It is universally known that parents strive to provide a better life for their children. For parents hope their children will have better opportunities in life than they did. Most parents take great pride in their offsprings’ accomplishments, but some parents go overboard and become obsessed with their children’s achievements, using the success of their children to attempt to fill a hole that was never filled through what they themselves have accomplished (or not accomplished) in life. Outside validation of their children’s abilities is what these parents crave, often without regard for what the child’s preferences are.
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In fact, it’s become culturally apparent that some affluent parents have lost the plot when it comes to getting their children into the most elite of colleges. Princeton’s in the Mix explores just how awry things could go when a parent loses sight of what really matters to their children in the name of blind ambition.

This story finds Beth, played to devious perfection by Heather Burns, obsessing over the entrance exam scores of her pianist son, Teddy. He has thus far been unable to break the scoring threshold that she wants him to get on the SATs so that he can get into what she considers a good school. Teddy is unconcerned, much to Beth’s chagrin. He’s far more interested in preparing for an upcoming piano competition than studying for the SATs. Beth has run out of ideas of ways to get him the extra time she’s certain he needs, despite exploring every avenue of cheating she could imagine.

Then comes a revelation from one of her fellow admissions obsessed parents: her son is getting extra time to take the test because he seriously injured himself in an accident, much to his mother’s glee and delight. This news is a revelation to Beth, providing a fresh avenue of hope for improving Teddy’s test scores to a woman near crazed over the results, and an air of twisted creativity, to ensure that her son gets exactly the right injury he needs to heal… and meet her needs.
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This timely parable gives the horror treatment to a subject that has filled headlines in recent years. After witnessing the actual lengths that wealthy privileged parents have already gone to getting their children into college by cheating in a myriad of ways, it makes this film incredibly believable. People are capable of terrifying things once obsession overtakes their senses. This slow burn satirical horror film imagines just how very far some people would go and features an exquisite musical score that really captures and amplifies the scenes of this immensely enjoyable film.

Princeton’s in the Mix feels fresh while also employing some of the delicious classic elements of horror, like suspense and gore, in addition to a fascinating snapshot of the simultaneous terror felt by both teens and their parents alike about what will lead to success or result in failure as high school nears its end, and adulthood looms large ahead. It’s an engaging film that invites you in, pleasantly, and then grabs you so that you can’t look away from its jaw-dropping climax. The horrors pictured in this film are made all the more visceral by the fact that this very scenario is not out of the realm of possibility in a culture far more obsessed with status than a quality education.

It really is quite amazing what horror can teach us in this day and age. For now, it really is a medium for understanding the human condition, and the darkness we carry and, in some cases, how to combat it, and it makes sense as to why this is quickly becoming the norm. For we fear the darkness within, and we fear what we could become if we embrace it, and what better place to face those fears than within the framework of a scary story that lets us safely process those fears and/or express them through the character’s harrowing journey and what’s amazing… is that horror is continuing to expand into new frontiers when it comes to such explorations. 
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For now, it is even looking at the traumas we carry and how to heal from them, and it’s also taking the time now… to serve as an educational tool. To explore some of the fears that others carry through the scary experiences they go through in life. Such as the ups and downs that members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience on a daily basis. For there are undue pressures upon those individuals to conform to societal norms, and if they don’t… they face horrors untold, as is explored in a short horror feature that recently screened at the Frameline Film Festival, Spookable.

Which is a story that takes us on a camping/cabin journey with Sean and Tamina, a pair of transgender individuals that are split on whether or not this trip is a good idea. Mainly because Tamina is not about that camping and cabin lifestyle and her concerns only grow, when this duo encounters a strange individual that continually showcases wild behavior, wild characters, and is all around annoying. But there are bigger problems at play here than an annoying neighbor. For this camping site is also home to a creepy and uncomfortably gooey cave, one designed to claim victims to transform them into werewolves and if Sean and Tamina don’t head home soon, there is a fair chance they will become the cave’s next victims.

