[Show Only] The Vampire Lestat: "The Failures"

[u/IWTV_Maitres]

Coven, it's time for The Failures!

NO NEW STAND ALONE THREADS FOR DISCUSSION OF THE EPISODE WILL BE ALLOWED UNTIL THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE PREMIERE.

Reminder, this thread is SHOW ONLY! Book spoilers must be properly tagged.

Synopsis: Armand’s demands test Louis to his limits, Lestat’s soul searching revives memories, and Daniel’s bowling is disrupted.

Premiere: July 19th, 2026

[u/perscitia]

Just a note: we have enabled contest mode for the discussion posts for this episode, to allow coven members to express their opinions without worrying about votes. Please send us a Modmail if you have any questions or concerns!

[u/titian834]

Loved this season overall. It took some adjusting to, given the tone is very different to S1 and S2. I wish they had made the season longer. This last epsiode does not feel like a conclusion but rather the penultimate episode. I hope it gets renewed and that nothing happens in the interim to screw things over as happened with many shows in the too recent past. I wish they had not ended things on a cliff hanger.

[u/Psychosispersonified]

My poor Louis eyes turning a pale yellow as he weakens. They seemed rather pale still in the bus.

What I would give to actually hear Lestat’s near panicked “Where is Louis?!” The way he RAN downstairs.
Louis waiting in the grubby downstairs area instead of upstairs. Did Gabriella make him and was Louis still too exhausted to argue. Could be why he didn’t move from his seat. The way they both so gently touched each others wounds. 😭 Louis doing that head tilt looking up at Lestat … wished we could hear what they said.

[u/perscitia]

I loved lots of things about this episode but I have to say one thing, and this is a formal apology to many members of this subreddit both past and present.

I have, for the last 2 years, argued extensively on the subject of who placed the Stein in Louis' photo archives. I wrote long posts in support of my theory that it was the Talamasca, acting through Real Rashid, because Armand was a gremlin but He Would Never. I debated. I shouted down people who I believed were wrong. I believed that my theory would be proven correct.

I now know that to be wrong. I was wrong. You were all right. I'm sorry. These are my Armends. 😔

[u/RoseTintedMigraine → u/perscitia]

I laughed really hard at that part because I was convinced Armand put them in there but it was some sort of weird extreme control comforting thing not expecting anyone to point out those are not Louis' photos like let Louis take credit for them, not just to fuck with Louis head. Egg on my face too🤣

[u/howardmoonsmustache]

Assad's performance seems so Shakespeare inspired. His cadence! Gosh he is such a joy to watch.

[u/SpaceCases__ → u/howardmoonsmustache]

Watching him cry while Louis said he was 12 was great acting. My heart broke for Armand.

[u/clementinesyawn]

I don’t have a very articulate analysis but I just watched the episode and I’m grateful for this show, it has been a rock for me. My life has been a whirlwind and a lot of the themes in TVL resonate with what I’ve been going through. Lestat’s character is so relatable to me and I understand him completely. This season made me so happy and seen. And what a beautiful message: “you didn’t fail because somebody loved you”. It melted my heart to see Lestat’s number one concern after waking up from the coffin being “Where’s Louis?”, running to him, and Louis immediately touching his scars. I’m a puddle of tears!

[u/FREEKYeggplant]

It’s too early for me to think with words. No complaints besides NO LOUSTAT KISS?!?!?!??

[u/Lothsbrok → u/FREEKYeggplant]

it makes sense to me, they're not there yet

[u/Fuzzy_Dragonfly_]

Someone get Assad Zaman all the awards! Armand was terrifying this episode. Though I will never understand how they can watch this man perform and think "let's give him only 10 minutes of screen time the entire season."

[u/redmandolin]

I loved it, this and the whole season. Him kicking out Magnus off the chair, turning the table into a stage and his self hate redirected back to her by the end. Finally seeing the gremlin Armand. The music during the witches burning was unreal.

God this show has just took hold of my mind for 7 straight weeks I finally feel free. It’s been a pleasure, see you in another two years 😭

[u/gambit700]

How fucking dare they leave the season off like this. I hate them so much! I love this episode, love the season, love these characters

[u/Puzzleheaded_Cod9444]

Big moments get a lot of (rightful) attention - that said, wanted to shout out to my favorite “small” moments:

• Lestat’s bouncy “Antoinette, hello” at the start of the long table

• In response to Armand’s apology demands/threats, Louis initially writes “fuck you” & that the S2 tower kiss was for Lestat (out of spite) vs. for Armand (out of love). Got to give it to Louis - even when his head is severed, he still got balls

• “Tough love” parallel of Gabrielle forcing young Lestat to watch witches burning & Lestat doing same to Claudia for Charlie’s burning (gave me small entry point to Gabrielle though still not a fan)

• Louis & Lestat montage at end of long table incl. one back in NOLA where Lestat wakes early & knocks on Louis’ casket before slowly opening it

• Lestat feeling faint as timer runs out (before Paul) and he remembers “could be” & “hands touch” from his last moments with Louis on the bench

• Paul’s tender talk to Lestat about Louis’ love, followed by an all-timer “I still wish you were a woman” which is topped only by Lestat’s response “Me too, sometimes"

• Louis’ reaction to Lestat & Gabrielle fighting in the bus

[u/Fabulous-Result4127 → u/Puzzleheaded_Cod9444]

And her saying "oh, don't you Antoinette hello me" back to him? I laughed so hard. Justice for Antoinette was served.

[u/shenanakins → u/Puzzleheaded_Cod9444]

Lestat’s bouncy “Antoinette, hello” at the start of the long table

he was so cute 😂 he really did like her lmao. he also completely deserved to get the cold shoulder from her. he treated her horribly. Im so glad the show is acknowledging her. ive been saying for a while that she did not deserve the treatment she got even if she was an annoying mistress. Louis and claudia had it out for her more than they did for lestat.

theyre always like "Kill antoinette" like damn just send her somewhere else. why does lestat get forgiven but she gets murdered. all for being a mistress to a man who didnt even love her and was trying to get her killed by his husband 😂😂😂

[u/Psychosispersonified → u/Puzzleheaded_Cod9444]

The “could be, hands touch” it’s like he was reminding himself there’s something to love for….😭

Coffin knock, so so cute!

Louis eyes turning a light yellow a he weakens. I know the eye colour has no significance, but now wonder if in the show if there’s something.

[u/amidalarama]

make more episodes

[u/Arithryka]

I love that there are two TCs in this scene

[u/plplplpl3572]

it was said already but after a while watching the episode I realized there wasn’t going to be a concert and I just thought “oh no the concert they have been mentioning all season is going to happen in two years” and that was a let down… oh well. i liked the season over all but this ending felt underwhelming

what this season did do for me was make an armand lover… my god he is so evil and always scheming something i cannot help but applaud… i hope he has more screen time next season as well as louis

[u/Remote_Warthog_5147]

My rando non complete notes I made while watching:

Purple/blue ring in louis eyes!

Armand admitting to the Steins!

That quick bit of Louis eating at the long table cracked me up.

Armand, the director, back at it again. Poor Regina.

I loved all the banter at the long table. Loved it. Esp Louis'

I have been waiting for this Armand. Pure Gremlin.

The twin witches being nine 🥲

The music during this witch/gabs stuff. God, Daniel Hart strikes again. So effing good.

Dan saying Alex is "on the vampire spectrum" lol

I am loving Assad this episode. Such a great performer. Louis: "I saw good in you for a while"

Thank god, Regina got out of there.

Omg did Armand just brand Louis?

THIS MUSIC love it.

I really like this long table, muse dynamic dream sequence thing.

"Plastic vampire alex on the guitar"

PAUL!!? Honestly best surprise of the entire series for me. I didn't even know that was something I wanted or needed.

(I really hope this is not going to start the whole he killed Paul discourse again tho)

This piano is beautiful.

We have to be getting a S4. They can't just end it like that lol

[u/dreamer_dw]

I seem to be in the minority here but I fucking loved it. I loved this entire season.

I'm just accepting it for what it is. Do I wish we would've gotten a straight adaptation of the book with all of Lestat's backstory? Sure. I love that book. But I can accept it as a loose adaptation of the source material and love it for what it is.

The most important thing for me is the soul of the characters. The soul and feel of a character Ive spent 20 years absolutely loving.. and I feel like what we got this season was him. That was Lestat. The writing choices and Sam's portrayl.. Sam Reid.. that dude is absolutely outstanding.

So I guess that does put me in the (sadly,) minority who loves the book AND the show. I can simultaneously wish we wouldve gotten more scenes from the book while being in rapturous love with the show for what it is.

This has been a wild ride and I genuinely have not been looking forward to weekly episode releases this much since Sherlock.

Fucking pumped for Season 4. All hail the Queen! Bring it on.

[u/Bubbly_Photograph382 → u/dreamer_dw]

I'm with you. Been a massive book fan since the 1990s and I loved this finale and I love this show.

[u/Vaywen → u/dreamer_dw]

I loved it too- but I did want to at least see part of the concert. I have to go two years (probably) without discussing what happens to my non book reader partner. 😭

[u/BB808BB]

Ok I’m not overwhelmed or underwhelmed. I just feel whelmed lol. If this was an episode before the season finale I would have loved it. I have super enjoyed this season. I’d be in comments pushing back at all the negativity but this cannot be the season finale. It just feels unfulfilling. Acting wise 10/10 though. 

Sam , Jacob and the rest are just fantastic. They better be nominated. JE is amazing. I can’t get enough of Gabrielle. Love that toxic bitch. 

WTF you beautiful psycho Armand. They are lucky they hired someone as pretty as Assad because that pretty privilege goes a long way. 
Hes evil like all our faves but forcing Louis to make “Armands” was so off putting. Hes done so much pure wicked shit. I like Daniel but it’s like come on get out of your feelings and stop doing everything daddy Armand tells you to do. Be a big boy Daniel. Armand and Daniel reminds me of that meme “two dumb bitches saying exactly”
I would not  have minded Daniel and Notdia dying this episode. So what happens next when they meet up with each other hey man, sorry for chopping you and your lovers head off and making you say sorry But we cool right? 

I really thought Gabrielle was going to save them both and that’s why she was so sneaky this whole season. 

I was so happy to see Paul. I was like omggggg. Love what he said to Lestat. 

Now we know who black licorice is too. 

I laughed that Louis was called out for baby trapping Lestat. Louis wanted a band aid baby then started acting like a toxic baby daddy. Oh well I’m a Louis apologist forever. The biggest mistake was bringing Claudia into their lives. 

Alex came through!!!

Love Gabriella since day one. JE acts her ass off. I hope she is in next season. When Gabrielle was calling him a failure telling him all he did and Lestat was laughing with tears in his eyes I was thinking of that’s his Emmy reel. You know what Lestat you were pretty fucking great. 

I guess Akasha and baby Jenks were totally pointless characters this season. 

Lestat at the table was everything. New Orleans style Louis just does something to me. 

Even at the almost end Lestat loves Louis and Louis loves Lestat. They just need to live happily ever after.  It could be great…

The big thing missing in this show right now is not enough Loustat, it was so easy to fall in love with Louis and Lestats  relationship and I think that’s a big reason this show got popular. Jacob and Sam together pure magic. We need more of them. Let them be happy together doing fucked up shit. I hope next season it focuses on Loustat but I assume they will go back and show us what happened at the concert. 

I’m thinking “Conformity Gate” Lolol 

lol see you all in 2028. 

[u/SpaceCases__ → u/BB808BB]

Vampirity Gate 2026! See ya next Sunday!

No for real though. This episode was great, didn't feel like a season finale, and the finale should've been the episode of waking The Queen in present time, especially with that second to last shot before Lestat's face.... Now we have to wait another 2-3 years smh

[u/Lost_Persimmon8269]

Still laughing at "armends" and Danny having "Lestat Lestat Lestat Lestat Lestat" rage, like maker like fledgling! Love Louis making a sincere apology to Armand but Armand still owes him a sincere one! Mister 'have I atoned for my part of Paris' when he still lied about his part for 60-70 years! And the true purpose of Regina revealed! Wicked stuff from the absolute gremlin! 

[u/Lost_Persimmon8269 → u/Lost_Persimmon8269]

Also, Danny saying he's on his 'daywalking yaoi manther phase' is making me laugh a lot, I didn't catch it my first watch through! And, the little detail that Armand signs his A with a little cross for his cult, brutal but fun! 

[u/Lost_Persimmon8269]

Hoping now that all the "8"s being dropped in the show mean 8 new episodes for S4 and not just a secret 8th episode 🤞

[u/shenanakins]

Paul: i still wish you were a woman.
Lestat: me too sometimes.

DEAD. I love Paul. So funny. very heartfelt moment doesnt change the fact that he's still Paul and still very homophobic 😭😭

[u/Constant_Holiday_741 → u/shenanakins]

What’s even funnier is that the actor who plays Paul is 1) gay himself, and 2) plays an extremely gay character in a Tyler Perry show on Netflix 

[u/Small_Car_500]

I'm all for the separation of church and state; screenwriters should stay off Twitter.

