Sidenote man I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability in this. You didn't have to share your experience with hopelessness and s-ideation but as somebody who has been there I felt seen. I'm glad you're here man
Whoa! You called it even before the coffin scene! Louis is talking as if he wants Lestat to hear it. (you mentioned it even before Armand says his "did I catch you in a fantasy" speech! 😃)
Thank you for letting us into some of your vulnerable private history, we are all glad that you're here. I absolutely related so much to this episode. I think this entire show is like chicken soup for pessimistic nihilists. i appreciate that it really asks the viewers to think about ourselves differently as human beings.
Louis referring to Daniel as “boy” is a reference to the first book because initially daniel didn’t even have a name, he was just the interviewer so he was just referred to as “the boy”
Yeah, that is true. I think it could have an added meaning in context with the show. This time in Louis life could be considered "serial killer Louis". Daniel was the one hundred and twenty ninth young man he had brought back to the apartment. All the others had been "consummated and drained", and everything suggests that Louis had every intention of doing that to Daniel. He was probably using the impersonal title of "Boy" to keep Daniel as just another boy to kill. He didn't have a name to Louis, he was just "Boy".
"the gremilin or the good nurse" makes it clear that louis knew a lot more about armands duplicious nature than he maybe let on. Armand has a fascinating way of fucking with people (in this case Louis') head and making louis feel like he has all the control. He makes people feel like whatever happened to them was actually their choice or their fault. Its so incidious.
@@moonlily1 he MAKES himself boring, I think. He (in this relationship, at least 👀) is trying to appear a certain way and *only* this way, dulling all other elements of his actual personality. Louis wants empathetic and caring? Here it is, to the point where it's so bland it's suffocating. I don't think it's on purpose, he's just used to molding himself to survive.
yup, "no pain", as Santiago said, because Armand is doing to Daniel exactly what Santiago did to the victims on stage. he went mucking around in Daniel's head and then got him to accept death. "do you know what it means to be loved by death", as Armand speaks to Daniel as Death, saying "I've been calling out to you". this show's writing is so beautiful.
If you look at the Theatre des Vampires posters, the first play is written by Armand Marius. That means "No Pain" speech is not Santiago's philosophy, it's Armand's.
@@ingliszkau OmG- Thank you for figuring out how to point that out without using book spoilers! I've been biting my tongue on saying that for weeks now because I couldn't. 😅😊🤭😏💖💖🤣🤣🤣
1:01:47 100% understand how you feel there. The writers did such an amazing job of basically making Armand sound like the inner voice of someone who has accepted that death would be better. But 👏 it’s 👏 a 👏 lie!!! We are so glad that you’re still here. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to say with my full chest that I’m glad I’m still here, too. I’m working on it. Tell you what though I’m glad I’m able to witness the kind of art that’s being created in these times.
I just started watching from the beginning and noticed that Daniel first said that he was a bright young reporter with a point of view. Love how it circles back a season later. Love that you were able to be vulnerable and share your experience. My partner is a therapist and loves and hates how accurate the depictions in this show are and has used different scenes as a tool in his practice especially when working with couples.
there is a cool scene in episode 4 when Armand and Louis are arguing in bed after they've slept together (the scene where Lestat is with them in the room) and Louis lights the candle with his mind... than Louis says to make his powers work he needs to "think about something the pisses him off" and Armand says: "I try to find vulnerability within the object" 😁 I thought that such a great written line. seemingly just about lighting the candle but really it about their characters in general and how Louis approach stuff (with anger and lashing out) vs Armand (finding weak spot and exploiting it)
@@Yiningwu5622 perhaps it helped me knowing these characters from the books for so many years so I immediately caught that connection but it's smart how they dropped that in with few lines of dialogue that say so much about them. writing on this show is phenomenal :)
There's one point I don't think anyone else has brought up. You mentioned Daniel and Louis both experiencing suicidal thoughts in their lives. I really don't think Daniel ever did, and that was entirely Armand's creation in the moment. Louis alludes to this earlier when Armand sets out to chase down his dinner: "Armand will have him begging for it in an hour." If the person doesn't have any innate longing for death, Armand will give it to them. Given how Daniel resists by saying he likes his life and he's got a thing going on in the city, I think that was the case with him.
no worries it's easy to miss the fact that armand is the one in the painting because 1. the boy in the painting really doesn't look like him, more like a white-washed version of him, or how his abuser saw him, which is just another problematic layer on top of the fact that the painting is "paid for" with his body; 2. it's a moment of foreshadowing for this episode when daniel called out louis for using language syntax to distance himself from the memory of a traumatic event. in the museum scene, armand did a messier job of it than louis in the interview scene in dubai, but armand was constantly switching between he/him and I/me, going so far as splitting his identity in arun/amadeo/armand. what we can deduce is that sth terrible happened in paris that requires Louis' psyche to "hide from it".
Yeah, I was watching this episode when it first came out in June (before a lot of these reaction videos) and I was so confused by this painting and had to rewatch the scene several times lol…..not because of the monologue (it’s BEAUTIFULLY acted by Assad! Love him!) but because the boy in the painting looks nothing like him, IMO (besides the curls I guess)….i was watching thinking “wait, who is this boy in the painting?! Is he important or something ?” lol….so after the 3rd rewind that night, I figured it must be the whitewashed version of Armand and I must be confused since I was also drinking wine 🍷 lol
That was an actual painting that is kept in the same room as the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. The producers sent people in to look for a painting that featured someone who could be Armand.
@ yes, I’m aware of that! lol….I’m just referring to how I felt on my first watch (I’ve watched these episodes an embarrassing amount of times since then lol 🤦🏽♀️). Anyway, after it aired, more interviews came out and Assad & Rolin talked more about the painting (at SDCC and at this panel in Texas) :th-cam.com/users/clipUgkxlE0DhRQuhCZ2jiV_ExFTk6VZH5cM6jQ7?si=-IAvSJC0RX1oMSbn
Given the fact that Marius is canonically a racist...I'm really interested to see how the show will handle that aspect. Imo they managed to make Armand potentially even more traumatized than in the books by aging him up & race swapping him
@@clefairy7736 They've also opened up some possibilities for sanitizing slightly away some of the things people take the most issue with in Armand's relationship with his maker in the books, in making Armand older. But... we'll just have to wait and see exactly how the tv series does or doesn't play things.
49:45 I could be wrong, but I saw this part as armand realising he fell for daniels charm too and quickly snapped himself out of it and by ‘charm’ I mean his ability to get others to open up. Armand almost spilled his past, which he rarely does and caught himself before he could continue. I think that’s also why he said “black hole” like Daniels just some void sucking in information
It’s interesting that his first memory is being run down by slavers and when he told Louis his parents sold him to a ships captain. I’m not doubting that he was a slave but the story doesn’t line up.
@@BG-kn3nt I’m assuming he tried to run when his parents sold him- hence being chased down. However there are some theories that armands parents didn’t actually sell him and he was stolen from them which would also explain the chase
the scene with armand cleaning up young daniel hit me really hard too. as you said, it's so easy to fall in that state of mind, and clawing your way out of it is so difficult. thank you so much for sharing with us, i'm glad you are here to do so 🌸
I agree with you. I wondered if that has a lot to do with his time in the brothels. He was supposed to be an agreeable companion. People don't (usually) pay or pay less when the person they've paid for is unhappy. So maybe he just learned to stifle his feelings overtime?
@pisto30 I think you are probably right about that. Plus, since Armand is 500+ years old, he has probably learned that openly showing sadness can be perceived as weakness, so he keeps it buried. Especially since he has been the coven master for hundreds of years.
@@--ArcAngel-- I didn't think of that but that too also....and showing weakness to the coven would make them lose faith in him as a leader, AND especially after so many members of his last coven in Paris (the underground one) abandoned him after Lestat's intervention. Ugggh this show and it's layers!😍
@@--ArcAngel-- And to think I wasn't going to watch the show (the ads kept showing up a lot in various places) because I'd already seen the movies! 🙄 What can I say? I'm dense sometimes. LOL.
one of my takeaways from this episode is that Armand cannot let Louis say no. Even though Louis choose to stay with Armand at the end of the first interview, that he even contemplated leaving was something Armand could not handle. But because Armand won't let him say no he also cannot trust the yes that Louis does give him. The show keeps referencing Othello which really explains Armand.
omg just jumped for joy, very excited for this episode :) Love this one, so so good, full gremlin mode Armand is eveything to me and I love love Daniel and Louis' friendship and the depth this episode adds to that
This is my absolute favourite episode. I appreciate the opening message too - it has been incredibly stressful. I've been struggling, but I very much appreciate the words of encouragement and temporary distraction 💜
I appreciate what you said and how you opened up about your personal experience with all this. I am not in a bad moment with it now but I was for far too many years. When I see someone being honest and open about it, which I rarely see, it reminds me of our shared humanity, because we know exactly how hard it can be.
