What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 Episodes 1-3 — “The Return of Jerry,” “Headhunting,” and “Sleep Hypnosis”—serve as a strong triple-episode opening, proving that six seasons in, this show continues to fire on all cylinders. It’s in fine form here.
BAAAT!
After the events of the Season 5 finale, the household dynamic has shifted somewhat, with Guillermo making a significant life change. The writers creatively find ways to keep Guillermo entwined with our favorite Staten Island vampires, and said dynamic shift makes for some fun episodic shenanigans.
Guillermo’s adjustment to the human world after spending 15 years with vampires certainly reinvigorates the overarching narrative. Sprinkle in Nadja and Nandor’s attempts to “prevent” him from turning on them, and you’ve got a hilarious B-plot in episode two, “Headhunting.” It’s always a good time when the vamps have to act like humans. Exhibit A: Jackie Daytona, regular human bartender.
Performances and Relationships
Everyone brings their A-game for these first three episodes, but Kayvan Novak, Natasia Demetriou, and Matt Berry really shine. Novak, particularly, puts his impressive impression skills on display in episode three, “Sleep Hypnosis.” Harvey Guillén plays the perfect “straight man” to the vampires’ larger-than-life personalities, and his chemistry with Novak is off the charts.
The major Nandermo scene in “Sleep Hypnosis” is as touching as it is heartbreaking. There’s a wistfulness emanating from Nandor as he listens intently to Guillermo’s “interview.” He also looks utterly smitten with Guillermo. As the kids say, the chemistry is chemistry-ing.
However, Nandor’s decision to reverse the hypnotism on Guillermo is indicative of his immense growth and that he truly loves Guillermo. Is it romantic? This reviewer hopes so.
As for the rest, Matt Berry’s deliveries have never been sharper. Whether it’s his unique pronunciations, cheeky inflections, or his hearty laugh, Berry is Laszlo Cravensworth. Or is Laszlo Cravensworth Matt Berry? Additionally, Natasia Demetriou makes me want to be best friends with Nadja. She’s as endearing as she is bitingly hilarious.
Mark Proksch never fails to deliver the goods as Colin Robinson, striking the perfect balance of awkward middle-aged white guy and surprisingly sinister vampire. Proksch and Berry make magic together. In their performances, you can see the history (and organic development) between Laszlo and Colin Robinson.
The Stakes (Hee-Hee) Have Never Been Higher
It only takes six seasons, but our vamps have recovered their collective motivation and desire to conquer the New World. All it took was incorporating a long-lost fifth roommate into the plot. The writers have opened themselves to the endless storytelling possibilities this universe holds.
Now that our leads have a clearer objective and feel the pressure to subjugate humanity, the writers can really go wild with the narrative. We, as the viewers, can feel the heightened stakes (both wooden and plot-based). Of course, it’s What We Do in the Shadows, so it won’t be long until things go pear-shaped.
There’s something so pure and heartwarming about this merry band of bloodthirsty killers. What We Do in the Shadows kicks off its final season with a, wait for it, fang, thanks to a combination of top-tier comedic performances, hysterical dialogue, and a tightly-written script.
I’ll be sad to bid farewell to one of the best comedies out there, but by golly, am I ready to see what else is in store for this season.
Stray Observations:
- House meetings are back, baby! I hope the final moments of the series finale consist of another house meeting. Bring this full circle.
- What if Laszlo started saying “BAT!” and “Man!” to differentiate between forms because of Jerry? In “The Return of Jerry,” the titular fifth roommate says, “Human form!” at one point.
- I would watch a spin-off of Nandor working as Jandy the Janitor at Cannon Capital Strategies. His cleaning skills leave something to be desired, though.
- Nadja has mastered regular human behavior. Laszlo can masquerade as a regular human bartender. They should combine forces in some way and fool the masses with how regular and human they really are.
- Kayvan Novak’s Richard Nixon impression is mind-boggling. If you close your eyes, it sounds like the real deal.
- I’m excited for Colin Robinson as he enters his daddy era. He can pass on what he learned from Laszlo being his father to Cravensworth’s Monster.
What did you think of these episodes of What We Do in the Shadows? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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What We Do in the Shadows airs Mondays at 10/9c on FX, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
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The post What We Do in the Shadows Review: The Return of Jerry / Headhunting / Sleep Hypnosis (Season 6 Episodes 1-3) first appeared on Tell-Tale TV.