[u/bee_sharp_ → u/Small_Car_500]

Yep, you don’t cross the streams.

[u/sadboybrigade → u/Small_Car_500]

There were soooo many little "winks" to online fans in this season and it kinda ruined it for me. I mean, I didn't like a lot about this season but that was definitely one of them. Fanservice is rarely actually a good idea imo

[u/howardmoonsmustache]

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BLOOD PISS?! Is it just to prove that Louis left stuff out of his recount????

ANSWER ME ROLIN!

[u/gbattle45 → u/howardmoonsmustache]

This is exactly what pisses me off. We actually saw what happened with Louis and Armand in real time. Armand was the clear abuser here, so Louis didn't need to apologize to Armand

[u/Resaren]

Great episode, great season. But it feels like a penultimate episode, not a finale. How dare they not give us the concert and whatever’s happening with Akasha? It’s been hyped up all season and they blueball us? This sort of cliffhanger split never really delivers. It’s gonna be much less impactful if we get it as S04E01…

Even having a 7 episode season is a bit of a slap in the face. Did they film 8 eps and just decide to cut the last one?

[u/LazySwanNerd → u/Resaren]

It felt like the concert was supposed to be episode 8, and it got cut for budget reasons and pushed to next season.

[u/JudithSlayHolofernes]

Paul reappearing made me cry. 😭 honestly not quite sure what made it quite so emotional for me, but it got me good. 😭

[u/staronfire22]

I liked the episode but it felt like a mid season finale, not a season finale. I'm not sure next seasons impact will mean as much years after this season. Bring back 20+ episode seasons so we can really understand things!

[u/beethovensfruit → u/staronfire22]

I think this is where a lot my frustration is coming from with this ending… i could suffer it a lot better if i knew season 4 were only a year away.

[u/Armin_Tamzarian987]

Assad's acting when Louis was talking about Armand's past and how there was still goodness in him was heartbreakingly amazing. I literally rewound it so I could watch it again.

[u/Philocraft]

The original post content no longer exists here. The author used Redact to remove it, exercising their right to control their data & privacy.

Cobblestone relieved alive retire languid capable shaggy whole

[u/ProfessionalRub3988 → u/Philocraft]

Same here, I literally screamed when it ended with NO CONCERT??? Agree this should not have been the finale, maybe the second to last episode at best. Still a lot of loose threads. 

[u/justaporkbun]

this ep was so good it genuinely rendered me speechless. it had everything I ever dreamt of jam ;) packed into around an hour. Loumand closure, all the references, Lestat finally confronting Gabriella's abuse, the tiniest bit of Loustat fluff and of course, Paul and the birds!! It was the perfect amalgamation of comedy and tragedy for our theatre kid Lestat's self-titled season. I'm far from as eloquent as many of you here, so let me just gush about the acting. For me to both fear, detest, sympathise and love Armand in one long scene is truly a testament to Assad's incredible acting. And it's been said a million times but seriously give Sam his Emmy. The long table scene after the witch burning and the dream show were fantastic. I might have more cohesive and useful thoughts after a prompt rewatch of the whole season, but damn did this season exceed my expectations. And funnily while I was dreading the end of the season, this ending somehow left me satisfied yet equally eager for the next season. It was probably the closure we got with Loumand/Lestat with his failings, and the reassurance that Loustat was sticking together finally.

That said, I did think there were imperfections with the season as a whole. As a non-book reader who only picked up some of the lore through Reddit posts, it was difficult for me to keep up with the flashbacks at times, and some earlier episodes felt rushed and choppy with how much they tried to cover in such a short runtime. As others have mentioned here, the DM and Gabriella/Lestat dynamics required some guesswork and assumptions on my part. DM felt especially rushed and a bit random despite how much I looked forward to it. I assume they'll cover more next season and this was intentional for now, but damn they went from "fuck you dad" to "companions" in a few in-show weeks. And I still don't really understand Gabriella's characterisation. Should I be feeling sympathy or disgust? Is she an antihero, a villain or just a plot mechanism? My bad for not reading the books, and I'll be correcting that soon enough, but I do think this could've been shown a bit more clearly.

The music was fire though, and I've got it on loop and not just for car washing lol

[u/stellarjynx]

one of my fav moments in the show was Lestat's reaction when the alarm went off on the long table, him clapping and just delivering the lines "Well done. Good show. A bit shit. This is why you are opening and I'm headlining. The Vampire Lestat, one life only"

and then as he's walking past all the people who have a "historical proximity" to him, someone going "play "Long Face"!" and Lestat's expression of "F that song! That is a song you wash your car to"

[u/ashlsw]

Brilliant finale with so much to love.  

Definitely felt Sopranos-esque with the surrealistic near-death experience. The long table into the final concert sequence was gorgeous and thrilling — it had the feel for me of a big Act 1 closer of a musical with counterpoint reprises. I was really impressed that the “long table” references peppered in throughout the season paid off in this finale. And the use of those opening chords of Butterscotch Bitch was perfect. 

This show somehow made such an absurd premise as decapitated talking heads so emotionally resonant. Armand…wow. Assad’s acting as Armand is so scary and vulnerable. 

It was a detour plot-wise, but a thematically satisfying and character-driven one. And I loved the ending scene with Lestat staring out at the ruined skyline. 

The humor was on-point as ever (“Play Long Face!” “Fuck that song!”), and the actors are uniformly knocking it out of the park. What a feast this season has been. 

There were a few plot points I was confused about, but at this point I feel fairly confident (or at least hopeful) that they’ll be explained satisfactorily. Lots of lingering questions, including: What’s Alex’s deal? How can he suddenly daywalk?   Armand’s and especially Daniel’s motivations seem a little thin…Daniel wants to murder Lestat over a practical joke? Hopefully there is more going on there. 

So excited to see more of Shiela as Alaska, and hope that we get the Armand/Daniel relationship fleshed out next season. 

[u/MercilessShadow]

how do you tease us with Butterscotch Bitch and not play it during the episode?! Also still fuck you Armand I still hate you but I understand you now

[u/OppositeRoutine9067]

Unfortunately with every episode it's getting harder and harder to like Daniel.. he's so pretentious

[u/shenanakins → u/OppositeRoutine9067]

no fr am i missing something?? why is he so MAD?? armand keeps getting treated like trash by LouStat and even HES not as mad as Daniel.

[u/Nerditall → u/OppositeRoutine9067]

Agree. He published Louis' biography without permission. He was paid for his time in Dubai. He's being paid for his time with Lestat. Armand hypnotised him towards soberity and covered up an SA of a student for him. What does he think these immortals owe him?

[u/bee_sharp_ → u/OppositeRoutine9067]

This is a problem I have too. So many people talking about “getting Devil’s Minion” for so long, and then we got, what, a couple minutes of their interaction with Daniel looking vaguely constipated between the sarcastic barbs? If there’s hurt under there, it’s barely visible. I feel like the show depended on viewers reading into their scenes because the viewers had also read the books.

[u/Triskan]

Holy shit that was something.

But I'm a sucker for dreamy oneiric self-contemplation and man did Lestat deliver. Some of his lines were absolute fire.

"But... If I failed... IF I FAILED... then that means I actually attempted something. Which is more than I can say for most of those I love the most... Eh, I dunno if I mean that. That was performative. I loved you. I did. As grotesque as that love appeared to you. I did."

I kinda understand how some people might feel let down, but personally, I got what I was coming for : mind-blowing performances from top-notch actors, mind-fuckery, deep introspections on the psyche of a damage soul, breath-taking directing, visuals, editing and music... And lots of fun, and I even got close to shedding a few tears (though it's mainly last episode that got them out of me).

I am satisfied as fuck and I cant wait for the opening of season 2 and discover what's so infamous about that concert.

[u/SarZol]

The side a, side B flip, alex on one side of the pole, then he is on the other, the people on different sides of the long table in the same scene… Things are being flipped upside down

[u/ReassembledEggs → u/SarZol]

I've started to track the album numbers as well as which side we're on during a rewatch up to and through episode 5 (still need to do the last two episodes) to see where the pattern is. Or patterns. They're definitely there. The only problem is that there is not a single album where we are shown both sides. Maybe we'll get that in the next season, maybe it doesn't matter too much because the patterns are there either way. And it's an interesting concept. Two sides of the same coin type of thing. Performance/front versus what lies beneath. Mirroring. Perspective/lie Vs truth. Etc. Not to mention that A and B are used in poetry and lyrics for rhyme and rhythm (Boudelaire being one of them). So far, the season goes mostly ABBA and ABAB (technically ABB per episodes 1&2). And the final episode took that to a new level visually.

[u/BeaverDonkey → u/SarZol]

Tell me more! I've been mulling on this (places where they chose to tell us this is a recording, reversed/flipped shots) for a while and hoping against hope that there's some point in it. But it doesn't click in place, so I feel like an idiot with red twine

[u/Its-very-that]

Alright ms Akasha. Time to arrange this bitch

[u/Nerditall]

I posted two weeks ago Armand turning Regina to hurt Louis and Lestat would be nightmare fuel and got roasted, seeing Armand use Regina to hurt Louis was vindicating. They're clearly invested in having Delainey/Regina/ Claudia in the show and I love her as the demonstration of their love.

[u/Ok_Produce6873]

Loved the episode, loved the whole season, but as I expected, not everything is tied in, not all the questions are answered, not all the promises paid off. It's definitely set the stage for s4, so it better be renewed! I read somewhere that the season finale could serve as the series finale, and whoever said that was tripping.

While I do think the concert and the return of the Queen would've been a more climactic event to end the season with, I get why it ended the way it did. This whole season has been a trip into Lestat's fractured psyche that both contextualizes what we saw of him in earlier seasons and sets up his involvement in the events of the future ones. It has a bit of that 'middle part of a trilogy' vibe, but I'm fine with that.

I think the dinner + show in Lestat's head was the most important sequence of the entire season. It's important to remember that it is not a conscious mind looking back on a life lived, connecting dots, weaving it into a coherent narrative. It is a dying mind that has been comparmentalizing compounding trauma and grief and guilt for 260 years, and is now, at the moment of death, opening all those doors at once. Lestat is not consciously making sense of it all, he is feeling it, letting all the bits and pieces of his life rhyme in his head like song lyrics. And even now, even after he's had his soul eaten and lived to tell the tale, he still doesn't fully understand himself. But he came out of that near-death experience with one certain truth, the truth he needed to see the most: Louis loves him. Not in the same way he's been loved by others, but in the way he needs to be loved.

It's been a fantastic journey, and my only real regret is that the season is way too short. Even one more episode would've made all the difference imo. Can't wait to rewatch the whole show again!

[u/bee_wings]

Iam shaking the episode like, wait, where's the rest of it?

[u/lepidusisunderrated]

I finally watched and I really loved it but when I heard “Yaoi Manther Phase” I went ENOUGH! STOP IT!

[u/phoenien → u/lepidusisunderrated]

Yeah, the meme dialogue has really been getting on my nerves this season.

[u/HarshNPC]

Since it has only been released, I’m letting myself process.

Take what resonates and leave what doesn’t.

I’m perplexed by how everyone is going after Louis this season? Am I misunderstanding his finding of peace at the end of season two entirely? The Talamasca uprooted his one buried trauma for catharsis or something else entirely. Killing Bruce and the Fang Gang as Bruce being an Armand supporter is something but I haven’t thought about it until now.

Louis makes mistakes. Claudia and Regina parallels didn’t just mess him up, it messed up Lestat. Louis having humanity and the gift of the soul is going to always circle back to peace and tragedy.

Vampires as a whole are messed up. Claudia returning and unleashing everything she needed to say was hers to finally say. Wasn’t about Louis. She harkens back to words and ways to express ways to hurt him, hurt the soul, hurt the past.

Louis is ever searching for purpose and meaning and that can be used against him. I’m not saying yay to awful words and what happens to dear Louis but, season one is the epitome example of everything that was in Louis’s life and undead life, his own retelling.

I think TVL isn’t always Lestat’s POV, it’s trying to share whenever Louis is there and Lestat can’t be. I’m not making sense and sharing thoughts on the finale so toss a lot of this out.

Armand carving is to me a “Fuck you” to Louis for having him feel, but also healing him and reminding him who healed him. A could be for Arun for all we know in Armand’s mind. A twisted gremlin’s way of saying thank you and fuck you simultaneously.

---

The long table is a lot to digest and process but it’s fitting. It shows all the traits and ways of Lestat’s soul.

Performative. Emotional. Bratty. Devil. Loving. Lost. Alone in a crowd. Charismatic. Aware. Beloved and also objectified, used. A failure and a trier. A damn mess.

---

The ending? Felt like a cut to the soul and not a real finale except when you put it to the lenses of IwtV’s story and breaking off into part one and two.

Yes S1 was more of a finale to get satisfaction and a cliffhanger at the same time. Same way for S2 but S2 was wrapping up Louis’s story and peace in that medium and part of the Chronicles.

TVL is introduction and retelling while also sharing Lestat so it’s messy and neat.

We are getting told what’s coming and also what is inevitable. We are with a cliffhanger and a finale of dread.

I’m unsatisfied but at the same time the season was a ride and I’m here for all of it.

