Started TVL late and have now watched the first 5 eps.
With all the bitching going on I was fully prepared to be disappointed.
That was entertaining. It was fitting.
Lestat for all his bravado is a tragic character, like most in the Vampire Chronicles.
And the show highlighted all aspects of his personality and blended them into a loud, confusing and manic cocktail.
I also did like the condensed versions of the flashbacks.
For me personally, Anne Rice's books always had way too much of everything. To cram all that drama, tragedy and gore into one little show would be overwhelming and feel convoluted.
The important parts where still there.
The non-linear narrative made it interesting and added dynamic.
The changes in regards Gabrielle/Gabriella were adequate for the show's style. Her main source of frustration in the books came from the specific role she had to play as a woman, so she took on a more manly appearance as a vampire. In the show she breaks out of her expected role in different ways, but she is still very much non conforming and with the modernization that took place I get that they changed the 'having to appear manly to be taken seriously' / 'to be able to be free' part.
While she was cold as a mother, vampire Gabrielle was often there for Lestat in key moments of his life, so their bond can make sense.
The show's hyper focus on the incest part underlines the state of Lestat's fractured psyche and his longing for connection.
I especially liked how the theme of 'vampire loneliness' and 'isolation' was presented.
Although Louis' approach to cope was a bit over the top. Not in the messed up way, mind you, that fits. He absolutely would pay someone to play pretend. But actually casting Delainey as a doppelganger was kinda kitschy. But I guess it's because the fandom really loves the actress and Claudia as a character, so why not.
What else did people hate, lets see.
Oh right, too much sex. Bitch where?
Gabriella banging in the toilet was more of a metaphor then anything else and we hardly saw Lestat getting it on. It was all very tame.
Especially considering the Rock star arc.
And they actually adressed the 'blooddrinking is sex for vamps, so actual sex is redundant' criticsm.
So hey, the blood's still better, sex is just a bonus, like a work out.
I mean, that was most likely added as a petty reaction to fans, but at least it cements the blood is still priority.
Akasha was great so far, looking forward to more.
Old Daniel had his moments. I did like that he didn't manage to crack Lestat (not in front of the camera at least), cause that would be unrealistic. The 'mind' interview where Lestat cried was a great twist.
In regards to Armand, Daniel has a lot to work through. The dynamic still pulls you in. I'm ok with that so far. Although the dm relationship is one of my faves in the book I'm still aware it's a small part and the focus lies elseswhere.
The bowling alley scene was great.
So was Armand's stalking confession.
Interesting that I didn't see anyone talking about Daniel at least taking advantage (if not worse) of that student in his car.
There's that 'splinter of coldness' again and it really shows how fucked up he always was. Fitting right in with the vamps.
Maybe I am desensitized or whatever, but Armand is kinda cute and definetly not gremlin enough. Yes, irl manipulating someone into 'suicide' woul be terrifying, but he was so detached from what he was doing in that moment it felt almost funny in a cynical way. Armand's annoyed and frustrated so he walks someone in front of a train. That's just what he does.
The therapy thingy was giving 'Renfield' vibes. I might have criticised that as ridiculous if it weren't for Assad's acting.
So yeah, I'm good with that part, too.
The only thing that felt cringe was Lestat 'calling' Armand 'out' at the concert.
The 'uwu Japanime eyes' (and the 'vampire Bourdain' while we're at it), are silly meta jokes that shows like SPN do. A serious show should't get on that level.
Apart from that my own personal impression was that the performance was way more humiliating for Lestat. A silly little diss track because Armand still lives in his head rent free and a ridiculous over-performance on top.
It gave me second hand embarrassment.
Sure, Armand doesn't like the spotlight and was pissed, but it didn't feel like humiliation at all.
Anyways, to conclude: if they don't fuck up the last two eps, that's a solid show that transports the core themes from the books.
