AMC's "Interview with the Vampire" Season 2, Episode 2 Recap

May 22, 2024

Courtesy: AMC Networks

In "Do You Know What It Means to Be Loved by Death," Episode 2, Louis and Claudia settle in Paris. While Claudia is enchanted with the city and turns to theft to survive, Louis is indifferent. He uses photography as a distraction, keeping him from thinking about Lestat. One of Claudia's most striking questions is, "Who are you, Louis? Who are you away from me and away from Lestat?" Louis, of course, doesn't know.

 At present, Armand officially joined the interview as a co-participant. It appears that Armand's motives are not entirely altruistic. Despite presenting a united front, Armand attempts to control the narrative and potentially suppress Louis' memories for his own agenda. His subtle yet sinister demeanor is evident, especially with his quick glances in Daniel's direction. As Daniel continues to read from Claudia's journal, Paris strikes a nerve, reopening old wounds from his personal life.

In Paris, the stark contrast with Romania is evident. While Paris feels on the cusp of rejuvenation, Romania seems burdened by the weight of World War II. It's in Paris that Louis and Armand cross paths. Armand has been discreetly following Louis through the park for weeks, known for its clandestine meetings for men. Finally making his move, Armand introduces himself and leaves Louis intrigued, not just with his card for "Theater des Vampires" but with a sense of mystery.

Claudia is overjoyed to discover that there are other vampires and eagerly accompanies Louis to the theater of horrors... I mean, vampires. However, horror may not be too far off as the theater is filled with unsuspecting, captivated humans dressed in vampire costumes eager to witness gruesome performances of murder disguised as art. As the head thespian, Santiago, ominously warns that what they're about to see is real and that they are all complicit in what they are about to witness. A woman appears on stage in tattered clothes, hysterical, pleading for her life while warning the audience about her impending death. Despite the theatergoers' visible discomfort, Santiago hypnotizes her into submission and bites her as the vampires feed on her, ultimately killing her. Louis is horrified by the spectacle, while Claudia revels in ecstasy.

Courtesy: AMC Networks

As Louis and Claudia acquaint themselves with the other vampires, they learn that Lestat is the theater's co-founder, prompting them to fabricate the identity of their maker. Louis is wary of the coven, fearing repercussions for killing Lestat, but Claudia feels a connection with the other vampires and urges Louis not to spoil it for her. In the present, Daniel finds it amusing that both Louis and Armand had a romantic history with Lestat, to which they admit, with Armand clarifying that it was "100 years apart."

After seeing Lestat's portrait, Louis was shaken and sought confirmation of his death. He visited Lestat's Parisian law firm to verify the cessation of his various business dealings. In the event of Lestat's demise, the lawyer gave Louis a box prepared for such an event. Inside was a letter reaffirming Lestat's unwavering love for Louis (Cue the waterworks!)

In present, Daniel amusingly observes the irony in Armand being Louis' rebound. However, Louis quickly retaliates by reminding Daniel of his ex-wife's rejection, quickly sobering him. Shaken, Daniel agrees to continue the interview without sarcasm, but as he recovers those memories, he unearths a hidden memory of him and Armand from his first interview in 1973! What exactly is the true nature of the relationship between Armand and Daniel?

The coven invites Claudia and Louis to join them as they revel in their vampiric nature, with Claudia especially thrilled to have found a sense of community. They feast on a mansion full of humans and choose another victim for their next show. Meanwhile, Louis and Armand opt out of the massacre, instead engaging in flirtatious banter as the chaos unfolds around them. Armand offers to help Louis improve his ability to block his thoughts, hinting that he knows Louis is lying about Lestat but leaving the door open for honesty in the future. However, he also issues a thinly veiled warning about the volatile and unforgiving nature of the coven, suggesting that Louis should steer clear of Lestat's law firm!

Courtesy: AMC Networks

Interview with the Vampire airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on AMC and AMC+.