At first glance, that appears to be nothing more than a story that is a grandiose send up of horror films. Since clearly, Sean and Tamina’s journey has all the tenets of B-movie horror. Such as an isolated cabin in the woods, weird warning signs from weird people, and mysteries and horrors untold waiting within the woods, and well, you would be right to think that. Because of the fact that this is a horror comedy at heart, and it does poke at those old tropes, and how tired they’ve become and that allows for some lighthearted and fun moments to take place. The kind that are counterbalanced by the incredible commentary here.
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Because the journey that this duo goes upon, explores the prejudices that transgender individuals receive in the world since Tamina and Sean are consistently sized up and questioned with a glance. Not to mention, there are vignettes present here, that revolve around the pressures that LGBTQIA+ individuals face from a society that fears gender fluidity and truly, the werewolf subplot present here clearly serves as an allegory for the patriarchal, masculinity conformity that is expected of so many and is imparted upon so many, and that how that creates more than harm than good. Which makes this… a perfect horror comedy. Since it properly brings the laughs and harbors the genius commentary present within horror.

But what matters more, is that it really does offer us insight into experiences that so many do not know and do not understand, and that… is huge. Because understanding and learning is how we overcome our fears, and there is indeed fear out there about the LGBTQIA+ community, but there should not be. For as this story also showcases, members of that community aren’t monsters, they’re people, plain and simple. Who want what everyone else wants, and that what we really should be afraid of, are the real creatures of the night. The hate that hangs heavy over the air and the ignorance that lets it persist, and only great horror stories, such as this one… know how to properly point that out.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘Reginald the Vampire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this article contains discussions of suicidal ideation, which may be triggering to some individuals.  
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One unfortunate moment that we don’t like to remotely think about in this life, are our final days and understandably so. After all, to think about that, means we are thinking about the end, and no one wants to ponder upon their own death unless it is absolutely necessary. Plus, to do so early seemingly adds a morose air to our daily lives, as though we’re just focused on the end instead of the journey. But like it or not, there will come a day where the end of the road lies ahead and well, since we don’t think about it, that does beg some questions. Such as, what will our final moments look like and what should we be thinking about when they arrive?

Well as it turns out, the next episode of Reginald the Vampire on SYFY pondered upon such matters and that made ‘We Can Be Heroes (Just For One Day)’ quite the powerful tale. One that explored a great deal regarding the end, after it took the time to also think upon… what the afterlife might look like. After all, Sarah made her way into a unique place after Uriel did his rude little thing last week and well, it turned out that Sarah made it to Heaven, and it was… a fascinating place initially catered to the wants and need of the soul before they were expected to explore the great beyond. Which was, a fascinating idea to ponder upon, as though Heaven would grant someone an adjustment period in a comfortable place before what lies beyond is embraced, something this writer is hard pressed to find a parallel of, story wise.

But of course, what lies beyond that adjustment spot will have to wait for another time, because the show did not reveal it here and instead, turned its attention to our vampire heroes. For they didn’t die and go to a similar place, they instead were just transported to the Slushy Shack. Wherein all they could do was face the end and hope a plan would emerge to defeat Bolestro and that led… to the exploration in question. Wherein we came to learn that some people would want to go out differently if facing a specific end. Which is what Angela wanted. Because she hated the idea of an angel taking her out… so she seriously considered taking her own life to have agency and control. A move that while unsettling, paralleled our world and new laws that allow for folks with terminal illnesses to take their own lives, and it did speak to how some folks want control at the end.

For others, the end is nothing more… than a reflective time. Wherein we take inventory of our lives and the moments that mattered to really decide how ready we are and if there’s any unfinished business to handle. Which is what everyone else focused upon in these disturbing hours, and that brought about love and joy and gratitude and… the most important aspect of all regarding the end… acceptance. An understanding that the end is nigh and that we should embrace in the inevitable in a brave and bold manner because that will inspire strength in others when their times comes and so… we are ready. Which is where everyone found themselves at emotionally at the end of this story, with a general plot twist of course. In that, they were all ready to stand before Bolestro and just, accept their fate, be it good or be it bad, and showcase something quite important to the angel.

