In a thrilling announcement, the FX network declared the continuation of its hit TV series, “What We Do in the Shadows” with not one but two additional seasons – Seasons 5 and 6. Having graced the small screen for a mere four years, the witty spinoff has transcended its movie roots, evolving into a distinctive entity with an established reputation and a dedicated following. The show, initially based on the film penned by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, has morphed into a popular mockumentary about nocturnal beings.
The relocation of the storyline to a gloomy and rundown Staten Island mansion, home to a group of catastrophe-prone vampires, has certainly contributed to the show’s popularity since its 2019 inception. However, the lasting appeal of the series lies in its distinct characters and their enduring humorous antics. Credit goes to the cast whose stellar performances and comedic timing have made these roles unforgettable, from brilliant deliveries to exceptional physical humor. Even without watching Season 4’s episode featuring Matt Berry’s character Laszlo, viewers couldn’t escape the viral memes that followed. The vampires of this iteration of “What We Do in the Shadows” have transitioned from uneasy roommates to a cohesive family unit, set to face a major shift in Season 5 due to a transformative event in one of the character’s lives.
The climax of Season 4 witnessed the evolution of the eternally patient vampire servant Guillermo, portrayed by Harvey Guillén, who has grown weary of serving his master Nandor the Relentless (played by Kayvan Novak), receiving scant recognition in return. This included Nandor’s forgotten promise to turn him into a vampire. Pushed to desperation and keen to control his own destiny, Guillermo seeks help from the former vampire hunter turned vampire, Derek (Chris Sandiford), who now mans the graveyard shift at a local convenience store due to his nocturnal lifestyle. After securing funds from Nadja’s (Natasia Demetriou) unsuccessful nightclub venture, Guillermo can afford to pay Derek to turn him into a vampire. However, things are not as simple as they appear in the world of “What We Do in the Shadows”, and Guillermo’s transformation presents intriguing questions which form the crux of Season 5’s overarching narrative.
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Season 5 Delivers an Insight into Guillermo’s Transformation
Since his first appearance on the show, Guillermo has been known for his burning desire to become a vampire. Despite the revelation of his lineage as a distant descendant of the infamous vampire hunter Van Helsing, Guillermo remained unswerving in his ambition. However, Nandor, throughout the previous four seasons, has been rather elusive in fulfilling his promise. Consequently, Guillermo has been the heart and soul of the series, with his beating heart setting him apart from the rest of the characters (for now, at least). He’s dedicated the last decade, possibly more, to serving others, sacrificing his own desires and ambitions. Therefore, the culmination of Season 4, where Guillermo pays Derek to transform him, was a captivating ending, leaving the audience curious about the consequences.
Season 5 dives headfirst into the aftermath of this transformative event, with hilarious outcomes. Derek, despite being a vampire, has a fainting spell at the sight of his blood, leading to a bumbling and clumsy turning ceremony, marking a first for both parties involved. As time passes post-transformation, Guillermo grows increasingly concerned about the absence of traditional vampire characteristics. However, he does experience some unexpected side effects, which, without spoiling the surprise, are both bizarre and entertaining. Guillén shines with his comedic timing, from Guillermo’s exasperated glances at the camera to his awkward inquiries about the transformation process with his vampire housemates. This plot twist also induces a shift in the household dynamics as a familiar turning vampire without the master’s consent is considered taboo, forcing Guillermo to rely on an unlikely ally – Laszlo. Laszlo takes it upon himself to decipher the mystery, leading to some heartwarming and humorous moments between the two characters.
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Season 5 Returns to Vampire Mischief
A recurring issue in past seasons was an over-reliance on limited locations. Season 3 saw the vampires ascending as leaders of the Vampiric Council for the Eastern seaboard, resulting in a concentration of storylines within the Council’s headquarters. Season 4 continued this trend with the transformation of the original set into Nadja’s vampire nightclub. However, the nightclub’s downfall signaled a welcome shift for the series, hinting at a return to the show’s strength – bringing these eccentric vampires to diverse Staten Island locales.
Season 5 revives the freshness of the earlier seasons by freeing the vampires from their confined spaces, bringing a much-needed revitalization. While retaining the mischief within the mansion, the season also sees the vampires embarking on hilarious escapades around the town, leaving trails of chaos and unfinished restaurant meals. From exploring the local mall to participating in the town’s inaugural Pride parade (after sunset, naturally), the episodes are packed with humorous adventures. Nadja discovers a slice of her homeland, Antipaxos, just a walk away from their residence, providing her with a nostalgic connection. The show’s guide, played by Kristen Schaal, becomes a more integral part of the crew. The characters, both human and vampire, are given opportunities for growth and evolution in a manner that stays true to their core identities.
Having said that, it is unrealistic to expect the series to continue indefinitely. However, entering its fifth season, it feels as though we’re still uncovering the series’ vast potential. From exploring energy vampire mythology to posing the question of what truly constitutes a vampire, the show is venturing into fascinating territories while maintaining its unique identity. Regardless of the length of “What We Do in the Shadows” run, the journey towards the inevitable end has never ceased to be humorous, consistently delivering delightful surprises along the way.
“What We Do in the Shadows” Season 5 premieres on FX with its first two episodes on July 13. New episodes will also be available for streaming the next day on Hulu.