Edited to add (after finishing the video) that i really appreciate you sharing your feelings and experiences with us. As someone who has also struggled with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, therapy really helped pull me out and i am still amazed that i ever decided to try it. I'm happy to hear it helped you as well. Okay so while watching the reaction i realized (and ...duh right ! But i somehow never made the connection) Armand's "rest now" speech added to Louis' "you're a bright young reporter with a pov" speech both predicted Daniel's life...except what if they BOTH "SHAPED" Daniel's life... Sure, there's still Daniel's free will, his already existing drug addiction and his own personal struggles and hang ups (his sexuality being one of them) but maybe those hypnotic lil monologues both played a role in what he subconsciously prioritized and fought for and held onto through the years...and that's insanely messed up. Armand and Louis' influence on Daniel's life trajectory does in a messed up way make him their "child" because just like our parents do they kind of...traumatized him into the adult he became....i guess. I guess what i'm trying to say is, my brain is drawing some interesting parallels between the unholy family trio of Louis/Claudia/Lestat and Louis/Daniel/Armand in that : -Louis is the one who pulls them from their human normal life into his companion's orbit -Lestat and Armand both resenting Claudia/Daniel's hold on Louis or their place in his affections -both Claudia and Daniel getting more of Louis' thoughts and feelings than either Lestat or Armand And one other parallel i will keep to myself for now
Louis is the one who still embraces his human side (however slightly) and loves humans. That's what attracts vamps like Lestat and Armand to him. I like to say he's vampire catnip. LOL. Seriously though. Thank you so much for sharing your story at the end. I think I speak for everybody here when I say we're so glad you're still with us ❤🫂
For 49:41 I do think that Armand was referring to Daniel with the 'eager black hole' line, especially with the "I'm not hopeful there's much more to you other than a hole" right after. It's interesting though, because it could be read as sort of sexual or refer to him as a person or even his ability to get people to open up acting almost like a diary. Which also leads into how all of the traits that Armand targets in Daniel are aspects in himself too (bargaining with desire, instinct to self efface, splinter of coldness, etc), he's projecting. Not to mention the face he makes after he shared his first memory - almost angry. Though, at who? Himself for opening up or Daniel for getting him to? Or at Louis for being right, Daniel is fascinating. I could go on and on talking about about this episode alone tbh it's so amazing.
He said chop my hands off. Easter egg for book readers. Good thing you had captions because. Louis says a line that was inaudible about Armand being emasculated and basically a eunuch. Louis can be vicious
I think this episode resonated with so many people because we've been through that dark night of the soul as well. Yeah, the vampire thing is great, yeah, the writing is excellent, the characters fascinating but it's the humanity of it all that sneaks up on you and you end up weeping about your own wounds. It's about trying to make sense of a senseless world. It's about finding our own way through all the pain and hopelessness and understanding the power of our own story, the gift we were all given. That's why this show is so compelling. Anyways. I'm glad we're both still here and able to enjoy the beauty of this show. ❤
FYE: the fight scene btwn Louis & Armand ...was the first scene that Assad filmed for the season. Amazing work by him & Jacob. Give them all the awards
I just wanted to say thank you. I am so glad you stayed. Your honesty in sharing your feelings and your journey will help people in the same position. {{{hugs}}}
🌀 A really heartfelt reaction vid from you. Thank you. Marvelous the way Louis and Daniel looked at Armand when he made his speech “…he might prove useful in later times.” What freaking audacity. Ahhch - those screenwriters!🌒🌑🌘
Honestly this episode just demonstrates what an incredible show this is. It takes us on a roller coaster of emotions, through comedy, drama, horror, tragedy… 👏 Thanks for sharing your reaction, it’s relatable to a lot of people ❤❤
i appreciate you being so open and vulnerable with your audience. you could have cut it out but you kept it in and you talking about feeling like this might help someone. as another human who struggles with ideation, i feel like i'm always staring at my depression and dark thoughts and moving alongside them. this show really connects with me in that way, as it feels like a very vampire theme that you have to keep going on regardless.
I 100% agree with you about Lestat’s predatory vibes. I hate when people defend Lestat by saying that he gave Louis the choice of becoming a vampire. No, he f-king didn’t. Even if we don’t consider what a horrid state Louis was emotionally that night, the whole scene still stinks. Imagine a man with a gun coming up to you, killing two people right in front of you, then turning to you with blood on his hands and asking you to date them. You will bloody say yes, and that’s that on coercion.
You are correct about that. Could Louis really have said “No” at the moment? What would Lestat have done if he had? It would have been a very brief love story indeed
this is one of my favorite episodes of the show and this might be my favorite reaction to it ever. you always offer understanding and sincerity, but in this video specially it was remarkable! i'm glad you're still here 🖤
wanted to say thank you for being extremely vulnerable with us in this review and the ways you were able to directly connect with Louis' headspace when he was at his lowest. Not too many streamers would allow their viewers windows into their deepest personal traumas and the way those human experiences can be reflected on screen. And you are saving people just by talking about it.
Louis and Armand refer to Daniel as “The Boy” because that is how he is referred to in Interview With the Vampire (the book). His character never has a name until Queen of the Damned.
When this episode 1st aired, I watched it, went to bed, & dreamed about it all night. One of the most emotionally deep hours of television I’ve ever watched… it reminded me of the episode of the Buffy the Vampire slayer series when her mother dies and Buffy spends the whole hour just trying to find a way to cope with the reality of it. I knew watching this reaction with you would be interesting, heart-felt, sad, & so much fun. Thank you 😊
Another great reaction and I appreciate you sticking with the episode and being vulnerable with us even though it wasn't necessarily easy for you to do that. So much intensity in this one. I've also struggled with suicidal ideations in the past. Glad we're both still here despite how difficult the world is. I also appreciate you acknowledging the US election at a time when some creators are choosing to stay silent
With Louis calling Daniel boy... in the first book, 'the boy' is the only name Daniel is referred to by! We don't learn Daniel's name till book 3. It's a neat little nod to that in this episode!
I’ve been watching your videos of this show and I just want to send you all the hugs for your vulnerability! You are such a joy to watch and I hope you know how many people you touch with your videos 💕
oh my god i love so much that you picked up on and remembered/called back to that little moment from succession where roman made logan genuinely laugh. that’s like one of my favorite blink-and-you-miss-it moments in the WHOLE SHOW!
Don’t apologize! You are an awesome reactor and this is a complex story- it continues to unfold and reveal more in each rewatch (which is a beautiful thing!)
Wow, just wow!. I knew this would be an extraordinary review watch with you. A lot of us have been there, where we saw SI as a way out. I'm glad you saw a better way. The world is better with you in it. Keep it coming, we are here, and so are you. Life is good.❤
Louis came from a time where psychiatry wasn’t necessarily a positive thing, given it landed his brother in an institution (which were horrible places)
I was so excited to see this pop up on my feed! I've been loving your reactions and I couldn't wait to see your reaction to this one. On top of that of course, it's been...a week so, thank you. :D
First of all, sending love and comfort for your own remembered trauma - this must've been very hard to do (especially on camera), but I'm glad you sought and received help, friend. 🫂 Secondly, I had every faith in your ability to appreciate all the emotions and undercurrents that permeate this incredible episode, and that you enjoyed the way Louis and Daniel putting the puzzle pieces of their shared trauma in SF together, also brought them a little closer together in present day. Both actors of Daniel were fantastic in this ep, but Jacob and Assad were outstanding imo, and their blistering barbs that pierce the numbness of an unsatisfying life are almost too personal to witness! Everything about how this episode was shot, written and performed was top tier, and I wanted to high five you when you recognised the familiar phrasing that Armand uses to manipulate Louis' mind right at the end! Great reaction, as always! Can't wait for your thoughts on the remaining eps now! Best wishes!
