if you were the last vampire on earth... it would be enough.

poll tournament for the best amc iwtv scene! have fun with it :)

[best-iwtv-scene]

Best IWTV Scene Tournament Masterlist!

Here is where to find all results, active polls, and expected post dates for the tournament!

Links:

All polls can be found under #round 1 so far!

The list of upcoming polls can be found here and I will update the image on this post as frequently as possible!

Active Polls:

Round 1C

Match 1

Match 2

Match 3

Match 4

Match 5

Match 6

Match 7

Match 8

Completed Polls

Round 1A

Match 1: WINNER Louis’ turning (1x01)

Match 2: WINNER Lestat's backstory monologue (1x06)

Match 3: WINNER "Picked another one over me" argument (2x04)

Match 4: WINNER Louis chasing down the coven (2x08)

Match 5: WINNER Madeleine fits Claudia's yellow dress (2x04)

Match 6: WINNER "I stayed a journalist" (2x05)

Match 7: WINNER Armand's backstory monologue (2x04)

Match 8: WINNER "Hey sis, you don't need me" (1x06)

Round 1B

Match 1: WINNER Killing Lestat (1x07)

Match 2: WINNER Happy trio montage (1x04)

Match 3: WINNER Claudia end-of-episode monologue (1x04)

Match 4: WINNER "Rest" (2x05)

Match 5: WINNER "Can I cry and say that I’m sorry, too?" (2x07)

Match 6: WINNER Claudia killing in front of Madeleine (2x06)

Match 7: WINNER "You and Me, Me and You" (2x01)

Match 8: WINNER Claudia’s turning revisited (2x07)

Expected Post Dates

I'm aiming to post 4 polls every Wed and Sat, around 12pm in the UK (BST and then GMT from late October), but we'll see as I will be getting busier very soon!

Round 1D, Matches 1-4: 02/10

Round 1D, Matches 5-8: 05/10

Round 2A, Matches 1-4: 09/10

Round 2A, Matches 5-8: 12/10

Round 2B, Matches 1-4: 16/10

Round 2B, Matches 5-8: 19/10

Round 3, Matches 1-4: 23/10

Round 3, Matches 5-8: 26/10

Round 4, Matches 1-2: 30/10

Round 4, Matches 3-4: 02/11

Semi-Final 1: 06/11

Semi-Final 2: 09/11

Final: 16/11

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 4

Which is the best IWTV scene?

"But the suit changes nothing" monologue (2x08)

Louis swims the Mississippi to Lestat (1x06)

Voting ended onOct 2, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

"But the suit changes nothing" monologue (2x08)

The final episode opens with a monologue from Louis, reflecting on his life up to Claudia's death. He remembers bargaining with himself, questioning what he could have changed to prevent falling onto the path that led to the situation he is in now. If only he were more assertive, could he have resisted Lestat? Could he have avoided Lestat's draw to him if he wore a different suit? He concludes that these are pointless questions. That he always found himself back with Lestat, regardless of what he did. And his devotion to Lestat, something so integral to his personhood, always ended in Claudia's death. Through this gut-wrenching monologue, Louis concludes that it is something innately part of him that led him to this situation. Blame cannot be shifted onto Lestat, nor can be shifted onto something as meaningless as a suit. The monologue cuts between Louis in Dubai, the outside of his tomb in the basement of the theatre, and clips of his life up to that point. He looks back on his relationship with Lestat, the loving, tender moments as well as the ugly, spiteful ones. He looks back at his family, his mother's hatred, his sister's disowning of him. Finally, he looks back at Claudia, her joy with Madeleine, merely nights ago, and the torture that concluded her short existence. "But the suit changes nothing... and again I'm kissing Lestat on the altar. I'm killing Lestat but won't burn him. I'm dragged off stage and buried alive. Penny candy's not the answer. Claudia is dead."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Louis swims the Mississippi to Lestat (1x06)

Lestat finally gets a rise out of Louis by sending him a song, written specially for Louis, sung by Antoinette, Lestat's mistress. Enraged, but inexplicably drawn to Lestat, Louis storms out of the Rue Royale and swims across the Mississippi to find Lestat in bed with Antoinette. Louis and Lestat stare at each other, Lestat with a look of pure love, and Louis with one of hate, as they both kick Antoinette out of her own house. Louis then proceeds to throw Lestat about, stabbing him with the shards of his own record, and kissing him. Lestat is clearly overjoyed in this scene that he has finally managed to get a reaction from Louis. Louis is angry with himself over how much of an effect Lestat can have over him, unable to resist the draw he feels to the other man. The scene highlights the thin line their relationship walks between love and hate and the toxic possessiveness both men feel for the other, treating Antoinette like an object and only caring for each other. "Write me a song and put your lover's voice on it? What the fuck is wrong with your head?" "Louis you're soaking wet." "I swim faster than I drive."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 3

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Louis kills white attorney (1x02)

Tower scene (2x08)

Voting ended onOct 2, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Louis kills white attorney (1x02)

