The episode juxtaposes historical horror with modern glamour through a fashion show hosted by new owner Will Drake.
Elizabeth (Lady Gaga) finds a new obsession in the reckless model Tristan Duffy (Finn Wittrock), drawn to his "rage".
Unlike traditional vampires, these "afflicted" individuals carry a virus that grants immortality, provided they are smart. They feed through cuts rather than bites and find their vitality "zapped" by the sun.
This episode introduces us to the hotel's sadistic first owner, , played with a chilling Mid-Atlantic accent by Evan Peters. Through flashbacks, we learn that March built the Cortez as a "trap" designed to ensnare victims with soundproof walls and secret corridors. His mission was to "kill God" through a series of ritualistic murders, which Detective John Lowe identifies as being based on the Ten Commandments —a pattern that continues in the present-day killings. High Fashion & Immortal Hunger
A haunting subplot unfolds as John Lowe’s daughter, Scarlett, discovers her missing brother, Holden, among the Countess's "vampire babies" in a hidden retro game room. Themes of Addiction and "The Shining" 'American Horror Story: Hotel' Episode 2 Recap - Variety