The final episode of What We Do in the Shadows Season 3 wasn’t just a culmination of the season’s absurdities; it was a bloody, surprising, and emotionally resonant farewell to what we thought we knew about the Staten Island vampires and their familiar. The episode fundamentally reshapes the group dynamic, sending Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), Nandor (Kayvan Novak), and Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) on separate journeys of self-discovery (or, in Guillermo’s case, perhaps a forced journey of self-discovery), leaving Laszlo (Matt Berry) to surprisingly step into a role of surprising responsibility.
A Seismic Shift: Deconstructing the Coven
Season 3 meticulously built a foundation of bizarre power struggles, historical revelations, and internal anxieties within the vampire household. From Nandor’s agonizing search for a wife to Nadja’s ambitious leadership of the Vampiric Council and Laszlo’s obsession with proving Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) wrong (or right, depending on your perspective), the season painted a portrait of vampires grappling with existential boredom and the crushing weight of immortality.
Nandor’s Impulsive Departure
Nandor’s yearning for love and meaning consistently drove his narrative this season, but his attempts at finding a life partner proved consistently disastrous and deeply hilarious. The final straw comes when his 37 wives reject him after a disastrous “date night.” Fueled by this rejection and general malaise, Nandor decides to embark on a “world tour” to rediscover himself. This decision, while impulsive, highlights the central theme of the episode: the vampires’ desperate need for change and purpose.
Nadja’s Ascension and Ambitions
Nadja’s role on the Vampiric Council, while initially promising, proved to be a constant battle against bureaucratic ineptitude and the inherent absurdity of immortal governance. Her decision to leave for London to lead a new, all-female council is a logical extension of her character’s ambition and desire for a more progressive (and likely less frustrating) leadership position.
Laszlo’s Unexpected Selflessness
Perhaps the most significant surprise of the finale is Laszlo’s decision to remain in Staten Island. Initially, it seems his motivation is simply to maintain the status quo. However, the revelation that he knew of Colin Robinson’s impending death – and, more importantly, his subsequent rebirth as a baby – casts him in a completely new light. He sacrifices his own potential adventures to care for the infantile Colin Robinson, showcasing a depth of empathy and responsibility rarely seen in the character.
Guillermo’s Secret Voyage
Guillermo’s arc throughout the season reaches its apex in this finale. His quiet competence and unwavering loyalty have always been his defining traits, but his actions in protecting the vampires, especially Nandor, are consistently underestimated. He books a flight to London with Nandor, believing he will finally be turned into a vampire, only to have Laszlo secretly send him with Nadja on the ship as her bodyguard. The episode ends with Guillermo’s face a mask of surprise and possible horror, as he begins his unplanned journey across the Atlantic.
FAQs: Unraveling the Shadows
To fully understand the implications and nuances of What We Do in the Shadows Season 3’s finale, consider these frequently asked questions:
1. Why did Nandor leave Staten Island?
Nandor’s decision to leave stems from a deep-seated dissatisfaction with his life and a yearning for something more. He feels unfulfilled by his immortality and struggles to find meaning or connection. His failed attempts at finding a wife exacerbate this feeling, leading him to seek a new purpose through travel and self-discovery. This decision also serves as a perfect setup for future storylines, opening up potential for guest appearances and unexpected encounters.
2. What is the significance of Nadja becoming the head of the Vampiric Council in London?
Nadja’s ascension represents a significant power shift within the vampire world. By establishing an all-female council, she aims to challenge the patriarchal structures and archaic traditions that have long plagued vampire society. This could lead to progressive changes and new perspectives within the supernatural realm.
3. Why did Laszlo stay behind?
Laszlo’s decision to remain in Staten Island is initially presented as a simple act of maintaining order, but it is ultimately revealed to be an act of profound selflessness. He discovered that Colin Robinson was dying and that his energy vampire essence would result in rebirth as a baby, and he chose to stay to care for the infant Colin Robinson, preventing him from being exploited or harmed. This demonstrates a surprising depth of character and a level of empathy rarely associated with Laszlo.
