Interview with the Vampire Season 2 Episode 2: Do You Know What it Means to Be Loved By Death

Louis and Armand tell Daniel the story of how they met on Interview with the Vampire Season 2 Episode 2, “Do You Know What It Means to Be Loved By Death.”

Their retelling shows how strong their connection is while also revealing more of their complex power dynamic. They tell their story comfortably, with Daniel’s obnoxious comments threatening to taint an otherwise perfect episode. 

The way Daniel responds to Louis and Armand together is important to the story being told in the present. However, it makes him just a bit too insufferable — so much so that it’s jarring.

Yet, his comments flesh out the story being told and help to further our understanding that there’s something else going on entirely with the interview itself.

Those odd visions of Armand and the way they both seem to be toying with Daniel and digging into his own past will most certainly be important moving forward. 

What matters most on this episode, though, is Louis and Armand’s account of Paris and the Theatre Des Vampires, which is presented impeccably and with the right detail to do justice to Anne Rice’s original novel. 

It’s here that Claudia and Louis finally find other vampires like them. Armand leads a well-established coven of vampires who revel in what they are, putting on shows to lure in humans and toying with them before feasting upon them. 

The whole thing is horrific, which gives Louis pause exactly in the way you’d expect. Claudia, meanwhile, has found her happiness with the group and wants nothing more than to remain with them. She finally has that sense of belonging.

However, the catch is that these vampires know Lestat. His portrait hangs upon the wall, and as Armand teaches Louis, it’s not easy to keep secrets amongst vampires. 

Claudia and Louis’s lies about their maker and their reactions about Lestat have set them up for conflict with the coven, though Armand’s infatuation with Louis means he’s given fair warning about keeping his thoughts under control. 

The chemistry between Armand and Louis reads differently in the past than in the present. It’s perhaps more palpable and certainly more vulnerable, and it’s obvious to everyone else around them as well.

Claudia’s reaction to them is one of the best parts of the episode, in fact. I do love her energy and continue to marvel at how seamlessly Delainey Hayles has taken over this role. 

Of course, as Louis and Armand’s flirtation is only just beginning, Louis continues to mourn Lestat. He even finds the law firm that worked with Lestat and confirms there that Lestat is, at least seemingly, dead. He’s left a box for Louis with a note that declares his love deeply, only furthering Louis’s guilt.

The note also allows Sam Reid some screen time here, which is a treat since there’s no other way for him to be part of the story at this point. 

Truly, no detail is left unturned. The story is taking its time working through the events of the novel while keeping everything updated and intertwining the interview itself. It’s confident storytelling that fleshes out these characters incredibly well.

What did you think of this episode of Interview with the Vampire? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Interview with the Vampire airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC.

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