‘Interview with the Vampire’ Recap: ‘The Thing Lay Still’

Written by Shae Rufe

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season one finale of ‘Interview with the Vampire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. This article also covers discussions of domestic abuse and violence, which may be triggering to some individuals.
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An unreliable narrator is someone who tells a story that you can’t trust. Throughout the entire series, Louis has often not been the most truthful in his retelling of his own story. In fact, he not only has been unreliable between the story he first told Daniel, but in this one now. Omitting many details that might be pertinent to the story, changing the entire narrative from the first time to now, and going so far as to lose his temper when Daniel pushes the wrong topics. Louis isn’t perfect, by any means, yet it makes the audience question his integrity. Has Louis been truthful? The first time he talked to Daniel, he was calling Lestat a lot of things. Outright belittling the vampire that turned him. Lestat was below him, intimidated by him, and not even worth his time. Yet, this time, Lestat was his abuser, the love of his life, his whole world.

Which is interesting, because Louis has been living with another vampire this entire time. Rashid isn’t who either of them say he is. He’s been with Louis since before Daniel met him the first time. Rashid is really Armand, a much older vampire. He has apparently supported Louis and his desire to share his story. Or has he? Their relationship has been very cold, and business like with Louis acting as though Rashid is more of an employee than anything else. Meanwhile, Armand has seemed nothing but loyal and worshipful. But their most recent moment together begs the question of their relationship being completely consensual or has Louis gone from one abusive relationship to another?

Of course, the show offers its own brand of romance. Louis and Lestat are in love, even if it is one sided. Louis can’t help but fall for Lestat all over again, quick to forget the beating that took him months and years to recover from. Claudia isn’t going to fall for any of Lestat’s tricks, that doesn’t mean she won’t put Louis in a position that brings him to question her own morality. It’s a plan that has to work, and in this case, Louis is just another pawn in her plan. She cleverly used Antoinette against Lestat, knowing full well he has her as a spy. Claudia orchestrates the entire thing brilliantly, including Lestat’s death. Not even Louis knew the whole plan. In the end, Louis can’t go through with burning Lestat. He’ll do everything else, but he won’t burn Lestat’s body. He even fights Claudia to prove his point.

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While this has been a great series that shines light on abusive relationships, it also points out a blaring stereotype in the portrayal of gay relationships. Relationships between two men in media are often portrayed in a negative light. Manipulative, shallow, and physically violent. In this case, all of the above. Yes, it fits the story that is being told, but it also shines an unflattering light on LGBTQ+ relationships. However, since 26% of gay men and 37% of bisexual men experience violence in some form in their relationships, bringing awareness to these relationships and offering helpful resources is the most important thing. That doesn’t mean negative media portrayals help. In fact, it can help further homophobia. It’s most important to note that this is a work of fiction, yet it can mirror some people’s reality. Abusers are monsters. While this show is fun to dissect and talk about, it’s important to never blame the victim.

This show has already been granted a second season or rather, a part 2. It’ll be interesting to see what other changes this show is going to make. As it stands, all the changes that have been made have only added to the depths of the story and make it much better. The added commentary on racial inequality throughout the 20th century has added more to the story than previously seen. This diverse cast is a much-needed upgrade that also brings more depth to the story and offers a break from the typical whitewashing of supernatural based shows. Overall, it’s a wonderful adaptation that opens the door for some conversations that desperately need to take place.

Well done.

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