In that, they were capable of more than he thought and that if by chance… he wanted to strike vampirekind down, he would be wiping a species out that had potential, that had depth and stories to tell that went beyond just murder and mayhem. Which might save them, might not, but peace was in their hearts and that made for one powerful and beautiful episode. One that really did reflect upon some serious stuff and some hard philosophy and showcased just how deep this show can go. Because this is stuff you just don’t see in horror and vampire stories all that often, and this show deserves a round of applause and our awe for going this route and setting up a different kind of hero’s journey. One that may end in an unconventional manner when we tune into a final showdown between vampires and one angry angel. Until next time.

It is definitely safe to say, that there has been a slight tinge of nervousness in the hearts of the many fans of Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe on AMC Networks. Simply because, while they know that the new show about the Talamasca is in development, and that season two of Mayfair Witches will be arriving next year, there’s been no news about whether or not the keystone show of this universe, Interview with the Vampire, will be getting a third season. And the quality of this season’s storytelling from the show, has only made that nervousness grow. As though there’s that outside chance Sunday’s story is the end of the line of utter brilliance.
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But fear not. For earlier today, AMC dropped the most wondrous news. In that, season three of this iconic and bold series… is a go… and it will feature some unique twists and turns for certain. The kind that will allow for us to spend more time with Lestat de Lioncourt, courtesy of some disdain on his part regarding a bold plot point for season three. One that we will share with you now, for AMC was kind enough to send over all the details regarding season three, so you can celebrate in the wonder of more stories from the world of Louis and Lestat.

‘AMC Networks today announced it has renewed the critically acclaimed series Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire for a third season, days before the finale of its second season on AMC and AMC+. The first series in its Anne Rice Immortal Universe, Interview has attracted a loyal base of passionate fans, excellent reviews and has the rare distinction of receiving 98-point scores for both its first and second seasons on Rotten Tomatoes.
 
AMC’s Anne Rice Immortal Universe now includes three series: Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches, which is currently in production on its second season, and the recently greenlit Anne Rice’s The Talamasca (wt). 
 
In season three, resentful of the perfunctory portrayal in the trashy bestseller “Interview With The Vampire,” the Vampire Lestat sets his story straight in a way only the Vampire Lestat can—by starting a band and going on tour.  Gabrielle. Nicholas. Magnus. Marius. Those Who Must Be Kept. They join Louis, Armand, Molloy, Sam, Raglan, Fareed and others we can’t tell you about yet on a sexy pilgrimage across space, time and trauma. No Auto-Tuning. No Trigger Warnings. All Feels Amplified.
 
The current second season of Inteview stars Jacob Anderson, along with Sam Reid, Eric Bogosian, Assad Zaman, Delainey Hayles and Ben Daniels. The series is executive produced by award-winning producer Mark Johnson (who oversees AMC’s Anne Rice Immortal Universe), creator, writer and showrunner Rolin Jones, Mark Taylor, along with Christopher Rice and the late Anne Rice. The highly anticipated season two finale is this Sunday, June 30 on AMC+ and at 9 p.m. on AMC.
 
“When you buy the rights to 18 Anne Rice novels that have sold more than 150 million copies, in your wildest dreams you hope there’s a show as good as Interview on the other end,” said Dan McDermott, president of entertainment and AMC Studios for AMC Networks. “What Rolin has done with these stories and characters, working so closely with Mark, as the steward of this universe, has exceeded the loftiest version of our expectations. We can’t wait to see where this creative team takes the series from here and know we are walking alongside an incredibly loyal and passionate base of fans who feel as strongly about this material as we do.”
 
Jones said: “Thank you to the brilliant casts and crews of the first two seasons that got us to this day. Thank you to the rabid, beautifully unwell fandom that scaled the castle walls to get us to this day. Thank you to Dan McDermott, Ben Davis for the funds and tools to continue the great work of dramatizing Anne Rice’s extraordinary novels. And sincere apologies to the family and friends of actor Sam Reid, for the possession that continues to this day. Monsieur L extends his promise to return his body upon cancellation (may that evening never come.)”
 
About AMC Networks
AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is home to many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film and the premier destination for passionate and engaged fan communities around the world. The company creates and curates celebrated series and films across distinct brands and makes them available to audiences everywhere. Its portfolio includes targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE; cable networks AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios, which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv; and film distribution labels IFC Films and RLJE Films. The company also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation behind acclaimed and fan-favorite originals including The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe; and AMC Networks International, its international programming business.’

