Ever wondered what it's like to hang out with vampires? I spent a week binge-watching What We Do in the Shadows, and it was a wild ride. Imagine a reality show, but instead of housewives, it's ancient bloodsuckers navigating the modern world.
The show follows Nandor, Nadja, Laszlo, and Colin Robinson, four vampires living together in a Staten Island mansion. They're hilariously out of touch. Think old-world charm clashing with the internet, and you're halfway there.
Monday: A Crash Course in Vampire Life
My week started with getting to know the gang. Nandor the Relentless, a former conqueror, is now just trying to manage his anxiety and yearning for the old days. He's got a soft spot for his familiar, Guillermo.
Nadja and Laszlo are a married couple, centuries-old and still very much in love (or lust, depending on the day). Their relationship is the kind of passionate chaos that only immortality can breed.
Then there's Colin Robinson, the energy vampire. He doesn’t suck blood, he sucks your life force by boring you to death. Seriously, he's the coworker who talks endlessly about spreadsheets.
Tuesday: Garlic Mishaps and Neighborhood Watch
Tuesday brought the realization that vampires are surprisingly bad at planning. A simple trip to the grocery store turns into a comedy of errors involving garlic and sunlight. It’s like watching toddlers attempt adulting, but with fangs.
The vampires also try to integrate into their community. Their attempts at joining the neighborhood watch are... disastrous. Let's just say glitter bombs and hypnotism aren't generally accepted crime-fighting techniques.
Wednesday: Dealing with Familiars and Council Meetings
Guillermo, Nandor's familiar, stole the show on Wednesday. He's basically a long-suffering assistant who dreams of becoming a vampire himself. He deals with so much nonsense, he deserves a raise (and maybe some immortality).
The vampires have to attend a Vampire Council meeting. Expect famous cameos and a whole lot of undead drama. These scenes are a who's who of horror icons acting incredibly silly.
Thursday: Love, Loss, and Bats
Thursday got surprisingly sentimental. Laszlo and Nadja explored their complicated relationship, revealing moments of genuine affection amidst the biting (pun intended) banter. It was oddly heartwarming.
There's also a lot of bat transformation. The special effects aren’t the best, but that adds to the charm. Picture middle-aged people awkwardly flapping their arms, and you're on the right track.
Friday: Hypnotism Gone Wrong
Friday was pure chaos as the vampires’ hypnotic powers were put to the test, with some unexpected results. Mostly everyone was hypnotized with the wrong intention, it was just a comedy of errors.
Weekend: Reflecting on Vampire Life
Over the weekend, I realized What We Do in the Shadows isn't just a funny show. It's about found family, enduring love, and the struggle to find your place, even if you're a centuries-old creature of the night.
It is a reminder that everyone feels like an outsider sometimes. It's a silly, surprisingly touching exploration of what it means to be human... even when you're not.
The Takeaway
Spending a week with Nandor, Nadja, Laszlo, and Colin Robinson was strangely therapeutic. If you're looking for a laugh and a fresh perspective on life (and undeath), give What We Do in the Shadows a try. You might just find your new favorite roommates.