“Brain Scramblies,” arguably the comedic high point of What We Do in the Shadows Season 2, reveals the devastating (and hilarious) consequences of Nandor’s insatiable desire for hypnosis and its disastrous application on Guillermo. It’s an episode about power dynamics, accidental mind control, and the surprisingly poignant vulnerabilities hidden beneath layers of ancient vampire bravado.
The Unforeseen Chaos of Suggestion
Nandor’s obsession with hypnosis stems from a desire to exert control, a common trope for a vampire of his age and supposed authority. However, as usual, his implementation falls far short of his ambition. The primary conflict arises when Nandor attempts to hypnotize Guillermo into performing tasks, leading to a cascade of absurd scenarios where Guillermo not only obeys simple commands, but also develops an uncontrollable urge to act out Nandor’s suppressed desires. This is far more than just a simple case of post-hypnotic suggestion gone awry; it becomes a darkly comedic exploration of repressed urges and the blurred lines of master-servant relationships.
The episode’s genius lies in its exploration of the unintended consequences of wielding power, even seemingly innocuous power like the ability to hypnotize. It highlights the fact that even immortals are susceptible to the complexities of human (or familiar) psychology, and that control is often an illusion, easily shattered by unexpected variables. Guillermo, often relegated to the role of subservient familiar, becomes the catalyst for revealing the absurdity inherent in the vampires’ self-importance. His hypnotically-induced antics, mirroring Nandor’s subconscious desires, forces the audience (and the vampires themselves) to confront the underlying insecurities and bizarre tendencies that they typically keep hidden.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 What exactly is “Brain Scramblies” referencing?
The term “Brain Scramblies” is likely a playful invention of the writers, evocative of the confused and chaotic state of Guillermo’s mind after repeated hypnotic suggestions. It suggests a mental state where thoughts and impulses are scrambled and jumbled, leading to unpredictable and often hilarious behavior. It’s a suitably absurd term for an episode filled with absurd scenarios.
H3 Why is Nandor so obsessed with hypnosis in this episode?
Nandor’s obsession with hypnosis is a manifestation of his desire for control. As a 700-year-old warrior, he struggles to maintain his sense of authority in a modern world that largely ignores his vampire identity. Hypnosis, in his mind, represents a tool to assert dominance and enforce his will. He sees it as a way to streamline his life and make Guillermo even more compliant.
H3 What are the specific tasks Nandor tries to hypnotize Guillermo into doing?
Initially, Nandor attempts to hypnotize Guillermo into performing mundane tasks like cleaning the house and making him tea. However, he quickly moves on to more ambitious goals, such as compelling Guillermo to train as a warrior or to find him a wife. This escalating absurdity highlights Nandor’s increasingly unrealistic expectations.
H3 What are some of the bizarre behaviors Guillermo exhibits under hypnosis?
Guillermo’s hypnotically-induced actions range from the amusing to the downright bizarre. He starts speaking in a faux-Hungarian accent, compulsively knitting (a possible reflection of Nandor’s secret desire for a domestic hobby), and even attempting to engage in romantic gestures towards the housemates. These actions reveal a comedic disconnect between Nandor’s intended commands and Guillermo’s subconscious interpretation.
H3 How do the other vampires react to Guillermo’s strange behavior?
The other vampires are, initially, more amused than concerned by Guillermo’s behavior. They find his antics entertaining and see them as further evidence of Nandor’s incompetence. However, as Guillermo’s actions become more disruptive, they begin to question Nandor’s methods and express concern about the potential consequences.
H3 Does Guillermo ever realize he’s been hypnotized?
Guillermo seems to have moments of awareness that something is amiss, but he doesn’t fully grasp the extent of Nandor’s influence. He experiences periods of confusion and disorientation, hinting at the mental strain he’s under. He ultimately relies on Nadja to identify and reverse the hypnotic suggestions.
H3 What role does Nadja play in resolving the situation?
Nadja, ever the pragmatist, recognizes the severity of the situation and takes it upon herself to undo Nandor’s hypnotic manipulations. Her intervention highlights her superior understanding of magic and her willingness to take control when Nandor’s actions become detrimental to the household. She uses her own (potentially questionable) knowledge of hypnosis to attempt to reverse the effects.
H3 Does Nandor learn anything from this experience?
While Nandor is initially resistant to acknowledging his mistakes, the episode subtly suggests that he gains a greater appreciation for Guillermo’s value. He witnesses the chaos that ensues when Guillermo is not acting as his reliable familiar, and he is forced to confront the limitations of his own abilities.
H3 How does this episode contribute to the overall themes of What We Do in the Shadows?
“Brain Scramblies” reinforces several recurring themes in What We Do in the Shadows, including the absurdity of immortality, the clash between ancient traditions and modern society, and the inherent limitations of power. It also explores the complexities of master-servant relationships and the often-unacknowledged dependency that exists between them.
H3 What are some of the comedic highlights of the episode?
The comedic highlights are numerous, ranging from Guillermo’s absurd impersonations of Nandor to the vampires’ reactions to his bizarre behavior. The scene where Guillermo attempts to serenade Laszlo with a poorly-played violin is particularly memorable, as is his attempt to engage in a wrestling match with Colin Robinson. The visual gags and witty dialogue contribute to the episode’s overall comedic success.
H3 Is hypnosis a recurring theme in What We Do in the Shadows?
While hypnosis is not a central theme throughout the series, it occasionally appears as a plot device or comedic element. The show often uses it to highlight the vampires’ attempts to exert control over humans and to explore the potential for unintended consequences.
H3 How does “Brain Scramblies” compare to other episodes in Season 2?
“Brain Scramblies” is often considered one of the strongest episodes of Season 2 due to its clever writing, strong performances, and effective use of physical comedy. It strikes a perfect balance between absurdity and character development, making it a memorable and highly entertaining installment in the series. It stands out for its focus on Guillermo and Nandor’s relationship, pushing their dynamic to a hilarious extreme. The episode’s exploration of power dynamics and the unforeseen consequences of even simple magic firmly cements its place as a fan favorite.