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere. Also, this article contains discussions of domestic abuse, which made be triggering to some individuals.
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One particular aspect of popular media that is genuinely fascinating, is how domestic abusers are portrayed. For they are in many ways, one-dimensional villains. Who only harbor raw anger and disdain for the world and the person they abuse and while that is a quick overview of who and what they are, because they are miserable and angry creatures… the real depth and nuances of them are never put on display. They’re just plot devices designed to rightfully instill fear, but they should… be showcased in vastly different light. Not a positive one mind you, but one that showcases how they think, how they work and how they manipulate and abuse people. So, we can see the cowards they are and the darkness in their souls. To help others recognize their nonsense, and escape their clutches, and to help us spot people in trouble.

Because this is an aspect of our world that needs assistance with awareness, and these people… need to be alone and away from others because of the garbage they are and thankfully… that simplistic presentation of them is fading away. Because there is an understanding now that we need to present them in a more honest and realistic light and thankfully, one particular series is leading the charge in such matters. For Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire on AMC, has explored domestic abuse and its trappings and cyclical nature, in great detail, and it may be the first show to properly showcase the inner workings of an abuser. A feat that it accomplished in a stunning manner during last night’s episode of the show, courtesy of the trial of the century in ‘I Could Not Prevent It’.

For Louis, Claudia and Madeleine were indeed put on trial for breaking the sacred laws of the Vampire Order and for the attempted murder of one Lestat De Lioncourt, and of course… Lestat was on hand as the prosecution’s star witness. Which led to a horrifying trial to say the least. One where our favorite vampires were beaten into rough physical shape to keep them docile and unable to fight back and where, they were constantly bombarded with pain and lies as the wrong story was told before the studio audience that served as the jury. Granted, this trio threw a few barbs out now and again, and Louis escaped death via Armand’s help, despite being sold out by him, but in the end… this harrowing sequence of events ended with the end of Madeleine and Claudia. Who burned horrible and bright before the audience, which brought great pleasure to Lestat… who finally had his revenge.

But while that made for heartbreaking and devastating television for certain, the kind that did not let the audience off the hook emotionally, it is what happened in the midst of that trial that allowed for us to see the inner workings of an abuser. Because of course, Lestate De Lioncourt is larger than life in this tale and has always been a boisterous and powerful vampire from a presence standpoint. Which meant he spent a great deal of time speaking to the crowd before him and spoke deeply to how he was the victim in this mess. For Louis was really the monster, according to Lestat. Who manipulated and twisted words around to lull Lestat’s gentle heart into a false sense of security, to tear it asunder. And of course, he only resorted to violence to defend himself; to teach the bully a lesson and he so lamented such pain because all he wanted was to love Louis deeply.
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Which was of course… nothing but bullshit. No instead, Lestat’s lament showcased… how abusers operate. Which is… through powerful manipulation and gaslighting, and by always playing the victim. Because at their core, they’re people that have no sense of self-worth and are bitter over that and the life they’ve been dealt. So, they learn how to charm and how to attract so they can sucker their victim into loving them and admiring them, giving them a sense of value and self-worth at last, and to maintain that they project their darkness onto the abused to purge it. But it always comes back, and they must repeat the cycle, and they’ve done such a great job of getting their talons into the person they ‘love’ that they know exactly how to maintain their status quo. And if by chance their abused lover stands up, then they become the victim in question… to engender pity and sorrow to once again feel value. Making them pathetic creatures really.

All of which was put on display in this episode in stunning detail through the trial and thankfully, this story made it clear how to defeat abusers when they force their way back into someone’s life, as they always do. In that, they are to be paid no mind, paid no tribute. For that robs them of power and wounds them deeper than one can know. Which, in the end, gave life to a powerful and brilliant episode of this series. One that finally put such acts on display in a palatable manner that all can follow and spot, and of course… broke our hearts in the process. Because it was awful to see the full picture of Lestat’s abusive nature and of course… Claudia did indeed deserve better. But all we can do now is wait. Wait to see how Louis will confront the real monster of the story, when the season two finale arrives next week. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘Reginald the Vampire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

One particularly fascinating aspect regarding the hit SYFY series, Reginald the Vampire, that we’ve discussed often this season, is how the show is doing some revolutionary work with the vampire genre. For these bloodsuckers are facing some incredible odds to see another moonrise, not to mention the show is diving deep into concepts and scenarios that we just have not seen the genre deal with and well, the show is showing no signs of slowing down when it comes to this. Since this week’s episode pondered deeply upon a new emotional conundrum for Reginald and his friends to deal with, while revisiting one that was explored a few weeks ago.