5:17 However you are physically when you are turned, that's how you will be forever after. Psychologically they can grow, however many vampires, like people can remain emotionally stunted. The vampiric gifts do get stronger the older they get, and as they get older they may aquire gifts that they didn't have before. I watch everything with subtitles now. 😂
I've never written a comment here. I'm not really a comment-writing type (maybe because I'm not a native English speaker, so I'm always a little bit shy in that regard ;) ). But now I NEED to say a few things. I found your IWTV reactions by accident. I decided to watch it. I love the way you do it. I don't "click" like that with most people who do these kinds of videos. I'm seriously considering watching "Succession" just so I could watch it AGAIN with you, heck, I consider even supporting you on Patreon (and I never did such a thing. "Arcane" reactions got me convinced I guess ;) ). I absolutely LOVE your style, I love that you pause so much to talk about your theories and ideas, I love the almost analytical analysis you do, I love that you literally take notes on freaking paper (I do the same thing when watching stuff!), heck, I even love that you drink and smoke (because I also do that and it's funny to see someone do such things so openly, especially here on youtube :P). And it's not necessary, I think, for you to talk about any "personal stuff", but... I love it too. I love how you connect with the characters and the show and (not to get parasocial) - through the show and through the characters - with me too. Because I can relate to you in many many many more aspects than I thought I would. This was the first time I saw you cry. Thank you. Thank you SO MUCH for your vulnerability, you have no idea what it means to me (although I think you actually might have an idea...). I wish I could hug you right now (no strings attached, again, not to get parasocial - just as another soul who still tries to figure out how to find themselves and navigate this journey called "life"). You're an amazing human being and it will sound silly - because you're still "only" a youtuber to me - but what you do (and how you do it) is really important to me. Please, keep it up, sir.
Daniel mentions seeing drug addict who threw himself in a fire in front of him, there's so much talk about suicide and selfharm regarding fire in this story not only from vampires but also humans, I wonder if there's a reason besides vampires can't stand the sun
1 of my favourites episode! My brain keep forgetting that both young Daniel and Louis are tea drinking British people doing American accent. Their accent really good.
I think what really interests me is that the fight is the one time we have an uninfluenced primary source. Even the 1973 interview is, as Louis said, to some degree an admitted performance. Between the drugs on one side and the need to hit where it hurts on both it's clearly still a pretty complicated situation, but it's just really cool to see these few minutes that no one was aware of, on tape, in the unreliable narrator duck duck goose narrative.
Damn i felt every emotion with you like it was my first time watching this episode 😢( i watched it 5 times by now), you have very smooth and deep way of articulating and expressing your thoughts i really enjoy watching your videos especially IWTV since thats how I discovered you 🙏🏻 keep the good work and cant wait to watch the rest of the season with you.
22:23 yeah I mean Louis could be calling him boy just because he considers him a child because Louis is so much older than him but in actual like reality.... Daniel doesn't actually have a name in this interview. He is exclusively called the boy in the first book. He only gets an actual name in the third book The Queen of the Damned.... So yeah that's like the real reason as to why in 1973 Louis keeps calling him boy. Because it's book accurate.
I agree. I've noticed various things throughout this series which were clearly meant for book fans. Although, this show is written so well, it wouldn't surprise me if, for example, after next season the show brings everyone into the fold with things like Lestat's Red Cloak, etc...and then everyone can watch early episodes again and appreciate the book treats, too!
@@--ArcAngel-- You can almost even say that about the whole entire way Armand's real identity is introduced in the tv series. "Allow me to introduce: The Vampire Armand"-only book fans knew who the heck that was[ or why it was so dramatically significant], at S1E7, not to mention that's a very outright book title drop. They could have phrased that reveal any number of other ways. Lol
Must say, I wrote the comment above at the start of the episode -- please know it was NOT intended as some sort of sarcastic/ironic jab at your genuine pain in response to this brutally emotional episode. ❤
Also, MovieMan, please know that watching this reaction was a wonderful uplifting thing today -- your connection with the episode was extremely moving. In this dark time, this was very much needed and GREATLY appreciated. THANK YOU!!
the lead up to Louis walking into the sun sent chills through my body. This episode really was gut wrenching and thank you for noticing Louis influence. Also, thank you so much for being so open and brave and taking about your experiences. I'm so glad I'm here to witness you witnessing this journey!
I do think Armand, just like anyone else, is a product of his trauma. He has romanticised his relationship with his maker in his mind and he tries to reenact that dynamic with Louis. But at the same time, he had zero control over his life in his early days, and so now he’s uncomfortable with anything less than absolute control. So what we get is this: a guy who hates having to make decisions and take the lead, but desperately needs things to go how *he* wants them to go, and will manipulate any situation to serve his needs. I mean, he literally tortures Louis and Daniel for several days. The torturing of Daniel is obvious, but Armand withholds healing from Louis by not putting him in the coffin and not giving him blood, while Louis writhes in unbearable pain and begs for relief. On top of that, he makes Louis’ attempt entirely about how it makes him, Armand, feel. Never mind that Louis must be at the lowest point of his life to do that, what’s important is if Armand is going to have to be on watch now. And you’re right that there is a parallel between Lestat turning Claudia upon Louis’ request, and Armand letting Daniel live upon Louis’ request. However, where I think those two events differ, is that Lestat doesn’t present Louis with a conditional, whereas Armand does. Notice how he’s the one that chooses to resume the maître/arun dynamic? Louis comes into the room and tells him not to kill Daniel and Armand basically goes “I’ll let him live if you agree to stay with me and keep playing the dom/sub game” and knowing how guilty Louis can feel when he’s put someone in harms way as a result of his actions (when he’s not running on autopilot), of course he agrees, even though it’s obvious he’s unhappy in this relationship. Armand is the only one in the room with any real power. Louis’ “power” over Armand is performative and Armand only allows him power within the context of the dom/sub roles they play act. Also, the brainwashing is incredibly insidious to me, personally. Suppressing the real memories is one thing, but the fact that he implanted the phrase “Armand protects my happiness even when I don’t or can’t” in Louis’ head is the biggest betrayal of trust in the whole episode imo. He has implanted in Louis’ mind that Louis cannot trust himself so should trust Armand as someone who will always have Louis’ best interest at heart, when we have just seen that that isn’t the case! It’s a whole other level of gaslighting. As if the standard gaslighting in the last episode with the photos wasn’t bad enough.
I thought it was so interesting how many reactors of this episode found that Armand seeking out Lestat on behalf of Louis was an act of kindness/empathy, but I did not read it that way at all. I found it to be a conniving manipulation especially in this most vulnerable moment following a suicide attempt. Considering his age and power, Armand could be as violent as Lestat, perhaps more, but his modes of toxicity/abuse are much more...mercurial and cerebral, again deeply conniving. I think as you put it, "playing the long game". And how that reflects on Armand's troubled, powerless past is so interesting to me. This immense vulnerability coupled with this immense power--which one wins out--the good nurse or the gremlin. It makes me want to get into Armand's head and take a long look around....sir why are you like this!!!!???
....I know right?, he was torturing Louis just as he was doing with Daniel; Louis yelling to be put in his coffin to heal, but Armand left him out awhile to hurt, when he gave his wrist to Lou to relieve his hunger, he yanked it out from him abruptly and the calling of Lestat was kind of emotional abuse since he'd always known how he feels about him.......
Strap in boys (and gals 😄), we're in the endgame now... I've been waiting for your reaction to this episode, and boy oh boy was it a heavy one. Great reaction, as always, you're doing great! Amazing to see you loving the show and having such a response to it. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on these last few ones! P. S. We here for you! 😁😉
51:23 yeah, there is some evidence to show that head trauma can cause Parkinson's to develop later in life in boxers and football players and other careers where head trauma is common... And Armand was slamming Daniel the fuck around that apartment giving him head trauma, most likely..... So like...yeah, maybe!
This episode was the catalyst for me reaching out to my therapist for the first time in 3 years. I saw people talking about how horrifying and cruel Armand was in his “rest” speech and could not have related less to that reaction. My only thoughts watching that scene were what an absolute dream come true it would be to be Daniel in that moment. Plus, I’ve spent the last decade of my life vocally wishing for a lobotomy to just change literally anything about how my brain makes me think. Truly my favorite episode of television for as long as I can remember.
