The latest episode of AMC's The Vampire Lestat, formerly known as Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire, has presented viewers with an emotionally charged penultimate installment. Titled "Montreal," the sixth episode of season three delivered a significant moment for fans of Lestat de Lioncourt and Louis de Pointe du Lac, showcasing a level of intimacy and shared understanding between the two characters that has not been previously seen in the series.
According to executive producer Hannah Moscovitch, the writing team approached this season with the idea of giving Lestat and Louis their own version of the film "Before Sunset." This concept evolved into the episode's narrative, which centers on Lestat and Louis exploring Montreal on the eve of Lestat's concert. The episode weaves together moments such as a dinner at a restaurant, a joint interview for Daniel Molloy, concert rehearsals, and the release of a sex tape, all while depicting a gradual reconciliation between the two vampires. Their journey involves a careful negotiation of their individual flaws and past failures, particularly their shared grief over the killing of Claudia.
Louis, plagued by guilt from the events of the season two finale in Paris, brings the witch Merrick Mayfair to Lestat's residence in Montreal to summon Claudia's spirit. Utilizing Claudia's diary and dress, they manage to bring her back to the mortal plane for a profound and emotional confrontation. This storyline draws from Anne Rice's novel "Merrick," extending the series' reach into the broader Vampire Chronicles library to bring this pivotal moment to life. Moscovitch explained that the show fast-forwarded into the book canon because the season's narrative architecture was built around Louis' intensified grief for Claudia in 2025, with the Merrick seance idea being present from the early stages of story development.
The reunion with Claudia's spirit is marked by her overwhelming rage, followed by a deep desolation. Actress Delainey Hayles delivers a raw performance as Claudia, expressing anger, disappointment, and profound sadness, particularly when she reveals her inability to find her loved one, Madeleine, in the afterlife. Moscovitch described Hayles' performance as extraordinary, noting a new depth of grief and heartbreak that left her in awe. The filming of this seance scene was supported by director Jane Wu, who ensured Hayles had ample space to achieve the necessary takes. Sam Reid and Jacob Anderson were also noted for their immense support of Hayles on set, remaining present and encouraging even when not on camera.
Following their emotionally draining goodbye to Claudia, Louis and Lestat are left in a contemplative state, considering their potential future together. However, the episode concludes with a shocking cliffhanger: Daniel Molloy and Armand appear and decapitate both Louis and Lestat. Moscovitch confirmed this ending was a long-standing intention for the episode. She elaborated that Armand's actions stemmed from his loss of Louis and his subsequent manipulation of Daniel, seeking a complex form of atonement from Louis and Lestat alongside a painful revenge. This confrontation was designed to reclaim the happiness Lestat and Louis had found and to create a significant internal and external conflict for the characters.
With the season finale approaching, the events of "Montreal" have set a dramatic stage for the conclusion of The Vampire Lestat's third season.