Louis's rage as a black man in early 20th-century USA, coupled with his new powers as a vampire lead him to act impulsively, killing an attorney he was doing business with, due to the condescending and racist way the man spoke to him. In Dubai, Louis narrates the frustration he felt, scored by a high-tempo pizzicato string-led piece, increasing in intensity as Louis pounces on the man. Cutting to Louis and Lestat in the aftermath, hauling the man's body into their incinerator, it is obvious that the act did not satiate Louis's anger. Additionally, Lestat does not understand Louis's frustration, unaware of what Louis deals with as a black man and uncaring about human relations. The argument highlights the inequality in the two vampires' relationship and the large gap between lived experiences, Louis's race intensifying this key conflict between the two men. "But I wasn't a man anymore. I was something else. I had powers now and decades of rage to process and it was both random and unfortunate the man picked that night to dabble in fuckery."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Tower scene (2x08)

After killing almost all members of the Paris coven, Louis takes Armand to find Lestat. Ending up at the bottom of a dimly lit and damp tower, Louis finds Lestat crouched in the corner, muttering to himself and reliving the night he was turned. Uncaring about anything other than securing justice for Claudia, Louis attacks Lestat for his part in the trial, threatening to kill him. Lestat reveals, however, that he cannot be burned as he has Akasha's blood in him, setting up for his future plotline. Consequently, instead of killing Lestat, Louis promises him loneliness, kissing Armand in front of him. This scene is particularly tragic as Louis has been misled into believing Armand is the one he can trust above all, having been told that he was the vampire who saved him from execution. Louis submits himself to eternity with the very man who killed his daughter, while Lestat watches on, believing he deserves such cruelty from the man he loves the most. Additionally, the scene marks the end of Louis's story in the interview, bookending his life with Lestat on either side. "Here's your death, Lestat. He and I are going to spend the rest of our lives together. And wherever your miserable life takes you, whoever you find and endure time with, whatever pale proxy of me, I'll be with him."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 2

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Loustat fight revisited (2x07)

Threesome scene (1x01)

Voting ended onOct 2, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Loustat fight revisited (2x07)

In the trial, Lestat lays out his version of the fight seen in 1x05. While the original scene focused on Claudia, this perspective shows the lead-up to Lestat flying Louis into the sky and dropping him. Bloodied from throwing each other across their townhouse, the pair face each other in the coffin room. After seven years of ignoring each other in their own home, all the built-up resentment comes out as Louis aggressively threatens Lestat for daring to hurt their daughter. Lestat's expression changes from hurt at the idea of Louis leaving him, to murderous, the pain turning to anger, enraged that Louis clearly does not return his affections. In the trial, Santiago attempts to minimise the damage Lestat caused that night, but Lestat, going off script, disallows this and uses the moment to apologise to Louis, clearly feeling extreme guilt over his actions. The scene is disturbing, revisiting a contentious moment from season one, and highlighting Lestat's abuse while still exploring his feelings in the relationship. The scene is scored by 'Vien A Moi Encore' by Daniel Hart, an extended and reimagined version of season one's 'Vien A Moi', most notably used when Lestat calls to Louis in the church in 1x01, showing the inequality and danger in their relationship from the start. "I'm gonna take this hand here and wrap it round that scrawny head of yours, just like you did our daughter. And I ain't gonna stop until your eyes pop. [...] And I'm going to laugh!"

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Threesome scene (1x01)

Lestat takes Louis back to his house, bringing him a "gift", which turns out to be Lily, a woman both men were fond of, who worked at the Fair Play Saloon. Sitting opposite the pair, Lestat watches Louis and Lily kiss, and eventually joins them, sitting next to Louis. Louis is clearly drawn to Lestat, but is ashamed of his desire, pushing himself away from the other man after he finds himself kissing his hand. Lily reassures Louis that everything is alright, but Louis returns his attention to her instead. After Lily passes out, with the help of Lestat, Louis finally surges up towards Lestat to kiss him as the music swells. The scene in New Orleans ends with the two men floating above the ground, naked, as Lestat feeds from Louis. The scene mixes lust and vampiric desire, intertwining the taboo of homosexuality in the early 20th century with vampiric imagery perfectly and is a bold moment in the pilot, as most other adaptations of The Vampire Chronicles do not feature sex at all. The scene features an unreleased track which incorporates the Louis/Lestat love theme from 'In Throes of Increasing Wonder' by Daniel Hart, which emerges as the two men come together to finally kiss. "When you were using drugs, Mr Molloy, do you remember the best you ever had? [...] So, imagine that flowing inside your veins again. Now multiply it by miles to the rings of Saturn and back."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 1

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Armand grills Madeleine (2x06)

Loustat dance (1x07)

Voting ended onOct 2, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Armand grills Madeleine (2x06)

Having asked Armand to turn Madeleine into a vampire, Armand questions the young woman, testing if she will be fit for a vampiric existence. The pair converse in French, not without hostility, Armand unconvinced of Madeleine's wish to become a vampire, and Madeleine disrespectful to Armand for his arrogance and the way he treats Claudia. The scene shows Armand's own disgust at vampiric existence, as he cannot believe that anyone in their right mind would wish it upon themselves. Additionally, this scene shows Madeleine's commitment to Claudia, stating that she does not want to be like the vampires of Paris, but rather is making the decision to be with Claudia. The scene is also cut between a conversation between Louis and Claudia outside, which examines the rift between the pair that has been growing throughout the season. "And what will you do, in a few decades, when she throws herself into a fire? Because she will." "Or maybe she won't. You don't know. Maybe I'm what she needs to survive."

