“Werewolves are the natural enemies of vampires. Like, they’re our adversaries.” In Season 1 Episode 3 of “What We Do in the Shadows,” entitled “Werewolves,” this statement from Nandor the Relentless encapsulates the episode’s central conflict: the delicate (and hilariously incompetent) truce between the Staten Island vampires and a pack of local werewolves is threatened, forcing the vampires to confront their own prejudice and, ultimately, the terrifying prospect of becoming… managers at a chain restaurant.
The Fragile Peace: A Truce Under Threat
The episode hangs on the threadbare agreement established years ago between the vampires – Nandor, Nadja, Laszlo, and their familiar, Guillermo – and the neighborhood werewolf gang, led by the surprisingly reasonable Anton (Rhys Darby). This truce, designed to prevent bloodshed and maintain a semblance of order in the supernatural underbelly of Staten Island, is thrown into disarray when Guillermo, in a moment of misguided loyalty and self-preservation, accidentally kills one of the werewolves.
The consequences are immediate. Anton demands recompense and threatens to break the truce, leading to a series of increasingly farcical attempts by the vampires to appease him. This involves a hilariously awkward dinner party, a misguided attempt at apology gifts (including a “virgin” – read: a highly uncomfortable Guillermo), and ultimately, a full-blown, slobbery werewolf rampage through the vampire mansion. The core humor stems from the vampires’ out-of-touch perspective on modern etiquette and their utter inability to grasp the nuances of diplomacy. They view werewolves with a mixture of fear and disdain, perpetuating stereotypes and refusing to truly understand their adversaries. This prejudice, coupled with Guillermo’s accidental transgression, sets the stage for the chaos that ensues.
The Werewolf Agenda: More Than Just Hairy Rage
Beyond the obvious comedic clashes, “Werewolves” also subtly explores the theme of societal prejudice. The vampires’ dismissive attitude towards the werewolves mirrors real-world biases, highlighting the dangers of making assumptions based on superficial differences. Anton, despite his outward gruffness, displays a surprising level of maturity and a genuine desire to maintain peace. He represents a more nuanced and relatable portrayal of werewolves than the mindless beasts often depicted in popular culture.
Furthermore, the episode cleverly subverts expectations. While the vampires anticipate a bloodbath, the werewolves’ primary motivation is, in fact, far more pedestrian: they want respect and recognition. They feel overlooked and undervalued, a sentiment that resonates with the marginalized and misunderstood. This underlying theme adds a layer of depth to the comedic narrative, making it more than just a series of slapstick gags.
Transformation and the Fear of the Mundane
The episode’s B-plot introduces a particularly unsettling threat: the local chain restaurant, Buffalo Wild Wings, begins recruiting new employees. Both Nandor and Laszlo are plagued by the terrifying thought of becoming managers due to an ancient curse that threatens to turn them into middle management drones if they consume too many Buffalo Wild Wings. This bizarre curse, while absurd, represents a fear of the mundane and the loss of individuality. For the immortal vampires, trapped in a cyclical existence, the prospect of becoming corporate cogs is far more terrifying than any werewolf attack.
The Curse of Buffalo Wild Wings: A Metaphor for Modern Existence
The “Buffalo Wild Wings curse” is a brilliant satirical commentary on the soul-crushing nature of corporate culture. The vampires, who pride themselves on their individuality and their perceived superiority, are horrified by the thought of conforming to the rigid rules and expectations of a chain restaurant. This fear of homogenization speaks to a broader cultural anxiety about the erosion of individuality in the face of corporate dominance. The episode uses humor to highlight the absurdity of modern working life, where employees are often reduced to interchangeable components in a larger machine.
FAQs: Unveiling the Shadows Further
Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the intricacies of “What We Do in the Shadows” Season 1 Episode 3:
1. How did the vampires and werewolves initially establish their truce?
The truce was established generations ago through a series of informal agreements aimed at minimizing territorial disputes and preventing unnecessary bloodshed. The exact details are vague, but it primarily involved respecting each other’s hunting grounds and avoiding direct confrontation.
2. Why is Guillermo so eager to please the vampires?
Guillermo is driven by a deep-seated desire to become a vampire himself. He believes that by proving his loyalty and dedication, he will eventually be rewarded with immortality. This hope, however, is constantly undermined by the vampires’ callous disregard for his feelings and their broken promises of transformation.
3. What is the significance of the werewolves’ “curse”?
The werewolves’ “curse” refers to their monthly transformation into wolf-like creatures under the full moon. This transformation is often portrayed as uncontrollable and violent, but in “What We Do in the Shadows,” it is depicted with a more nuanced and often comedic tone.
4. What are some examples of the vampires’ outdated perspectives in the episode?
The vampires’ outdated perspectives are evident in their interactions with the werewolves. They offer gifts that are culturally inappropriate or insulting, misunderstand modern etiquette, and cling to antiquated stereotypes about werewolves. For example, their gift of a “virgin” to appease the werewolves.
5. What is the “Buffalo Wild Wings curse,” and where did it originate?
The origin is never explicitly stated, but it is implied to be an ancient curse linked to consuming too much Buffalo Wild Wings. It transforms vampires into docile, corporate-minded managers, losing their inherent vampire qualities. This curse is more likely a manifestation of Laszlo and Nandor’s fears and anxieties around the perceived banality of modern life.
6. How does the episode use humor to address serious themes?
The episode uses humor to satirize societal prejudices, corporate culture, and the fear of the mundane. By presenting these themes in a comedic context, the show makes them more accessible and engaging for the audience.
7. What is Anton’s role in maintaining peace between the vampires and werewolves?
Anton, as the leader of the werewolf pack, plays a crucial role in maintaining peace. He is often the voice of reason, mediating disputes and attempting to bridge the gap between the vampires and the werewolves.
8. How does the episode portray the relationship between Nandor and Guillermo?
The relationship between Nandor and Guillermo is complex and often exploitative. Nandor relies heavily on Guillermo for everything, but rarely acknowledges his contributions or shows him genuine appreciation. Guillermo remains loyal despite this treatment, driven by his unwavering hope of becoming a vampire.
9. What is the significance of the werewolves’ love for the movie “American Werewolf in London”?
Their fondness for “American Werewolf in London” highlights their self-awareness and sense of humor. They are aware of how they are portrayed in popular culture and find amusement in the exaggerated depictions of their kind.
10. Does the episode offer any resolution to the conflict between the vampires and werewolves?
The episode ends with a tentative reconciliation between the vampires and werewolves. They agree to uphold the truce, but it is clear that the underlying tensions remain. The threat of future conflict is always present.
11. What are some of the funniest moments in the “Werewolves” episode?
Some of the funniest moments include the vampires’ awkward dinner party with the werewolves, their attempts to apologize for Guillermo’s actions, and the werewolf rampage through the vampire mansion. The running gag of Nandor trying to shout down Guillermo is a constant source of humor.
12. How does “What We Do in the Shadows” subvert vampire and werewolf tropes?
“What We Do in the Shadows” subverts vampire and werewolf tropes by portraying them as flawed, relatable, and often incompetent individuals. The show focuses on the mundane aspects of their existence, highlighting their everyday struggles and insecurities. They’re not the glamorous figures of legend but rather bumbling roommates trying to navigate the modern world.