Season two, episode six of What We Do In The Shadows, titled “On The Run,” sees Nadja and Laszlo’s past catch up to them, forcing them to flee Staten Island and assume the identities of human country singers while Guillermo grapples with the growing realization of his vampire hunting prowess. The episode masterfully uses this absurd premise to explore themes of identity, accountability, and the surprisingly strong familial bonds that tie even the most dysfunctional creatures of the night together.
The Heart of “On The Run”: Fleeing Justice, Finding Humor
At its core, “On The Run” is about escaping the consequences of your actions, even centuries after the fact. Nadja and Laszlo are forced to confront their involvement in a blood feud that dates back to their vampire origins. The Council’s threat is real, and the only escape is a meticulously planned (or, in their case, hilariously haphazard) flight into obscurity. This episode highlights the show’s brilliance in blending the supernatural with the mundane, showcasing how even ancient vampires are susceptible to the same anxieties as regular people—just amplified by centuries of accumulated guilt (and debts).
The humor derives not only from the absurdity of vampires posing as country singers, but also from the characters’ reactions to their circumstances. Nadja and Laszlo’s commitment to their new personas, complete with awful wigs and even worse accents, is consistently funny. Meanwhile, Guillermo’s internal conflict, driven by his loyalty to Nandor and his increasingly powerful vampire-hunting abilities, provides a grounded counterpoint to the vampires’ antics. This duality elevates “On The Run” beyond a simple comedic escape, transforming it into a compelling exploration of character and consequence.
Nadja and Laszlo: From Bloodlust to Backwoods Ballads
Embracing the Country Life (or Trying To)
Nadja and Laszlo’s transformation into Jackie Daytona and Jenna, aspiring country singers, is a masterclass in comedic absurdity. The disguise, while ridiculous, is taken seriously by the vampires, adding to the humor. Their unwavering belief in their newfound talent, despite clear evidence to the contrary, is a testament to their enduring vanity and self-delusion.
The Unraveling of the Ruse
The episode cleverly seeds the eventual unraveling of their disguise. Small slip-ups, like Laszlo’s inability to suppress his vampiric urges, and their general lack of understanding of human behavior, create mounting tension. The arrival of Go-Go, a fellow vampire with a penchant for gossip, signals the imminent end of their charade.
Guillermo: A Familiar Becoming a Force
Unintended Consequences of Protection
Guillermo’s arc in “On The Run” is arguably the most compelling. His unwavering loyalty to Nandor has inadvertently transformed him into a formidable vampire killer. The episode subtly reveals the extent of his powers, hinting at a potential conflict between his dedication to Nandor and his inherent nature as a Van Helsing descendant. The sheer number of vampires he’s unintentionally slain is both horrifying and hilarious.
Grappling with His Destiny
Guillermo’s growing awareness of his abilities creates a palpable tension. He struggles to reconcile his love for Nandor with his innate compulsion to destroy vampires. This internal conflict sets the stage for future episodes, suggesting a potentially transformative shift in his character. Is Guillermo destined to become Nandor’s protector, or his ultimate nemesis?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “On The Run”
Here are some frequently asked questions about “What We Do In The Shadows” season two, episode six:
FAQ 1: Why did Nadja and Laszlo have to go on the run?
Nadja and Laszlo were implicated in a centuries-old feud with a rival vampire clan and were summoned to appear before the Vampire Council to face judgement. Fearing the potential consequences, they decided to flee and assume new identities.
FAQ 2: Who are Jackie Daytona and Jenna, and how did Nadja and Laszlo become them?
Jackie Daytona and Jenna are the human personas Nadja and Laszlo adopt to escape detection by the Vampire Council. They use their vampiric powers of mind control and hypnosis to create these identities and establish themselves (however poorly) in a small town.
FAQ 3: What is the significance of the toothpick in Laszlo’s mouth?
The toothpick is part of Laszlo’s Jackie Daytona disguise and is a visual gag mocking the stereotypical depiction of American “redneck” culture. It’s a purely comedic element with no deeper symbolic meaning.
FAQ 4: What is a Familiar, and what role does Guillermo play?
A Familiar is a human servant who caters to the needs of vampires, often with the hope of one day becoming a vampire themselves. Guillermo is Nandor’s Familiar, but he’s secretly a descendant of the Van Helsing vampire hunters.
FAQ 5: Why is Guillermo so good at killing vampires?
Unbeknownst to himself (and to Nandor for a long time), Guillermo possesses a natural talent for vampire hunting, inherited from his Van Helsing lineage. He unconsciously protects Nandor by unintentionally killing vampires who pose a threat. His unintentional vampire slaying skills are a major plot point.
FAQ 6: Who is Go-Go, and why is her arrival a problem for Nadja and Laszlo?
Go-Go is another vampire, known for her gossiping tendencies. Her unexpected arrival threatens to expose Nadja and Laszlo’s disguise, as she can easily recognize them despite their pathetic attempts at blending in. She’s a walking, talking threat to their carefully constructed ruse.
FAQ 7: What are some of the clues that reveal Guillermo’s vampire-hunting abilities?
Throughout the episode (and series), clues include the increasing number of vampires who mysteriously die around him, his natural combat skills, and his instinctive reactions to vampire threats. He often attributes these events to luck or coincidence, but the pattern becomes increasingly obvious to the viewer.
FAQ 8: How does “On The Run” contribute to the overall arc of Season 2?
“On The Run” develops key character arcs, particularly Guillermo’s. It also showcases the consequences of the vampires’ past actions, forcing them to confront their history and adapt to new challenges. It reinforces the themes of identity and family that run throughout the season.
FAQ 9: What are some of the best comedic moments in “On The Run”?
Highlights include Nadja and Laszlo’s awful country singing performances, Laszlo’s awkward interactions with humans as Jackie Daytona, Guillermo’s increasingly frantic attempts to hide his vampire kills, and the sheer absurdity of their disguises.
FAQ 10: What is the “Wheel” that Nadja and Laszlo sing about?
The Wheel is a real folk song, though their rendition is deliberately awful. It’s a commentary on their attempt to adapt to human culture while still being completely out of touch with it.
FAQ 11: Does this episode have any significant cameos or guest stars?
While “On The Run” doesn’t feature any major celebrity cameos, the supporting cast shines, particularly the actors portraying the townspeople who interact with Jackie Daytona and Jenna.
FAQ 12: What happens after “On The Run”?
Following “On The Run,” Nadja and Laszlo eventually return to Staten Island, although not before facing some hilarious and unexpected consequences of their time as Jackie Daytona and Jenna. Guillermo continues to grapple with his vampire-hunting abilities, and the tension between him and Nandor intensifies.