Propaganda:

It's such a good scene for exploring both of them and Madeleine especially needed it - like before this I could understand why her and Claudia would be chummy but this was the point when I understood why she'd want her as her immortal companion. Also "Young man, there's been a war. CLAUDIA, HE THINKS THERE'S SOMETHING LEFT OF MY EEERA" has been stuck in my head since I heard it. Also also it's fucking baffling that Assad doesn't actually speak French, like my god man

Submitted by @luuuna-rambles

Loustat dance (1x07)

During the Mardi Gras party, Louis and Lestat share their final dance together, to the shock of their many guests. As they dance, the pair become so absorbed with each other that all the guests fade away, as if they were dancing completely alone. The dance ends with Louis bringing Lestat's face closer to kiss him in front of all the guests, his love for Lestat finally overpowering his shame and care for the thoughts of others. In Dubai, Louis describes the shocking lack of coverage of the dance in all consequent retellings of that night, despite the guests' apparent shock, as well as his intense mix of emotions during the party. Louis is clearly racked with guilt over what he and Claudia have planned and is regretting his decision to kill Lestat, having let himself fall completely back in love with the man. Lestat, too, is aware of the plan and is conveying his love to Louis, despite the fact that it may be his very last night on this earth. The dance is scored by 'Come To Me On Rue Royale' by Daniel Hart, a jazz band cover of Lestat's song he writes for Louis in 1x06, reinforcing the fairytale romanticism of the dance. "It was my sole duty to distract Lestat. But in his mirrored eyes, the distraction reflected back onto me. [...] I fell once more into the well with no bottom. I was his, and he was mine."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 8

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Claudia/Lestat chess scene (1x06)

Lestat drags Louis into the sky (1x05)

Voting ended onOct 5, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Claudia/Lestat chess scene (1x06)

Claudia and Lestat play a game of chess while Louis sits reading a book across from them. Claudia is full of resentment for the man who has forced both her and Louis to stay with him in New Orleans, from her perspective. As the game progresses, Claudia speaks to Louis telepathically, conveying her wish to kill their maker. Louis is initially hesitant, not believing it to be possible to pull off. The chess game, like Claudia's plan to murder Lestat, traps Lestat until he is forced into checkmate by a pawn, the most unsuspecting piece in the game. As Lestat flounders, completely taken by surprise by Claudia's moves, Claudia speaks to Louis, knowing that he desires the same as her, the pair silently agreeing on what must be done. Instead of finishing the game, Claudia exits the room, leaving Lestat shouting insults at her and throwing the pieces around, possibly realising that if she can beat him at chess, when he is the one who taught her to play, then she may be able to best him in other ways. The scene is scored by Daniel Hart's 'To Beat Lestat You Have to Become Lestat' which uses a repeated fragmented piano motif, to show the increasing tension as Claudia's plan is revealed. "The secret is, Louis [...] You want to kill him too, and you will enjoy doing it."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Lestat drags Louis into the sky (1x05)

When Claudia returns to the Rue Royale, she begs Louis to come with her and leave Lestat. Desperate, terrified and enraged by the idea of Louis leaving him, Lestat lunges at Claudia, attacking her in order to stop her talking. Louis immediately jumps to Claudia's defence, and the two vampires fight, throwing each other around the townhouse, Lestat holding Louis down to attack him. Lestat, eyes black and fangs extended, looking completely the monster he was made, drags Louis outside, Claudia running after them. She tries to offer herself instead of Louis, but Lestat shoots her down, stating "...it was never you" as he then bites Louis and flies high into the sky above the city. Lestat blames Louis for all the issues in their relationship and punishes him for never saying he loved Lestat. Instead of acknowledging the latter fact, Louis, with difficulty, asks Lestat to let him go, which Lestat does, dropping him to the ground below, and leaving his bones shattered and broken outside their home where Claudia finds him. The scene is scored by Daniel Hart's 'Vicious', the haunting violin solo playing over the howling of the wind as the pair float in the air, highlighting this dangerous and tragic love the pair share. "I have waited, Louis. I have patiently waited in vain for you to love me as I love you. Just say it. Say, 'Lestat, I am never going to love you.' It would help me a great deal to hear that from your lips. Your quivering... hateful lips."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 7

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Louis drinks from 'Rashid' (1x05)

Walking by the Seine (2x03)

Voting ended onOct 5, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Louis drinks from 'Rashid' (1x05)

1x05 begins with Daniel reading out Claudia's diary, which describes each of her victims and records their final words. He looks up, with a disturbed expression on his face, at Louis who is presumably across from him, but the camera doesn't pan to him for a moment. When it does, it shows Louis and Armand (as Rashid) sitting next to each other, Louis drinking from Armand, who is clearly enjoying the action. Armand then replies to Daniel's comments, his speech slurring slightly from the blood loss. He then attacks Daniel for what he is doing, "chronicling a suicide", but Daniel looks on, uncaring. Looking into Daniel's mind, Louis answers his questions unprompted, letting Daniel know how much 'Rashid' weighs and what he tastes like. To a first-time viewer, this scene is intriguing, making the audience question the importance of 'Rashid' and why he is so protective of Louis. Knowing it is Armand, the viewer can now see the resentment between the two men, engaging in a strange voyeuristic activity, but Armand still hating this game they're playing. "I care for him more than he cares for himself. And I wouldn't let you near my neck if you were..." "Sixty-two and a half kilograms." "What?" "One hundred and thirty-eight pounds for the metrically challenged. Daniel here was wondering how much you weigh, Rashid."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Walking by the Seine (2x03)