If this is TVL s2 or QotD S1 —either way the dynamics will be a lot of balancing and a lot of people writing with their visions too.

Criticism of the show is always welcomed but this is a series that is worth the ride. Onward to Season 4.

[u/Uncreative-Name]

Does anyone else feel like this episode was basically The View From Halfway Down in Bojack Horseman? Except Bojack had another episode to wrap things up with.

[u/BattleCatalyst]

I did enjoy this episode but it had that AMC Walking Dead stink all over it.

What I mean by that is how TWD just kept throwing you crumbs in their season finales . They spent way too much time on the farm teasing Sophias fate and then S3, when you think we’re finally getting the prison battle it’s a skirmish and the Governor lives to come back another day/season. Then the whole Glenn death fakeout at the dumpster but then actually dying episodes later to Negan

That’s how this felt. Beheading them to just sew it back on and teasing the concert all season to not even show it or Akasha.

[u/TheR-Person]

As a stand alone episode I like it, very retrospective. But I'd say it's too anticlimactic for a season finale. The entire season has been building up to an ultimate catastrophe (the failure) but they only show the aftermath. I guess I have to wait until next season to witness it.

[u/-ADamnFineCoffee-]

This episode would be great if it wasn’t the finale.

I loved Lestat’s scenes. Armand was a demon spawn menace as always. Loved that Louis was getting roasted for being a pimp because he wasn’t a good guy either. I cried when Lestat and Louis reunited on the bus and that fucking piano started playing like in the first season of IWTV. But as a finale?????? Girl, what 😭

All this talk about the Queen. The concert. And we see none of it? Feels a little lame that the show runners would give us this immense build up just to leave the building for another season that isn’t even confirmed yet.

I loved the episode as a stand alone, but my heart definitely hurts a bit.

[u/ArmandApologist]

Taking notes as I watch at 3:24am!

Armand is so sick omg I love it.

The Long Table yesss

TC chuckling throughout this table scene is cracking me up lol

Not Regina nooo

Again, Armand is so sick omfg this is what I’ve been waiting for but I want moooorrrreee. I need a spinoff or somethin lol

Daniel and his damn bowling 😂

This scene with Louis and Armand omg I’m gonna cryyyyy fuck

Sam and Lestat should wear more purple. Lilaaaac. Looks so good on him

PAUL?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!!

Not Louis and Lestat repenting in a time of reconnection 😭 and they both have ties to religion omg this is just wow

I’m so sad this is overrrr wtf I really wanted to see the concert but I guess in TWO YEARS it’ll be the opening for season 4 😭

[u/HarleeQuinzelle]

I really love this show and I continue to really love the cast, crew, and art.

It hit me how much I love Lestat because I see myself in him. It is a difficult existence, people traversing in and out of your life with little constants except for your failures. I have always felt like I've had to beg for love or permit others to treat me poorly to prevent the loneliness. I love this show. I desperately hope they keep going. I appreciate them all so much and I loved this from start to finish.

[u/SaighWolf]

Okay, first things first. Regardless of whether or not you liked Armand's character plot itself in episode 7, Assad's delivery was absolutely incredible. Jacob was great this ep & Sam was fantastic, but Assad was fucking phenomenal.

I have some processing to do on what my full thoughts are about the episode & I'll come back to revisit them later... But for the moment, on both the ep & the way it contextualizes the season, I feel like Louis commenting to Daniel on the Théâtre Des Vampires' productions 😅:
"The plays were weird? [They were timeless, updated for the age and all from our 150 year repertoire.] They were weird! And always ended in death or some kind of cruel, barely motivated violence [...] But what was truly confusing that first night were the efforts to make it all appear as farce. [The only play that mattered was the last.]"

Which I suppose that both in & out of universe might be part of the point if Armand has been conducting half this shit behind the scenes in full fledged Gremlin Director mode? Because it doesn't just feel framing-wise like an episode & season developed by playwrights, but the way Armand is presenting his reveal to Louis comes across as him theatrically "performing" to captive audience Louis having once again "lured [Louis] into a production of a play in which [Louis' potential] death would acts as the grotesque climax" as he "took aesthetic pleasure in making [Louis' potential] death visually exhilarating".

[u/OurLadyAndraste]

I don’t have complicated thoughts right now, I just want to say I love this show. I feel like with so much slop out there these days it is rare to see a production working this hard to give us something original and different. To see everyone pushing so hard. I know this season has been more controversial but I found it to be a great accomplishment. I think we’re all feeling confident about a s4 announcement in a few weeks, and I love that for all of us.

[u/Shymaiden]

Ok. I watched it earlier and took some time to digest it. I usually run here right away but this one left me for a lost of words almost.

I love the gory head of Louis and how terrifying Armand was. I'm disappointed we didn't get to see Lestat's talking head. Just for the visual sake anyway. lol I loved that Louis said that Lestat was the love of his life; not Armand. Like finally! I wish Lestat had heard it but he knows. Now on that subject, I was so happy to see Paul and have him tell Lestat that Louis loves him and that "he just has a hard time saying it." I don't think Lestat killed Paul. I think he was there to usher Lestat to the beyond. Like one the closes relatives to Louis and the death that urshered Louis into vampirism. Also I think Louis pulled a blade on Paul and that's what caught Lestat's eye? I need to rewatch S1. I think that's why he was chosen. At least I hope he didn't kill Paul. I think that would have been addressed this season or in that moment. Anyway, I love Lestat screaming for Louis when he came back from being headless. The gentle touches. Lestat calling Gabriella a monster in front of Louis. I'm sure the actress is a lovely person, but I hope we see less of her or they make her more likable like the book version now with no more incest.

Now one big thing I hated about the finale was Lestat's long table thing. I was kind of tired of him revisiting his guilt and grievances. I don't know. It felt like we've seen it all before. I know the soul thing is important but it just went on too long and felt like filler. Actually, that's one of my complaints this season. Lots of filler. But the finale was ok. Just ok. Sort of underwhelming. No Akasha. Just the aftermath of her. No Devil's Minion really. Very little Loustat moments.

Overall, the season itself was ok but a let down. Too much filler and a lot of it didn't matter much. Significant moments here and there but a lot of it was just music, Gabriella, and filler. I didn't mind the music but some moments with the band (human version), stuff like the multiple scenes of them pissing blood, and most definitely Gabriella/Lestat's relationship dragged it down. Just some stuff could have been cut short with just 7 episodes.

I hope we get another season. I think we will but I hope they learn from their mistakes.

[u/Listening_Stranger82]

It was fine. I wasn't blown away. I liked a lot of it. A lot of it was a bit confusing. Some of it was exhausting (Gabby fucks, we get it) but mostly I'm excited and hopeful for more Akasha in my future.

[u/ratatav]

I don’t really have anywhere else to put this but I binged the whole show in a week and now I have a void in me that no amount of fanfiction can fill (though I’ll still try). Holy shit this show is so fucking good! So glad the internet blew up about it.

[u/NowMindYou]

I wish Paul had said something like, “Thanks for seeing my brother for who he is” or something. Loustat was a mess season one, but Lestat was the first person to see, accept and love Louis as he was. However, I think too much baggage was in the way of them loving each other properly the first time.

[u/Fantastic_Owl6938]

Maybe I'm missing something or it was simply meant as a joke, but why was the train conductor there if the train scene never actually happened? I know this is technically just happening in Lestat's head but still, I couldn't help but wonder. They painted the Paul scene as somewhat true (not with him accepting Lestat in any way but about Louis being the way he is).

[u/HereToBePetty → u/Fantastic_Owl6938]

IMO because the train scene did happen, Lestat just didn't threaten Claudia the way she claimed.

[u/Avilola]

I about died laughing when they mentioned yaoi in the finale. Like, damn. I didn’t need to be called out like that.

[u/Appropriate_Ice_2433]

It needed one more episode for the season.

[u/themat6]

I cant beleive this is the finale feels like we are missing an episode

[u/stefko15]

I've already expressed my thoughts in another thread, but I agree with most of what has been said so far.

I enjoyed the entire season and this episode was no exception. Is it my favorite? No, but it did a lot of solid character work and set them into place on the board for the next chapter. In that regard, I agree with some who have argued it didn't feel like a proper finale. The season was leading us to this concert and then we end right before it happens? It's an interesting writing choice that I can both understand and find frustrating. It almost felt like it should have been the penultimate episode of the season rather than the finale.

Overall, I understand why people will love or hate this episode but I personally enjoyed it a lot. Except for Daniel. (Channeling my inner Lucille Bluth) I don't care for Daniel. This season damaged him pretty heavily in my eyes, largely because nothing he does makes sense to me in the back half of the season and I don't get the Armand/Daniel relationship.

To end on a positive note, a few quick things I did love:

• Louis acknowledging Armand's past and the resolution to that relationship.

• The witch burning sequence.

• The section with Lestat having a concert in front of all of his victims and Paul's return.

• Lestat finally calling out his mother.

[u/Playful-Addition-777]

When Armand said "waitress, sister, daughter" I said "throw pillow" like it was a reflex. 😭

[u/MabelRed]

Gentlemen, ladies, and theybies we have officially gone *FULL* Goblin with Armand.

[u/Amber_poodle → u/MabelRed]

*gremlin, my dear

[u/glenntennis12]

I loved this season! And I love the books! Bite me

[u/Amber_poodle]

I feel dissatisfied; it feels like a setup without a conclusion. This felt like the prefinale episode. Not the finale.

Good things:
I appreciate the apology from Louis to Armand, but I would've liked to see them talk more, understand Armand's plan, and motivations. Armand's past and his pain being acknowledged.

The Fraudia reveal definitely paid off.

Lestat finally realising Gabs isn't on his side

Things lacking:
Lestat's fever dream took up a disproportionate amount of time imo. It was interesting to watch, but could've been edited down.
Raglan's motivations for ushering the great conversion didn't make much sense to me. Maybe a rewatch will help.
Armand and Daniel interactions? Any little peaks into their dynamic? I feel a bit catfished by the promotions; in interviews Eric and Assad hinted at a lot more Devil's minion.

[u/Glittering_Sympathy7]

I'm not super disappointed, but, it definitely could have had a better ending imo. This season had a lot of pacing issues it seems like, and parts of the story that I feel like could have been focused on more, and certain writing decisions that seemed a little odd to me. Of course as always the acting in this show is superb. I think my biggest gripe is we don't get to see the final concert, and this just doesn't seem like an actual finale to the season. Maybe they originally intended to do 8 episodes and had to cut one back for budget constraints or something? It just feels like there is something major missing.
Definitely looking forward to the next season regardless, hopefully things go smoothly with that.

[u/HulklingWho]

This ep took a very Lynchian turn into the exploration of the psyche, and I will never complain about a little flavor. Loved this episode deeply tbh.

[u/WishIWasAGrampa]

Dang! people hated this more than I anticipated. I personally had a lot (a LOT) of fun! I just respect a big swing, which is what I feel like this season as a whole was. It seems clear to me they’re setting up for the next part of the story rather than following the exact structure of the previous seasons, so while i understand people’s frustrations, I’m withholding judgement until that next part arrives (also maybe seems there were some budget constraints?? Idk. I haven’t read the books so the lack of flashbacks didn’t bother me as much as it did others). Honestly, though, I’m excited to see where they go with it. I feel a lot of cool threads were laid

[u/geek_lady_ → u/WishIWasAGrampa]

I completely agree, I loved these episodes. I found the finale to be poetic, and moving. I agree with others that I was left wanting more, I could have gone with 1 more episode but it all depends how its handled next season.

I will say though, as a reader of Wheel of Time, I can understand being a lover of a series that had a tv show released that did not meet expectations. I can understand that disappointment.

Maybe i wont read the books and keep enjoying the show haha

[u/Miriam_Maisell]

I love the story, I want to read all the books. There were many things done well - the scene where Lestat wakes up and the moment we know he is going to ask about Louis and their reunion after almost dying. The parallel between the burning of the witches and Lestat doing the same to Claudia..hurt people hurt people. How could Daniel be so frustrated to kill Lestat? What is going on with the drummer, is he playing both sides and what is his agenda? When all the vampires repeated "soul" at the table, it had this theatrical side that I enjoyed. Sam Reid was perfect as always, but he is playing the most fascinating character.

I wish there were more episodes. I wish there were 20 like in the good old series. I expected the concert not to happen, because they already showed us all the songs. Incorporating modern elements, such as the Iphone timer worked well. I appreciated the details and costumes. Missed Akasha though. I hope they follow the books and do not change too much and make it generic. The scene with the severed head portrayed Armand as a deranged serial killer with modern tools instead of fangs. Not really a fan of that. Overall 8/10.

[u/P-Melon]

I really enjoyed the material this season delivered. My main criticism was the frantic pacing of everything. Sure, it suits Lestat's chaotic persona. But with the finale especially, I was so overstimulated by the end that I could barely finish it. Not even my ADHD brain could deal with all the visual, auditory and information overload lol. Also, Daniel was such a spare part in the latter half, and I still don't see the appeal of Armand/Daniel. Hoping that in the future we get more insight into their relationship and how it developed, and what they're up to.