Same. I related to the "rest" speech so much because that is how I view my future life. I thought an easy death is not such a bad thing. Then I realised how fucked up that is. As if that wasn't enough, it was followed by Louis's words to Daniel. Absolutely broke me. Oh...What would I give for someone to re-wire my brain like that. Louis saved Daniel in more than one way
Daniel dreamed about Armand being in the bar when he met Louis in season 1. Remember after he had his treatment done by Dr. Fareed Bhansali ( from The Prince Lestat, book 11)? So it was before Daniel knew about the Talamasca 😊 Yes. Lestat did turn Louis at an emotional low because his entire plan was to confess and then off himself. Lestat offered Louis a choice , live or die because he could do either, Louis chose to become eternal. Louis calls Daniel " Boy" because in the books that is what he is called, we don't know his actual name until book 3 , Queen of the Damned. "There are stories that need to be told" ....some of the first words Daniel says to begin the series , season 1 , episode 1 and it came from this night in San Francisco from Louis. The writers are brilliant. Take care everyone ❤
One reason that the first few lines of Daniel‘s 1973 interview with Louis sound so scripted, as you pointed out, is that everything they say in that static wide shot is taken directly from the book! (Starting from “You weren’t always a vampire were you?” up to “I want to tell the real story”.) Additionally, their discussion in the bar about Louis having an accent, and Louis’ remarks about Lestat having a “thin, carping voice” and being “stupid” and frail like “dried sticks” all come from the novel as well!
Thank you for sharing your experiences and being so vulnerable and real, I'm so glad that you are still here, able to share your insights and experiences with us. I'm always happy to see you've uploaded a new iwtv episode because you express such interesting and logical interpretations and opinions.
I don't know if I'm glad I'm still here, yet, but I do know at very least that not being here isn't really what I want-and I am glad that you're still here, and that I get to experience the honor of watching these reactions and such, keeping me busy / keeping me entertained / broadening my thoughts beyond just my own. Thank You. 💖
Pretty long comment, but i would try to not spoil anything and remember what were my thoughts on this. There's so many interesting things on this episode. For me, i always want to see the reaction of people who had those suicidal thoughts with the "rest" scene between Armand and Daniel. For some people, its comforting. For others, that i think didnt had those ideas, its something else. For me, i hate that scene so much. It explains what Louis says of "his method is never violent" and for someone who is, thankfully, not in that mindset anymore (with therapy & medication) it seems pretty violent for me. I hate hearing young Daniel, even high as hell, after torture, with a creature that he knows hes dangerous, say that please, he doesnt want to die. Armand explaning how his life is going to be a failure to trigger the suicidal thoughts is very cruel to me. And yes, the theory of the alzheimer is something that its talked about in the fandom. Makes me think about how much Daniels life was affected by both Louis & Armands words (failure marriages, not close to his daughters, but a good professional). But watching Louis & Daniel their first interaction in the first episode knowing all this gives you a different perspective. For example, Louis saying "you grown old", when i first heard it i interpreted his tone as making fun of Daniel, trying to gain power in the interaction. But now? Knowing that Louis wanted Daniel to live a long life? That "you grown old" seems happy for Daniel, with a bit of relief. Jacob is fantastic for this. In regards to Louis, i would have lost my shit if i was him. More than 70 years with a man, if he did this one time, then who says he didnt do it more? "I knew who i was without those pieces", Louis always struggling with his identity. Theres a theory that points out the fight that they have about the photographys in the last episode (i think?) and how weird it is to have them so in love in the begging of this one, like the fight didnt happend at all. Also, something that i think Jacob points out later, about what would Louis have done if he knew Lestat still loved him. Lets remember from Dreamstat that he thinks Lestat wants revenge. And hey, first time ever hearing the real Lestat! (Its impossible for Louis or Daniel to hear Lestat, so thats something only for viewers, i think Sam asked that, when he explained that he was actually behind scenes in that scene saying his lines to help Assad and Jacob to feel his characters emotions). Armands complicated feelings and fears for both Louis & Lestat made him not say it, i think. For that, power is the main topic in the couple of Louis and Armand. And Armands intentions with the interview or lets be honest, with anything? My god. I would love to analyze his brain, because his ways of actions are....something else. Its really interesting to dissect and i cant wait to see your thoughts of the next episodes.
Yeah, regarding Armand not being violent in his mind games... I think the situation with Daniel was different. Because in the books and in the show they have mentioned that Armand purposefully seeks out people who are already suicidal... Daniel at this point in his life was not. And so he was fighting back against Armand pretty strongly... And Armand had to fight back against that because he was trying to tempt someone with death who was NOT actively suicidal which is not his usual prey... And that made a difference... that made the mental fight between Armand and Daniel in that scene look a lot more violent than his mind games with his usual prey who he doesn't really have to convince all that much to rest... So I actually kind of believe Louis when he says that Armand usually isn't violent, like Lestat was... Because he is usually seeking out people who already want to die he doesn't have to convince them that they want to die, like he did with Daniel.
@@AnxietyRat I don't know, I definitely agree that /Armand/ wants to believe his methods aren't more violent than is necessary and probably repeats that fairly consistently in front of everyone he knows, but considering what we know so far about the history of how the TDV's main show evolved, I don't think this even close to the first time Armand has had to talk someone who did not want to die into agreeing to it. I love Lestat, but he is driven almost solely by his stupid little whims. Even taking everything in Armand's fic at face value, there's no way Lestat was the one to introduce the no pain aspect to the final skit, and yet there it was. He could definitely have just ended it quickly if he had wanted to. I think Armand threw Daniel around like that because that's just how he acts when he's having a tantrum and can't take it out on the person he is actually angry with.
@@AnxietyRat I don't know about that, especially considerating that it seems to be really similar to Santiago's method with the theatre victims. It seems to me that he learned that somewhere, and what is best than Armand? I feel like also we cant really trust show Louis about anything about Armand, and thats not even talking about Louis' feelings on what is cruel to humans or not. And tbh, i still believe that being predadory towards suicidal people is still violent. If youre gonna repeat and convince me of my worst thoughts in my most vulnerable moment.....just drain me, pal. At one point, it isnt about the victim, its a power trip or a "feel better about myself" moment for the vampire.
![[Live สด] การออกรางวัลสลากกินแบ่งรัฐบาล งวดวันที่ 16 พฤศจิกายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wPd7VFfWHIA/mqdefault.jpg)
A bright young reactor with a point of view.✨️ I'm glad that you're still here, Austin. ❤🫂
this comment made ME cry
Ah, I love the reference!! 🖤🖤🖤
@@asavagegarden🖤🖤🖤loving your profile photo 🖤🖤🖤🖤👌
Sidenote man I appreciate your honesty and vulnerability in this. You didn't have to share your experience with hopelessness and s-ideation but as somebody who has been there I felt seen. I'm glad you're here man
Whoa! You called it even before the coffin scene! Louis is talking as if he wants Lestat to hear it. (you mentioned it even before Armand says his "did I catch you in a fantasy" speech! 😃)
Thank you for letting us into some of your vulnerable private history, we are all glad that you're here.
I absolutely related so much to this episode. I think this entire show is like chicken soup for pessimistic nihilists. i appreciate that it really asks the viewers to think about ourselves differently as human beings.
“Chicken soup for pessimistic nihilists”, I love that so much! I’d totally read that book, btw 😉❤️
it's such a joy to watch someone GETTING this show
Louis referring to Daniel as “boy” is a reference to the first book because initially daniel didn’t even have a name, he was just the interviewer so he was just referred to as “the boy”
Yeah, that is true. I think it could have an added meaning in context with the show. This time in Louis life could be considered "serial killer Louis". Daniel was the one hundred and twenty ninth young man he had brought back to the apartment. All the others had been "consummated and drained", and everything suggests that Louis had every intention of doing that to Daniel. He was probably using the impersonal title of "Boy" to keep Daniel as just another boy to kill. He didn't have a name to Louis, he was just "Boy".
@@cullenarthur8879 very true, suppose you wouldn’t refer to your victims so personally so ‘boy’ makes sense
"the gremilin or the good nurse" makes it clear that louis knew a lot more about armands duplicious nature than he maybe let on.
Armand has a fascinating way of fucking with people (in this case Louis') head and making louis feel like he has all the control. He makes people feel like whatever happened to them was actually their choice or their fault. Its so incidious.
Well, a lot of negative things can be said about Armand...but I don't think he's actually boring.