Louis and Armand take an evening walk by the Seine, Louis taking photos as they walk. Armand starts to question and unpick Louis's lie about his maker, 'Bruce', but keeps the conversation light. Louis also reiterates the fact that he doesn't want to join the coven, shutting down Armand's talk of the other members. As the conversation turns to flirting, Dreamstat appears on the other side of Armand, making fun of the pair, as Louis attempts to ignore him. Armand can sense Lestat's presence, but Louis makes him disappear with the click of a camera. Once Dreamstat disappears, the two vampires smile at each other, continuing their flirting. Louis is clearly enjoying his newfound openness of his sexuality, free of Lestat, but Armand is still worried, still thinking of the coven. Armand envies Louis's freedom, but also cannot fully understand this wish to be with humanity instead. The scene is scored by Daniel Hart's 'A Vein Winding Through The Heart Of Paris', a slow and romantic piece, increasing the romance of the scene. The audience must note, however, that this is from the perspective of Louis and Armand at the height of their act for Daniel, and so the romanticism may be exaggerated for this performance. "I'm out here finding myself." "Then what room is there left for me, if you have not found yourself?" "Hmm. Oh, there's room."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 6

Which is the best IWTV scene?

"Did you eat the baby?" (1x02)

Louis’s mother’s wake (1x04)

Voting ended onOct 5, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

"Did you eat the baby?" (1x02)

Several years into vampiric life, Louis still wants to hold onto his human family. He visits his sister, Grace, who he hasn't seen in a few years. He sits, uncomfortable in his family home, and has an awkward, stilted conversation with his sister, the woman whom he used to trust and confide in the most. She gives Louis her baby to hold, still clearly loving her brother and wanting him in her life. As he holds his nephew, he is overcome with a strong desire, both due to his deep want for a family of his own, and due to his overwhelming hunger from not eating properly for a while. The scene shows Louis's inability to merge his human life and his vampiric life, totally uncomfortable in his sister's home, and hating himself for his vampiric urges. The scene is most memorable due to Daniel's blunt questioning "Did you eat the baby?" as Louis tries to avoid the topic, giving some sort of uncomfortable comedy to the scene. It concludes with Louis in New Orleans leaving the baby on the chair, and fleeing the house, running from his urges, but it is unclear whether this is a true version of events. "I no longer kill. My last victim was in the year 2000." "Some Y2K disagreement?" "I want our readers to understand that." "OK. Did you eat the baby?"

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Louis’s mother’s wake (1x04)

Louis gets a call that his mother has died and brings both Lestat and Claudia with him to attend the wake. Grace and Levi are shocked and disgusted to meet Claudia at the wake, who says she's with her "dad and uncle". Louis partakes in a passive-aggressive conversation with Levi, who reveals that Louis turned down so many invitations to events with the family, presumably due to them being held in the daytime, that he no longer gets invited to anything. Louis looks down at his mother in her coffin, a complicated mix of sadness and hatred on his face. Grace wants to buy the house from Louis, no longer wanting to be in debt to her brother who clearly doesn't care for her family. Any lingering love she had for Louis has left over the years, disrespecting his perceived lifestyle choices with Lestat and Louis. Louis returns her hostility with a threat, and is then interrupted by Lestat and Claudia, who wish to leave. Louis agrees to draw up papers for Grace and Levi to buy the house, and the trio leave. The scene shows the way Louis has severed himself from humanity, but still not to the extent of Lestat or Claudia. Lestat and Claudia regard the people at the wake as below them, while Louis still lets himself be affected by their opinions of him. "You and your white daddy doing fine in the Quarter. We can pay you what it's worth and you don't need the money." "You forget what I did to that door, Grace? You should measure yourself."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 5

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Charlie (1x04)

Claudeleine execution (2x07)

Voting ended onOct 5, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Charlie (1x04)

Claudia becomes besotted with a young carriage driver, named Charlie. After a date with the young human, the pair find a secluded area to hook up in the back of Charlie's carriage, Claudia copying what she saw on lover's lane. Claudia's urges, however, get the better of her and she unintentionally kills Charlie as she feeds from him. Distraught, and looking for comfort and help from her parents, she takes the body back to the Rue Royale but is met with Lestat's 'tough love', showing no sympathy for the young vampire. Louis clearly disagrees with Lestat's approach but stays quiet throughout the scene. Claudia is made to clean up after herself, and Lestat forces her to watch Charlie's burning body in the incinerator, believing that the girl needs to be taught a hard lesson, just as he was when he was younger. The final moment is scored by 'Charlie' by Daniel Hart, the emotive strings mimicking Claudia's intense emotions. "Stop squirming and watch. Remember this. His face as it melts. This is why we never get close to mortals. Because sooner or later they end up dead."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Claudeleine sentencing/execution (2x07)

