Season one of 'Interview with the Vampire' follows the story of Louis de Pont de Lac, a vampire who recounts his transformation into a vampire and his complex relationship with Lestat de Lioncourt, the vampire who turned him. The narrative is framed as an interview with journalist Daniel Malloy, who is revisiting Louis' story after their initial encounter in the 1970s. The show updates the timeline from the original book and 1994 film, moving Louis' story to a later period in New Orleans and exploring themes of race, sexuality, and memory.
The show updates the timeline, moving Louis' story from the era of slavery in New Orleans to a later period. It also casts Jacob Anderson, a Black actor, as Louis, making his racial identity a significant part of his vampiric experience. Additionally, the relationship between Louis and Lestat is explicitly gay, unlike the more ambiguous portrayal in the book and film. The show also moves Daniel Malloy's story forward in time, presenting him as an older, more skeptical journalist revisiting Louis' story.
Mallory Rubin loved 'Interview with the Vampire' season one, praising its vivid and evocative writing, sharp humor, and compelling performances. She found the exploration of memory and the dynamic between Louis and Lestat particularly fascinating. She also highlighted the strong performances by Jacob Anderson and Sam Reid, noting how their chemistry and the show's updates to the source material made it feel fresh and engaging.
'Landman' is part of the Taylor Sheridan universe and follows Tommy Norris, a landman and fixer played by Billy Bob Thornton, who works for an oil company owned by Jon Hamm's character, Monty. The show is loosely based on the 'Boomtown' podcast and explores the oil industry, family dynamics, and the intersection of business and crime, including cartel involvement. It is known for its deranged and entertaining storytelling, with a focus on the lead performances by Billy Bob Thornton and Ali Larder.
Joanna Robinson found 'Landman' to be an easy watch but ultimately disliked the show. She appreciated Billy Bob Thornton's performance and the show's ability to entertain, but she felt it lacked depth and criticized its portrayal of female characters. She also noted that while the show was popular and had a strong following, she wished more people would watch better-quality shows instead.
Product placements in 'Landman' are prominent and often integrated into the show's dialogue and plot. Notable examples include Michelob Ultra, Dr. Pepper, and a lengthy scene at Michael's Arts and Crafts. These placements are sometimes used humorously or to highlight character traits, such as Tommy Norris's preference for Dr. Pepper and cigarettes. The show also features a Bentley ad, which becomes a recurring plot point for Ali Larder's character, Angela.
Some of the most memorable and deranged moments from 'Landman' include Angela Norris's declaration that she would 'suck dick for the keys' to her Bentley, Ainsley's rule about sexual boundaries with her boyfriend, and Ethel's desire to 'have a dick in her face one last time.' These moments, along with Tommy's dry one-liners and the show's over-the-top dialogue, contribute to its unique and often absurd tone.
'Interview with the Vampire' explores the complexities of relationships stretched over an immortal lifespan. It delves into questions of loyalty, jealousy, and the impact of adding a child (Claudia) to a relationship. The show also examines the dynamics of open relationships, as seen in Louis and Lestat's arrangement, and the challenges of maintaining passion and connection over centuries. The idea of separate coffins and personal space is humorously debated as a metaphor for maintaining individuality within a partnership.
It may be January, but the holiday season continues inside the 'House of R!' Mal and Jo have a holiday gift swap, exchanging a beloved season of television that the recipient had yet to see!
Hosts: Mallory Rubin and Joanna Robinson
Producers: John Richter and Jessie Lopez
Video Editor: Cameron Dinwiddie
Additional Production: Arjuna Ramgopal
Social: Jomi Adeniran
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