@@moonlily1 he MAKES himself boring, I think. He (in this relationship, at least 👀) is trying to appear a certain way and *only* this way, dulling all other elements of his actual personality. Louis wants empathetic and caring? Here it is, to the point where it's so bland it's suffocating. I don't think it's on purpose, he's just used to molding himself to survive.
yup, "no pain", as Santiago said, because Armand is doing to Daniel exactly what Santiago did to the victims on stage. he went mucking around in Daniel's head and then got him to accept death. "do you know what it means to be loved by death", as Armand speaks to Daniel as Death, saying "I've been calling out to you". this show's writing is so beautiful.
If you look at the Theatre des Vampires posters, the first play is written by Armand Marius.
That means "No Pain" speech is not Santiago's philosophy, it's Armand's.
@@ingliszkau OmG- Thank you for figuring out how to point that out without using book spoilers! I've been biting my tongue on saying that for weeks now because I couldn't. 😅😊🤭😏💖💖🤣🤣🤣
1:01:47 100% understand how you feel there. The writers did such an amazing job of basically making Armand sound like the inner voice of someone who has accepted that death would be better.
But 👏 it’s 👏 a 👏 lie!!!
We are so glad that you’re still here.
Hopefully one day I’ll be able to say with my full chest that I’m glad I’m still here, too. I’m working on it. Tell you what though I’m glad I’m able to witness the kind of art that’s being created in these times.
Enjoying the beauty of this world is such a key element of why I'm still here too 🫂
I just started watching from the beginning and noticed that Daniel first said that he was a bright young reporter with a point of view. Love how it circles back a season later.
Love that you were able to be vulnerable and share your experience. My partner is a therapist and loves and hates how accurate the depictions in this show are and has used different scenes as a tool in his practice especially when working with couples.
Armand’s little smile to himself at this moment in s2e1 is so good
Armand uses soft forms of control and manipulation. He wants Louis to think Louis is in control. He’s the ultimate gaslighter
there is a cool scene in episode 4 when Armand and Louis are arguing in bed after they've slept together (the scene where Lestat is with them in the room) and Louis lights the candle with his mind... than Louis says to make his powers work he needs to "think about something the pisses him off"
and Armand says: "I try to find vulnerability within the object" 😁
I thought that such a great written line. seemingly just about lighting the candle but really it about their characters in general and how Louis approach stuff (with anger and lashing out) vs Armand (finding weak spot and exploiting it)
@@mayaamis oh wow that's a good catch
@@Yiningwu5622 perhaps it helped me knowing these characters from the books for so many years so I immediately caught that connection but it's smart how they dropped that in with few lines of dialogue that say so much about them. writing on this show is phenomenal :)
There's one point I don't think anyone else has brought up. You mentioned Daniel and Louis both experiencing suicidal thoughts in their lives. I really don't think Daniel ever did, and that was entirely Armand's creation in the moment. Louis alludes to this earlier when Armand sets out to chase down his dinner: "Armand will have him begging for it in an hour." If the person doesn't have any innate longing for death, Armand will give it to them. Given how Daniel resists by saying he likes his life and he's got a thing going on in the city, I think that was the case with him.
no worries it's easy to miss the fact that armand is the one in the painting because 1. the boy in the painting really doesn't look like him, more like a white-washed version of him, or how his abuser saw him, which is just another problematic layer on top of the fact that the painting is "paid for" with his body; 2. it's a moment of foreshadowing for this episode when daniel called out louis for using language syntax to distance himself from the memory of a traumatic event. in the museum scene, armand did a messier job of it than louis in the interview scene in dubai, but armand was constantly switching between he/him and I/me, going so far as splitting his identity in arun/amadeo/armand. what we can deduce is that sth terrible happened in paris that requires Louis' psyche to "hide from it".
Yeah, I was watching this episode when it first came out in June (before a lot of these reaction videos) and I was so confused by this painting and had to rewatch the scene several times lol…..not because of the monologue (it’s BEAUTIFULLY acted by Assad! Love him!) but because the boy in the painting looks nothing like him, IMO (besides the curls I guess)….i was watching thinking “wait, who is this boy in the painting?! Is he important or something ?” lol….so after the 3rd rewind that night, I figured it must be the whitewashed version of Armand and I must be confused since I was also drinking wine 🍷 lol
That was an actual painting that is kept in the same room as the Mona Lisa in the Louvre. The producers sent people in to look for a painting that featured someone who could be Armand.
@ yes, I’m aware of that! lol….I’m just referring to how I felt on my first watch (I’ve watched these episodes an embarrassing amount of times since then lol 🤦🏽♀️). Anyway, after it aired, more interviews came out and Assad & Rolin talked more about the painting (at SDCC and at this panel in Texas) :th-cam.com/users/clipUgkxlE0DhRQuhCZ2jiV_ExFTk6VZH5cM6jQ7?si=-IAvSJC0RX1oMSbn
Given the fact that Marius is canonically a racist...I'm really interested to see how the show will handle that aspect. Imo they managed to make Armand potentially even more traumatized than in the books by aging him up & race swapping him
@@clefairy7736 They've also opened up some possibilities for sanitizing slightly away some of the things people take the most issue with in Armand's relationship with his maker in the books, in making Armand older. But... we'll just have to wait and see exactly how the tv series does or doesn't play things.
49:45 I could be wrong, but I saw this part as armand realising he fell for daniels charm too and quickly snapped himself out of it and by ‘charm’ I mean his ability to get others to open up. Armand almost spilled his past, which he rarely does and caught himself before he could continue. I think that’s also why he said “black hole” like Daniels just some void sucking in information
It’s interesting that his first memory is being run down by slavers and when he told Louis his parents sold him to a ships captain. I’m not doubting that he was a slave but the story doesn’t line up.
@@BG-kn3nt I’m assuming he tried to run when his parents sold him- hence being chased down. However there are some theories that armands parents didn’t actually sell him and he was stolen from them which would also explain the chase
the scene with armand cleaning up young daniel hit me really hard too. as you said, it's so easy to fall in that state of mind, and clawing your way out of it is so difficult. thank you so much for sharing with us, i'm glad you are here to do so 🌸
Armand is the devil on our shoulder, while Louis is the angel.
I feel like inside Armand carries A lot of sadness, but Louis is more outwardly emotional.
I agree with you. I wondered if that has a lot to do with his time in the brothels. He was supposed to be an agreeable companion. People don't (usually) pay or pay less when the person they've paid for is unhappy. So maybe he just learned to stifle his feelings overtime?
@pisto30 I think you are probably right about that. Plus, since Armand is 500+ years old, he has probably learned that openly showing sadness can be perceived as weakness, so he keeps it buried. Especially since he has been the coven master for hundreds of years.
@@--ArcAngel-- I didn't think of that but that too also....and showing weakness to the coven would make them lose faith in him as a leader, AND especially after so many members of his last coven in Paris (the underground one) abandoned him after Lestat's intervention.
Ugggh this show and it's layers!😍
@pisto30 so many layers! 😂
@@--ArcAngel-- And to think I wasn't going to watch the show (the ads kept showing up a lot in various places) because I'd already seen the movies! 🙄
What can I say? I'm dense sometimes. LOL.
one of my takeaways from this episode is that Armand cannot let Louis say no. Even though Louis choose to stay with Armand at the end of the first interview, that he even contemplated leaving was something Armand could not handle. But because Armand won't let him say no he also cannot trust the yes that Louis does give him. The show keeps referencing Othello which really explains Armand.
Louis (probably): "AND HIS FUCKING JAW WAS TOO BIG"
omg just jumped for joy, very excited for this episode :) Love this one, so so good, full gremlin mode Armand is eveything to me and I love love Daniel and Louis' friendship and the depth this episode adds to that
This is my absolute favourite episode.
I appreciate the opening message too - it has been incredibly stressful. I've been struggling, but I very much appreciate the words of encouragement and temporary distraction 💜
What an episode 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Every character is just so well written
I appreciate what you said and how you opened up about your personal experience with all this. I am not in a bad moment with it now but I was for far too many years. When I see someone being honest and open about it, which I rarely see, it reminds me of our shared humanity, because we know exactly how hard it can be.