Which are feats that ‘Terminal Eternity’ accomplished… by bringing our vampire friends to the brink of the end of their world. For they were now days away from Bolestro’s apocalyptic reckoning and well, that prompted them to do something we’ve never seen vampires do… and ponder upon their end. Which is of course, something we all have to do at some point in life, and we know what kind of inventory we must take when the bell begins to toll. But what does an immortal creature do with such knowledge and well, it turns out… they struggle deeply to process their end. To the point where everyone here decided to try to just live their (undead) life to the fullest with their final moments at hand.

For Nikki and Ashley that meant, enjoying one last Christmas holiday together, their favorite holiday, of course. Because it was obvious that Nikki wouldn’t see another, so this was the perfect time to decorate the tree and just embrace joy across the board, and Reginald took part in something similar in this tale. Since he and Sarah went on the camping trip they always wanted to go upon and spent as much time together as possible, to just find that joy… but alas… no one could. In part because Uriel dropped by to kidnap Sarah for a hot minute, but also because… no amount of joy could reduce or excuse the fact that death was around the corner for so many and soon… so many would have to go on without their friends and family.

Which made for sobering moments for everyone really. The kind that saw Claire go find her dad and tell Reginald that it wasn’t right to put the weight of the world upon her. Which sealed the vampire’s fate, and made for a melancholy story that informed us, that vampires would not do well with facing the end. Especially the ones that lived for so long, and while that was fascinating to watch and ponder upon, this episode still had more amazing moments to offer us. Such as watching Todd process his own grief in a bold and brave manner, and of course… Uriel had his revenge here by outright killing Sarah at the end of the episode, which brought back the concept that was explored in ‘Watch the Sunrise’, specifically, how an immortal would handle grief and for a vampire… that also went poorly. 

Since Reginald tried to resurrect Sarah before quite the surprise hit the vampire world. In that, our heroes began to disappear from our world and entered another, as did Sarah for that matter as well. Giving rise to a unique cliffhanger since we haven’t a clue if this is some kind of vampire rapture or something more and of course, we are dying to know where Sarah’s essence is at this moment, courtesy of one brilliant tale. For this one explored so much, while also setting the stage for the forthcoming finale, and it did so in a manner that was just smooth and masterful, and compelling and moving. Courtesy of those grand explorations regarding the human condition and how they might apply to creatures of the night, and now all we can do, is count down the minutes until next week’s tale, to see that incredible cliffhanger be resolved and to see… if vampirekind can be saved. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Exhuma’.
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The evolution of the horror genre is quite the sight to behold. For it started out as nothing more than a general exploration of our most basic fears. Our fear of death through ghost stories, our fear of losing control through the werewolf and our fear of technology and progress through stories such as Frankenstein. And while that sustained fans for a while, down the line the genre grew into so much more, by becoming a bastion for social commentary through stories that examined key elements of our world through new monsters on the screen. Since films like Dawn of the Deadpondered upon commercialism and materialism via the horror that is the zombie, and the evolution didn’t end there.

Because in modern times, the genre has become the place to explore our most intimate fears. Such as the horrors of yesterday and the traumas we carry and that’s allowed for films like Doctor Sleep to help us understand how those horrors exist within all of us, and yet, there are still more evolutions ahead. For the next step in evolution for horror, involves not only acknowledging the ghosts we carry with us wherever we go, but in also offering up step by step guides as to how we handle those unpleasant ghosts and for proof… then look no further than a brand-new release on Shudder entitled, Exhuma.

