I have to admit, I'm in love with Sam Reid and I think he's fantastic as Lestat, so if it's gonna be a while before he gets back I may have to fast forward some scenes. If I remember correctly, if this season is just the second half of Book 1, he probably wouldn't be in it that much.
However, if they ever do get around to The Vampire Lestat, than he should be taking center stage again. Although I do wonder how they will change it, because he kinda becomes the main character of the series after Book 1, and Louis is relegated to very supporting status, almost a background character at times. Doesn't seem like this show would want to go that route, but they'd have to change quite a lot if they don't.