Season 2 Episode 1 of “What We Do in the Shadows” triumphantly answers the question of whether the show can sustain its comedic brilliance: it absolutely can. The episode, “Resurrection,” plunges us back into the hilariously mundane lives of our Staten Island vampires, seamlessly blending the supernatural with the utterly ordinary, proving that even immortal beings struggle with bureaucracy, forgotten emails, and the peculiar demands of a necromancer.
Back from the Brink: The Necromancer and Resurrection
The core narrative revolves around Nandor’s deep-seated loneliness and his desperate, ultimately disastrous, attempt to resurrect his deceased wife, Muriel, through the dubious services of a local necromancer. This plotline allows for a delightful exploration of Nandor’s vulnerability, juxtaposed with his usual bombastic pronouncements. The resurrection itself is a masterclass in comedic horror, perfectly capturing the show’s signature blend of absurdity and genuine creepiness. The introduction of the necromancer, played with gleeful ineptitude, adds another layer of eccentric charm to the show’s already vibrant cast of characters.
Nandor’s Eternal Quest for Companionship
Nandor’s desire for companionship is a recurring theme in the series, and “Resurrection” underscores this. He is a fearsome warrior, but also a lonely soul, yearning for connection in a world that struggles to understand his antiquated customs and peculiar tastes. The failure of the resurrection highlights the inherent limitations of his power and the often-disappointing realities of even the most ambitious plans. This vulnerability makes Nandor all the more relatable, despite his centuries of accumulated experience and vampiric nature.
Guillermo’s Quiet Competence
Meanwhile, Guillermo continues to demonstrate his unwavering loyalty and surprising competence as Nandor’s familiar. He is the unsung hero of the household, managing the vampires’ often-chaotic lives with a quiet efficiency that belies his own secret aspirations. The episode subtly hints at his growing frustration with his subservient role, suggesting that a reckoning is on the horizon. Guillermo’s character arc is one of the most compelling aspects of the show, and “Resurrection” provides further fuel for speculation about his future.
The Council and The Guide: A Hilarious Bureaucracy
The episode also features the return of the Vampiric Council, this time focusing on the bureaucratic nightmare of dealing with emails and forgotten passwords. This scene perfectly encapsulates the show’s ability to find humor in the mundane, even within the context of an ancient and powerful governing body. The Guide’s exasperated attempts to navigate modern technology provide some of the episode’s most laugh-out-loud moments.
Email Etiquette for the Undead
The Council’s struggle with email illustrates the inherent clash between the old and the new, a recurring theme in the series. Vampires, steeped in tradition and accustomed to commanding obedience, find themselves utterly bewildered by the complexities of modern communication. This comedic juxtaposition is a constant source of delight, highlighting the absurdity of trying to apply ancient customs to contemporary problems.
The Guide’s Long-Suffering Patience
The Guide, as the Council’s designated tech support, embodies the show’s understated wit. Her dry humor and deadpan delivery perfectly complement the vampires’ flamboyant personalities, creating a dynamic that is both hilarious and endearing. She is the voice of reason in a world of unreason, providing a much-needed dose of sanity amidst the chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Resurrection”
Q1: Why does Nandor want to resurrect Muriel specifically?
Nandor explains he had multiple wives, but Muriel was special. While the episode doesn’t delve into why Muriel was chosen, the implication is that she provided him with some form of comfort or companionship that the others didn’t. It’s driven by loneliness and a misguided attempt to recreate a past connection.
Q2: How powerful is the Necromancer, really?
While the Necromancer is presented as competent, “Resurrection” leans heavily into his ineptitude. He’s more of a used car salesman of the undead, overselling his abilities and delivering underwhelming results. His powers seem limited and unreliable. He’s more of a charlatan than a genuine sorcerer.
Q3: What exactly went wrong with Muriel’s resurrection?
The Necromancer’s instructions weren’t followed precisely. The episode implies Nandor’s meddling and potential impatience led to the incomplete resurrection. The revived Muriel is essentially a brainless zombie, craving blood and displaying no recollection of her past life.
Q4: Is there any significance to the fact that Muriel is resurrected as a zombie and not a vampire?
Yes, it highlights the limitations of the necromantic process compared to the process of becoming a vampire. Resurrection brings back the body, but not necessarily the soul or the original state of being. Becoming a vampire is a distinct transformation with its own set of rules and requirements.
Q5: What does Guillermo’s reaction to the resurrected Muriel suggest about his future?
Guillermo’s disgust and competence in dealing with the zombie Muriel reinforce his growing frustration with his role as a familiar. He sees the futility of Nandor’s actions and the absurdity of their lifestyle. This suggests he’s increasingly ready to break free and pursue his own destiny, whatever that may be. Perhaps becoming a vampire hunter!
Q6: Why does the Vampiric Council struggle so much with technology?
The Council’s age and inherent disconnect from the modern world are the primary reasons. They are accustomed to relying on ancient methods and are resistant to change. The email scene serves as a satirical commentary on the difficulties of adapting to new technologies, even for those in positions of power.
Q7: What is the significance of the Vampiric Council’s appearance in this episode?
It establishes the broader vampire community and reinforces the idea that even immortal beings are subject to rules and regulations. It also provides a platform for comedic scenarios based on the clash between ancient traditions and modern bureaucracy. It’s a world-building element that enriches the show’s humor.
Q8: How does “Resurrection” set the tone for Season 2?
The episode immediately re-establishes the show’s unique blend of horror and comedy, showcasing the characters’ eccentric personalities and their struggles with everyday life. It sets the stage for further exploration of their relationships, their individual desires, and their place in the modern world.
Q9: What role does Nadja play in this episode?
Nadja, as always, is a source of blunt honesty and cynical observations. She often serves as the voice of reason, albeit a somewhat jaded and sardonic one. While she participates in the chaos, she also provides a critical perspective on the other characters’ actions.
Q10: How does Laszlo contribute to the episode’s humor?
Laszlo’s lewd behavior and flamboyant pronouncements are constant sources of amusement. He embraces his vampiric nature without apology and often provides a counterpoint to Nandor’s more serious demeanor. His eccentricities are essential to the show’s comedic dynamic.
Q11: What are some subtle details that viewers might miss on their first viewing?
Pay attention to the background details, such as the vampires’ bizarre artwork, their antique furniture, and their outdated clothing. These details contribute to the show’s overall atmosphere and provide subtle clues about their history and personalities. Listen carefully to Guillermo’s muttered complaints, as they often foreshadow future plot developments.
Q12: Where can I watch “What We Do in the Shadows” Season 2 Episode 1 and the rest of the series?
“What We Do in the Shadows” is available on various streaming platforms, including Hulu and FX+. Check your local listings for availability.
The Verdict: A Hilariously Bloody Good Time
“Resurrection” is a fantastic start to Season 2, reaffirming “What We Do in the Shadows” as one of the funniest and most inventive comedies on television. The episode masterfully balances its horror and comedic elements, delivering a consistently entertaining and laugh-out-loud experience. The characters remain as endearing and eccentric as ever, and the plotlines are consistently clever and engaging. If you’re a fan of the show, “Resurrection” will not disappoint. If you’re new to the series, this is a perfect episode to jump in and experience the bloody good fun for yourself.