Which is a film that features individuals that can in fact, speak with the spirits and use their knowledge of them to bring peace. In fact, some make a living from that and that is who we spend time with, in this story: a shaman named Lee Hwa-rim, and her understudy, Yoon Bong-gil, and their regular associates Kim Sang-deok and Yeong-geun. Who have high hopes when we meet them in this tale. For they have been put under contract by a supremely rich client to end his family’s long standing spiritual curse, and this contract will put them on easy street for the rest of their lives. But sadly, the work proves to be far more dangerous than expected, especially when they discover that a great evil surrounds the job, giving rise to one incredible fight to save their souls and the souls of others from the darkness they encounter.

Which at first glance seems to be nothing more than a good old fashioned ghost story, one that speaks to why we shouldn’t mess with the past, but it quickly becomes apparent this film harbors so much more from a messaging standpoint. After all, the family curse in this tale, quickly becomes an allegory for the sins of the father and the pain and traumas our family imparts upon us and how it is dangerous to not resolve such matters. Since it truly does haunt and brings forth generational trauma and rather just pointing that out, the story dives deep into how we solve and confront that and outright resolve it. Giving rise to a perfect blend of horror and learning, and the majesty of the guidance this film features doesn’t end there.
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After all, this story does indeed feature quite the evil, one that extends well beyond what a parent is capable of when they are plain terrible. This one goes bigger and ponders deeply upon how, from a cultural standpoint, so many ignore the shady past of their culture and the mistakes made by others in a collective effort to move forward. But this film correctly points out, cultures cannot just forget about past transgressions and their impact, we must confront them, teach others about them so that people understand how we achieve such a folly and how to never replicate it. Which is a message that has more gravity now than ever and truly brings about, a fascinating film that offers so much to the viewer than mere entertainment and big monster moments.  

It really is a guide for healing on both an intimate and global scale and make no mistake about it, it’s scary as hell as well. Courtesy of its spiritual ties and the ties to the past that haunt both country and man, and the shocking moments and visuals it features here. For this one doesn’t skimp on the gore nor does it skimp on the eerie nature of ghosts, and that makes for one delightful horror feature. One that captivates with its detailed and intimate storytelling, and amazing performances and its incredible lessons. The kind that truly inform us that horror is going to become more about healing and learning than the terror since it is truly a safe space, where the worst-case scenario will help us face our demons and lay them to rest. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that modern society has quite the complicated relationship with tradition. For it offers both benefits and problems. From a beneficial standpoint, tradition helps keep wonderful memories alive. Because we lose people along the way and traditions that are bound to a family can keep those who have left, active in our hearts and in our minds. Not to mention, some traditions are quite fun to the say the least and bring a bit of joy into the lives of folks that take part in them, giving us all good reason to practice them and continue to pass them down from generation to generation. 

But as mentioned, there are issues that come about with tradition as well. Because some of our traditions are quite archaic in nature and keeping their memory alive is well, uncomfortable and perhaps not necessary. Not to mention, sometimes they outright cause harm and even in a family setting they can elicit bad memories and reopen old wounds. Yet, we cling to those with the understanding that they are somehow important and are something we’ve ‘always done’. If anything, the horror of tradition is top of mind today, simply because some ugly ones were put on full display in the next episode of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, and that made ‘Like the Light by Which God Made the World Before He Made Light’, quite the stunning tale.  

However, it did not seem as though this episode was going to be all that shocking at first. Mainly because it showcased, a calmer, more beautiful coven in Paris. For Claudia had her wish and was no longer working on stage and instead went about cleaning the theater in silence. And of course, Santiago had new material to work with, the kind that would allow for him to really sink his fangs into characters that were far juicier and far more compelling for an ancient actor that loved the craft. Allowing for it to seem as though, peace was on the horizon and joy would be found. Especially since Armand also left as leader of the coven and cozied up to Louis. But in the silence of the night, Claudia was stirring up trouble by no longer holding to tradition in the slightest.