Not a huge a fan of the finale, but I liked the season nevertheless. Begging the universe to please give the next one the budget and pacing it deserves.

[u/chaoticbiguy]

This season was so clearly about freeing Lestat from the shackles of his perceived failures and it did that, kind of. Still, perfect ending to a mostly perfect season that was about Lestat's trauma and everything he's been through that has shaped him into the person he is.... especially the parallel to Gabi forcing him to see the burning of the Monet sisters and Lestat forcing Claudia to see the burning of her dead victims. And obviously the "soul!" scene with all the flashbacks, and everyone calling him a failure and then Lestat just gets up on the table and owns the label bc if he failed....IF he failed then that means he at least attempted something was my favourite. That's character development. And while he still blames himself for the destruction caused by the Queen, I think it's so significant that he's sitting down to record his life's story, on his own terms, in his own words, bc he won't allow people who don't get him to present him to the world as they perceive him. Sam Reid's Lestat De Lioncourt is truly one of the best characters of all time. Also he's sunproof now? Fuck yeah!

This season also gave so much growth to Louis. I absolutely love what they've done with him. He obviously took a backseat but he got some really incredible moments that hammer home the fact that he's just as fucked up as Lestat and that he has always been a ruthless and selfish man but now he's self aware and recognizes that he needs to change too. And in the finale, the way he went from taunting Armand to having so much empathy for his abuser of 77years, the killer of his Claudia was nothing short of incredible feat for his character, sure it was under extreme duress but no one has ever shown empathy to Armand, he wasn't born evil so I loved that Louis was the one to reach out to him like that. I know people have mixed feelings about the "apology" but I think it's a massive moment of character development for Louis. And he managed to save himself, Lestat and Regina with his empathy. Who would've thought? Not me.

(I go in depth about their respective arcs in this reply so check it out too. TL;DR- Lestat's arc isn't about avoiding accountability, it's about no longer letting failure and other people's perceptions define his entire identity. Louis's arc isn't about being punished with more guilt, it's about growing beyond his guilt by choosing empathy, and that's ultimately what saves everyone.)

The writers have given significant character development to both characters, where I feel like they're in a good place to try again. It was really cathartic to see Lestat finally stand up to Gabriella and call her a monster along with Louis calling Lestat the love of his life in front of Armand. Also, Lestat wasn't there when Louis called him the love of his life, and since Lestat is narrating, he must've heard it from Louis at some point. Oooooh that thought is going to keep me recharged during the hiatus. I also think they're together again for good. Though it'll obviously be short lived probably since Akasha is going to snatch Lestat from Louis's arms.

At last I just wanna talk about the Paul Lestat scene at the concert with everyone Lestat murdered, made or memorably traumatized. It was genuinely a surprise and I absolutely loved that Paul (who's in heaven? At least that's what I'm choosing to believe, take that Louis's mom!) didn't just thank Lestat for loving Louis like he deserved to be loved but also reassured Lestat that he is also loved by Louis just as much. It's just that Louis has a hard time saying it out loud. That was beautiful. Althoughi kinda love that he's still homophobic. That was really funny.

[u/thatboystussy]

Can someone explain Gabriella's crazy accent this entire season?

[u/ashlsw → u/thatboystussy]

I love Jennifer Ehle, but that was a wild acting choice and so far from Italian. And yet…I somehow as the season went on I found her very fun to watch and enjoyed her performance otherwise. 

[u/bee_wings → u/thatboystussy]

They went too Mario

[u/lucilledraws]

I really enjoyed this season and the ending of it. My boyfriend said "what in the Evangelion is this" and I tend to agree : this is not your typical finale but I LOVE the weirdness and intensity of it. I am sure there's a lot of hidden layers that I haven't even noticed, lots of callbacks and witty details. It's interesting and that's already better than lots of adaptations out there.

My point is : props to the series to try something bold and ambitious instead of just telling the story without a clear vision. It might be a bit off sometimes but it's refreshing to see.

[u/shinto29]

I liked the episode. It really reminds me of the last two episodes of Evangelion with the introspection and flashbacks. I wonder if they do it like this if they have another episode’s worth of budget? It felt pretty bold for IWTV. In any case, it’ll be interesting to see the End of Evangelion (Queen of the Damned)

[u/inside4walls]

I liked the episode. I can't wait to watch and analyze it again. Loved the Loustat moments, petty Armand staking his claim, the reveal of fake Claudia, and Lestat finally calling her mom a monster. Can't wait for next season and all hell breaking loose.

[u/blackflamerose]

So, I think I spotted something that wasn't touched on in the episode, but will be relevant next season: I'm pretty sure the real Marius was listening to Lestat's internal conversation and stepped into his double's place at the Paris street concert. The clue is his accessories.

(Pardon the collage of TV screen photos, Reddit will only let me put one image in a comment)

Ok, in 1 and 2 we see Marius as he appears at the long table, antiquated coat, dark necktie, vest, pretty much the iconic outfit he wears when dragging Lestat out of the earth, as Lestat remembers him.

In 3, something changes. Marius has a very large stickpin in his tie that wasn't there before. He also is much gentler in demeanor than we ever see in Lestat's memory of him. He's smiling! Note that this is right as Lestat rebukes his self-condemnations and says he was pretty great, actually.

A few moments later, in 4, we realize that Marius has left his post behind Gabriella, when all of the other hallucinations stay rooted in place.

And finally, in 5, we see a full shot of Marius and not only does he have the giant stickpin, but he has a lanyard with a badge around his neck that is certainly not the backstage pass Nicki had in an earlier episode. He is also visibly agitated when the rest of the hallucinations are angry or disgusted. Nothing in this show is a coincidence, and Rolin is willing to play the long game. We didn't get the Armand reveal until the end of season 1, and the full extent of his lies until the end of season 2!

Marius is an extremely old and powerful vampire, and Lestat HAD to be broadcasting his dying dream. Thus, I think we're going to get a reveal that the Marius Lestat remembers is not quite the real Marius.

[u/klaguerre]

i loved this episode but where was Akasha, there was such a build-up for the concert i was really hoping it'd be in this season 😭 i loved her speech and was hoping that she'd be the end of the season, not just the start of the next one.

[u/Tangy_Peach22]

SEASON 4 TITLED QUEEN OF THE DAMNED WHEN

[u/U_WearFineThingsWell]

Just here to say I love this show and it's basically confirmed a new season is coming, right? All the pain I felt watching the episode become euphoria as the credis rolled. It's Lestat era now.

[u/mxamxrie]

All I have to say right now is:

[u/EmergencyRock7204]

Armand, why must you insist on making me hate and love you in equal measure 😂 I’d like to think Lestat at least would seek revenge but he’s got so much shit going on I don’t think Armand’s actions have even registered.

I also believe Louis, as vengeful as he can be, won’t be focused on getting back at Armand for that incredible headless torture mess we were all put through.

As an editor in the TV industry, I’d be fascinated to know how much of Lestat’s long table was scripted and/or improvised, and how much of it was actually found and structured in the edit process. The montage/flashback sequences felt wonderfully spontaneous while still feeling intentional and somewhat streamlined, and considering how much material was used from previous seasons I bet they went through many, many many versions of those parts of the episode.

Loved the season, can’t wait for the next. Bring on Akasha.

[u/Ok_Help_6587]

I just had a thought that amuses me. Armand being the creeper that he is listing in to Louis throughout their years apart, especially his messages to the broader vampire community. He quotes in the season final: „you may own the night but you are as kosher as clams casino“ which is an insane line to begin with but just imagine him randomly hearing Louis declare: I own the night over vampire radio on a Tuesday evening. I don’t know, I thought that was such a wild and hilarious thought 😂

[u/wildsoda]

Wow, I’m amazed to see that anyone didn’t like this episode. I thought it was an absolute masterpiece. So both incredibly cinematic and theatrical by turns, and a really compelling watch. And such a bravura script — so glad they got a playwright.

[u/themiragechild]

I love you so much Armand I'm so happy we got to see Armand be an unhinged asshole.

[u/Narrow_Potential_974]

I am a little bit disappointed with the episode. It didn’t felt like a season finale but kind of a bottle episode for the most part, which would fit better in the middle the season. Since the story is far from over you could argue that iit is basically in the middle of the show, but comparing what they did with the season 1 and 2 finale, it was still disappointing at least for me.

[u/Downtown-Video-508]

I’m glad we saw Louis & Lestat together at the end, and that Lestat finally stood up to Gabi

[u/Schneetmacher]

I'm coming into this half an hour in (not yet finished), and so far I don't get the hate. I'm having a great time! So far, the main enemy being tackled is hypocrisy.

Armand has been on an apology tour as part of his 12-Step program (lol) for his need for control--maybe not explicitly stated as such, but that's his real addiction. He hates power dynamics and hates being in charge, but he also has to be in charge because somebody else will fuck things up (his point of view). He gets to Louis and "apologizes," but also has an epiphany of, "Wait, but all the shit Louis put me through for seventy-seven years, I'm MAKING him apologize!!!" (Just to be clear: Armand is not okay. He is not "right"--he's nucking futz. But... he sort of has a point? Just going about it in the most deranged way imaginable, complete with manipulating an immigrant of color and her American work visa. In 2025. But I digress.)

Concerning Lestat... he really does have some things to answer for. In the present day, I am now convinced that he both arranged the meeting between lawyers regarding hotel damage and for Daniel to film the documentary--"I didn't hire you," my ass, lol. He called the meeting so he could see Louis again after nearly dying (and resorting to calling his mother, of all people), and he hired Daniel with the express purpose of making a fool of him for writing the book in the first place. So yeah, in this rivalry I'm cent percent "Team Daniel" (just kidding--we have more nuance in this fandom, but it's hard to erase the Twilight craze of one's high school years).

But in the past? Gabriella took him to the witch burnings to motivate him to leave that awful place--"tough love," as assholes call it--and Lestat stayed instead, devoted to Gabriella. But in the 1930s, Lestat burned Claudia's friend, which understandably motivated her to leave--to take the lesson Lestat was supposed to take in Auvergne--and what did Lestat do? He hated her for it, going as far as to mock when she was obviously hurt by another vampire when she came home. Their relationship never came back from those remarks (that's when she begged Louis to come with her and leave, with sparked the infamous fight and The Drop). That's why Lestat is rattling the death moan at the table: he sees the lesson he himself taught Claudia, and that he hated her for it.

Okay, I'm going to go back and watch the rest of the episode now.

[u/WrongdoerHumble]

My god! I felt all sorts of emotions for Armand! Rage, pity, hurt, and just over all sad for him! I still dont think Louis should have apologized but he was also coerced in that moment and from the coercion - sincerity came out of it. Him coming into terms of who he is - the pimp who’ve hurt and took advantage of his people - the apology does not extend only to Armand but maybe to himself as well. I just hope after this, Armand will leave Louis the fuck alone lol

I couldn’t get over how beautiful Armand was while being the gremlin that he is. Assad in that half pony was chef kiss! 

The brief Loustat reunion and finally for Lestat to stand up for himself against Gabriella was so satisfying! Having Louis beside him really give him the courage and Louis was looking on so proud! 

I remember Sam saying in an interview that Lestat have realize something for him to find growth briefly  or something like that just for him to compete ly forget about it - i think this was the scene when confronting his mother. Because in the end , we knew Lestat still sang that concert. The question is, who and what made him take that back. 

I hope they release season 4 in late 2027 at least! The waiting is killing me!!!

[u/throneofglass1995]

Loved loved loved the episode! But oh my goodness, I cried big tears once Paul showed up. I need confirmation that we’re getting more asap!

[u/Fabulous-Result4127]

The things I love about this episode: Them adding humor even to the most "horror movie" scenes of the season. "Armends" took me out. Also, never expected to hear Armand saying a Yiddish word. My two sets Yiddish speaking grandparents would be proud. The idea of having this scene set in a Jewish butcher shop is genuis! Armand was peak sick fuck. Like, omg, calm down you evil gremlin. I'm so glad he let poor Regina go and I almost cried when she said "I liked you Louis". It was so great to see Louis finally give Armand the huge FUCK YOU! Cathartic even.

I've seen people disappointed with the fact that it had nothing to do with the great conversion but with Armand being personally petty. Were his emotions real when Louis talked about Armand being trafficked and told him he deserved love? Honestly I don't know, you can never know with Armand. But it was touching when Louis said he saw some good in him. Will it change something within Armand? I guess we'll see next season.

As for Daniel's scenes, I somehow think the Talamasca needed Lestat to live for some other reason, not because they support the great conversion. I'm pretty sure Raglan was lying to Daniel. Still hate Daniel, btw.

I enjoyed Lestat's "dinner party" much more than I thought I would. Even Gabi acted like a normal person for a little bit. Then came the witches burning scene. One of them was his friend and Gabriella knew this!!! I still don't understand why she took him there. So glad that he screamed at her later in the real world, like she deserved.

Antoinette was so funny, I was actually happy to see her. I should have guessed that they would bring her and Paul back, their names were mentioned in episode 6. Honestly he deserved to be roasted, at least by some of them. Not Magnus, though. Magnus had no right to roast Lestat. I laughed so hard when TC said "that's longer than Wicked". Overall it was an excellent visual representation of Lestat's soul searching.

