Season 1, Episode 9 of What We Do in the Shadows, titled “The Trial,” centers on the fallout from Baron Afanas’s accidental demise, forcing Nadja, Laszlo, and Nandor to confront the consequences of their negligence and the wrath of the Vampire Council. This episode masterfully blends the show’s signature humor with unexpected emotional depth as the vampires grapple with guilt, bureaucratic absurdity, and the threat of severe punishment from their ancient superiors.
The Heart of the Matter: Who is Held Accountable for the Baron’s Death?
Ultimately, while all three core vampires (Nadja, Laszlo, and Nandor) share the blame for the Baron’s demise, it’s Nandor who bears the brunt of the Vampire Council’s scrutiny and punishment. This is largely due to his perceived leadership role within the group, as well as his boasts of being a fearsome warrior from a bygone era. Though the Council acknowledges the collective incompetence, Nandor is ultimately held responsible for failing to adequately protect the Baron, leading to significant consequences.
Diving Deeper: Key Elements of “The Trial”
The Vampire Council’s Imposing Presence
The episode shines a spotlight on the Vampire Council, a collection of hilariously anachronistic and self-important vampires. Their appearances, from Tilda Swinton to Paul Reubens, add a layer of celebrity cameo absurdity that’s perfectly aligned with the show’s comedic sensibilities. Beyond the star power, the Council serves as a source of conflict and reveals the hierarchical structure within the vampire world, highlighting the ancient and often ridiculous rules governing their existence.
Guillermo’s Unexpected Loyalty
Guillermo, ever the devoted familiar, displays an unexpected level of loyalty and protectiveness toward Nandor. He not only attempts to shield Nandor from the worst of the Council’s ire but also genuinely worries about his master’s well-being. This episode subtly underscores the complex and often codependent relationship between vampire and familiar, highlighting Guillermo’s unrequited desires and his internal conflict between servitude and longing for something more.
The Absurdity of Vampire Bureaucracy
“The Trial” expertly satirizes bureaucratic processes. The Vampire Council operates with its own bizarre set of rules and regulations, creating a comical juxtaposition between their ancient power and the mundane nature of their proceedings. The formal attire, the outdated language, and the meticulous record-keeping all contribute to the episode’s comedic success, showcasing the inherent silliness of applying rigid structures to immortal beings.
Nadja and Laszlo’s Dynamic
The episode allows Nadja and Laszlo’s playful and often irreverent dynamic to shine. They offer biting commentary on the proceedings and provide a comedic counterpoint to Nandor’s more serious (and ultimately futile) attempts to defend himself. Their shared history and undeniable chemistry offer moments of levity even amidst the tense atmosphere of the trial.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of “The Trial”
FAQ 1: What specific charges did the Vampire Council bring against the Staten Island vampires?
The primary charge was failure to protect the Baron Afanas, a highly respected and influential member of the vampire community. The Council also cited general incompetence and disregard for vampire customs as contributing factors to the Baron’s unfortunate demise.
FAQ 2: Why was Nandor singled out for punishment?
Nandor was singled out primarily because he held the unofficial title of “leader” of the Staten Island vampires. His boasts of past glories and warrior skills made him an easy target for the Council, who deemed him responsible for ensuring the Baron’s safety during his visit.
FAQ 3: What exactly happened to Baron Afanas?
The Baron, after being promised a world controlled by vampires, ventured outside during the daytime, believing the sun would no longer harm him thanks to a promise from the vampires. He then exploded due to exposure to sunlight. The vampires failed to inform him of the dangers of sunlight, leading to his gruesome, yet accidental, death.
FAQ 4: What punishments did the Vampire Council consider?
The Vampire Council initially considered several severe punishments, including “permanent death” (being staked through the heart), imprisonment, and eternal servitude. They ultimately opted for a less drastic but still humiliating penalty.
FAQ 5: What was the final punishment levied against Nandor?
Nandor was sentenced to two hundred years of community service, involving cleaning the Vampire Council’s chambers and performing other menial tasks. This punishment was designed to humble him and serve as a deterrent to future acts of incompetence.
FAQ 6: What roles did the celebrity vampires play in the trial?
The celebrity vampires served as members of the Vampire Council, lending their gravitas and comedic timing to the proceedings. Tilda Swinton, Evan Rachel Wood, Danny Trejo, Paul Reubens, and Wesley Snipes (via video call) all played themselves, adding a meta-narrative layer to the episode.
FAQ 7: How did Guillermo attempt to help Nandor?
Guillermo tried to defend Nandor’s honor and argue for leniency. He also tried to downplay the vampires’ incompetence and portray their actions in a more favorable light, although his efforts were largely unsuccessful.
FAQ 8: Did the Vampire Council know the Baron had been reincarnated as a baby?
No, the Vampire Council was unaware of the Baron’s reincarnation. This crucial detail was kept secret by the Staten Island vampires, fearing further repercussions.
FAQ 9: What were some of the ridiculous Vampire Council rules mentioned in the episode?
The episode highlights the absurdity of vampire bureaucracy, with rules concerning proper coffin etiquette, the correct way to consume blood, and the importance of maintaining a respectful demeanor during Council meetings. These rules emphasize the anachronistic nature of the vampire society.
FAQ 10: How does this episode advance Guillermo’s character arc?
“The Trial” deepens Guillermo’s character by highlighting his unwavering loyalty and hidden capabilities. His willingness to defend Nandor, despite the risks, demonstrates his deep affection and raises questions about his future aspirations. It also sets the stage for his eventual discovery of his Van Helsing heritage.
FAQ 11: How does “The Trial” impact the dynamics between the Staten Island vampires?
The episode exposes the underlying tensions and insecurities within the group. The blame game and Nandor’s ultimate punishment force the vampires to confront their individual flaws and the consequences of their collective actions, leading to a temporary shift in their dynamic.
FAQ 12: What are the long-term implications of the Baron’s death (and reincarnation) on the series?
The Baron’s death, and his subsequent reincarnation, becomes a recurring comedic thread throughout the series. His infantile state creates numerous opportunities for humorous situations and forces the vampires to navigate the complexities of raising a centuries-old vampire in a modern world, ensuring that the consequences of this episode ripple through subsequent seasons. The constant threat of discovery also hangs over their heads.