What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 Episode 4, “The Railroad,” sees Guillermo make a tough business decision. At the same time, Laszlo and Colin Robinson dip their toes into the entrepreneurial pool to help Seanaaay (if you read this in Matt Berry’s voice, you read it correctly). While the outing isn’t quite as strong as the solid three-episode premiere, it’s still a ton of fun. Even a weaker episode of What We Do in the Shadows is leagues better than most sitcoms.
I’ve Been Working on the (Fake) Railroad
Season 6 is all about the corporate world for our favorite merry band of vampire-plus-human misfits. While Guillermo thrives at Cannon Capital Strategies, Laszlo and Colin Robinson create Staten Island & Southwestern Railroad to stage a fake interview for Sean, Laszlo’s BFF (after Colin Robinson).
This plotline showcases the magnitude and depth of Laszlo’s character growth over the past five seasons. Season 1 Laz would’ve never sacrificed so much to help a mere mortal. That’s what makes this move from him so heartfelt and meaningful — Season 6 Laz clearly adores his Seanaaay, and it’s a lovely aspect of his character.
Season 6 has been all about driving these characters toward their development endgame. As Laszlo makes room for human friendships, Guillermo bursts out of his obsequious, submissive shell. His newfound confidence is a breath of fresh air.
Even in Season 5, Guillermo wouldn’t dare to stand up to Nadja. Harvey Guillén deftly showcases this change in Guillermo as he steps into his purpose in “The Railroad.” What We Do in the Shadows has created a beautifully nuanced arc for Guillermo. Here’s hoping the series sticks the landing for him when the curtains close.
The Relentless and the Gizmo
“The Railroad” plays with power dynamics in intriguing ways, especially between Guillermo and Nandor. Nandor is used to being in charge. However, when Jordan asks Guillermo to fire the latter’s former Master, that previous dynamic is subverted.
I wish the series had explored this new dynamic a bit more — Guillermo ranking above Nandor in a corporate setting. Guillermo’s hesitation in telling Nandor he’s canned is certainly not out of character, but spending more time in that space would’ve been fun. I would love to see Nandor reacting to his former familiar having seniority over him.
Of course, Nandor’s devastation (which is heartbreaking in itself) will undoubtedly tie into next week’s outing, “Nandor’s Army.” Kayvan Novak and Guillén’s chemistry is always off the charts, and the show would be smart to continue spotlighting that chemistry.
Fangy and Funny
“The Railroad” feels more character-driven than narrative-driven, and that’s okay. It’s not the show’s best, but certainly not the worst. Seasons contain ebbs and flows, and that applies here. However, if there’s one thing What We Do in the Shadows accomplishes week in and week out, it’s delivering some of the best comedic performances on TV. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better cast for a comedy.
Stray Observations:
- RIP, Staten Island & Southwestern Railroad. We hardly knew ye.
- I hope Cravensworth’s Monster makes “I like the cut of your jib” his catchphrase. Let’s make him the Groot of the What We Do in the Shadows Universe (WWDITSU).
- That “Seanaaay” from Matt Berry (complete with perfect vibrato) deserves an Emmy in and of itself.
- Nobody makes Nadja feel like a shed dweller. She’s the top dog.
- Fingers crossed that Jandy the Janitor gets hired at another financial firm that keeps nocturnal hours. I just want him to thrive by continuing to vacuum hangover vomit.
- I love the bankers boxes that say “Trains” in all caps. That’s how you know it’s a legitimate railroad business.
What did you think of this episode 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 Season 6 Episode 4 Review: The Railroad first appeared on Tell-Tale TV.