After all, no vampire is to ever expose their true nature to everyday people. But Claudia did. Mainly because her only friend in the world, Madeleine, came under fire from the very individuals that were disgusted with her choices during the war. Which prompted Claudia to act, feed, and clean… and expose the fact that she was a vampire to an everyday human and well, that changed everything for their friendship. For such kindness bound them on a fundamental level, which while unwholesome because of age gaps emotionally and physically… happened none the less because of how broken and lonesome these two souls happened to be and of course, this spiritual union spit in the face of more vampire traditions along the way.
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For not only were vampires exposed once again, but Claudia had another ask of her vampire friends. In that, she wanted to be as close to Madeleine as possible, and the best way to do that, was to have her sired into a vampire. A move that Armand opposed but Louis was happy to help with, and that came at an incredible price. For it turned out, that Santiago, the new de facto leader, was watching and waiting to see if Claudia and Louis would hold to the rules and respect traditions regarding who was able to join the club, so to speak. To keep the vampire line pure and well, since they did not, they worked out a deceptive plan with Armand to be fed information… so that those who broke the rules could be captured and put on display in front of an audience at the theater. Wherein they would go on trial. One presided over by none other, than Lestat De Lioncourt. 

All of which set the stage for an explosive, shocking follow-up since Lestat will now return to wreak havoc via revenge. But in this moment, what mattered more, was the show’s powerful exploration on the problem with traditions. Because all uncomfortable stuff aside, what vampirism held to here, and has held to for centuries in this universe… punishes and imparts pain left and right. Since it prevents happiness and prevents any measure for peace in one’s soul. For these beings are so bound to the past and pain oddly enough and well, that reality made it clear how troublesome traditions can be and that perhaps… it is best we let the rotten ones go so people don’t have to suffer so much. But alas, in this universe, suffering is all that awaits, and we will now be counting down the minutes to see what kind of pain will be imparted by Lestat’s vengeful return to the spotlight. Until next time. 

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 206 of ‘Reginald the Vampire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that season two of the hit SYFY series, Reginald the Vampire, is quite eager to combine the vampire mythos with the realities of our world and well… why not? Because for far too long the vampire has languished amid stories that focus on obsession, love, and… sparkles… over juicier topics, the kind this show has explored in detail. Such as whether or not immortality is worthwhile and what it might do to a person’s psyche and how the undead would respond to life problems that no longer apply to them, and well… the show is showing no signs of abandoning this anytime soon. As evidenced by this week’s fascinating tale. 

For ‘Blood, Sweat, and Glitter’ pondered deeply upon how the human condition might not leave us in the world of vampirism and even in the afterlife, a feat that it explored through three key storylines. One of which involved Angela. Who was trying to use the magic book to figure out how to beat Bolestro and was failing left and right. Since all she did was summon more trouble with a friend. A friend that prompted her to just get away from this madness for a bit to breathe and think. Not to mention, there was a sorrowful loss in this story, since a broken and shattered Uriel thought that Todd was about to become a vampire and decided to fulfill his role as protector of the afterlife by killing Mike to prevent that… when in fact, Mike let Todd know… there would be no turning.

All of which spoke to how sometimes our best efforts in life to improve a situation never work and we need to step away and clear our heads before trying again and how… fear can make us do awful things and well… that really spoke to how very real human elements are present in this world regardless of life or death. But of course, the centerpiece of this exploration of how humanity remains was handled by Reginald, Sarah, and Maurice. Who made it to the Pacific Northwest to find Abraham and instead… found quizzes and questions regarding some of their lives. Since Sarah and Maurice saw scenarios in the magical place that Abraham built, that tasked them with whether or not they made the right choices and asked them what path they wanted to walk. Scenarios we often play in our own heads. 

Meanwhile, Reginald found his way into Abraham’s lair and was treated to one hell of a rager. An end of times one no less, hosted by a fallen angel named Santos that was eager to just make everyone in attendance have a great time and forget about the end. A reality that reminded us how far we will go to forget bad times, and thus, Reginald worried that he wouldn’t speak to Abraham at all and leave empty handed. A worry that was further compounded by the fact that Santos spoke to and showed Reginald the supposed place of his death, which really seemed to be another distraction to keep them from talking to Abraham. But he finally appeared and opted to not help in the fight. Mainly because everyone came to learn that he was the son of Bolestro and wanted to stay out of this fight. Making it seem as though our heroes lost here, but Abraham did offer up one particular solid.

