Season 1, Episode 8 of What We Do in the Shadows, titled “The Trial,” fundamentally reveals the precarious power structure within the vampire world and the surprisingly lenient (albeit terrifying) consequences for even the most blatant breaches of the ancient vampire code. This episode proves that even immortal beings are subject to bureaucratic inefficiencies and absurdly outdated traditions, all while pushing the housemates further down a path of reckoning for their accumulating sins.
The Trial: Justice Served (Sort Of)
The central question posed by “The Trial” is: will Nandor, Nadja, and Laszlo face true punishment for their collective accumulation of vampire code violations? The answer, resoundingly, is… kind of. While the episode depicts a genuinely imposing tribunal featuring legendary vampires like Tilda Swinton, Paul Reubens (RIP), and Evan Rachel Wood, the actual outcome is far more comical than catastrophic. The trial exposes the vampires’ many misdeeds, including accidentally killing a new vampire (the infamous “Freddie”), recklessly exposing themselves to humans, and generally behaving in a manner unbecoming of ancient bloodsuckers. Yet, despite the gravity of their offenses, the punishment levied is ultimately lenient: they must kill a certain number of virgins as penance. This relatively light sentence highlights the absurdity of the vampire hierarchy and underscores the show’s comedic genius in blending the terrifying with the mundane.
Building Tension: A Hilarious Path to Judgment
The episode masterfully builds tension through the escalating seriousness of the charges against the housemates. Guillermo’s burgeoning frustration, simmering throughout the season, finally boils over as he attempts to defend his masters, inadvertently revealing even more of their incompetence. This underscores his complex relationship with the vampires; he’s loyal but increasingly aware of their flaws and the dangers they pose to him. The visual gags and witty dialogue, particularly during the presentation of evidence (like the disastrous energy drink commercial), perfectly balance the dark humor with the underlying threat of real consequences. The inclusion of celebrity cameos as members of the vampire council adds another layer of absurdity and elevates the episode’s entertainment value.
The Aftermath: Acceptance and a Looming Threat
While the housemates escape with a seemingly light sentence, the trial has lasting repercussions. They are forced to confront their failures and acknowledge the need, at least superficially, for better behavior. More importantly, the episode concludes with the introduction of the Baron’s ultimatum, demanding that they conquer Staten Island and establish a proper vampire colony. This sets the stage for the rest of the season and introduces a concrete goal that the housemates, in their own inept way, must attempt to achieve. The Baron’s disappointment and increasing impatience create a significant external pressure, forcing them to confront their laziness and disorganization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “The Trial”
H3: Why were the vampires on trial in the first place?
The vampires were on trial because they had accumulated a long list of violations of the vampire code. These included accidentally killing a new vampire (Freddie), failing to properly manage their human familiar, exposing themselves to humans on multiple occasions, and generally embarrassing the vampire community. Their lack of seriousness and their chaotic lifestyle had finally caught up with them.
H3: Who were the celebrity vampires featured in the trial?
The episode featured several notable celebrities as members of the vampire council, including Tilda Swinton (reprising her role from Only Lovers Left Alive), Paul Reubens (as his character, Pee-wee Herman), Evan Rachel Wood, Danny Trejo, and Wesley Snipes (appearing only via video conference due to “daytime constraints”). These cameos added a layer of humor and absurdity to the proceedings.
H3: What evidence was presented against the vampires?
The evidence presented against the vampires included footage of their numerous failures, such as the disastrous energy drink commercial, testimony from victims of their recklessness (like the LARPers), and Guillermo’s increasingly exasperated outbursts revealing their incompetence.
H3: What was Guillermo’s role in the trial?
Guillermo was initially intended to be a silent observer, but he felt compelled to speak up in his masters’ defense. However, his attempts to exonerate them often backfired, inadvertently revealing even more of their misdeeds and contributing to their guilt. His passionate but clumsy defense highlighted his loyalty and his internal conflict.
H3: What was the sentence given to Nandor, Nadja, and Laszlo?
The sentence given to the vampires was to kill a certain number of virgins as penance for their crimes. The exact number was not specified, but it was implied that it was a substantial quantity. This punishment, while seemingly gruesome, was presented in a comedic light, highlighting the absurdity of the vampire world’s legal system.
H3: What is the significance of the Baron’s presence in the episode?
The Baron Afanas, the ancient vampire who lives in the house with Nandor, Nadja, and Laszlo, attends the trial with them. He is deeply disappointed by their behavior and their lack of respect for the vampire code. After the trial, he gives them an ultimatum: conquer Staten Island and establish a thriving vampire colony, or face his wrath.
H3: How does the episode impact Guillermo’s character arc?
“The Trial” marks a turning point in Guillermo’s character arc. His frustration with his masters reaches a boiling point, and he begins to question his loyalty to them. The episode highlights his intelligence and competence, contrasting sharply with the incompetence of the vampires he serves. He subtly begins to assert himself, foreshadowing his eventual path toward greater autonomy.
H3: What does the episode reveal about the vampire world’s power dynamics?
The episode reveals the hierarchical structure of the vampire world, with ancient and powerful vampires wielding considerable authority. However, it also exposes the absurdity and bureaucracy of this system. Even legendary vampires are subject to the rules and regulations, and the process of justice is often illogical and inefficient.
H3: How does the episode use humor to explore themes of responsibility and consequence?
The episode uses dark humor to explore the themes of responsibility and consequence. While the vampires’ actions have serious consequences, the show avoids being preachy or moralizing. Instead, it uses humor to highlight the absurdity of their behavior and the disconnect between their ancient status and their modern incompetence.
H3: What are some of the best comedic moments in “The Trial”?
Some of the best comedic moments include the disastrous energy drink commercial, Guillermo’s increasingly exasperated outbursts during the trial, the awkward video conference with Wesley Snipes, and the casual mention of various celebrities being vampires (e.g., Tom Cruise). The episode is filled with witty dialogue and visual gags that contribute to its overall humor.
H3: What impact does “The Trial” have on the overall plot of season 1?
“The Trial” is a pivotal episode in season 1 because it sets the stage for the rest of the season’s plot. The Baron’s ultimatum provides a clear goal for the housemates to pursue, driving the narrative forward. It also creates internal conflict as the vampires struggle to adapt to the Baron’s expectations and their own inherent laziness.
H3: What is the significance of the episode’s title, “The Trial”?
The title “The Trial” is significant because it directly reflects the episode’s central plot point. The trial serves as a reckoning for the vampires’ misdeeds and forces them to confront the consequences of their actions. However, the title is also ironic, as the trial ultimately reveals the absurdity and ineffectiveness of the vampire world’s legal system. The actual punishment is not nearly severe enough to match the crimes committed.