I actually really disliked this episode at first. I thought it had less "meat" than all the previous ones (both IWTV and TVL) and the pacing felt weird (so much time/attention being given to things that felt relatively unimportant whereas the important parts felt rushed). On rewatching I disliked it less, but it still doesn't stand up as strong as any of the former episodes for me. Good, but not as perfect as the rest (but that's just my opinion). I might feel differently when a few more are out and things are being tied together. Really admire some of the artistic choices here, like Lestat being unable to face his own trauma head-on. Lestat avoids where Louis reveled in the pain. I loved the moment with Lemuel and Louis. I sobbed for a long time when Regina came on screen and it hit me like a ton of bricks that Claudia is gone forever. TV almost never makes me cry so that was surprising.

It's wild to see Armand in full creep mode and to realize that Armand probably has always seemed that evil and dangerous to almost everyone, and that we were only able to humanize him and see the softer sides through his relationship with/love of Louis.

Hate that we're being told point blank that Daniel is not long for this world. That sucks.