As the trial comes to an end, the audience is given the decision of what Madeleine, Claudia and Louis's verdicts and sentences are. Madeleine, still dazed and confused from the coven's powers, stands at the centre of the stage and chooses to die with Claudia, rather than join the coven, "I am the vampire Madeleine Eparvier. And my immortal companion is Claudia. My coven is Claudia." Claudia, defiant and knowing what her sentence will be, threatens the audience, "If there is an afterlife, I'm going to come back and fucking kill all of you. And if there isn't an afterlife, I'm still going to find a way." The two vampires' execution is narrated by Armand in Dubai, his perspective giving their final moments a bit of distance, amplified by the sparse woodwind of "In Nomine Magni" by Daniel Hart. The two women cling to each other as a ray of sun beams down onto them, slowly burning them. Madeleine dies first, leaving Claudia alone, singing 'I Don't Like Windows' and screaming in pain, and, in her final moment, Claudia looks to Lestat behind her, looking for comfort in the only vampire left which she could consider family. The scene is a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing moment, the camera lingering on Claudia as she burns, not allowing the audience to look away. "And you could tell from the look on Lestat's face, the last thing she saw on Earth was him."

Propaganda:

IT GAVE ME THE HUGEST CHILLS AND LITERALLY DIDNT LET ME SLEEP IT WAS BEAUTIFUL

Submitted by @jameslongforjimshortforgabriel

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 4

Which is the best IWTV scene?

"But the suit changes nothing" monologue (2x08)

Louis swims the Mississippi to Lestat (1x06)

Voting ended onOct 2, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

"But the suit changes nothing" monologue (2x08)

The final episode opens with a monologue from Louis, reflecting on his life up to Claudia's death. He remembers bargaining with himself, questioning what he could have changed to prevent falling onto the path that led to the situation he is in now. If only he were more assertive, could he have resisted Lestat? Could he have avoided Lestat's draw to him if he wore a different suit? He concludes that these are pointless questions. That he always found himself back with Lestat, regardless of what he did. And his devotion to Lestat, something so integral to his personhood, always ended in Claudia's death. Through this gut-wrenching monologue, Louis concludes that it is something innately part of him that led him to this situation. Blame cannot be shifted onto Lestat, nor can be shifted onto something as meaningless as a suit. The monologue cuts between Louis in Dubai, the outside of his tomb in the basement of the theatre, and clips of his life up to that point. He looks back on his relationship with Lestat, the loving, tender moments as well as the ugly, spiteful ones. He looks back at his family, his mother's hatred, his sister's disowning of him. Finally, he looks back at Claudia, her joy with Madeleine, merely nights ago, and the torture that concluded her short existence. "But the suit changes nothing... and again I'm kissing Lestat on the altar. I'm killing Lestat but won't burn him. I'm dragged off stage and buried alive. Penny candy's not the answer. Claudia is dead."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Louis swims the Mississippi to Lestat (1x06)

Lestat finally gets a rise out of Louis by sending him a song, written specially for Louis, sung by Antoinette, Lestat's mistress. Enraged, but inexplicably drawn to Lestat, Louis storms out of the Rue Royale and swims across the Mississippi to find Lestat in bed with Antoinette. Louis and Lestat stare at each other, Lestat with a look of pure love, and Louis with one of hate, as they both kick Antoinette out of her own house. Louis then proceeds to throw Lestat about, stabbing him with the shards of his own record, and kissing him. Lestat is clearly overjoyed in this scene that he has finally managed to get a reaction from Louis. Louis is angry with himself over how much of an effect Lestat can have over him, unable to resist the draw he feels to the other man. The scene highlights the thin line their relationship walks between love and hate and the toxic possessiveness both men feel for the other, treating Antoinette like an object and only caring for each other. "Write me a song and put your lover's voice on it? What the fuck is wrong with your head?" "Louis you're soaking wet." "I swim faster than I drive."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 3

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Louis kills white attorney (1x02)

Tower scene (2x08)

Voting ended onOct 2, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Louis kills white attorney (1x02)

Louis's rage as a black man in early 20th-century USA, coupled with his new powers as a vampire lead him to act impulsively, killing an attorney he was doing business with, due to the condescending and racist way the man spoke to him. In Dubai, Louis narrates the frustration he felt, scored by a high-tempo pizzicato string-led piece, increasing in intensity as Louis pounces on the man. Cutting to Louis and Lestat in the aftermath, hauling the man's body into their incinerator, it is obvious that the act did not satiate Louis's anger. Additionally, Lestat does not understand Louis's frustration, unaware of what Louis deals with as a black man and uncaring about human relations. The argument highlights the inequality in the two vampires' relationship and the large gap between lived experiences, Louis's race intensifying this key conflict between the two men. "But I wasn't a man anymore. I was something else. I had powers now and decades of rage to process and it was both random and unfortunate the man picked that night to dabble in fuckery."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Tower scene (2x08)

