Okay, picture this: you're having a perfectly normal week, right? You're binge-watching your favorite shows, maybe dealing with some minor existential dread (as one does), and then BAM! A single episode comes along and just completely rewires your brain with pure, unadulterated joy.
That, my friends, is exactly what What We Do in the Shadows Season 2, Episode 6, "On the Run," did to me. Forget everything you thought you knew about vampires, because this episode is a masterclass in hilarious escapism.
Lazslo's New Identity
The premise? Laszlo, our favorite flamboyant vampire, needs to flee from some witches. Why? It's complicated, involves a cursed hat, and frankly, the details are less important than the glorious aftermath.
He adopts the persona of "Jackie Daytona," a completely average (not!) bartender in a small Pennsylvania town. Now, you might think a centuries-old vampire trying to blend in would be subtle, but oh honey, no.
Think thick, ridiculously fake mustache, a baseball cap perched precariously on his head, and a commitment to jean shorts that borders on the religious. He's basically Clark Kent if Clark Kent was also a bloodsucking fiend with questionable fashion sense.
Regular Human Bartender
Jackie Daytona isn't just a disguise; it's a performance. He's got the small-town charm dialed up to eleven, complete with "regular human bartender" catchphrases and an almost unsettling enthusiasm for volleyball.
He's supporting the local high school volleyball team. It's the type of commitment you expect from a soccer mom, not a creature of the night.
This commitment alone could make the show amazing. But the comedic timing, the physical comedy, the sheer absurdity of Laszlo trying (and failing spectacularly) to be normal… it's pure genius.
And let's not forget the residents of the town! They are completely unfazed by Jackie Daytona's eccentricities. In their small town Jackie Daytona is simply *Jackie Daytona*.
Why This Episode Works So Well
So, what makes "On the Run" such a standout? It's the perfect blend of the show's core elements. You've got the supernatural shenanigans. The clueless human familiar, Guillermo, trying to keep everything from falling apart. And the consistently brilliant performances from the entire cast.
But beyond that, it's just funny. Like, laugh-so-hard-you-snort-your-tea funny. The situations are ridiculous, the dialogue is sharp, and the characters are so well-defined that you can't help but root for their absurd antics.
Even the smaller details, like the running gag about the town's only diner and the constant stream of people calling Jackie "Jack," add to the overall comedic effect. It's a symphony of silliness, perfectly orchestrated.
It's like a comedic palate cleanser. If you're feeling down, stressed, or just generally blah, watch this episode. It's guaranteed to lift your spirits and remind you that sometimes, the best thing you can do is embrace the absurdity of life. Or, you know, watch a vampire try to be a regular human bartender.
The episode just proves why What We Do in the Shadows is one of the best comedies on television right now. It’s clever, it’s quirky, and it never takes itself too seriously.
It is a comedy that is well-written. It is a comedy that is well-acted. But more importantly, it is a comedy that is enjoyable.
