The Mundanity of Immortality
A significant source of humor in “What We Do in the Shadows” is the sheer boredom that accompanies eternal life. The vampire roommates of Staten Island are centuries-old, and their existence is hilariously mundane. Each episode is built around their discovery of something new in the modern world.
From the very beginning, “What We Do in the Shadows” has been a unique and refreshing take on the vampire genre. Instead of focusing on the brooding, immortal allure of vampires or their terrifying bloodlust, the series hilariously portrays the everyday struggles and mundanity of immortality. The vampire roommates residing in Staten Island, despite their supernatural powers, grapple with the same mundane issues as regular people. They are centuries old, yet they face the same problems as any household, from mundane chores to keeping up with the times.
What We Do in the Shadows: A Comedic Evolution
With its fifth season premiering, the series has evolved into a hangout show. While previous seasons had a sharper edge and bit more, the current season takes a more normcore approach. The vampire roommates, including Laszlo, Nandor, Nadja, and Colin Robinson, are back to their bickering ways. The focus has shifted from biting social commentary to the pursuit of everyday pleasures.
Over the course of five seasons, “What We Do in the Shadows” has undergone an intriguing evolution. What began as a clever mockumentary comedy with elements of social commentary has now settled into a more relaxed and hangout-oriented format. While earlier seasons used the vampire premise to satirize various aspects of American culture, the show has transitioned into a more normcore setting, where the vampires experience everyday situations and pleasures. This transition is evident in the characters’ interactions, which have shifted from biting commentary to humorous banter and everyday comedic scenarios.
Guillermo’s Transformation
The biggest change this season is Guillermo, Nandor’s loyal familiar, who took a dramatic step in the previous season by requesting to be turned into a vampire. This decision sets the stage for a series of unintended consequences, injecting new dynamics into the group’s interactions.
Guillermo’s transformation is a central theme of the current season, introducing a significant shift in the show’s dynamics. His decision to become a vampire marks a turning point, and the consequences of this choice become a source of intrigue and humor throughout the season. As Guillermo grapples with his newfound identity, it creates fresh dynamics and challenges within the group. This change brings new life to the series and keeps viewers engaged in the evolving narrative.
A Tapestry of Missed Opportunities
While the series remains funny, some viewers may feel that it’s lost a bit of its previous focus. Season 5 presents a series of missed opportunities. Concepts like a mall visit and Colin Robinson’s service job are mentioned but not thoroughly explored. Even an episode set around a Pride parade doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential for humor.
Season 5 of “What We Do in the Shadows” presents a slightly mixed bag. While the show retains its comedic charm, there are instances where it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. The introduction of interesting concepts, such as a visit to the mall or Colin Robinson’s service job, leaves viewers wanting more depth and exploration. Even an episode centered around a Pride parade, with its rich comedic possibilities, dedicates too much time to a subplot that doesn’t fully align with the show’s humorous strengths. While the series maintains its humor, it occasionally leaves viewers with a sense of unfulfilled potential.
The Unshakeable Cast
Despite the occasional missed opportunity, the show remains strong, primarily due to its stellar cast. The characters have become well-established, and their chemistry shines through. The humor often arises from their interactions and playful roasts, giving the show a traditional sitcom vibe, albeit a very good one.
One of the standout features of “What We Do in the Shadows” is its exceptional cast. The characters, including Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and Colin Robinson, have become well-established, and their chemistry on screen is undeniable. While the show has shifted towards a more sitcom-like format, it excels in delivering humor through character interactions and witty roasts. This traditional sitcom vibe, delivered by a talented ensemble, ensures that the show remains highly entertaining, even as it navigates new comedic territory.
Cast:
- Natasia Demetriou
- Matt Berry
- Kayvan Novak
- Harvey Guillén
- Mark Proksch
- Doug Jones
- Kristen Schaal
- Beanie Feldstein
- Jake McDorman
- Jemaine Clement
- Haley Joel Osment
- Nick Kroll
- Vanessa Bayer
- Anthony Atamanuik
- Veronika Slowikowska
- Chris Sandiford
- Benedict Wong
- Parisa Fakhri
- Donal Logue
- Anoop Desai
- Marceline Hugot
- Arj Barker
- Myrna Cabello
- Emily Mitchell
- Warren Barrow
Eternal Fun and the Quest for Purpose
The series has shifted into a more sitcom-like mode, and while it might benefit from a catalyzing event, the eternal pursuit of entertainment keeps it afloat. Living forever has its moments of fun, but it can also become tiresome. “What We Do in the Shadows” strikes a balance between these extremes.
As “What We Do in the Shadows” embraces its sitcom-like mode, it successfully combines the eternal pursuit of entertainment with the challenges of immortality. While the show could potentially benefit from a catalyzing event to add more depth to the narrative, it excels in portraying the timeless quest for fun and humor that transcends the boundaries of immortality. The series acknowledges that living forever has its mundane moments but reminds us that laughter and entertainment are timeless pursuits.
Conclusion: A Bite of Eternal Laughter
“What We Do in the Shadows” has evolved from a biting commentary on immortality into a hangout comedy with vampires. While it occasionally misses opportunities, the show’s unwavering cast and their hilarious banter keep it afloat. Living forever may have its mundane moments, but the pursuit of laughter and entertainment continues to be at the heart of this series.
With its fifth season unfolding, it’s clear that the Staten Island vampires are here to stay, reminding us that even immortality can’t stave off the eternal quest for a good laugh.
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