This episode is one of the all time greats. Crying, screaming, laughing. They were ON IT
Thank you so much for going back to armands backstory at the start, he’s such an interesting and tragic character
😂. You've got the "diet version" of 'cheeseburgers and chicken chow mein'. 😂😭😂
Edited to add (after finishing the video) that i really appreciate you sharing your feelings and experiences with us. As someone who has also struggled with depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, therapy really helped pull me out and i am still amazed that i ever decided to try it. I'm happy to hear it helped you as well.
Okay so while watching the reaction i realized (and ...duh right ! But i somehow never made the connection) Armand's "rest now" speech added to Louis' "you're a bright young reporter with a pov" speech both predicted Daniel's life...except what if they BOTH "SHAPED" Daniel's life...
Sure, there's still Daniel's free will, his already existing drug addiction and his own personal struggles and hang ups (his sexuality being one of them) but maybe those hypnotic lil monologues both played a role in what he subconsciously prioritized and fought for and held onto through the years...and that's insanely messed up.
Armand and Louis' influence on Daniel's life trajectory does in a messed up way make him their "child" because just like our parents do they kind of...traumatized him into the adult he became....i guess.
I guess what i'm trying to say is, my brain is drawing some interesting parallels between the unholy family trio of Louis/Claudia/Lestat and Louis/Daniel/Armand in that :
-Louis is the one who pulls them from their human normal life into his companion's orbit
-Lestat and Armand both resenting Claudia/Daniel's hold on Louis or their place in his affections
-both Claudia and Daniel getting more of Louis' thoughts and feelings than either Lestat or Armand
And one other parallel i will keep to myself for now
Louis is the one who still embraces his human side (however slightly) and loves humans. That's what attracts vamps like Lestat and Armand to him. I like to say he's vampire catnip. LOL.
Seriously though. Thank you so much for sharing your story at the end. I think I speak for everybody here when I say we're so glad you're still with us ❤🫂
I was having an awful day and I just saw this when I'm about to have dinner. Perfect timing ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for your reactions and uploads
the series writers did this masterpiece all on their own .......in honor of Anne Rice's writing .......the best acting ever
For 49:41 I do think that Armand was referring to Daniel with the 'eager black hole' line, especially with the "I'm not hopeful there's much more to you other than a hole" right after. It's interesting though, because it could be read as sort of sexual or refer to him as a person or even his ability to get people to open up acting almost like a diary.
Which also leads into how all of the traits that Armand targets in Daniel are aspects in himself too (bargaining with desire, instinct to self efface, splinter of coldness, etc), he's projecting.
Not to mention the face he makes after he shared his first memory - almost angry. Though, at who? Himself for opening up or Daniel for getting him to? Or at Louis for being right, Daniel is fascinating.
I could go on and on talking about about this episode alone tbh it's so amazing.
He said chop my hands off. Easter egg for book readers. Good thing you had captions because. Louis says a line that was inaudible about Armand being emasculated and basically a eunuch. Louis can be vicious
OH HERE WE GO THIS IS THE EP
i wasn't expecting to cry with you but here i am oh my god
I think this episode resonated with so many people because we've been through that dark night of the soul as well. Yeah, the vampire thing is great, yeah, the writing is excellent, the characters fascinating but it's the humanity of it all that sneaks up on you and you end up weeping about your own wounds.
It's about trying to make sense of a senseless world. It's about finding our own way through all the pain and hopelessness and understanding the power of our own story, the gift we were all given. That's why this show is so compelling.
Anyways. I'm glad we're both still here and able to enjoy the beauty of this show. ❤
I was not expecting to cry while watching your reaction but thanks for the vulnerability 🖤
I also cried during this episode, definitely hits hard. Thanks for the review, Movieman.
FYE: the fight scene btwn Louis & Armand ...was the first scene that Assad filmed for the season. Amazing work by him & Jacob. Give them all the awards
I applaud you for your honesty, courage, and sincerity. I hope you are healing.
10:19 the whole reminiscing thing is so interesting when you put it in contrast with how the last ep ended. as daniel'd say, grab that
I just wanted to say thank you. I am so glad you stayed. Your honesty in sharing your feelings and your journey will help people in the same position. {{{hugs}}}
🌀 A really heartfelt reaction vid from you. Thank you.
Marvelous the way Louis and Daniel looked at Armand when he made his speech “…he might prove useful in later times.” What freaking audacity. Ahhch - those screenwriters!🌒🌑🌘
Honestly this episode just demonstrates what an incredible show this is. It takes us on a roller coaster of emotions, through comedy, drama, horror, tragedy… 👏
Thanks for sharing your reaction, it’s relatable to a lot of people ❤❤
i appreciate you being so open and vulnerable with your audience. you could have cut it out but you kept it in and you talking about feeling like this might help someone. as another human who struggles with ideation, i feel like i'm always staring at my depression and dark thoughts and moving alongside them. this show really connects with me in that way, as it feels like a very vampire theme that you have to keep going on regardless.
I 100% agree with you about Lestat’s predatory vibes. I hate when people defend Lestat by saying that he gave Louis the choice of becoming a vampire. No, he f-king didn’t. Even if we don’t consider what a horrid state Louis was emotionally that night, the whole scene still stinks. Imagine a man with a gun coming up to you, killing two people right in front of you, then turning to you with blood on his hands and asking you to date them. You will bloody say yes, and that’s that on coercion.
You are correct about that. Could Louis really have said “No” at the moment? What would Lestat have done if he had? It would have been a very brief love story indeed
this is one of my favorite episodes of the show and this might be my favorite reaction to it ever. you always offer understanding and sincerity, but in this video specially it was remarkable! i'm glad you're still here 🖤
wanted to say thank you for being extremely vulnerable with us in this review and the ways you were able to directly connect with Louis' headspace when he was at his lowest. Not too many streamers would allow their viewers windows into their deepest personal traumas and the way those human experiences can be reflected on screen. And you are saving people just by talking about it.
Louis and Armand refer to Daniel as “The Boy” because that is how he is referred to in Interview With the Vampire (the book). His character never has a name until Queen of the Damned.
"Boy" comes from the book fyi✨️ he wasnt called Daniel Malloy in IWTV book
When this episode 1st aired, I watched it, went to bed, & dreamed about it all night. One of the most emotionally deep hours of television I’ve ever watched… it reminded me of the episode of the Buffy the Vampire slayer series when her mother dies and Buffy spends the whole hour just trying to find a way to cope with the reality of it.
I knew watching this reaction with you would be interesting, heart-felt, sad, & so much fun. Thank you 😊
Appreciate your vulnerability, that’s never easy, especially if you know you’re on camera. Loved this reaction as always.
That was genuinely beautiful, vulnerable and touching to behold.
Another great reaction and I appreciate you sticking with the episode and being vulnerable with us even though it wasn't necessarily easy for you to do that. So much intensity in this one. I've also struggled with suicidal ideations in the past. Glad we're both still here despite how difficult the world is. I also appreciate you acknowledging the US election at a time when some creators are choosing to stay silent
It was not just that Daniel is a reporter. It is his ability to cut through the bullshit.
With Louis calling Daniel boy... in the first book, 'the boy' is the only name Daniel is referred to by! We don't learn Daniel's name till book 3. It's a neat little nod to that in this episode!
I'm glad you are still here friend ❤
I’ve been watching your videos of this show and I just want to send you all the hugs for your vulnerability! You are such a joy to watch and I hope you know how many people you touch with your videos 💕
''So other than that, how did you like the play, Mr. Lincoln?''
Rough episode, but brilliantly done.
oh my god i love so much that you picked up on and remembered/called back to that little moment from succession where roman made logan genuinely laugh. that’s like one of my favorite blink-and-you-miss-it moments in the WHOLE SHOW!
Don’t apologize! You are an awesome reactor and this is a complex story- it continues to unfold and reveal more in each rewatch (which is a beautiful thing!)