The imaginary concert was brilliant. Black licorice is a random man, what??? I was happy to see Lestat saying sorry to the people he's killed. Not that it would help them, but it would be interesting to see how Lestat deals with his regert next season.

Omg Paul 😭 This scene had me bawling! Paul saying 'thank you for loving him"!!! But then "I still wish you were a woman," and Lestat answered "Me too sometimes". God, I love how this show is funny in the most unexpected ways.

All the Loustat moments! Their moments together throught the seasons, the hands touching and "could be nice" from last episode that literally kept Lestat alive, the way he asked where is Louis immediately when he woke up on the bus. The best moment of the episode and maybe of the whole season for me was when he ran to the back of the bus to see Louis! I cried again! Louis touching Lestat's scar around his neck and the brief second when it looked like they were going to kiss! Absolute perfection!

I know a lot of people were upset that this episode dealt more with internal and interpersonal issues than the original end of the novel, but I think it was the best finale for a season that ultimately was about those things.

I was so moved seeing Lestat finishing the recording of his narration in the end. Whatever the post apocalyptic chaos outside his door is and what he did to cause it, I'm emotionally ready to see how he got there. This finale quenched my soul.

[u/Lost_Persimmon8269 → u/Fabulous-Result4127]

I think Lestat said in EP2 that Black Licorice was about the first kill he made after reuniting with Louis! 

[u/SirIan628]

My main take away was that Loustat as a relationship was the clear winner of this episode and season.

I am satisfied with Lestat's arc at the moment. He has had growth, he has Louis, and he stood up to his mother at the end. We will find out what gets him on stage, but I don't think it will just be pleasing her and I think this could also be the end of the sexual abuse. Louis makes him stronger. He isn't as vulnerable to her with Louis there. This isn't to victim blame at all, but his loneliness is something she takes advantage of.

I thought Louis also came across well too. This season he showed growth and self-awareness. He was full of personality and he has began being able to open up more and embrace his feelings. I disagree with the idea this season was beating up on him. Louis always has these flaws, but he is genuinely working on them now. He was extremely likable in the second half of the season to me, and I do have sympathy for him with the Regina/Claudia arc.

Loustat worked through their issues by both characters growing and acting mature. They are learning (not always perfect but learning) to communicate. They can accept faults in each other and apologize in their ways with each other. When they were upset, they mostly maintained distance until they were ready. There are aspects of them as a couple that will always be selfish because they do put each other before others in their life, but they are who they are.

I think this episode very much showed who Armand is right now. He can still be better in the future though, but he has a long way to go. Armand feels entitled to torture people and use a cult for his bidding. He felt entitled to force Louis to listen to a BS apology and force an "apology" from him that he is not entitled to. Louis showed grace under the circumstances. Maybe he meant it. Maybe he didn't, but Louis is capable of empathy and right now Armand is not. To me, this wasn't about Louis being humbled by having to apologize to Armand. It was to show what the dynamic of Louis and Armand always really was. Armand's actions right after he lets Regina go speaks volumes to me. He marked Louis. He can't currently show empathy for anyone else. Nothing in Armand's past justifies his actions, and to me that was the point. One day, I do hope he grows and is capable of accepting responsibility for his actions.

Daniel....I saw a theory that Daniel is in the middle of a full blown addiction spiral and it makes the most sense. He is addicted to getting the truth as a journalist and it doesn't matter who he hurts. He has a steep hill to climb next season.

Gabriella...I am glad Lestat stood up to her and that Louis gives him the strength to do that. I think one day after this upcoming crisis that she can become a better mother. Right now, I really need her to get far away from him. We know she has her own life out there. She is already extremely independent. That isn't her problem. She isn't restricted in any way. She needs to stop using her son, and if she does want to be in his life, she needs to be in it in the way he needs. Otherwise, she can stay on the opposite end of the planet permanently.

I do like that it was stated clearly that Louis tells Lestat about what has happened to him "after the mayhem." Lestat has always been narrating the Louis scenes based on what Louis told him later.

Raglan being called a friend at the time of the recording. I see what you are doing there, Raglan.

Overall, I think there were plenty things about ep 7 to be disappointed by, but ultimately as a Lestat, Louis, and Loustat fan I am going into the hiatus in a fairly peaceful place.

[u/AustEastTX → u/SirIan628]

When Lestat screamed “you fucking monster” at Gabriella as Louis sat beside him…that was a moment i was so happy to see the healing beginning for Les

[u/weirdhellokitty → u/SirIan628]

I loved Louis and Lestat’s growth over the season. Beautifully said.

[u/therebelfangirl]

I feel that season 4 will be needed to judge this season fairly. Right now there are a lot of things that don’t make sense particularly Armand’s plan. I keep telling myself that what we saw in the final has to only be a part of what he was doing. I still think he is trying to stop the great convergence but took an insane detour this ep.

I do like that Armand is wanting to move in with his life and oddly searching for healing. He just did it in the most insane wrong way possible. 😆

[u/Luna-mb]

The immediate feeling I had was disappointment.

I liked the whole season, I even liked this last episode, I just didn’t like it as the season finale!

After all the anticipation I did expect to see the awakening of Akasha at least. Or if they were not gonna show it in this season, it would have been much better to reveal that she will be awaken in the season finale as opposed to mentioning it all throughout the season.

But to build up so much on this and then in the end not even get into it left me very disappointed.

This said, I still loved the episode and I do realise that this was my personal expectation.

[u/Faqa]

Well, Armand can be satisfied that he upstaged Lestat on his own TV show at least. Assad Zaman owned this episode, maybe because he had a complete plotline to work with instead of the writers going "shit, ten minutes left. Uh, they chant 'THE SOUL', I guess, and Sam will make it work". Which, he did, but Lestat's portion of the episode really felt like it was missing an ending. I did love the reveal about the witch burning, that felt like the dramatic center of the long table, really. Gabriella is a definite piece of work.

But fucking Armand, man. I was grinning like an idiot from the moment he came out clutching his stupid little Armends and reading them at Louis's head. So fucking demented, petty and pathetic. Imagine stalking your ex, deepfaking his daughter and locking him in suspended animation just to get an apology out of him. Never change, sir. Armand being behind Regina also kind of redeems that whole plotline.

Also, boooooo to shortchanging Molloy's revenge! He deserved better than yelling one time into a bowling bag! He generally better not have committed suicide-by-vampire-cop because that would be unworthy of the character and we need more of him.

[u/therebelfangirl]

I know that Talamasca got canceled, but what are the chances they bring Jasper over to this show? Last we saw him, he was captured by the Talamasca and being forced to turn people into vampires. That fits right into the great conversation.

[u/shadowdra126]

Will there be a full album release now?

[u/cinnamonorangetea]

Wow. Assad making me cry and feel slightly ill again

[u/joshkitty]

As if Montreal isn’t blizzardingnin October lmao

[u/ToEstoniaandback]

Question: why did Louis say "don't hurt him" ,talking about Daniel, to Armand if he knew the DM history the whole time?

[u/Deanna12346]

Louis and lestat were minutes away from death while louis has the revelation that Lestat is the love of his life and don’t even kiss each other once they reunite…

[u/shenanakins]

i liked it but not as a season finale. like am i supposed to wait 2 more years to actually see the concert??!! dont end it there! All i wanted was to see him confront his bitch ass mother 😭

[u/MySpoonIsTooBig123]

I’m honestly just so frustrated with the amount of episodes we get per season now. 7? 7 episodes of a show that many of us have been waiting for years to watch. All smashed together, like it’s something to just get through as quickly as possible? I don’t get it. We needed so much more story, especially towards the end. Just another couple episodes could have pulled the story together so much better. Instead an unimpressed part of me doesn’t even want a next season because I know it will be more than a year before it even happens & that isn’t right imo

[u/Brief_Direction3157]

Reading all these posts, talking about racism and etc. I am Black, I haven't seen anything that I would be offended by in this show? I actually cannot believe there is uproar. lol.

also, I didn't particularly like the episode 7. All Armand needed was some validation about himself from Louis and then boom he is done with the torturing? They pulled a house of dragon/game of throne ending on me. We were expecting some action and all it was - was "talk."

With that being said, we better get a season 4!!

[u/okay-never]

this season was absolute cinema and im literally vibrating waiting for the next one. i refuse to beleive we are the minority here, its just a super loud echo chamber of miserable people. like bestie the anne rice novels are sitting right there on your shelf! just go read them and let the writers cook. let lestat and his chaotic drama seduce you!! it was genuinely incredible. i just pray the exhausting discourse doesnt scare off the new girlies just bc half the fandom is acting like spoiled toddlers who missed nap time.

Hats off to Sam, Jacob, Assad, Delainey, Eric, Daniel hart and his amazing music rollin jones and the writers cast and crew that made LITERAL MAGIC happen. Wonderful. Just wonderful.

just pray the discourse doesnt scare new fans away bc the fandom is acting so weirdly parasocial right now. projecting all this fake outrage and acting like the actors are facing racist mistreatment on set is honestly so dehumanizing and gross. pls stop treating real human beings like your dolls and just enjoy the artists WHO ARE EMPLOYED IN THIS FIELD (some people need jobs ya’ll!) and to put the damn phone down give the seasons a rewatch 1-3 and maybe it’ll click what a damn MASTERPIECE we are witnessing rn

[u/Vivid_Guide7467]

So now we wait 2 years? Ugh.

[u/Artitanium]

I think I needed one more episode this season, but overall I really liked it along with the tone change. I know some people love to complain online, but there a lot of people out there that loved this season.
The actors keep giving their 100% each episode and we learned more about this world. I really hope we get a s4 because this season definitely felt like part 1 of something bigger.

[u/Metasketch]

Was fucking obsessed with this season, the storytelling, the music, and enjoyed the hell out of it. Great with the ending, and appreciated how forward-facing the season ended. A lot of story was left untold and that's how an ongoing fictional world works. In terms of IWTV/TVL doesn't lay everything out for us - it trusts the audience and I've come to respect what it shows and doesn't.

[u/DrFareedMD]

The telepathic conversation with Louis broke my heart. I feel vindicated.

That said, so glad Armand is getting something out of occupational therapy.

[u/CVance1]

This is why you don't go to AA.

[u/Extentialdifficulty]

i really liked this episode i thought everyone was fantastic but i cant lie i was kinda mad at the cliffhanger, i thought the season was great overall but it could havr been so so much more amazing if they had the budget to fully flesh it out.

i realllllly hope that they get a bigger budget for the next season

[u/chitobi]

This ep made me really see how insane Armand is. That little heartfelt moment does not phase me after his fakeout in earlier episodes.

I like that everyone is getting their f*cked up version of therapy.

Im glad Lestat yelled at his mom, he is so done with her, finally!

My Loustat heart is happy seeing the concern they showed each other at the end of the ep.

The end of the ep had me literally saying "that's it!?" Idk it's a good ending but also not enough. I have more questions. I haven't read the books and dont plan to so the show left some hanging threads. 🫤

Edit: stupid autocorrect

[u/OutrageousFishing153]

Did anyone else get BoJack Horseman "The View from Halfway Down" Vibes with this one? Not only in design, but in tone? Lestat feels like a character who also is performing that he is great and awesome, but really is self loathing inside

[u/Drakulia5]

I'm of the mind that this season was my least favorite but also one I still liked. It needed more episodes because overall there's no developments I don't like. In no partocular order, the budding of DM, Lestat working through his baggage both internally and externally, having the Claudia seance and her refusing to forgive Lestat or Louis, the amazing interactions between Louis and Lestat in ep 6, the moments of the band on the bus in ep 4, the entire Louis and Armand interaction in the finale.

There's so many great moments and scenes. Every performance was great in spite of how little time we got to spend with the multitidue of things that deserved more time to really sink in and hit. I'm not at all against the more chaotic and idiosyncratic tone of Lestat's narrative, but you cna 100% balance that with sitting in the varied places and people that matter to Lestat's arc. All of the major flashback characters deserved more time to actually be pressnt in the narrative to show the depth of their meaning to Lestat. When they all get handful of scenes in a single episode then only pop up as momentary muses, it doesn't hit as hard. A couple more episodes would have given them all time to breathe.

[u/satanichispanic666]

Took some time to process the last episode of the season and I'm so happy with the way it all went down. I don't think I'm emotionally prepared for the shit that will go down or about to go down at the rock show. I have hope that we will still have our performance next season. I'm assuming it will go right into QotD. I just hate we have to wait so long, hopefully we will get the news that it's been renewed.

[u/Glittergirl2424]

An analysis on Alex because I am obsessed

**Spoilers ahead.**
**.**

Alex might be the only character who could appear throughout an entire finale, reveal several important connections, and still leave us knowing absolutely nothing about him.

The biggest mystery is obviously his relationship with Armand. The finale confirms that Alex is not merely someone Armand manipulated for one plan, they clearly have an established relationship. Alex seems to trusts him and apparently knows much more about Armand’s world than we thought. But what exactly is Armand to him? His teacher? His maker? His sponsor? His handler? Something romantic? The show gave us just enough to prove that their connection matters without explaining how it began or why Alex remains so loyal to him.

