present day louis’s an antagonistic ass, and it gives me whiplash personally. my interpretation is that louis brought daniel to him BECAUSE he’s an ass and he’s losing the last remnants of his humanity and the second interview is a warning (as we know) AND a personal cry for help. he’s saying to daniel, “please, human man, before you die, remind me how It Was. you know who i was 40 years ago. you still know how to be human. let’s eat the dessert you ate with you exwife together, even though it tastes like paste to me. tell me about your daughters. challenge me. when i shove you, tackle me. i don’t like being so powerful. i like to think i do, though”

like what daniel’s actor was saying about louis being the only man who knew daniel “back then”, daniel takes on a similar role for louis. daniel is the only one who “knew” louis “back then”.