Wow, just wow!. I knew this would be an extraordinary review watch with you. A lot of us have been there, where we saw SI as a way out. I'm glad you saw a better way. The world is better with you in it. Keep it coming, we are here, and so are you. Life is good.❤
Louis came from a time where psychiatry wasn’t necessarily a positive thing, given it landed his brother in an institution (which were horrible places)
Really good point
26:37 ''...activating all of his chakras'' ...you funny😁
I was so excited to see this pop up on my feed! I've been loving your reactions and I couldn't wait to see your reaction to this one. On top of that of course, it's been...a week so, thank you. :D
First of all, sending love and comfort for your own remembered trauma - this must've been very hard to do (especially on camera), but I'm glad you sought and received help, friend. 🫂 Secondly, I had every faith in your ability to appreciate all the emotions and undercurrents that permeate this incredible episode, and that you enjoyed the way Louis and Daniel putting the puzzle pieces of their shared trauma in SF together, also brought them a little closer together in present day. Both actors of Daniel were fantastic in this ep, but Jacob and Assad were outstanding imo, and their blistering barbs that pierce the numbness of an unsatisfying life are almost too personal to witness! Everything about how this episode was shot, written and performed was top tier, and I wanted to high five you when you recognised the familiar phrasing that Armand uses to manipulate Louis' mind right at the end! Great reaction, as always! Can't wait for your thoughts on the remaining eps now! Best wishes!
5:17 However you are physically when you are turned, that's how you will be forever after. Psychologically they can grow, however many vampires, like people can remain emotionally stunted. The vampiric gifts do get stronger the older they get, and as they get older they may aquire gifts that they didn't have before.
I watch everything with subtitles now. 😂
I've never written a comment here. I'm not really a comment-writing type (maybe because I'm not a native English speaker, so I'm always a little bit shy in that regard ;) ). But now I NEED to say a few things.
I found your IWTV reactions by accident. I decided to watch it. I love the way you do it. I don't "click" like that with most people who do these kinds of videos. I'm seriously considering watching "Succession" just so I could watch it AGAIN with you, heck, I consider even supporting you on Patreon (and I never did such a thing. "Arcane" reactions got me convinced I guess ;) ). I absolutely LOVE your style, I love that you pause so much to talk about your theories and ideas, I love the almost analytical analysis you do, I love that you literally take notes on freaking paper (I do the same thing when watching stuff!), heck, I even love that you drink and smoke (because I also do that and it's funny to see someone do such things so openly, especially here on youtube :P).
And it's not necessary, I think, for you to talk about any "personal stuff", but... I love it too. I love how you connect with the characters and the show and (not to get parasocial) - through the show and through the characters - with me too. Because I can relate to you in many many many more aspects than I thought I would.
This was the first time I saw you cry. Thank you. Thank you SO MUCH for your vulnerability, you have no idea what it means to me (although I think you actually might have an idea...). I wish I could hug you right now (no strings attached, again, not to get parasocial - just as another soul who still tries to figure out how to find themselves and navigate this journey called "life"). You're an amazing human being and it will sound silly - because you're still "only" a youtuber to me - but what you do (and how you do it) is really important to me. Please, keep it up, sir.
.....as someone with multiple suicides in the family, I embrace you, I embrace you, I embrace you.......
SO glad you're still here‼️✨️
I'm happy that you are still here. It's one day at a time.
Daniel mentions seeing drug addict who threw himself in a fire in front of him, there's so much talk about suicide and selfharm regarding fire in this story not only from vampires but also humans, I wonder if there's a reason besides vampires can't stand the sun
1 of my favourites episode! My brain keep forgetting that both young Daniel and Louis are tea drinking British people doing American accent. Their accent really good.
I think what really interests me is that the fight is the one time we have an uninfluenced primary source. Even the 1973 interview is, as Louis said, to some degree an admitted performance. Between the drugs on one side and the need to hit where it hurts on both it's clearly still a pretty complicated situation, but it's just really cool to see these few minutes that no one was aware of, on tape, in the unreliable narrator duck duck goose narrative.
This episode is a rough one lol, thanks for the amazing reaction and commentary as always
Damn i felt every emotion with you like it was my first time watching this episode 😢( i watched it 5 times by now), you have very smooth and deep way of articulating and expressing your thoughts i really enjoy watching your videos especially IWTV since thats how I discovered you 🙏🏻 keep the good work and cant wait to watch the rest of the season with you.
22:23 yeah I mean Louis could be calling him boy just because he considers him a child because Louis is so much older than him but in actual like reality.... Daniel doesn't actually have a name in this interview. He is exclusively called the boy in the first book. He only gets an actual name in the third book The Queen of the Damned.... So yeah that's like the real reason as to why in 1973 Louis keeps calling him boy. Because it's book accurate.
I agree. I've noticed various things throughout this series which were clearly meant for book fans. Although, this show is written so well, it wouldn't surprise me if, for example, after next season the show brings everyone into the fold with things like Lestat's Red Cloak, etc...and then everyone can watch early episodes again and appreciate the book treats, too!
@@--ArcAngel-- You can almost even say that about the whole entire way Armand's real identity is introduced in the tv series. "Allow me to introduce: The Vampire Armand"-only book fans knew who the heck that was[ or why it was so dramatically significant], at S1E7, not to mention that's a very outright book title drop. They could have phrased that reveal any number of other ways. Lol
@@jaginaiaelectrizs6341 absolutely! Book fans everywhere musta lost their minds at that moment. 😂 I definitely did!
@--ArcAngel-- 💯/💯%!!
You’re a beautiful human.
So glad you are here Movie Man
Go gently 💞
I'm happy you're still here ❤❤
Button up, tie, and a vest! I see you movieman!
Needed this to cheer up soooo bad! 😭😭😭
Must say, I wrote the comment above at the start of the episode -- please know it was NOT intended as some sort of sarcastic/ironic jab at your genuine pain in response to this brutally emotional episode. ❤
Also, MovieMan, please know that watching this reaction was a wonderful uplifting thing today -- your connection with the episode was extremely moving. In this dark time, this was very much needed and GREATLY appreciated. THANK YOU!!
the lead up to Louis walking into the sun sent chills through my body. This episode really was gut wrenching and thank you for noticing Louis influence. Also, thank you so much for being so open and brave and taking about your experiences. I'm so glad I'm here to witness you witnessing this journey!
I do think Armand, just like anyone else, is a product of his trauma. He has romanticised his relationship with his maker in his mind and he tries to reenact that dynamic with Louis. But at the same time, he had zero control over his life in his early days, and so now he’s uncomfortable with anything less than absolute control. So what we get is this: a guy who hates having to make decisions and take the lead, but desperately needs things to go how *he* wants them to go, and will manipulate any situation to serve his needs.
I mean, he literally tortures Louis and Daniel for several days. The torturing of Daniel is obvious, but Armand withholds healing from Louis by not putting him in the coffin and not giving him blood, while Louis writhes in unbearable pain and begs for relief. On top of that, he makes Louis’ attempt entirely about how it makes him, Armand, feel. Never mind that Louis must be at the lowest point of his life to do that, what’s important is if Armand is going to have to be on watch now.
And you’re right that there is a parallel between Lestat turning Claudia upon Louis’ request, and Armand letting Daniel live upon Louis’ request. However, where I think those two events differ, is that Lestat doesn’t present Louis with a conditional, whereas Armand does.
Notice how he’s the one that chooses to resume the maître/arun dynamic? Louis comes into the room and tells him not to kill Daniel and Armand basically goes “I’ll let him live if you agree to stay with me and keep playing the dom/sub game” and knowing how guilty Louis can feel when he’s put someone in harms way as a result of his actions (when he’s not running on autopilot), of course he agrees, even though it’s obvious he’s unhappy in this relationship. Armand is the only one in the room with any real power. Louis’ “power” over Armand is performative and Armand only allows him power within the context of the dom/sub roles they play act.
Also, the brainwashing is incredibly insidious to me, personally. Suppressing the real memories is one thing, but the fact that he implanted the phrase “Armand protects my happiness even when I don’t or can’t” in Louis’ head is the biggest betrayal of trust in the whole episode imo. He has implanted in Louis’ mind that Louis cannot trust himself so should trust Armand as someone who will always have Louis’ best interest at heart, when we have just seen that that isn’t the case! It’s a whole other level of gaslighting. As if the standard gaslighting in the last episode with the photos wasn’t bad enough.
I thought it was so interesting how many reactors of this episode found that Armand seeking out Lestat on behalf of Louis was an act of kindness/empathy, but I did not read it that way at all. I found it to be a conniving manipulation especially in this most vulnerable moment following a suicide attempt. Considering his age and power, Armand could be as violent as Lestat, perhaps more, but his modes of toxicity/abuse are much more...mercurial and cerebral, again deeply conniving. I think as you put it, "playing the long game". And how that reflects on Armand's troubled, powerless past is so interesting to me. This immense vulnerability coupled with this immense power--which one wins out--the good nurse or the gremlin. It makes me want to get into Armand's head and take a long look around....sir why are you like this!!!!???