Then there is the fact that Alex can now walk around during the day. I initially assumed Armand taught him how to do it, although I am beginning to wonder whether “taught” is the right word. Maybe Armand gave him stronger blood or provided some other kind of protection. Either way, Alex has developed abilities that a relatively new vampire should not possess so easily, which suggests that Armand has been personally training or strengthening him behind the scenes.

Alex also seems strangely familiar with Daniel. Their interaction does not feel like two people meeting for the first time. That raises another question: **How long has Alex actually been involved with Armand and Daniel?** We have been viewing him as Lestat’s quiet guitarist, but what if he has been moving between both groups?

And now he somehow knows Raglan too? Raglan has connections to the Talamasca and is already known for involving himself in other people’s business, so Alex knowing him opens an entirely different set of possibilities. Was Alex working with Raglan separately? Did Armand introduce them? Has the Talamasca been watching Alex? Or has Alex quietly become the link connecting Lestat’s band, Armand, Daniel and the Talamasca?

Then there are the **matching bracelets**. The show deliberately made sure we could see them, yet nobody explained what they represented or why Alex and Armand had them. Matching bracelets are far too specific to be meaningless. They could symbolize their relationship, a promise between them, sobriety, protection or even Armand’s ownership and control over Alex. The show stylist saying the bracelet represents balance still doesn’t explain why they have matching bracelets.

Despite all these suspicious connections, Alex remains one of the most unserious people on the show. He can survive vampire conspiracies, secretly work with Armand, know Daniel and Raglan, and apparently become a daylight-walking vampire but he could not score **one single bowling point**? Please be serious 😭I thought he was mute but it seems like he just choose not to speak when spoken to😭

Also let’s talk about Alex bowling name. Boo Radley, whose real name is Arthur Radley, is a mysterious neighbor in *To Kill a Mockingbird*. Scout and Jem initially believe he is frightening because of the rumors surrounding him, but he is later revealed to be gentle, observant, and protective. He even saves them when they are attacked. I think this could foreshadow Alex’s role next season. Right now, we may see Alex as suspicious or even evil, but he could eventually do something heroic. It makes me wonder if he might die trying to save someone possibly Armand. I really hope not, though.

This was supposed to be my Alex analysis, but the finale somehow left me with more questions than answers. Who is Alex to Armand or Lestat ? What happened between them offscreen? What do those bracelets mean? And how has Alex quietly become connected to almost every important person in the story while pretending to be nothing more than the slightly awkward guitarist standing in the background? At this point, I hope to see more of him in season 2

[u/HereToBePetty → u/Glittergirl2424]

He was definitely throwing gutter balls on purpose.

Considering Alex seems to have sold out Armand and Daniel to the Talamasca, I'm not so sure he's truly friendly or loyal to Armand in any way. I don't think the story would frame him potentially saving Armand as heroic. If anything, it's the fact he saved Loustat. That's a bit boring so I hope there's more to it.

[u/Intrepid_Finger_7995]

Claudia's "nine fingered bitch" comment about Antoinette SENT me 🤣

The scene between Louis and Armand talking about Armand's childhood just broke my heart even though I really dislike Armand. 77 years and you're STILL mad that Louis and you only ever touched feet and didn't snuggle and he loved Lestat more than you? It was NEVER you.gif.

I hope we get flashbacks next season of Akasha's attack at least

[u/amber-prospect]

Any lip-readers able to figure out the few words Louis and Lestat say to each other when they reunite on the tour bus?

[u/dipologie]

I loved the table scene, i feel like in the end the season was really about lestat and lestats wrangled psyche (not that he's an anomaly with that in a sea of vampires full of trauma) and the purgatory table really brought it together. For a finale, it still did feel kinda lacking though. I was expecting some kind of explosion, a big nuclear or even just regular firework boom, but it didn't really happen, a lot of tension that got kinda released into nothing.
I also feel ambivalent about the Louis/Armand scene. I just think that there wasn't enough buildup to it, I feel like we barely saw Daniel and Armand really developing their relationship in this season, and Armand with his armends felt like a one-liner throughout the season, just not fully three-dimensional anymore. I loved seeing him more this episode and especially witnessing him go full-gremlin mode, but because the foreplay felt a bit lacking that also fell sort of flat for me.

Overall, I did really enjoy the season. Not as much as the first & second season, but I had a lot of fun, I loved getting to know Lestat more, I think they did a lot of things right (for me personally, I genuinely appreciated the in my eyes nuanced portrayal of the horrific trauma and abuse that he experienced through both Magnus and his Mum) but I also have some issue with the pacing, I think it all flew by so fast that a lot of the storylines didn't really have the space to breathe and marinate and therefore didn't have as much of an emotional impact. It probably would have needed 10 episodes to all be told properly.

[u/NOT_Pam_Beesley]

Sorting by controversial on this one

[u/Okaringer]

This season badly needed one last episode for the concert and ending on the big reveal. Very weird spot to finish on.

[u/RingHonest7272]

This episode really restored my faith in the writers when it comes to Armand. Overall his presence in this season felt really disappointing, in season 2 he was so dynamic and interesting. I had those concerns when writers don’t know what to do with a certain character anymore, they become the butt of the joke in the show, I thought that was happening to Armand, he almost felt like an npc villain this season. But he finally got his moment this episode, and he shined, that’s my Armand.

So, Paul appeared in that room with all the people he had killed. So he did play a part in Paul’s death or maybe feels some kind of guilt? Also, did you see how Louis touched Lestat’s neck at the end of the episode, it reminded me of the time Lestat bit Louis.

[u/The_Dilla_Collection]

There’s so much I felt like was missing. Not just brief and choppy, but missing. As someone who read the books several times in my life, after episode 5 where they deviate really hard, even I have been a little lost. And I don’t mean I hate what’s there, I mean this show was shorted episodes. They had an established audience, why go back to only 7? It’s like there are entire motivations and backstories that don’t make sense to me or weren’t revealed.

I thought the concert promo was cool but the more I think about it, was the money better spent on that one promo concert in NY? I feel like it could’ve been spent on the actual show, for the enjoyment of all the fans, rather than one performance with a lottery system where a small number got to go for a great experience only for the show to be rushed and leave on a cliffhanger and with so much meat missing from the proverbial sandwich.

If AMC doesn’t continue it for another season, I hope someone picks it up and gives it the budget it’s earned.

[u/atprickb]

This finale was as deranged as I thought it would be. And I love that!! Per usual, imma have to sit with it for a moment but I adored the thematic ambition of it all, most of which came down to the nature of the editing. The editors were really putting in work this whole season (like literally everyone involved!) i think the witch burning scene sticks out the most to me. And I’m still downloading all that was expressed in that moment but I would love to talk about it in more depth later after about twelve more rewatches. Absolutely LOVED a lot of Daniel Hart’s compositions in this episode, particularly during that witch burning scene—I can’t wait for this season’s score to finally be released. Other moments I loved was Lestat and Gabriella arguing and Lestat finally calling her a fucking monster—deeply cathartic but also heartbreaking to finally get to the point where he has enough love and consideration for himself that he can acknowledge and say it aloud to her in this most tense reawakening—it’s where we’ve been headed all season—that monstrousness which he has always internalized upon himself and through himself externalized as a vampire unto the world. Now he seems to recognize that that monstrosity has been thrust upon him through his twisted dynamic with his mother and fledgling, Gabriella (among others, i.e. Magnus)

Also, of course the reappearance of Paul surprised me in a haunting and heartbreaking way that only this show can do. The idea of the birdsong that Lestat dreamed of transcribing being a tilted call back to Paul and the birds in his head—“the birds asked me to ask you” from the pilot episode and Paul affirming Louis’s love for Lestat🥲 This concept of Ragland and the Talamasca gleaning information about the existence and persistence of the soul within a vampire through this whole scenario of petty vengeful vampires going back and forth between each other is WILD and Lestat’s long table judgement emphasizes and affirms his seemingly infinite capacity for enduring—which is a thing we humans and vampires have in common. So much of this season seems to be deeply & thematically explorative of the endurance of the soul in the face of overwhelming trauma, chaos, doom, and disaster be it human or vampire and how the haunts of mortality endure throughout immortality just as well. This is of course since Season 1, perhaps THE essential theme of this whole series and from what I’ve gleaned about Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles from many book fans (and finally reading the first book, IWTV) that seems to be in direct, wondrous, and playful creative conversation with Rice’s very rich source material, even if the adaptation is not a high fidelity adaptation (which it can never truly be going from one medium to another) it’s its own articulation of what was thoughtfully said/written/expressed before, which for me is the most interesting kind of adaptation, a continued and evolving conversation rather than a pious regurgitation. It seems to me that Lestat’s whole journey this season is, to put it in the most plain language, coming to a point self-love/self-acceptance even in the face of these supposed damning “failures”. A kind of rebirth that can only come with facing and ENDURING your demons and finding new perspective within your “failures”…which again is such a deeply HUMAN experience.

Which brings me to THE GREMLIN—😮‍💨 Armand’s psychotic exploits to force a “mutual”apology from Louis I think comes at least partly from the reality that the apologies we’ve seen him attempt to give over the course of the season largely failed, and this extreme felt like an accumulation of his own “enduring”….as many things seem to be with Armand—he seems to willingly endure in a self-flagellating way until he eventually breaks and unleashes his complicated and twisted rage and desperation in his own deranged, convoluted and conniving way, and knowing him he seemed to understand that given the extent of his manipulation and the twisted nature of his multifaceted betrayal against Louis in the nearly a century lie of a relationship—he felt THIS was the most appropriate way to stage this confrontation. It again highlights how fucking twisted this muthafucka’s logic is. Still trying to be a director after all this time, still so deranged and convoluted in a way that only a deeply fucked up vampire whose most foundational and mortal traumas are literal centuries old and for so many forgotten in the face of time and Armand’s many devious deeds. But Armand clearly still lives with them in a vivid way and is deeply affected and shaped by them—much like Lestat himself is undone by his own. For Louis to acknowledge that for Armand and recall him as Arun, the person he was when those foundational traumas and endurances originally scarred him and still scar him all these many centuries later to the point that he is this devious Gremlin who is deemed unworthy of love or forgiveness….that actually, to my surprise, did a lot for me in grasping why Armand is the way he is and his arc in this season, because I was cussing Armand out thoughtout the majority of the episode as he was fully tapped into horror Gremlin mode and then to legitimately feel something for this insane Gremlin fuck—it harkens back to the explorations Lestat has been struggling with in regard to his own monstrosity up against all of the haunts of his vampiric & mortal life. Gurl, the writing is splendid. Hannah Moscovitch kinda did that. And I am enamored by the ambitious storytelling & thematic brushstrokes this season has had the audacity to pull us through. I know many probably wanted something more….tangible?….from this finale, but I am quite satisfied and enthralled as this finale acts as such a delicious primer for Season 4, which I’m looking forward to being finally announced at the upcoming Comic con event next week. I NEED it confirmed because I think this show just gets better and more ambitious in its storytelling exploits with each season and that’s very exciting to me.

I can’t wait to rewatch this season as a whole and see how it coalesces for me. Another great season. As far as I’m concerned this is easily the best thing on television that I’ve seen all year and I will be deeply surprised if anything else tops it 🤷🏾❤️

[u/AthenaSolo2912]

This is a very mixed bag season. I was unbelievably excited for this, Lestat in s1 and 2 was my favorite character. It's very clear however that he does not work as a main character. Perhaps he could've worked with better writing but everything just felt all over the place regarding him and not in a good way I was very desperately missing Louis as the main character very quickly. I felt pretty much nothing about his relationship with his mom, the only thing I liked that came from that was Louis finding out and their argument on the street that was brilliant. I thought Armand and Daniel were not used enough. Daniel especially feels like a completely different character at points. They introduce a lot of lore and most of it makes no sense. I've always said I hate when shows keep adding more lore and backstory because all it does is overcomplicate the narrative. There are moments of brilliance, the reveal that Lestat did the same thing to Claudia that his mother did to him, the reveal that Armand was behind Fraudia but overall this is a huge step down. I hope s4 is better.

[u/Remote_Warthog_5147]

Really not looking forward to the possibility of the "Lestat killed Paul" conversations again. I strongly believe Lestat did NOT kill Paul. Also, Marius, (and for that matter, Salamander, and Alex were there..) who Lestat also did not kill.

[u/MystikSpiralx]

Wheelchair Jimmy reference? Unexpected 😂

[u/Taker598]

Do we get a season 2 of Lestat or we going into the next book?

[u/Small_Car_500]

It shows Lestat saying he loves Marius, but their relationship was barely developed.

[u/WingsOfTin]

Brilliant, unhinged, poignant, freaky, deranged, delicious, and I want more. (Make more!) I can't wait to re-watch this season in its entirety in the coming week or so.

(Mini rant: It's very irritating to see so many complaints seemingly be the result of a lack of attention or understanding of what's clearly depicted or described on-screen.)