In that, Claire was the real key here to perhaps saving all of vampirekind, and that will be a lot of weight for grieving Claire to bear. But while we wait to see how Claire handles her potential fate and how Reginald will reconcile what he learned about his own future here, we can celebrate another amazing tale from this series. One that once more, injected so much humanity into its story, giving new life to the vampire genre (pun intended) courtesy of a journey that really did postulate that little changes in the afterlife once we’ve crossed over. But what matters more is that this sets the stage for some powerful moments for this series as we barrel toward the season’s end and a grand showdown with Bolestro. Until next time.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this article contains discussions regarding domestic violence and abuse, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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There is an unfortunate and disgusting mantra that surrounds toxic and abusive relationships. In that, people that step into them are foolish or weak in nature. As though they are nothing more than suckers that found their way into a situation where they should have recognized all the red flags that were in front of them, and that ugly view is only compounded further by the fact that pity is put upon those who escape one situation to find themselves in another. As though they are lovelorn fools that cannot learn from their lessons and well, what makes this so unabashedly gross in nature, is that it is an ignorant view that doesn’t take into account so many other factors.

Such as the fact that genuinely toxic individuals and abusers, don’t offer red flags and troublesome moments. They are as charming as they come and learn quickly how best to prey upon someone they wish to control or manipulate through and through. Alongside the fact that such relationships create trauma and PTSD in some cases, the kind that requires great individual work and leaves that individual vulnerable to more of the same since those types of monsters are always lurking in the shadows, looking for a fresh victim. Which means it can take some time to properly heal from such messes and learn how to best avoid them, and we should not offer disdain and pity, but support and understanding… to help that healing process along.

If anything, this hard truth about such matters, and how history sometimes repeats itself for survivors of toxic behaviors and outright abuse from a lover… is top of mind today because the next episode of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire on AMC, explored that reality in great detail, courtesy of a gift from Armand. For he went on a weird and cruel hunt in ‘Don’t Be Afraid, Just Start the Tape’, and that gave Daniel a chance to sit down with Louis and discuss… the troubling echoes in Daniel’s mind and the strange discovery he made in the files he was given. Regarding how there were distressing pictures of his first interview with Louis. That discussion, allowed for both men to uncover the reality, that they had gaps in their memory of that night, and of that week. Since they also discovered that while the interview did end at dawn, Daniel and Louis were inside that apartment for far longer than he expected.

Simply because they collectively remembered that Armand came in that first morning and interrupted Louis’ feeding upon Daniel and that led to a blow out between the two lovers. The kind where horrible things were said by both parties, to the point where Louis committed self-harm by stepping into the sun. But the week in that house went deeper than a nasty fight between two lovers. Because as Louis and Daniel healed, Armand made it apparent… that he was the not the kind and gentle lover he presented. He was no better than Lestat (and he was even speaking with Lestat from afar) for he was an angry and bitter man, and an abuser that wanted nothing more than to have a submissive lover, to have that horrendous control and emotional power men like him crave, and he was biding his time to find the right moment to manipulate Louis into becoming just that.
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Which in turn allowed for him to gaslight, manipulate and smooth talk his way into being in charge when Louis was at his lowest, and the reward for submission… was peace… a second chance for Daniel and decades of Louis’ idea of the perfect relationship. Until this moment of course, since this story ended with Daniel and Louis offering a unified front over the truth they uncovered. But what matters more here, is what this story showcased regarding the central theme. Because it took that mantra and perception of abuse survivors and threw it out the window to truly explore how this happens again and how hard it is to recognize and escape. Because up until this point, Armand truly seemed to be a wounded heart in need of mending. But that was the trap he and so many of his ilk lay down to bring in those who are vulnerable.  

Because they know that healing hasn’t not taken place, and that the heart wants what it wants and that creates such an unfortunate cycle. Which does not make any of those folks weak or lesser, just in need of guidance and care and understanding and at the moment, Louis has that. He knows what he is up against, what he fell into and hopefully Daniel’s support, since he too was toyed with and abused… can help him heal. But that aside, this was… a powerful and brilliant episode when all is said and done. For it touched upon the complex truth regarding a topic we fear more than vampires, and it offered up a way forward that few stories that even tackle such matters remotely do. Making this an important story for certain, one that will indeed have a lasting impact on the horror landscape, and the story itself… since Louis is now at a powerful and critical crossroads. Until next time.