“What We Do in the Shadows” episode one immediately establishes that even immortal bloodsuckers are susceptible to the mundane absurdities of everyday life, particularly when stuck in a Staten Island house share. The episode’s genius lies in exposing the stark contrast between vampire mythology and the hilariously relatable struggles of roommates attempting to navigate the 21st century.
The Opening Act: A Mockumentary Masterclass
The FX series “What We Do in the Shadows,” based on the cult-classic film of the same name, cleverly adopts a mockumentary format. This allows the audience intimate access to the lives of Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry), and the perpetually put-upon energy vampire, Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch). Episode one, titled simply “Pilot,” introduces the core cast and their dysfunctional dynamic as they prepare for the arrival of the Baron Afanas (Doug Jones), an ancient vampire ruler making a long-overdue visit from the Old Country.
The episode thrives on the juxtaposition of the supernatural and the banal. We see vampires grappling with modern technology, forgotten responsibilities (like feeding their familiar, Guillermo), and interpersonal conflicts that are remarkably familiar to anyone who has ever shared a living space. Laszlo’s artistic endeavors (made from… interesting materials), Nandor’s relentless attempts at domination, and Nadja’s lust for human pleasures all contribute to a comedic tapestry woven with threads of dark humor and genuine affection. The impending arrival of the Baron acts as a catalyst, forcing the vampires to confront their failings and, in classic sitcom fashion, work (or at least attempt to work) together to avoid disappointing their ancient leader.
Unveiling the Humor: Key Themes and Tropes
The humor in “What We Do in the Shadows” stems from several key areas:
- Subverting Vampire Tropes: The show constantly plays with and subverts established vampire lore. These aren’t brooding, romantic figures. They are clumsy, incompetent, and often utterly clueless about the modern world. Their attempts at being menacing are frequently undercut by their own ineptitude, leading to hilarious results.
- The Mockumentary Format: The interview style provides a layer of self-awareness. The characters often address the camera directly, offering deadpan commentary on their own actions and the situations around them. This allows the audience to feel like they are “in on the joke.”
- Character-Driven Comedy: The strength of the show lies in its well-developed and eccentric characters. Each vampire possesses a distinct personality and set of quirks that contribute to the overall comedic dynamic. Their interactions and conflicts are both hilarious and surprisingly endearing.
FAQ: Decoding the Shadows
FAQ 1: Who is Nandor the Relentless, and what is his backstory?
Nandor the Relentless is a fearsome, yet surprisingly sensitive, warrior from the Ottoman Empire. He was a ruthless conqueror in his day, but now he struggles with even the simplest of modern tasks, like figuring out how to use a microwave. He harbors deep insecurities and craves respect, often resorting to shouting and demanding loyalty from his familiar, Guillermo. His backstory highlights the absurdity of immortal beings stuck in a world they no longer understand.
FAQ 2: What is Nadja’s relationship with Laszlo, and what is the significance of their shared past?
Nadja and Laszlo are husband and wife, having been together for centuries. Their relationship is characterized by a mixture of passionate love, casual disdain, and a shared enjoyment of the darker side of life. Their long history together allows for a rich tapestry of inside jokes and recurring gags, adding depth to their individual characters and the overall comedic dynamic. Their enduring, albeit eccentric, love story is a surprising heart within the show’s comedic core.
FAQ 3: How does Colin Robinson, the energy vampire, differ from the other vampires?
Colin Robinson is a unique type of vampire who feeds on people’s energy by boring them to death. He is the antithesis of the traditionally romanticized vampire, possessing no supernatural powers beyond his ability to drain life force through mundane conversations. He is often overlooked and underestimated by the other vampires, making him a source of dark and understated humor. Colin’s existence serves as a brilliant commentary on the drain of modern life.
FAQ 4: What is Guillermo’s role in the household, and why does he stay with Nandor?
Guillermo is Nandor’s long-suffering familiar, tasked with cleaning, cooking, and performing all the other menial tasks that the vampires are incapable of doing themselves. He harbors a secret desire to become a vampire himself, hoping that Nandor will eventually grant him immortality. He endures Nandor’s demanding personality and frequent disappointments out of a combination of loyalty and a desperate hope for transformation. Guillermo’s unrequited desire for vampirism drives much of the show’s plot.
FAQ 5: Who is the Baron Afanas, and why is his visit so important?
The Baron Afanas is an ancient and powerful vampire who rules over the vampires in the Old Country. His visit is significant because he represents the traditional vampire ideals that the Staten Island vampires have failed to uphold. He is expecting them to conquer the New World, a task they have been woefully neglecting. The Baron’s arrival forces the vampires to confront their own failures and shortcomings.
FAQ 6: What are some examples of the show’s use of visual humor in the first episode?
The first episode is filled with visual gags, including Laszlo’s obscene topiary sculptures, Nandor’s struggle with technology, and the vampires’ awkward attempts to fly. The use of special effects is often deliberately cheap and cheesy, adding to the show’s overall comedic tone. The intentional low-budget aesthetic contributes significantly to the show’s charm.
FAQ 7: How does the show satirize modern society and its problems?
“What We Do in the Shadows” satirizes modern society through the lens of its antiquated vampires. Their struggles with technology, their inability to adapt to changing social norms, and their attempts to impose their outdated values on the modern world all provide opportunities for social commentary. The show also touches on themes of loneliness, isolation, and the challenges of finding purpose in a rapidly changing world. The vampires’ struggles are surprisingly relatable to the human experience.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of Staten Island as the setting for the show?
Staten Island is the perfect setting for “What We Do in the Shadows” because it is a somewhat overlooked and often mocked borough of New York City. This mirrors the vampires’ own sense of being forgotten and irrelevant. The mundane and unglamorous setting further enhances the show’s comedic tone. Staten Island’s reputation as the “forgotten borough” perfectly complements the vampires’ own sense of insignificance.
FAQ 9: How does the show balance its comedic elements with its horror elements?
The show masterfully blends comedy and horror by undercutting the traditional tropes of the horror genre. The vampires are genuinely dangerous creatures, but their incompetence and comedic flaws prevent them from being truly terrifying. The show also uses gore and violence in a playful and exaggerated way, often to comedic effect. The humor effectively diffuses the horror, creating a unique and entertaining experience.
FAQ 10: What are some of the recurring jokes or gags that are introduced in the first episode?
Several recurring jokes are introduced in the first episode, including Nandor’s constant shouting, Laszlo’s obsession with sex, Nadja’s past lovers, Colin Robinson’s ability to drain energy, and Guillermo’s unfulfilled desire to become a vampire. These gags are revisited throughout the series, providing a consistent source of humor for viewers. The established running gags become familiar touchstones throughout the series.
FAQ 11: What are some of the challenges the vampires face in adapting to the modern world?
The vampires face numerous challenges in adapting to the modern world, including understanding technology, navigating social customs, and dealing with mundane tasks like paying bills. Their outdated values and beliefs often clash with modern sensibilities, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and conflicts. Their struggle to adapt highlights the absurdity of immortal beings trying to survive in a world they no longer understand.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch “What We Do in the Shadows” episode one, and what should I expect from the rest of the series?
“What We Do in the Shadows” is available on various streaming platforms, including Hulu and FXNow. Episode one sets the stage for a consistently hilarious and engaging series that continues to explore the lives of the Staten Island vampires. Viewers can expect more absurd situations, outlandish characters, and sharp social commentary, all delivered with a healthy dose of dark humor and genuine affection. Prepare for a long-term love affair with the hilariously inept vampires of Staten Island.