Mayfair Witches is a supernatural horror drama series adapted from Anne Rice's novel trilogy, Lives of the Mayfair Witches. The first episode of the second season premiered on January 5, 2025, and the second episode is set to air on January 12, 2025.
In the narrative, Rowan Fielding, a neurosurgeon, discovers that she is related to the powerful Mayfair family and their dark history of witchcraft. As she delves deeper into her past, Rowan meets Lasher, a shape-shifting demon with ties to her family tree. She has to face the scary secrets her family has kept, which raises themes of power, control, and fate.
Lasher, portrayed by Jack Huston, is one of the most important characters in Mayfair Witches. He is a spirit that has been linked to the Mayfair witches for hundreds of years. He possesses considerable power and can change things to suit his mysterious plans.
How does Lasher come into the story of Mayfair Witches?
In Mayfair Witches, Lasher is introduced as a mysterious and dangerous being with ties to the Mayfair family. His presence is first felt through Rowan's mother, Deirdre Mayfair, who is connected to him by a magical emerald necklace. Lasher convinces Deirdre to renew their relationship, allowing him to meet Rowan again.
Lasher is not merely a spirit; he is the source of the Mayfair witches' magical powers. His association with the family began in the 17th century with Suzanne Mayfair, the first witch in the lineage. Accused of witchcraft, Suzanne was spared from execution by Lasher, who formed a bond with her and endowed her with the power to endure.
Through Suzanne, Lasher became connected to the Mayfair family, offering protection and magical power in return for loyalty. Every generation of witches has a singular designated heir who inherits the emerald necklace that links them to him. This heir gains exceptional abilities, with Lasher acting as both mentor and facilitator.
Lasher's ultimate objective: Physical manifestation
Lasher is only willing to take on a physical form so that he can fully live in the mortal world. This goal drives a lot of his dishonest behavior throughout the series.
At first, Carlotta Mayfair obstructs Rowan by separating her from her mother, Deirdre, and taking the necklace that binds them together. This makes Lasher powerless for decades. He is finally freed when the necklace is removed, allowing him to reunite with Deirdre and subsequently with Rowan.
Lasher's plan depends on Rowan, the 13th witch who was predicted, whom he sees as essential to his transformation. By altering her path so that she can use her abilities, Lasher sets himself up to use her for his main goal.
Lasher and Deirdre: A tragic bond
Lasher's return is linked to Rowan's mother, Deirdre Mayfair. Once Deirdre takes back the necklace, Lasher's connection to her is officially restored. By promising her a better future, he uses his charm and power to get Deirdre to work with him.
Tragically, Deirdre's death changes his plans, forcing him to focus solely on Rowan. He decides to fulfill Rowan's destiny.
Lasher manipulates Rowan
Without knowing her family history, Rowan becomes the center of Lasher's plans. As a member of the Mayfair family, Lasher starts to affect her through dreams, visions, and direct conversations.
Initially, he appears as a guardian, giving her advice and helping her discover her magical abilities. However, he is not trying to help others. Lasher coerces Rowan to make choices that aren't moral and separates her from those who care about her, including Ciprien Grieve.
One of Lasher's most significant manipulations occurs when Rowan embraces her darker side, leading her to kill enemies and cut ties with anyone who stands against him. His greatest achievement is when Rowan gives him a body, fulfilling his long-awaited prophecy.
Lasher’s role in the prophecy of the 13th Witch
One of the main ideas in Mayfair Witches is the prophecy of the 13th witch, and Lasher is connected to it. It was said that Rowan, as the 13th witch, would be the most powerful in the family's history. Lasher thinks that Rowan is the key to turning into a real person.
During season 1, Lasher changes things to get Rowan closer to him. By the end of the season, she gives birth to a child who becomes Lasher's body, allowing him to finally enter the mortal world.
Lasher’s relationship with Ciprien Grieve
Ciprien Grieve often fights with Lasher since he is Rowan's guardian. They are opposites, and Ciprien tries to protect Rowan from Lasher's influence. However, Lasher's abilities often beat Ciprien's defenses, letting him get into even the safest places.
Lasher thinks that Ciprien is in the way of his plans and enjoys making him suffer. At one point, he locks Ciprien in memory, leaving him to face the darkness alone, which further tightens his control over Rowan.
Lasher’s role in Rowan’s transformation
Mayfair Witches shows how Lasher's actions affect Rowan's journey. Although it might mean breaking her morals, he tells her to embrace her powers. As Lasher guides her, Rowan learns how to heal, destroy, and control forces beyond human understanding.
By accepting the emerald necklace, Rowan shows that she is ready for her destiny, and their relationship grows stronger. She is now more subject to Lasher's will, though, as he has more power over her choices.
Mayfair Witches is available to stream on AMC+.