What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 Episode 10, “The Promotion,” zeroes in on Guillermo’s growth and his dynamic with Nandor, with dazzling performances all around. It’s not as strong as last week’s nearly five-star fare (although that’s a tough bar to reach); however, it’s a deceptively light and breezy episode. For Guillermo and Nandor, in particular, an abundance of development surges beneath the surface.
At Cannon Capital Strategies, Do What You Can Get Away With
Through Guillermo’s arc in “The Promotion,” we get an idea of the endgame for this series. After all, Guillermo’s the heart of What We Do in the Shadows. He’s the human lens through which we view this fantastical world. So, needless to say, his quitting Cannon and Nandor’s vigilante idea set the stage for what’s to potentially come in the finale.
Harvey Guillén has such a natural, grounding onscreen presence. His role as the “straight man” character is essential, especially in this heightened comedic environment, and he plays it so well. However, Guillén has had ample opportunities this season to really let loose, and it’s been a blast watching Guillermo step into his own. Kayvan Novak also shines as Nandor, as do his scenes with Guillén.
For example, Season 1 Guillermo would’ve never stood up to Jordan. Season 6 Guillermo’s refusal to kowtow to another disappointing supervisor figure is proof positive of his immense growth. We also see his resourcefulness in action as he and Nandor put Jordan in its place.
Additionally, Nandor coming to Guillermo’s defense is such a step up from Season 1 Nandor. Sure, there are blatant parallels between Jordan and early seasons Nandor — the framed picture gift, the empty promises, the manipulation, and the gaslighting — but he exhibits actual growth here. Nandor finally recognizes Guillermo as the badass warrior he is as the latter finds his purpose. Through Guillermo securing that purpose, Nandor, too, realizes his path.
You Belong With Us
A crux of What We Do in the Shadows is belonging, and “The Promotion” drives this home with Nandor telling Guillermo that he belongs with the vampires. By introducing the Van Helsing DNA arc, the writers have given Guillermo a juicy narrative conflict. We see him vacillate between two worlds, and turning into a vampire in Season 5 confirmed his hunter blood overpowered his temporarily undead status.
This really fills in the blanks for Guillermo, and the show defines that thematic exploration of belonging and community through the outcome of “The Promotion.” While Guillermo is an integral part of the nuts and bolts of this series, at the end of the day, it’s about these misfits finding a home in each other as they navigate this strange, often ostracizing world.
USOT, CVS Receipts, and Pyramid Schemes
You’ll notice I’m mostly focused on the Guillermo/Nandor aspect of “The Promotion.” That’s not to say the other storylines are poorly written or executed. While they’re certainly not as exciting as the Nandermo of it all, they’re fun on their own. Seeing more of Cravensworth’s Monster, played wonderfully by Andy Assaf, is a welcome addition to this outing.
Nadja falling prey to a pyramid scheme feels very Nadja-esque, and Natasia Demetriou never turns in a bad performance. Colin Robinson tapping into his inner daddy (sorry) with Cravensworth’s Monster is also a much-needed bit of development for him. That said, the Nandermo plot is the only one with real forward momentum. Any of the additional episodic arcs could’ve easily appeared in other episodes.
All that aside, “The Promotion” is a stark reminder of what we’re about to lose. What We Do in the Shadows is a comedic balm for the soul, an underrated gem that deserves countless seasons. But I’ll settle for six, I suppose.
Stray Observations:
- “Patrick Swuh-zay” has permanently altered my brain chemistry. Matt Berry’s pronunciations are a surefire serotonin booster. It reminds me of the scene in Toast of London when Berry’s character, Steven Toast,” pronounced “Lady Gaga” as “Lady Guh-GAH.”
- I love that Nandor is seen cleaning in the background when the gang arrives at Cannon. Once a Chief Supreme Janitor, always a Chief Supreme Janitor.
- Cravensworth’s Monster’s insecurities are profoundly relatable. I, too, assume that everyone hates me at all times.
- Guillermo keeps his CVS receipts? The ones that are at least a mile long? That’s dedication.
- I’m here for Colin Robinson’s daddy era. His saying, “Give me your hand” to CM after the party melted my heart.
- Will Nadja put Lisa’s head on display beside Jerry’s? She should start a head collection.
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 10 Review: The Promotion first appeared on Tell-Tale TV.