the comments.

Wow, you are great at articulating Armand’s relationship to submission. I also agree about people dismissing Loumand in favor of Loustat, that frustrates me too, even though there are elements of both relationships I enjoy.

Me and You Sophie we see each other

the whole "vampire bond" thing feels like an amalgamation of different tv vampire tropes - and I just don't think its supposed to mean those things in this show. because you're right - Claudia didn't feel what Louis felt w/ Lestat.

Gotcha 🙏🏿thanks

loved everything you said here, “two manipulative, self-victimizing idiots flying by the seat of their pants” is a great assessment for both Louis and Armand, and very funny.

I’m 100% with you that he was thinking about Lestat in that moment. I don’t think Lestat ever went away.

"You gotta give up something to get something" - I think Louis had to give up Lestat (and his vulnerability) to be present (and harder) in his chosen S&M relationship w/ Armand.

Also can we talk about how Louis said “we will wait for revelation to enter the room”…the level of foreshadowing in that sentence? Especially in relation to the wall 👀

Thank you Tara🙏🏿🌹

Nice!!thanks for that

no, the attack on Madeleine wasn't in the books.

Yesss the Judas painting! It’s funny because before I ever noticed it, I could hear Lady Gaga’s “Judas” as Armand kissed Louis on the cheek before *betraying them*.

some of the lines of the play that Santiago was rehearsing are lines between Armand and Louis taken directly from the book. Its pretty cool how the wove them into the show.

I've been obsessed with this show for weeks and watching different people react to it, you're definitely my favorite. I can't wait to see you react to the rest of the episodes ❤️

Between the Kiss of Judas, the misplaced Fred Steins, and Marius’s painting in the dining room… I think the girls have been passive-aggressively fighting via tasteful art placement for decades.

I love how tuned in you are to the characters -- especially Louis! You have him NAILED!! I am so looking forward to your reaction to the next 2 episodes -- best story-telling EVER (movies, tv, books, whatever). Get yourself together and ready!!

I think if you can give Anne Rice sole credit for anything in this show (other than some gorgeous prose ripped directly from the books) it’s the complex characterization. That stuff is her bread and butter, although the way it gets demonstrated is not always directly from the page.

Thank you, I was very proud of that turn of phrase to be honest 😂

i frequently talk about how this story (all Anne Rice stories, really) is asking us to practice - or attempt - radical empathy. and I think that's why I enjoy your reactions.

“two manipulative, self-victimizing idiots flying by the seat of their pants” — now that’s an excellent summary of 77 years. 😂

So insightful Kim. I completely agree with your assessments here.

I am one of those Louis lovers lol.he is frustrating bcus he is all over the place is still are years clinging to human self to his detriment and everyone

I absolutely think reading Anne Rice at a formative age made me a better, more empathetic person.

i do think the decisive moment of armand’s betrayal was that scene where they talk about turning madeleine (louis asking armand to come witness and armand falling back into his dom/sub role) i do think it’s a coping mechanism from his trauma

Exactly how I feel i have some crazy theories but I don't want to put yall in a situation where you could be unintentionally guiding me lol

Cannot WAIT to see how that unfolds 😂

[Spoilers ahead] I hope it wasn’t all doom and gloom for him especially if DM happened in the 70s

Literally no one ever was ready.

Who's pimping other? Armand or Louis? I always think about what each character wants. I love your reactions.

you’re always on point with your analysis and thoughts!

This is making me spiral 😂😭 because then Armand knew? He knew that Louis’ love was temperamental and conditional and still stayed for 70+ years just waiting to be seen and CHOSEN. I’m going to be sick 😂 I feel like I could dissect this show 100x over and have hour long discussions lol

Go ahead! Even without credits I do not mind at all 🙌🏽

THA MFKN GOAT!!🐐

Yesss the Judas painting! It’s funny because before I ever noticed it, I could hear Lady Gaga’s “Judas” as Armand kissed Louis on the cheek before betraying them.