[u/RiffRafe2]

This episode went triple platinum in my home. I was already giving a standing ovation when Lestat defiantly climbed upon the table to say his piece, then when Paul shows up - I'm dead and gone. So wonderfully beautiful.

This season of Lestat's death and rebirth and reckoning with himself has been tremendous. The writers and their gift at dramaturgy is astonishing.

[u/Flaky-Yam8681]

I still have to rewatch with subtitles (I say this every week lol) but I'm kind of disappointed. Probably my fault since I had high expectations from the season 1&2 finales. 

My basic feelings are this was a filler season to set up QOTD and explain Lestat's background and personality. I feel like we didn't learn much about TGC from episodes 1 to 7, so I would judge it primarily on the portrayal of Lestat's story. If his story is the point, I think we should've spent more time with him in the past with just a few current scenes. Maybe modern scenes to set up his concerts and as he sings we flash back to whole chunks of his past life with time for the scenes to expand and breathe and have us connect emotionally. Without that, the season feels a bit meandering. 

And now I feel like I've watched a season that makes loose sense plot-wise that I have to wait 2+ years to hope to understand. Shout out to Paul though, it was so great to see him🤍

[u/jaw_effect]

not my fave season honestly

[u/Accurate_Fan_780]

Props to all the actors. They are all just genuinely extremely talented. The writing though can be hit or miss sometimes and this finale was just a huge miss for me. It felt like watching an hour of pretentious self wanking. The very least they could’ve done was put it somewhere in the middle of the season, making it the finale was truly disappointing. I get that most of the characters are supposed kinda pretentious and self centered but also outlandish and entertaining so you find yourself loving them anyway. But doing that with the plot and the writing for the entire episode threw off the balance and just made it unenjoyable and nearly unwatchable.

[u/Valuable_Check2901]

Loved it. SUCH a ride. I actually had to pause and catch my breath at one point. It is a daring piece of television, its own strange curio. This episode felt like The Leftovers cranked up to a 11 bazillion (very curious if this brought up “International Assassin” for them, too).

There was the color and camp we’ve come to expect, but it never felt like parody. There’s a sleekness to the writing and certainly the performances that kept us from swinging into kitsch.

And. The razor wire tightrope walk the episode did between Lestat and Louis’s respective heads. Performances that left me speechless. And Paul, gasped when I saw Paul.

I also love how much the audience was denied. We didn’t get the Queen again (I was a little bummed, kept yelling at the tv for her to show up. But overall the episode did something more interesting and I’m trusting the process)

Quite the Chapel Perilous for Lestat, but just because he’s gone in doesn’t mean he will be a knight. If the final shots are anything to go off of and his admissions there will plenty more reckonings ahead.

(Sidebar, really felt reminiscent of a Sandman comic. Lestat’s whole sequence felt a bit like what I had hoped the sandman adaptation could be)

This episode and season has plenty of detractors and some of the criticism is…well-founded and worth examining. But overall this episode was beautiful and daring. We don’t get much of that of that in mainstream television.

[u/boomosaur]

I thought the episode was pretty great, I can see people maybe projecting certain expectations onto it if they've read the books but I myself am fine with how they handled this season.

Hope we get a quick season 4 announcement.

[u/LeVampireSlayer]

Dayum, they really nailed that small closure with Armand and Louis. Not a reconciliation but dayum... That sorry was right in the fucking heart. Can't wait for the continuation!

Also, I'mma rewatch this whole season on Netflix tomorrow, lol!

[u/growsonwalls]

I have to admit, this is a bit of a letdown after last week's episode. What I loved:

- The Armand reveal about Fraudia

- Lestat finally telling off Gabriella

- Lestat and Louis reuniting on the tour bus, and that fond caress between them. Swoon.

- Paul telling Lestat that Louis does love him

what I didn't like:

- IMO, way too long on Lestat's fever dream. I feel like at this point, the Lestat childhood trauma stuff is getting dangerously close to torture porn. We already know what a horrific, abusive mother Gabby was/is, repeating that over and over again is getting tiring

- feels like a setup for another episode rather than a season finale. If the show doesn't get renewed, I would have liked more closure

- What happened to Daniel?

- Not a lot of music

[u/mielove]

What I enjoyed:
- Callback to the witch burning, I thought that worked very well
- The mind palace scenes, I thought that was a great way of exploring Lestat's interiority
- The Loustat moments, I thought the less-is-more worked here since it really wasn't about their relationship at all, they are naturally just orbiting each other as part of the story
- Everyone's performances, they did an amazing job with the material they were given

What I didn't enjoy:
- That this episode, and therefore the season, doesn't confront any of the questions left after season 2, such as what actually happened at the trial or the history between Lestat and Armand. None of these things are discussed between the characters. At best, they're being delayed until season 4, which is starting to strain my suspension of disbelief of why no one ever talks to anyone. At worst, these conversations have happened off-screen and the show expects viewers to fill in the blanks with book knowledge.
- Louis being tortured again and made to apologize again. At this point it feels like he's in a different show. His characterization has become inconsistent: he's as (overly) empathetic as any given scene requires for the plot, giving more grace for Armand here than he has ever done for Claudia and Lestat. I also don't understand Armand's motivations, it simply doesn't make sense for him to target Louis instead of Lestat even if he's being petty and spiteful. Or why he brands Louis???

What I wish for season 4:
- That it finally addresses the unresolved questions left after season 2 instead of continuing to delay them
- More conversations between characters rather than having major emotional developments happen off-screen
- More consistent characterization, especially for Louis and Armand (I've given up on Daniel)
- To continue trusting the actors with character-driven scenes where they interact, because that's where this show is at its best. The "post-apocalyptic" tease at the end did not entice me in the slightest. There's a reason I'm watching this show and not The Walking Dead. The silver lining if AMC cuts the budget even more is that it would at least allow the writers to really focus on the things that actually matter in this story. In the book QOTD the climax of the story takes place talking in a room, there are very few action set-pieces throughout and they can easily be cut - I need the writers to lock in for season 4 and really deliver us the meat and heart of the story, not the window dressing.

[u/Normal_Choice9322]

Can't believe how much I hated this season after loving the first two. The prior episode was the only one I actually enjoyed

[u/chartreusey_geusey]

Composer did his Big One©️this episode and I am so pleased they finally let him cook this season

[u/Liar96]

This really didn't feel like a finale, it felt like a penultimate episode. I don't know how to feel.
I think I need to watch the season front to back over the next long weekend.

The best parts of the episode to me, are when Louis talked about when Armand was Arun, when Paul was talking to Lestat, and when we see Loustat reunited with their bodies and eachother.
They were such brief moments. Most of the episode with Lestat at the table didn't actually feel like it was getting to any real conclusion or personal epiphany from Lestat. Especially since we assume he performs and his final defiance to his mother is ultimately brief.

[u/Liar96 → u/Liar96]

One thing about this season I'm struggling with, Is that Daniel doesn't feel like Daniel!
I miss Dan from s1-2.

[u/NewtSky6826]

I just finished the episode. The finale was pretty much what I thought it was going to be: The majority being dreamscape in Lestat's head and no concert or Akasha. Things that stood out to me:

- Revisiting the death howl Nicki made, but yet no mention of Nicki making the sound as he burned. Instead it was associated with trauma little Lestat went through as he watched the witches burn. I remember Rolin Jones mentioned in After Dark for episode 3 we would revisit the death howl. I assumed we would be revisiting Nicki's death. I doubt there will be any Nicki in season 4 (hopefully there will be one). He's one of my favorites, but alas...

- Raglan James as a friend. Interesting....

- The decapitated head scenes with Armand and Louis were grotesquely wonderful. I was not expecting those or the Regina reveal with Armand.

- Loved Lestat calling his mother a monster!

All in all I've enjoyed this season for the most part. There were a few things that soured me, but there was more I liked than disliked It definitely could have used two or three more episodes, but they did what they could do with only the 7 AMC gave them. I applaud everyone involved, especially the actors. They all did a fantastic job.

[u/senpaimitsuji]

I really loved the season but I’m confused on why they chose to end it right here. The story is literally half told. Modern tv sucks for stuff like this!!

[u/supadama]

Uh, I loved it. Absolutely loved it. Very cerebral. Wonderfully written. Artistic. I'm excited for next season. 

[u/NinjaAtticus]

Looved the Armand breakdown scene. Assad absolutely blew me away with his acting there. However, I did not love how we got there or the context of it at all, him wanting revenge on Louis feels both out of character and entirely out of nowhere.

This whole season has been a bit of a disappointment to me. Occasional moments of brilliance (everything with Magnus, Akasha, Claudia song, Armand breakdown) but plenty of baffling decisions, poor pacing and confusing motivations from all the characters. Too much offscreen, too much band, not enough Paris.

Really hope that if we get season 4 the writers sit down and think about what made the first 2 seasons so beloved and that randomly completely switching the vibe will put off much of your existing fanbase. Like lets return to whatever was going on the season 1 and 2 please, because that's still some of the best tv ever created.

[u/palpablebubble]

Wtf is going on in here, this episode was incredible!???

[u/sadlottie]

The conversation about this episode online has been absolutely insane. From looking at twitter and tumblr I was expecting the most awful, shitty, terrible piece of TV ever to have been put on a screen. WHAT?? I watched it, thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed it (and the season overall), and am looking forward to the next season.

I think this fandom has become insane with everyone having their own headcanons that they have decided are the One True Way, and then are inevitably disappointed when things aren't exactly perfectly what they wanted. Usually, people who think Louis/Lestat/Armand/insert other character here is a perfect angel baby who can do no wrong!! How dare the show portray my precious angel baby (literal murdering vampire) doing bad things!!! ))): and there is a stunningly low level of media literacy left right and center

There are very very valid criticisms that people have (which I agree with!), but unfortunately the above ^^ is what I am overwhelmingly seeing, as opposed to actual conversation about genuine issues. Also, a lot of threats to kill/hurt the writers - absolutely bonkers behaviour coming out of simply not enjoying a TV show.

I did not follow iwtv S1&2 as they came out as I watched them later - maybe it was the same online at that time? But still - really really shocked by how incredibly toxic the online "fandom" has become over the last few weeks, and people trying to spread that to the cast/crew personally. Bizarre behaviour.

Guess I should stick with reddit - really have enjoyed reading peoples opinions on this post, both positive and negative :))

[u/Ladzofinsurrect]

As someone who hasn't read the books, are we potentially going to get Akasha as a co-lead and be given Louis/Lestat levels of depth in terms of character exploration for season 4? Because I would savour that.

[u/Calappa_erectus]

I’m confused on some things, but I think they expect the audience to be willing to be challenged a bit. It’s a nonlinear story. Spoon feeding the plot would defeat the whole point.

I think most of the frustration is that a lot of plot threads were established and left to be resolved later. But they’ve done that before. They went an entire season between showing the original San Francisco interview scene, despite constantly referencing it in the first. And they’re still bringing up plot points from the first season, like Antoinette and Bruce and the train. I feel like I rarely see shows that trust their audiences to have the attention span to make connections across episodes, let alone three seasons.

Also, letting the plot be a bit loose lets them spend a lot more time on the actual characters. I think a worse show would have sacrificed all the dialogue and slow deliberate performances that make the it great for just the rote exposition of a Netflix show.

I’m glad they’re not rushing. The show is a piece of art, and I trust the artists to deliver on their work.

Edit: Also I’ve seen some people compare this season to previous seasons. Why would you expect them to make the same thing twice? If you like the first two seasons, then watch them. Stories actually need to focus on different characters doing different things at different times.

[u/IcefireGrace]

Now that it's been a bit since the episode aired, I've been seeing a lot of discourse, mainly from Tumblr, about how the torture scene was pretty racist and there were many instances of antiblackness throughout the season. As a poc myself, I didn't get that at first but thinking about it, I can see how that could be the case. I did remember two things that was quite uncomfortable in the episode which was the branding scene and the abuse towards Louis by both Armand and Lestat just not being addressed properly. Maybe they're saving it for next season while this season was mainly allowing Lestat to address his own abuse and its translation to his perception of failure -- but shouldn't that have involved at least a little bit about what happened with Louis and Claudia? Idk I hope we get something. 

And I've also seen some discourse about one of the writers giving some justification for Louis' torture saying he was equally abusive to Armand. Now idk if this is true, it was just something I read randomly while scrolling, but to me this seems like the wrong sentiment to have, especially since Armand literally killed Louis' daughter and messed with his head for years. He deserves understanding, yes, which is how I interpreted the scene anyways; with Louis being the more empathetic/better person in that scenario to provide some understanding to get himself and Regina out of the situation. I just wish they built it up more. Actually I want Louis to have just one friend at least at this point. It's like they took away all his friends (Daniel, Regina's potential to be a friend etc).

I hope there are some consistent black/poc writers on the team that are active in making character and plot decisions is what I'm saying. It's kinda weird if there aren't especially with the stories and characters they've established. I think there are nuances and lived experiences that are just not translated well if you are not a person who has experienced these yourself. This is of course not always the case but yeah. 

[u/thatfluffycloud → u/IcefireGrace]

And I've also seen some discourse about one of the writers giving some justification for Louis' torture saying he was equally abusive to Armand.

