How long will Claudia and Louis be able to keep their lie going? That’s the looming threat forming on AMC’s Interview with the Vampire. “No Pain” saw the first few threads start to unravel from their story as suspicion grew within the French vampires. Armand is willing to play ball to keep the secret, but the others won’t be so understanding. Now that Claudia has joined their ranks, it’s only a matter of time before something (or someone) breaks the secret.
“No Pain” served as a balancing act of sorts. Whereas some Interview with the Vampire episodes tend to focus on 1-2 main narratives, “No Pain” played with four. We had Louis recounting his time in Paris with Armand, Claudia’s union with the Théâtre des Vampires, and the origin story of Lestat meeting with Armand. In addition to the flashbacks, we now have Daniel encountering a possible shady conspiracy. It’s a lot to manage at once while trying to give each its prominence. In a longer season, some of these details could be spaced out to give breathing room. Unfortunately, with Interview with the Vampire being a short season, we can’t cut anything as it’ll play an important part down the line. “No Pain” felt like a stepping stone episode toward the bigger plot lines and climaxes that are down the path.
Can two truly keep a secret?
For instance, Louis and Armand’s romance in the flashbacks continued their cat-and-mouse game. Their flirtation was palpable, and even though we know they end up together in the future, the chase still added excitement. The big change in their dynamic now was the reveal of Armand always knowing the truth about Lestat’s death. The revelation proved how powerful Armand could be, and it showed how trusting he could be with Louis’ secret. That’s not to say there isn’t danger still lurking with the Théâtre des Vampires, but an ally at the top is much better than a foe.
Past Armand isn’t someone we should easily trust completely. Let’s not forget that he runs the coven at the Théâtre des Vampires; he has obligations to meet to keep the power. Plus, the growing suspicions of Louis and Claudia aren’t quelling down so easily. Santiago wanted Louis to be punished for his individuality – Armand didn’t kill Louis. And Santiago is growing more suspicious of Claudia and Louis – Claudia’s oath goes against many of the “crimes” she’s committed. We know Claudia and the Théâtre des Vampires are dead, so it poses the fact that everything came to a head. The push and pull for Armand to meet his leadership obligation and his love for Louis could swing in any direction. However, it’s looking more likely in every recording that he made the wrong choice.
A lion roars on stage
“No Pain” was a heavy Lestat flashback episode. Whether it was his story or through Louis’, Lestat’s influence could be felt. His first introduction to Armand had been teased as a significant meeting, one that also ran under the current between Louis and Armand. Based on this origin, he practically founded the Théâtre des Vampires – way more than Armand ever did. was a performer, just like them. Lestat brought them out from squalor and the shadows. And Lestat encouraged their thrill of the hunt. No wonder the vampires hold him in such high regard. Lestat created a troupe in his image; that’s dangerous for a tormented pair like Claudia and Louis who suffered under him.
That toxic influence came out in full force throughout “No Pain.” Specifically, through Louis’ hallucinations. Claudia had her trauma after dealing with Bruce during Interview with the Vampire Season 1, but it took her until now to reveal the truth to Louis. A moment that bonded her and Louis further since she finally opened up to him. On the other hand, Louis has kept his hallucinations to himself. The effect of Lestat still corrupts him; he won’t ever fully heal unless he purges himself of his former lover. It’s a hard journey his former flames have to face; we’ve now seen it through Louis, Armand, and subtly through Nicolas (the French musician). This is a complex story to tackle because of the many threads pulling Louis in each direction. It’s a storyline many can relate to, minus the vampire part (but still with the soul-sucking and pain aspect).
The proof is in the evidence
What does this new conspiracy hold for Daniel? A lot was thrown at him in such a short time; the same goes for us as the audience. At times, it felt like Interview with the Vampire threw subtly out the window and quickly was like, “You need to know this. It’s going to be important!” The mysterious agent(?) wants him to be aware of the danger heading his way; it’s not the first time something like this has happened. Daniel’s life has always been in danger during this interview process, but this encounter felt different. If Armand and Louis find out, they could kill Daniel for being involved, even reluctantly. We’ll have to see how this unfolds in future episodes – we need more information.
“No Pain” introduced several new layers into the story of AMC’s Interview with the Vampire. Something is brewing in the present, but the pieces are unfolding in the past. We learned a lot more about Armand and Lestat, which will have dangerous consequences for Claudia and Louis in Paris. Their secret is starting to come undone, and with the coven pushing for power, it’s only a matter of time before Claudia and Louis face their wrath. Not even Armand will be able to help them.
Interview with the Vampire airs Sundays at 9/8c on AMC.
Images courtesy of Larry Horricks/AMC
Justin is a fun-loving geek living in downtown Toronto, Canada. He’s an avid TV buff, movie fan, and gamer. He’s written for publications like Entertainment Weekly’s The Community, Virgin, TV Fanatic, FANDOM, The Young Folks, and his blog, City Boy Geekiness.
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