The fifth episode of Season 3 of AMC’s “The Vampire Lestat,” titled “New York,” delves into the origins of the character Akasha, the first vampire in the series’ mythology. The episode, now available on AMC+, reveals pivotal moments through flashbacks that explain how the protagonist Lestat came to possess what is known in the story as the “blood of Akasha.”

The narrative centers on Marius de Romanus, portrayed by Christopher Heyerdahl, who entrusts Lestat with guarding Akasha and Enkil—two ancient vampire predecessors—who exist in a dormant, statue-like state. Lestat unintentionally awakens Akasha after a drop of his blood touches her, prompting her to summon him before biting him. This encounter establishes a critical link between Lestat and Akasha’s enduring legacy.

Sam Reid, who plays Lestat, described filming the episode’s physical scenes as demanding but enjoyable, particularly highlighting a sequence involving a 10-foot free-fall performed on wires. Despite sustaining minor injuries during the stunt, Reid called the experience “super fun” and suggested the production scheduled these challenging scenes late in filming to minimize impact on his subsequent work.

Akasha’s background, rooted in Anne Rice’s literary universe, is explored in greater depth. She was born more than 6,000 years ago in the region now known as Iraq and married Enkil, the ruler of Kemet, an ancient kingdom later recognized as Egypt. The couple defied their society’s widespread practice of cannibalism by outlawing it, which earned them hostility.

The episode also touches on Akasha’s fixation on mystical knowledge, leading her to pursue two twins reputed for their occult expertise. Their relationship deteriorates into enmity after the twins invoke the spirit Amel to curse Akasha, triggering violent backlash from pro-cannibalism nobles who fatally wound her and Enkil. Amel’s spirit merges with Akasha at her death, transforming her into the first vampire and extending this dark gift to Enkil, thus originating vampire-kind.

Later, rival vampires encase Akasha and Enkil in stone; they become the enigmatic figures “Those Who Must Be Kept,” whom Lestat discovers in the early 20th century.

While the television series has portrayed Akasha’s awakening in this episode, it remains unclear if future installments will follow the books’ storyline, where Lestat’s music reawakens her in the modern era.

Reid praised co-star Sheila Atim, who plays Akasha, for her performance, noting their long-standing acquaintance and her impressive portrayal of the ancient queen. He described a monologue written by Hannah Moscovitch as “astonishing” and “sickening” upon first reading, underscoring the episode’s dramatic weight.