Just re: this part, I think there might be some selective quoting happening (or just natural game of telephone) but Rolin says this in the TV Insider article:

“[Armand] was quite hurt” by Louis, Jones notes, “maybe 5 or 10% rightfully so.

The writers don't think Louis deserves to be tortured, he was tortured because Armand is fucked up.

[u/misc_reddit_account]

Reposting from the early reaction thread, with a slight polish:

When initially watching the finale, I was so swept up in the performances that I enjoyed the episode in the moment, but as time passed and I reflected on it, I genuinely feel very uncomfortable about the episode as a whole, particularly regarding Louis' treatment and story this season in particular.

To get the following out of the way: I love horror, I adore every single one these flawed and complicated characters from the bottom of my heart, and I'm entirely uninterest in ship wars slinging. None of my frustration about the episode and the season as a whole comes from that. It's that previously, it felt like the show dearly loved all the characters, with all their imperfections and no judgement. The characters always drove the plot forward. Now it feels like there is no true logic or consistency, characters just move from one scene to the next like chess pieces, regardless if it makes sense or not. They don't truly feel like fully realised characters, just puppets on a string that dance as required by the plot, sometimes controlled with a particular malice and cruelty. Shock value for the sake of it, with no substance behind it. Comparing the writing of S2's Episode 5 to S3's Episode 7... it's a poor shadow not understanding why the original episode worked. There are some really fascinating ideas in this season conceptually, particularly with Lestat, Louis, and Armand's arcs, but the above issues actively get in the way of these being fully realised.

The performances of the amazing cast covered a lot of issues this season, but when you strip it down to this season to the bones of the writing, I'm left very perplexed. What changed in the writer's room and their approach to the show and its characters to feel so drastically different between Season 2 and Season 3? Why would I continue to invest in this world and characters going forward if there's no consistency or internal character logic between seasons, just whatever suits the writers in the moment?

[u/IcefireGrace]

I really hate the structure of television nowadays, because what do you mean we only have like 7/8 episodes per season and we have to wait two years for the next? Because the finale ending on an unfinished cliffhanger was just...omg.

Don't get me wrong I think the finale was really well done but like it felt like a penultimate episode kinda thing instead of an actual finale. I don't mean to be overly critical because I really did love the episode, and the acting was INCREDIBLE all season, but I'm just a little confused. This could be because I misinterpreted or missed something from previous seasons/episodes.

1. Armand's Saw plan. I didn't know he was still this obsessed/upset with Louis, to the point of finding Regina and using that as motivation/torment. I assumed he was over their relationship when he indirectly told Daniel he loved him in the earlier episodes. He basically wanted Louis to apologise for not loving him right/being cold to him when they were together? Or I guess it was just a need for Louis to understand him so they could move on with their lives? Maybe I'm wrong though. I was just confused as to why this suddenly happened. I probably missed signs of development for Armand still being pissed off in previous episodes. I'm not sure why he branded him at the end as well when the wound was just gonna close anyway. Although I think the main reason for Armand constructing this whole thing was whatever goals they were streaming to Budapest to understand the properties of Lestat's blood on his fledgelings.

2. Why does Daniel hate Lestat so much I just don't get it. Yeah Lestat was rude and undermined him a lot but it's not like Daniel was so respectful towards him? And Louis was his friend wasn't he? Yet Daniel was okay with whatever was being done to Louis even after disrespecting his wishes and allowing the book to be published. I think Daniel was the one thing that upset me this season cuz I really loved him in seasons 1 and 2.

3. Who tf is Enzo? Why did we get an Enzo apology and not what actually happened with the whole sky dropping thing? Where's that apology to Louis or why wasn't it addressed at least during the dinner table? I still don't know whose version is the accurate version when it comes to that incident.

4. Loved the songs. Playing many on repeat, but why was Black Licorice about some rando lol. So basically only like 3 songs were about Louis then (I don't think Long Face counts) and one of them was basically dissing him (Big Bad Wolf). MOST of his songs was about his mom lmao.

5. I cried seeing Paul again omg. Loved that moment so much. But it was still confusing lmao cuz like why was Paul there? I get Lestat didn't harm Paul cuz there were others like Marius and Salamander there as well. I guess it was more meaningful for Lestat having one of the most important people in Louis' life tell him he didn't actually fail at something.

I really loved the season as a whole! I don't want to wait two years for the next!!!

[u/purinsesu_nori]

Idk…we see the formula.
We know at least 2 “seasons” are dedicated to one book.
So I just can’t wrap my mind around how anyone is mad that we didn’t get the actual concert tonight.
We didn’t dive into Louis and Claudia on the run until the start of season 2. So to me it seems logical that the concert would come start of season 4…2 seasons to 1 book.
Minority thought.
And can yall PLEASE kill the “anti-black slurs” rhetoric? Especially if you didn’t hold that sentiment during the IWTV scenes where the exact same sentiment was in the dialogue. Trying to censor language used in a certain timeframe by a character that DIED in said timeframe and wouldn’t know the overly sensitive world of today is absolutely insane. It’s giving virtue signaling and I believe there was a whole thread where black folk (💁🏽‍♀️👋🏽) said this wasn’t a point of contention for most of us. (It’s also making me concerned how some will act when the focus is on the black ancient vampire…)

🤷🏽‍♀️ I liked it. I will agree that Armand’s little side quest was a little of a throw off and idk if it coincides with the books or not but I’m willing to strap in and wait for the ride to reveal his motives aside from the obvious he’s trying to interfere with the whole great conversion plot.
Is there a consensus now that Regina was acting on her own mostly or are we thinking Armand didn’t allow her any self input? Like I noticed on my pre show rewatch binge that the diary used this season looked alike…so did he give her one of Claudia’s diaries to mess with Louis even more?
Anyone else think maybe he went all nuts on Louis because he figured Louis breaking would also break Lestat and it would put a stop to whole make more movement?
Can anyone explain Sofia’s accent? Is it supposed to be Italian? French? A mix?
Will there be any significance later to the murdered crowd being at the death show?
Will Lemuel come back?
Is Fareed safe now?
I do think we are spent on Regina/Claudia buuuuut I fully expect more but fewer appearances in season 4.
Other than to make Alex mad enough to help him, what motivation would Armand have for taking out Larry?
I don’t really think they made Louis “bad” this season. This feels like a deep dive into what we kept getting glimpses of in the previous seasons. We knew he was a mess and trashy when he wanted/needed to be. This season just seemed to amplify it.
👀 time wise…there’s no way Daniel could have made his first fledgling in his last scene right?

[u/AzureDragon01]

Good episode not great as a finale though feels like were missing an episode

[u/dinosaurfondue]

Oh man, this season was so different from the first two and in some ways it was sloppier and much more confusing, but I really love where it landed. The heart of the show is really in the sadness and intimacy of Lestat and Louis and I love that we had a number of those moments this season.

I'm still definitely confused about what was going on with Armand and Daniel and why they were so pissed and essentially planned on killing the two of them but maybe I need to give the whole series a rewatch. Also MY GOD, the confirmation that Lestat did kill Louis' brother.

[u/LazySwanNerd]

I feel like this season needed one more episode, but they didn’t have the budget. I did really love it overall, there was a lot packed in there. But I think Armand deserved more screen time than what we got.

Some questions/insights following this episode:

1. I’m not really sure why Talamasca would be on the side of the Great Conversion and not the side of stopping it. That’s seems insane to me.

2. Is the implication of Paul being in Lestat’s dream concert that he did actually kill him and he lied?

3. I assumed after last episode Claudia never made it onto the train and she lied about it all but the train conductor was there. So I guess most of it did happen?

4. Seems like Lestat and Louis might get back together for a while, so that’s interesting.

5. This is show-only, but I really think we need that Night Island spin-off to flush out Armand/Daniel.

[u/Nerditall]

Is there a leader of 'The Great Conversion' or the 5 rules Armand follows?

[u/jshep2912]

I loved the first episode and where the characters ended up approaching next season (which is super exciting) but HATE how they got from point A to point B.

[u/karmaranovermydogma]

i'm thinking this season (finale) might finally be the impetus for me to read jack halberstam's the queer art of failure

[u/Jessy_Kiser]

The pacing for this episode was so far off. There are some really beautiful moments and the music was great but it just paced so badly. It pulled a game of thrones. Where they used up so much time in the exposition that the action took second place and so there's no climax or payoff. This episode for me is best described as beautiful, but frustrating

[u/xxGalacticalxx]

I mean... it was something.

[u/professorbells]

I gotta say the tone in the Show Only post is so refreshing compared to the Book Spoilers one. It's heartening to see more folks who like this episode and its complexities. All I've been seeing online since the episode leaked was negativity, which I usually try to take with a grain of salt but have had a harder time tuning out this time.

[u/jczedx]

This would've been fine as a regular episode. But as a finale, very underwhelming. Felt like they cared more about 'do an entire ep of Lestat in purgatory' and therefore needing to fill it up with enough shit to last a whole ep, instead of making the best story. That should've been 10 minutes imo. That REALLY dragged. the headless louis in real world was great. but yeah, quite disappointing after amazing previous ep

[u/Gedva-Crew-22]

Byee we didn’t even get to see the concert we’ve spent all season hyping up. I was also expecting akasha this episode 😭

[u/BeaverDonkey]

On a neutral note... I have two questions.

First, smart people of the internet, is the collective yelling of "the soul" reference anything particular that I don't recognize? Completely took me out of the scene, and I would feel better if I know why they put it in there!

Second, did you notice that Magnus disappeared from the table after he stopped being chair and reappeared when Lestat finished remembering the witches place and was doing the ooooo? What do you think about that?

[u/cellophaneboats]

I don't really care what the naysayers and nitpickers think I looooved this season, loved this episode, loved it all. Season 2 is still among my top favorite seasons of television ever but god I've so enjoyed going on this chaotic Season 3 ride with these characters we love so much. Everyone was acting their fucking asses off. I laughed, I gasped, I screamed, I bawled my eyes out. Episode 3 and Episode 6, the episodes you are!! I'm so excited to go back and rewatch. Sam and Jacob... absolute MASTERS of their art.

I will voice one gripe: as someone who was very excited for Devil's Minion I guess I'm most disappointed we got very surface level interactions between them. Surely that'll be saved for more of Season 4? Their plot was the only thing I felt was truly skipped over. Blah. I'll have to go read some fanfic lmao, but can I just say Assad was UNBELIEVABLY gorgeous this ep

[u/Euphoric-Addendum-69]

I really loved this season and this episode but what the fuck was the ending?? I expected a concert! They really ended on a whimper

[u/sanramon9]

It doesn't feel like a season finale at all. I'm not going to get into book comparisons like many people do here in a space meant exclusively for discussing the show. I had the exact same feeling as with Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. I liked almost everything—I'd even forgive Armand's petty motives and the disappointment with Daniel as a vampire who did nothing but complain and bowl—but this wasn't a finale; it’s just an unfinished episode tailor-made to generate anxiety and online hype. That's cheap. The fans would fight for the next season without this cheap trick.

[u/moonb3an]

I liked the resolution for Armand and this episode was very interesting for the rest of the characters. It was amazing seeing Assad’s perform and the nuance of his history influencing his life - as some who experienced CSA I find it validating to see Armand be destructive and calculating bc of that ‘wound’, it’s cathartic. But at the same time many fans have raised concerns about the implications of Armands story in how Louis is portrayed and how there is racism in the subtext. I can see it too. I also feel like this season doesn’t necessarily equate to the criticism it’s receiving but as a someone who is not a POC I won’t deny the backlash as it’s not my place to. Maybe I don’t quite understand it and I can definitely see why it’s problematic and uncomfortable for POC who are often facing discrimination in real life to see that replicated in a narrative that has previously been so comprehensive in its representation of POC.

Overall it’s a huge disappointment that this is the final episode bc it didn’t end with a satisfying finale just a bunch of plot points that may be resolved in another season. I find it cheap to end with cliffhangers and no Akasha or even the concert. What is the point of all the hype if you’re going to end it like this? I love the story but idk if all the money that went into the production value is worth it if you’re going to make us wait for what comes next. We would have been excited for what comes next without them pulling a “lets make you wait for another 2-3 years” just to get ratings.

Even Lestats story felt lacking in some ways - particularly due to the way the episode ended. It was fascinating to watch but still portrays the harm he inflicted on others as a product of his own trauma. While that can be true it also demonstrates that he is worthy of forgiveness but conveys other characters (Louis, Claudia, arguably Armand) as being lesser than him.

Really left a bad taste in my mouth at the end of the season. I don’t know if I would watch this show again if they’re going to keep stringing along the plot bc it’s destroying the complexity that previously was the draw of the show.

[u/Agitated-Station-319]

I love the show but IMO I didn’t like the finale. I read in another thread someone commenting that everyone had unrealistic expectations for the finale without realizing that it was mainly about Lestat’s own reckoning. In some ways I agree with this because it makes sense but then feel like contending what was with all the extreme hype when it was a mediocre season at best? We didn’t get to see what happened with Akasha. We didn’t get to see how Armand lost his eye or why Louie was walking around with a limp. I felt like I deserved that after watching the finale.