Yup. Honestly it feels like a lot of viewers themselves fell for Armand's act. Love him as a character but my gosh he is a right bastard.
....I know right?, he was torturing Louis just as he was doing with Daniel; Louis yelling to be put in his coffin to heal, but Armand left him out awhile to hurt, when he gave his wrist to Lou to relieve his hunger, he yanked it out from him abruptly and the calling of Lestat was kind of emotional abuse since he'd always known how he feels about him.......
Strap in boys (and gals 😄), we're in the endgame now... I've been waiting for your reaction to this episode, and boy oh boy was it a heavy one. Great reaction, as always, you're doing great! Amazing to see you loving the show and having such a response to it. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on these last few ones!
P. S. We here for you! 😁😉
51:23 yeah, there is some evidence to show that head trauma can cause Parkinson's to develop later in life in boxers and football players and other careers where head trauma is common... And Armand was slamming Daniel the fuck around that apartment giving him head trauma, most likely..... So like...yeah, maybe!
This episode was the catalyst for me reaching out to my therapist for the first time in 3 years. I saw people talking about how horrifying and cruel Armand was in his “rest” speech and could not have related less to that reaction. My only thoughts watching that scene were what an absolute dream come true it would be to be Daniel in that moment. Plus, I’ve spent the last decade of my life vocally wishing for a lobotomy to just change literally anything about how my brain makes me think. Truly my favorite episode of television for as long as I can remember.
Same. I related to the "rest" speech so much because that is how I view my future life. I thought an easy death is not such a bad thing. Then I realised how fucked up that is. As if that wasn't enough, it was followed by Louis's words to Daniel. Absolutely broke me. Oh...What would I give for someone to re-wire my brain like that. Louis saved Daniel in more than one way
@ ❤️
6:53 the laugh I just let out💀 also small but fun fact, “don’t be afraid, just start the tape” is a direct quote from the book
Thank you so much for being open about things you’ve gone through and being open about that time in your life.🙏🏽💔
Louis was in his Dahmer era 😢
Daniel dreamed about Armand being in the bar when he met Louis in season 1. Remember after he had his treatment done by Dr. Fareed Bhansali ( from The Prince Lestat, book 11)? So it was before Daniel knew about the Talamasca 😊
Yes. Lestat did turn Louis at an emotional low because his entire plan was to confess and then off himself. Lestat offered Louis a choice , live or die because he could do either, Louis chose to become eternal.
Louis calls Daniel " Boy" because in the books that is what he is called, we don't know his actual name until book 3 , Queen of the Damned.
"There are stories that need to be told" ....some of the first words Daniel says to begin the series , season 1 , episode 1 and it came from this night in San Francisco from Louis. The writers are brilliant.
Take care everyone ❤
Incredible episode and incredible reaction. Thank you for your vulnerability.
Not a spoiler or anything BUT please remember that musical cue of the piano for later
One reason that the first few lines of Daniel‘s 1973 interview with Louis sound so scripted, as you pointed out, is that everything they say in that static wide shot is taken directly from the book! (Starting from “You weren’t always a vampire were you?” up to “I want to tell the real story”.) Additionally, their discussion in the bar about Louis having an accent, and Louis’ remarks about Lestat having a “thin, carping voice” and being “stupid” and frail like “dried sticks” all come from the novel as well!
Thank you for sharing your experiences and being so vulnerable and real, I'm so glad that you are still here, able to share your insights and experiences with us. I'm always happy to see you've uploaded a new iwtv episode because you express such interesting and logical interpretations and opinions.
I don't know if I'm glad I'm still here, yet, but I do know at very least that not being here isn't really what I want-and I am glad that you're still here, and that I get to experience the honor of watching these reactions and such, keeping me busy / keeping me entertained / broadening my thoughts beyond just my own. Thank You. 💖
Time to cry again!! 🫠😭
Pretty long comment, but i would try to not spoil anything and remember what were my thoughts on this. There's so many interesting things on this episode. For me, i always want to see the reaction of people who had those suicidal thoughts with the "rest" scene between Armand and Daniel. For some people, its comforting. For others, that i think didnt had those ideas, its something else. For me, i hate that scene so much. It explains what Louis says of "his method is never violent" and for someone who is, thankfully, not in that mindset anymore (with therapy & medication) it seems pretty violent for me. I hate hearing young Daniel, even high as hell, after torture, with a creature that he knows hes dangerous, say that please, he doesnt want to die. Armand explaning how his life is going to be a failure to trigger the suicidal thoughts is very cruel to me. And yes, the theory of the alzheimer is something that its talked about in the fandom. Makes me think about how much Daniels life was affected by both Louis & Armands words (failure marriages, not close to his daughters, but a good professional). But watching Louis & Daniel their first interaction in the first episode knowing all this gives you a different perspective. For example, Louis saying "you grown old", when i first heard it i interpreted his tone as making fun of Daniel, trying to gain power in the interaction. But now? Knowing that Louis wanted Daniel to live a long life? That "you grown old" seems happy for Daniel, with a bit of relief. Jacob is fantastic for this.
In regards to Louis, i would have lost my shit if i was him. More than 70 years with a man, if he did this one time, then who says he didnt do it more? "I knew who i was without those pieces", Louis always struggling with his identity. Theres a theory that points out the fight that they have about the photographys in the last episode (i think?) and how weird it is to have them so in love in the begging of this one, like the fight didnt happend at all. Also, something that i think Jacob points out later, about what would Louis have done if he knew Lestat still loved him. Lets remember from Dreamstat that he thinks Lestat wants revenge. And hey, first time ever hearing the real Lestat! (Its impossible for Louis or Daniel to hear Lestat, so thats something only for viewers, i think Sam asked that, when he explained that he was actually behind scenes in that scene saying his lines to help Assad and Jacob to feel his characters emotions). Armands complicated feelings and fears for both Louis & Lestat made him not say it, i think.
For that, power is the main topic in the couple of Louis and Armand. And Armands intentions with the interview or lets be honest, with anything? My god. I would love to analyze his brain, because his ways of actions are....something else. Its really interesting to dissect and i cant wait to see your thoughts of the next episodes.
Yeah, regarding Armand not being violent in his mind games... I think the situation with Daniel was different. Because in the books and in the show they have mentioned that Armand purposefully seeks out people who are already suicidal... Daniel at this point in his life was not. And so he was fighting back against Armand pretty strongly... And Armand had to fight back against that because he was trying to tempt someone with death who was NOT actively suicidal which is not his usual prey... And that made a difference... that made the mental fight between Armand and Daniel in that scene look a lot more violent than his mind games with his usual prey who he doesn't really have to convince all that much to rest... So I actually kind of believe Louis when he says that Armand usually isn't violent, like Lestat was... Because he is usually seeking out people who already want to die he doesn't have to convince them that they want to die, like he did with Daniel.
@@AnxietyRat I don't know, I definitely agree that /Armand/ wants to believe his methods aren't more violent than is necessary and probably repeats that fairly consistently in front of everyone he knows, but considering what we know so far about the history of how the TDV's main show evolved, I don't think this even close to the first time Armand has had to talk someone who did not want to die into agreeing to it. I love Lestat, but he is driven almost solely by his stupid little whims. Even taking everything in Armand's fic at face value, there's no way Lestat was the one to introduce the no pain aspect to the final skit, and yet there it was. He could definitely have just ended it quickly if he had wanted to. I think Armand threw Daniel around like that because that's just how he acts when he's having a tantrum and can't take it out on the person he is actually angry with.
@@AnxietyRat I don't know about that, especially considerating that it seems to be really similar to Santiago's method with the theatre victims. It seems to me that he learned that somewhere, and what is best than Armand? I feel like also we cant really trust show Louis about anything about Armand, and thats not even talking about Louis' feelings on what is cruel to humans or not.
And tbh, i still believe that being predadory towards suicidal people is still violent. If youre gonna repeat and convince me of my worst thoughts in my most vulnerable moment.....just drain me, pal. At one point, it isnt about the victim, its a power trip or a "feel better about myself" moment for the vampire.
this reaction was so emotional
Thank you for showing so much emotion!! It makes for a great reaction. I've been there too. This episode was a lot.
Comparing Armand to Homelander made me crack up 😭
Thank you for sharing your story with us. Here with much love and support for you! ❤