In the category of "How I take this manga far more seriously than it deserves," I will note that along with the opera trappings, there is a remarkably consistent thematic focus on defining love. Alexis tries to teach his sons, proteges, followers, and human tools that love is hate and fear, because it induces them to depend on him; he may even believe this himself, as he has no conception of any loyalty that is not ensured by psychological dependence and physical need. He has taught his sons to believe that scars are love, and it is a sign of his deep contempt for Jizabel that he hands his whip over to a substitute instead of applying the lash himself. Merriweather is the most significant voice of opposition to this philosophy, declaring that love requires sacrifice, kindness, and the elevation of another's needs above one's own. (I kind of like that the "good" philosophy is almost as creepy and problematic as the evil one.)
More, with spoilers, at:
http://coffeeandink.livejournal.com/747954.html