Episode 4 is all about control and the illusions created to compensate for lack of it. Lestat remains beholden to Sofia’s every whim. Her sudden absence sends him into an emotional spiral. Unanswered texts and unfulfilled promises push him on a mean streak, aiming at the nearest targets.

In flashbacks, we see the two reinvent themselves as French nobles, prowling the evenings for their next kill. It’s during a bloody feast of passion do the former mother and son consummate their intimate relationship. But soon, unable to grapple with her existence as pure evil, Gabriella dies by suicide. The first of many times she’d abandon Lestat.

In the present, Daniel spars with Lestat in another interview. Seething over Sofia, Lestat places a seed of doubt in the journalist’s mind about his maker. Later, Armand confronts Daniel to make amends. Instead, Daniel unleashes decades-long rage for San Francisco, Dubai and how the forced change has changed the gift into a life of trauma.

During all of this, The Vampire Lestat experiences newfound fame after going viral. However, its another false sense of control given the popularity is bots-powered, courtesy of the Talamasca. The notoriety comes with its own pitfalls when an obsessed conspiracy theorist attempts to kill the lead singer proving his immortality. The scare pauses the band’s tour and Lestat contemplates quitting. That is until Sofia returns, in time to be the fair-weather wind beneath his wings.

Off her maternal push, Lestat, the band — with newly returned Alex — premiere a new song in Montreal. “Big Boss” is dedicated to the biggest control freak of all, Armand. Lestat introduces the infamous liar to the crowd before parading into the new number. He mocks his former lover until the auburn-eyed Gremlin balks out of the venue.

Daniel goes after him, questioning about Dubai and the abnormality of their unique bond. Armand appears sympathetic, warning Daniel not to make an enemy of Lestat. He tells him the Great Conversion, Lestat and Gabriella’s blood-pact, threatens their very existence.

Meanwhile, Louis seeks to control his remorse for Claudia by helping Regina financially. At first, she rejects his offer and odd obsession. But after a few days and $1,000 allowance, she changes her mind.

Episode 4’s continues the triumphant storytelling that precedes this franchise. While it is different from Interview, it feels every bit a part of the same story. Sam Reid excels whether exchanging lines with Eric Bogosian, or Jennifer Ehle. It’s great to see Delainey Hayles return as well. Although not Louis’s Claudia, Regina embodies the same defiant and absolute spirit of the doomed child vampire.

Rating: 9/10