After killing almost all members of the Paris coven, Louis takes Armand to find Lestat. Ending up at the bottom of a dimly lit and damp tower, Louis finds Lestat crouched in the corner, muttering to himself and reliving the night he was turned. Uncaring about anything other than securing justice for Claudia, Louis attacks Lestat for his part in the trial, threatening to kill him. Lestat reveals, however, that he cannot be burned as he has Akasha's blood in him, setting up for his future plotline. Consequently, instead of killing Lestat, Louis promises him loneliness, kissing Armand in front of him. This scene is particularly tragic as Louis has been misled into believing Armand is the one he can trust above all, having been told that he was the vampire who saved him from execution. Louis submits himself to eternity with the very man who killed his daughter, while Lestat watches on, believing he deserves such cruelty from the man he loves the most. Additionally, the scene marks the end of Louis's story in the interview, bookending his life with Lestat on either side. "Here's your death, Lestat. He and I are going to spend the rest of our lives together. And wherever your miserable life takes you, whoever you find and endure time with, whatever pale proxy of me, I'll be with him."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 2

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Loustat fight revisited (2x07)

Threesome scene (1x01)

Voting ended onOct 2, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Loustat fight revisited (2x07)

In the trial, Lestat lays out his version of the fight seen in 1x05. While the original scene focused on Claudia, this perspective shows the lead-up to Lestat flying Louis into the sky and dropping him. Bloodied from throwing each other across their townhouse, the pair face each other in the coffin room. After seven years of ignoring each other in their own home, all the built-up resentment comes out as Louis aggressively threatens Lestat for daring to hurt their daughter. Lestat's expression changes from hurt at the idea of Louis leaving him, to murderous, the pain turning to anger, enraged that Louis clearly does not return his affections. In the trial, Santiago attempts to minimise the damage Lestat caused that night, but Lestat, going off script, disallows this and uses the moment to apologise to Louis, clearly feeling extreme guilt over his actions. The scene is disturbing, revisiting a contentious moment from season one, and highlighting Lestat's abuse while still exploring his feelings in the relationship. The scene is scored by 'Vien A Moi Encore' by Daniel Hart, an extended and reimagined version of season one's 'Vien A Moi', most notably used when Lestat calls to Louis in the church in 1x01, showing the inequality and danger in their relationship from the start. "I'm gonna take this hand here and wrap it round that scrawny head of yours, just like you did our daughter. And I ain't gonna stop until your eyes pop. [...] And I'm going to laugh!"

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Threesome scene (1x01)

Lestat takes Louis back to his house, bringing him a "gift", which turns out to be Lily, a woman both men were fond of, who worked at the Fair Play Saloon. Sitting opposite the pair, Lestat watches Louis and Lily kiss, and eventually joins them, sitting next to Louis. Louis is clearly drawn to Lestat, but is ashamed of his desire, pushing himself away from the other man after he finds himself kissing his hand. Lily reassures Louis that everything is alright, but Louis returns his attention to her instead. After Lily passes out, with the help of Lestat, Louis finally surges up towards Lestat to kiss him as the music swells. The scene in New Orleans ends with the two men floating above the ground, naked, as Lestat feeds from Louis. The scene mixes lust and vampiric desire, intertwining the taboo of homosexuality in the early 20th century with vampiric imagery perfectly and is a bold moment in the pilot, as most other adaptations of The Vampire Chronicles do not feature sex at all. The scene features an unreleased track which incorporates the Louis/Lestat love theme from 'In Throes of Increasing Wonder' by Daniel Hart, which emerges as the two men come together to finally kiss. "When you were using drugs, Mr Molloy, do you remember the best you ever had? [...] So, imagine that flowing inside your veins again. Now multiply it by miles to the rings of Saturn and back."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1C, MATCH 1

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Armand grills Madeleine (2x06)

Loustat dance (1x07)

Voting ended onOct 2, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Armand grills Madeleine (2x06)

Having asked Armand to turn Madeleine into a vampire, Armand questions the young woman, testing if she will be fit for a vampiric existence. The pair converse in French, not without hostility, Armand unconvinced of Madeleine's wish to become a vampire, and Madeleine disrespectful to Armand for his arrogance and the way he treats Claudia. The scene shows Armand's own disgust at vampiric existence, as he cannot believe that anyone in their right mind would wish it upon themselves. Additionally, this scene shows Madeleine's commitment to Claudia, stating that she does not want to be like the vampires of Paris, but rather is making the decision to be with Claudia. The scene is also cut between a conversation between Louis and Claudia outside, which examines the rift between the pair that has been growing throughout the season. "And what will you do, in a few decades, when she throws herself into a fire? Because she will." "Or maybe she won't. You don't know. Maybe I'm what she needs to survive."

Propaganda:

It's such a good scene for exploring both of them and Madeleine especially needed it - like before this I could understand why her and Claudia would be chummy but this was the point when I understood why she'd want her as her immortal companion. Also "Young man, there's been a war. CLAUDIA, HE THINKS THERE'S SOMETHING LEFT OF MY EEERA" has been stuck in my head since I heard it. Also also it's fucking baffling that Assad doesn't actually speak French, like my god man

Submitted by @luuuna-rambles

Loustat dance (1x07)

