What We Do in the Shadows - Recap

The television show What We Do in the Shadows has consistently explored the tension between the supernatural abilities and bloodlust of vampires and their incompetence in everyday tasks. While characters like Nadja, Laszlo, and Nandor possess immense power, they often struggle with basic activities. However, despite their shortcomings, Guillermo, their human familiar, is terrified of them, adding to the comedic dynamic.

Season five begins with Colin Robinson terrorizing customers at the Red Rock Steakhouse in his adult form. Nadja has overcome her addiction to blood and alcohol, while Nandor claims to be fine after reading a self-help book. The only one still affected by the previous season's events is Nadja's doll, which she accidentally damaged. The show cleverly resets the story, simultaneously making both outcomes of the previous season's cliffhanger happen and not happen. Guillermo had sought to become a vampire secretly, leading to heightened tension and his noticeable unease during interviews with the camera crew.

Meanwhile, the vampires believe Guillermo is upset because they forgot his birthday, oblivious to his transformation request. They decide to watch him eat human food, assuming it will resolve any issues. The vampires' lack of awareness about Guillermo's role in protecting them and his secret desires is typical for the group. Guillermo's longing to become a vampire parallels his journey of self-discovery as a gay man. While he has embraced his sexuality, he still hides a secret encounter in a convenience store, reflecting the fumbling experiences of someone exploring their newfound identity.

Guillermo's transformation into a vampire finally occurs, but it is subtle and gradual. He can still go out in the sun and eat human food, with only a craving for rare meat and improved eyesight as noticeable changes. Despite this, he is afraid to reveal his transformation to the vampires, especially after they emphasize that a familiar turned by another vampire is a serious offense. Guillermo's safety lies in the vampires underestimating him, as they cannot fathom his autonomy or defiance. He hides his transformation by wearing nonprescription glasses and pretending not to be hungry.

However, Laszlo suspects something is amiss. His experience raising Colin has made him more attentive to others' behavior. Additionally, his confession of being Jack the Ripper and his connection to Victorian detective types suggest he may be the group's detective. While his surveillance mission at the mall is foiled, Laszlo remains vigilant. This subplot is expected to develop further in the season.

The vampires find the mall amusing, with its Shrek shirts, carousels, and peculiar items like tiny rainbow sombreros for mutilated dolls with vampire spirits inside. Placing ancient vampires in the mundane present, whether in a mall or a Brooklyn Nets game, highlights the absurdity of their situation and adds to the show's comedic tone. The fact that the show managed to find a functional mall to shoot in 2023 is a pleasant surprise, underscoring the vampires' delayed knowledge of current events.

In summary, What We Do in the Shadows continues to explore the tension between vampires' supernatural powers and their ineptitude in everyday life. Guillermo's fear and secret desires add complexity to the dynamic. Season five begins with Guillermo's transformation and introduces new comedic situations. The vampires' obliviousness and Laszlo's suspicions contribute to the ongoing storyline, while the juxtaposition of ancient vampires in modern settings creates humorous moments.