4. What does Colin Robinson’s rebirth mean for the show?
Colin Robinson’s rebirth opens up a wealth of comedic and narrative possibilities. The dynamic between the adult vampires and a baby Colin Robinson will undoubtedly be a source of humor and heartwarming moments. It also allows the show to explore the origin and nature of energy vampires in more depth. The mystery surrounding Colin Robinson’s species continues to be one of the show’s strongest points.
5. Why didn’t Guillermo become a vampire in Season 3?
Guillermo’s transformation into a vampire was consistently delayed throughout the season, primarily due to Nandor’s own selfishness and indecisiveness. Despite Guillermo’s unwavering loyalty and repeated requests, Nandor never truly committed to the process. This ultimately leads to Guillermo’s frustration and, perhaps, a growing resentment towards his master. The irony, of course, is that Guillermo is secretly the most powerful vampire hunter in the world.
6. What is the meaning of Guillermo’s secret trip to London with Nandor?
While Guillermo believes he is finally being taken to London to be turned into a vampire, his trip is actually orchestrated by Laszlo, who arranges for him to be Nadja’s bodyguard on her journey. This highlights Guillermo’s underappreciated value and Laszlo’s quiet respect for him. It also sets up a potentially exciting adventure for Guillermo, forcing him to confront his vampire-hunting instincts in a new and unfamiliar setting.
7. How does Season 3 impact the overall dynamic of the vampire household?
Season 3 drastically alters the established dynamic of the vampire household. With Nandor and Nadja embarking on separate journeys, and Laszlo assuming the unexpected role of caregiver, the group is fragmented and forced to adapt to new circumstances. This creates opportunities for character growth, new alliances, and a fresh perspective on the core themes of the show.
8. Will Nandor and Nadja return to Staten Island in future seasons?
While their departures set them on independent paths, it’s highly likely that Nandor and Nadja will eventually return to Staten Island. The show thrives on the interactions and absurdities of the central characters, and their absence would undoubtedly be felt. Their return, however, will likely be marked by significant changes and a renewed perspective on their relationships.
9. What are the implications of Guillermo being sent as Nadja’s bodyguard?
Sending Guillermo as Nadja’s bodyguard is a strategic move by Laszlo that has several implications. First, it protects Nadja from potential threats on her journey. Second, it provides Guillermo with an opportunity to hone his vampire-hunting skills in a different context. Third, it creates a dynamic between Nadja and Guillermo that could lead to unexpected alliances and further development of Guillermo’s character.
10. What can we expect from Laszlo as a caregiver for baby Colin Robinson?
Laszlo’s transformation into a caregiver for baby Colin Robinson is arguably the most intriguing development of the finale. Expect plenty of darkly comedic moments as Laszlo grapples with the challenges of parenthood, while also attempting to understand and nurture the unique energy vampire essence within the infant Colin Robinson. This dynamic promises a blend of humor, heart, and potentially philosophical exploration of identity and existence.
11. How will the vampires communicate while scattered across the globe?
While the logistics of communication across continents remain to be seen, expect the show to utilize creative and comedic means to maintain contact between the vampires. Potentially, this will be something like, summoning rituals, magically enchanted letters, or even (perhaps unwillingly) using Guillermo as a messenger in order to communicate between countries.
12. Is there potential for a new vampire household to emerge in Staten Island?
With the core members of the vampire household scattered, there is a possibility that new vampires could move in and establish a new dynamic in Staten Island. This could introduce fresh perspectives, new conflicts, and further expand the What We Do in the Shadows universe. However, the enduring appeal of the show lies in the established characters, so any new additions would need to be carefully integrated into the existing framework.
A New Dawn for the Undead
The Season 3 finale of What We Do in the Shadows isn’t just an ending; it’s a bold new beginning. The dismantling of the established dynamics opens the door for a myriad of narrative possibilities, promising a future filled with even more absurdity, humor, and surprisingly touching moments. The show has successfully reinvented itself, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what bloody brilliant surprises await in the shadows. The departure of some characters allows us to be introduced to more and to dive deeper into the world created.