During the Mardi Gras party, Louis and Lestat share their final dance together, to the shock of their many guests. As they dance, the pair become so absorbed with each other that all the guests fade away, as if they were dancing completely alone. The dance ends with Louis bringing Lestat's face closer to kiss him in front of all the guests, his love for Lestat finally overpowering his shame and care for the thoughts of others. In Dubai, Louis describes the shocking lack of coverage of the dance in all consequent retellings of that night, despite the guests' apparent shock, as well as his intense mix of emotions during the party. Louis is clearly racked with guilt over what he and Claudia have planned and is regretting his decision to kill Lestat, having let himself fall completely back in love with the man. Lestat, too, is aware of the plan and is conveying his love to Louis, despite the fact that it may be his very last night on this earth. The dance is scored by 'Come To Me On Rue Royale' by Daniel Hart, a jazz band cover of Lestat's song he writes for Louis in 1x06, reinforcing the fairytale romanticism of the dance. "It was my sole duty to distract Lestat. But in his mirrored eyes, the distraction reflected back onto me. [...] I fell once more into the well with no bottom. I was his, and he was mine."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1B, MATCH 8

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Dreamstat letter scene (2x02)

Claudia’s turning revisited (2x07)

Voting ended onSep 28, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Dreamstat letter scene (2x02)

In an attempt to settle his paranoia over Lestat coming back for revenge, Louis visits a law firm where Lestat had his finances. To his surprise, Louis is given a letter signed by Lestat to be given to him in the event of his death. As Louis opens the letter, he hallucinates Lestat taking the paper from his hands. Dreamstat is wearing the suit he wore when going to meet the de Pointe du Lac family and he speaks the letter to Louis. The contents of the letter are hauntingly romantic, highlighting the thin line between loving devotion and possessive obsession that is inherent to the two vampires' relationship. The visit to the law firm instead increases Louis's paranoia, the letter, presumably written no longer than a few years into their relationship, sounding more threatening than affectionate due to the cause of Lestat's demise. The scene shows the fear and guilty attraction he still feels towards Lestat even years after their separation. "A veil will now forever separate our union. But it is a thin veil and I am always on the other side... face pressed up against your longing."

Propaganda:

I died. that's it, that's the propaganda

Submitted by @jameslongforjimshortforgabriel

Claudia’s turning revisited (2x07)

As Lestat recounts his perception of events on the night of Claudia's turning, it switches between the trial in Paris, the interview in Dubai and the night in New Orleans, playing quite differently from in 1x04. Lestat describes a greatly distressed Louis begging him to turn the young girl into a vampire, despite Lestat's warning about the 'Great Laws' and the pain it will cause them all. Louis, in his desperation, manipulates Lestat into turning Claudia, promising he will never leave Lestat if he does this one thing. In Paris, Louis objects to this version of events, loudly denying it as Claudia looks at him, unsure what to believe. In Dubai, Louis, with some difficulty, admits that Lestat's recollection was more accurate. The scene is disturbing, particularly due to the way Claudia is treated. The young girl, practically a stranger to Louis and Lestat, is dragged along the floor and treated like an object, or something to aid them, either in their relationship or personally. Additionally, in his guilt over admitting the truth of events, present-day Louis looks over to Dreamstat sitting across from him in the Dubai apartment, the only time such a thing happens in the show so far. "She will be at war with herself. She is of an age where her emotions will soar and plummet, mountains and valleys every day of her life!" "I don't care!" "Well, you must care! [...] And she will be miserable and you will love her!"

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1B, MATCH 7

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Louis saves Claudia from the fire (1x03/1x04)

"You and Me, Me and You" (2x01)

Voting ended onSep 28, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Louis saves Claudia from the fire (1x03/1x04)

Consumed with guilt after instigating a race riot throughout Storyville, Louis desperately tries to help the innocent black people of his city from the violence surrounding him. Despite his vampirism, he is unable to help anyone on the street, but as he comes to a burning house, he can hear a young girl inside, terrified and bound to suffocate from the smoke around her. Louis rips through the building and jumps to where Claudia is hiding, picking her up and bringing her to the Rue Royale. This moment is seen both from Louis's perspective at the end of 1x03 and from Claudia's viewpoint at the beginning of 1x04. Louis depicts his act as one that not only saved Claudia but saved him, too, forever changing his life from that day onward. Claudia depicts it as magical, amazed by the "black angel" that saved her from death. The scene is scored by "Claudia" by Daniel Hart in 1x03, introducing her theme which is frequently used throughout the show. "I could not save the Azalea. I could not save Storyville. I could not save the aunt on the wrong side of the wall, but I could save her. My light. My Claudia. My redemption."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

"You and Me, Me and You" (2x01)

After years of travelling through cold, war-riddled Eastern Europe in search of vampires, and after finally finding one only to watch her throw herself into a fire before them, Louis and Claudia find themselves on the way to Paris. Claudia is fractured from witnessing Daciana's death, feeling like she will never find a community or understanding in anyone no matter where she goes. In the back of a car, lit only by the passing lights of France at night, Louis promises Claudia that he will be her community, her companion, wherever Claudia goes, vowing that he will never leave the earth as long as she still walks it. Wounded by what she saw, Claudia desperately wants to believe Louis and there is a fragile kind of hope in her eyes as she looks up at him. As the monologue continues, the camera slowly pans to Claudia's right to reveal an imagined Lestat, throat slit and bloody, sitting next to her, Louis fighting with himself over who to look at as he promises "you and me". This scene is heartbreaking, particularly knowing the direction of Louis and Claudia's relationship through season two, Louis making a promise that both vampires so greatly wish to be true, but ultimately does not hold, pushing each other away as the season progresses. The scene is scored by Daniel Hart's 'The Whole World Was Ready To Return', a piece many consider to be the best on the soundtrack, the short string motifs, building and layering to mirror the hope and desperation of the promise until it reaches a climactic cadence at the sight of Paris. The piece returns in 2x08 over Louis's final monologue, playing out the season in a bittersweet moment.  "We can't be the only good ones out there... Soft words. If you were the last vampire on earth, it would be enough. You and me. Me and you. You and me. Me and you. You and me."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Submitted by @interviewiththevicious

