The Vampire Lestat episode 1 “Detroit” set a high bar for the rest of the season. After two seasons of anticipation, The Vampire Lestat finally arrived and somehow managed to be even stranger, funnier, messier, and more ambitious than I expected.
“Detroit” doesn’t waste time easing viewers into Lestat’s rock-star era. Instead, it throws us headfirst into the chaos and dares us to keep up.
Lestat sets the scene for what’s coming and briefly gives a little background about how his band and the tour came together. The excesses of rock stardom jolt Lestat into a journey of self-discovery, led by muses from his past.
I really like the way they set this season up to tell us this story through Lestat’s narration, although I am really curious what the “global catastrophes” are going to be revealed.
Lestat’s muses will be our muses too, as they guide us through the most bonkers season yet and set up what looks like a phenomenal next season where we will dive into what, exactly, happened to humanity as a result of the Brat Prince’s rise to stardom. So let’s get into it.
25 Thoughts I Had About The Vampire Lestat Episode 1
Some of my more chaotic thoughts about this episode are being reserved for Unfiltered, my weekly newsletter. If you’re enjoying the ride, that’s where I’ll be talking about the things I couldn’t fit into the review. Sign up for my newsletter .
Now, my reactions to The Vampire Lestat episode 1 “Detroit”:
- Opening credits got a serious upgrade. 10/10 for style. Love.
- Heyyyyy Talamasca. Still pissed they cancelled that spinoff. I’d love to see whatever this bigger narrative arc is spread across the entire Anne Rice Universe.
- Running into your ex in public is so awkward. Especially when your ex is also your ex’s ex and you’re there bid on items from your mutual ex. I live for this kind of mess.
- Fictional global catastrophes sound like a nice break from the actual ones we’re living with.
- You’ll never convince me that Sam Reid isn’t actually Lestat. Never. Anne Rice always believed readers would fall in love with Lestat. Watching Sam Reid, it’s easy to see why.
- Lestat was always a rock star, but previously it was just in his own head.
- You can’t tell me Yarda would ever convince anyone he was Lestat.
- Daniel and Lestat are the personification of frenemies. Living for their mutual inability to take shots at the other.
- He’s not wrong.
- I’m here for the Lestat era.
- I will always love Loustat. I don’t care how many times they hurt each other, manipulate each other, or make terrible decisions. AMC has somehow managed to make this relationship simultaneously toxic, tragic, romantic, and completely compelling.
- Satan’s Night Owl would be a good band name though.
- Me, editing my work.
- Bela Lugosi is dead and Everyday Is Halloween, Lestat.
- I’m kind of surprised Lestat hasn’t had a breakdown like that before, to be honest.
- Narcan anyone?
- More men should wear corsets. Fashion on POINT as usual.
- Baby Lestat! Adorable.
- Twirl, Twirl
- Back on the clock, Lestat.
- First mention of the Queen! YASSS AKASHA WHERE ARE YOU???
- Lestat’s not taking criticism is very on brand.
- Fang Gang sounds like a Saturday morning kids cartoon crime fighting team. “Jinkeys! It’s the Fang Gang!”
- MOMMY!
- I’m uncomfortable…
If “Detroit” was designed to convince viewers that The Vampire Lestat can carry an entire series on its own, mission accomplished.
The premiere is stylish, chaotic, hilarious, uncomfortable, and occasionally heartbreaking. It’s exactly the kind of television Lestat would make about himself.
The Vampire Lestat Episode 2
It’s great to be able to say a new episode of The Vampire Lestat airs next week, on Sunday the 14th at 9 PM EST on AMC, or watch it early on AMC+ at midnight on Saturday.
The synopsis for The Vampire Lestat Episode 2 “Toledo” reads:
“Lestat revisits his past & handles the fallout from Detroit.”
It’s safe to assume we’re going to see some old and new figures from Lestat’s past as he takes a Dickensian journey through his past to reckon with what he’s become and what’s happened because of it.
Check out my full coverage of The Vampire Lestat and get ready for House of the Dragon coverage too.