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[Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for Mayfair Witches Season 2 finale, “The Innocents.”]
The finale of the second season of Mayfair Witches has certainly left its mark. In this latest chapter of the Anne Rice adaptation, Rowan Mayfair (played by Alexandra Daddario) outmaneuvers the Scottish Mayfairs’ chilling scheme involving the newlywed demon Lasher (Jack Huston) and his bride Emaleth (Hennesi Schmidt), who were meant to produce a host of offspring. The sinister plan revolved around harvesting the children for their potent blood, which contains Lasher’s significant powers over life and death.
With help from her friends, including her current partner Lark (Ben Feldman) and her ex Ciprien (Tongayi Chirisa), alongside her cousin Moira (Alyssa Jirrels) and even a werewolf, Rowan harnesses her developing abilities to thwart the gruesome ritual and protect the innocent children. However, tragedy struck as she couldn’t save Lasher or prevent the malevolent patriarch Julien from claiming power for himself. Taking possession of his son Cortland (Harry Hamlin), Julien consumed Lasher’s blood and became an even more formidable foe, attaining the ability to fly.
In a bittersweet moment, Rowan secretly took some of Lasher’s blood, intending to use it to help her sister Jojo (Jen Richards) and cousin Daphne (Olive Abercrombie), who were ensnared in a spell she cast. The questions linger about her future: will this blood protect her from Julien’s wrath? Is she truly finished with Lark? And how will the Talamasca react to her newfound power? To delve into these issues, we spoke with showrunner Esta Spalding about this season’s conclusion and the potential directions for Rowan and her family if a third season were to occur.
Lasher has met his demise multiple times, but this one feels different. Was there any thought given to extending his arc into a third season?
Esta Spalding: We always aim to stay true to the books, and Lasher’s fate aligns with the events of the second book, where he indeed dies. It’s fundamental to how we approached the first two seasons. However, in the world of Mayfair Witches, characters have a way of returning, so it’s feasible that we could see a revival. In the past, he transformed into a spirit, summoned by Suzanne, and that cyclical nature is part of Anne Rice’s universe. I love the connection between Lasher and Rowan, so it’s quite possible we could explore that again. Still, there’s uncertainty as we await news on a Season 3.
His death certainly clears the stage for new storylines for Rowan, especially now that she’s without both Lark and Lasher. Alexandra expressed intrigue in how Rowan perceives men—aside from Lasher, they seem to be easily replaceable.
That’s absolutely correct. Her relationship with Lasher was deeply intense. Whether as lovers or a mother and son, their bond was powerful and transformative for her. With Lasher gone, it raises the question of what happens to that energy and if there are other sources for it. It’s a compelling aspect of her character’s journey that we’re keen to explore.
Harry had the opportunity to play a compelling arc. Cortland was redeeming himself only to fall back into villainy at the end. How did that dynamic play out?
Working with Harry was a delight! His character had moments of redemption, only to quickly revert to his previous role as a villain. It’s a fun narrative twist that brings a sense of poetic justice to the character. His return to darker themes adds complexity and depth to the storyline.
Did this season allow for a touch more humor? The comedic interplay with characters like Alyssa and Ben was enjoyable.
Indeed, injecting humor was one of our goals this season. We sought to strike a balance between the serious and the light-hearted, allowing viewers to enjoy more character-driven moments. It seems we have a ways to go, but we’re increasingly moving in that direction.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the possibility of diving deeper into Rowan’s character?
If we’re fortunate enough to continue the series, Rowan’s evolution will be fascinating, especially as she embraces her new understanding of power—not just for healing, but for other more complex reasons. She’s beginning to understand herself differently, making her journey feel more like a moral descent, akin to “breaking bad.”
She’s teetering on the edge of becoming an anti-hero.
Exactly! That complexity is enjoyable to explore and compelling to write for Alexandra.
How might Rowan’s choices this season influence her relationships with the Mayfair family moving forward?
Rowan returns to a family dynamic that she’s outgrown in several ways. She possesses powers that surpass anyone in her lineage, which raises questions about her leadership role within the family. With Julien now her adversary, the future dynamics will be complex as she navigates her new authority and responsibilities.
Are there specific characters from the books you wish to bring to life in the series?
Absolutely! The source material is rich with potential storylines, including a fascinating doll maker introduced in the third book. It presents an exciting new direction for the show. Moreover, unresolved plot points, like Emaleth’s situation after resisting the spell, will add intrigue to future seasons.
Speaking of The Talamasca, how do the recent plot details plant seeds for the upcoming spinoff? Is there potential for crossover?
Definitely! The Talamasca series offers a broader perspective on Anne Rice’s universe, introducing fresh characters and dynamics that can enhance both shows. We look forward to exploring that interconnectedness further.
For fans who expected a more straightforward adaptation of the books, what would you say to them?
In particular, regarding book two and this season, Rowan’s character is quite passive in the source material, which presented challenges in adapting her story into an engaging narrative for a dynamic lead actress. While we pay homage to the book’s essence, it was crucial to allow her to be a driving force in the story rather than merely a character acted upon.
Mayfair Witches, Streaming, AMC+
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