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1B, MATCH 6

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Claudia killing in front of Madeleine (2x06)

Insecure open relationship negotiation (1x03)

Voting ended onSep 28, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Claudia killing in front of Madeleine (2x06)

Sensing Madeleine's fear, Claudia brutally kills a group of young Parisians who attack Madeleine one night. Madeleine finds Claudia crouched over a man, drinking his blood. While Madeleine is shocked and afraid, she remains quiet and does not run, Claudia acting calmly and gently telling Madeleine that she is a vampire. The scene is shot like a classic horror sequence, focussing on Madeleine as the dead bodies are slowly revealed to her one by one. Additionally, the scene has notable parallels to Louis's turning in 1x01, Claudia mirroring Lestat killing the priests, and Madeleine mirroring Louis when she falls to her knees. The scene mixes horror and romance to great effect and is a climactic moment in the pair's relationship that the audience has been waiting on for several episodes now. It is scored by 'The Fantasy of Happiness' by Daniel Hart, originally from Claudia's monologue at the end of 1x04. Both scenes are tensely fragile moments and highlight Claudia's growth, while still showing this sense of instability in her due to her aggressive kills. "I'm gonna clean up. And then we can talk" "You're a..." "Vampire."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

Insecure open relationship negotiation (1x03)

Disgusted, jealous and hurt after watching Lestat flirt and presumably sleep with Antoinette Brown several years into his and Louis' relationship, Louis confronts Lestat in a rare moment of vulnerability. Lestat laughs off Louis's feelings, delighting in his jealousy, viewing it as proof of care and even love for his maker. The pair then negotiate an open relationship, Lestat claiming that it staves off the boredom that a marriage of centuries can cause. The scene is humorous as it is obvious both vampires deeply hate the idea of their partner sleeping with anyone else, Lestat seemingly going through several stages of grief as he allows this to go forward. Additionally, this moment is a very clear sign of the deterioration of their relationship, showing how both men put themselves into bad situations just to see the other hurt, in search of proof that the other cares for them. "So I can fuck whoever I want?" "Of course. Of course. Of course! As long as you come home to me. Of course!"

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

[best-iwtv-scene]

ROUND 1B, MATCH 5

Which is the best IWTV scene?

Pre-abduction drinks (2x06)

"Can I cry and say that I’m sorry, too?" (2x07)

Voting ended onSep 28, 2024

Descriptions/Propaganda under the cut:

Pre-abduction drinks (2x06)

An unspecified amount of time after Madeleine becomes a vampire, she and Claudia return to Paris to meet with Louis and Armand at a cafe. The pair seem content with each other, Madeleine clearly at peace with her vampire nature, and Claudia happier than ever with her companion. Louis, still uneasy after Claudia leaving, is protective of the younger vampire, questioning Madeleine to make sure she is prioritising Claudia like he never quite could. Madeleine can feel Louis's love for both Claudia and Armand through her connection to him, telling both vampires this, which Louis laughs off. He clearly wishes to be happy that Claudia is finally content, but is still in an unsettled place, following Madeleine's turning. Finally, Armand leaves the group to "take a stretch", standing outside as Santiago and several other members of the coven stride into the cafe to abduct Louis, Claudia and Madeleine, restraining them and pushing them into large bags. This scene is a rare moment of joy in the show, bittersweet for viewers due to the dramatic irony of knowing Claudia's fate is looming. "We're going to wander." "Wander? This one? She of the straight line to the next 'X' on the map?" "This is the 'X', Louis."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.

"Can I cry and say that I’m sorry, too?" (2x07)

Enraged by Lestat's apology to Louis for dropping him from the sky, Claudia stumbles onto her feet, despite the deep cuts into her ankles. She shouts at Lestat, the coven and the audience at the injustice of this 'trial', condemning Louis and her for killing a man who is so clearly still alive. After her anger dissipates, she is left with an emptiness, understanding and finally articulating the pain that she has felt throughout her vampiric life: she has never been prioritised by either Louis or Lestat, and the trial certainly isn't going to change that. This scene also highlights the grace given to Lestat, a white man, both in the show and in the fandom, compared to Claudia, a black woman, as Lestat is so often forgiven easily while Claudia is either made to 'earn' this forgiveness or never given it in the first place. She can cry and apologise all she wants but she is not viewed in the same lenient way as Lestat is. The scene is scored by an unreleased track which incorporates elements of Claudia's theme, most intense when she looks back at Louis, highlighting the pair's uneven relationship. "Don't know why I bother. You didn't come here for me. One more round in the stormy romance of you two! Never been about me. I was just a roof shingle that flew off of your house."

Propaganda:

No propaganda was submitted for this scene.