Don’t sing if you want to live long, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy their song. FX’s comedic smash hit (and, quite frankly, underrated gem) What We Do in the Shadows just wrapped six stellar seasons. To celebrate the show’s run (and continue nursing my broken heart), I’ve compiled a list of my favorite episodes. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane together. BAT!
“Pilot”
“Creepy paper,” “Sir, you can’t be throwing ancient coins at me” and “I’m going to sprinkle it on my face and body like Twilight” — is there a pilot episode more quotable than this one? Of course, there’s also the house meeting scene, which cleverly pays homage to the show’s 2014 film predecessor. It’s a solid stepping stone into the world of our favorite Staten Island vampires, complete with biting, dry humor and Jeff-sk. Jesk?
“Baron’s Night Out”
What happens when you take an ancient vampire out on the town? A night of getting blood drunk (and thinking you’re a wizard), dancing with glow sticks, eating pizza pie (and projectile vomiting) and singing about that girl in the village with the very small foot. Doug Jones plays the titular Baron Afanas to undead perfection, while the coffin-dropping ending sets the stage for a major high-stakes conflict in the following episode.
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“The Trial”
This outing deserves its place in the What We Do in the Shadows Hall of Fame for its bevy of vampire-themed guest stars alone. For starters, we have the original trio from the 2014 film — Vladislav the Poker (Jemaine Clement), Viago (Taika Waititi) and Deacon (Jonny Brugh). Secondly, Tilda Swinton leads the Vampiric Council, with other high-profile members including Evan Rachel Wood, Danny Trejo, Paul Reubens and Wesley Snipes (on Zoom). Dave Bautista even appears as Garrett.
Talented cast roster aside, “The Trial” presents a genuinely tense narrative for our vamps as they attempt to evade death after Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) inadvertently kills the Baron. It also introduces us to The Guide (Kristen Schaal), who, funnily enough, is simply credited as “Floating Woman” on IMDb.
“Colin’s Promotion”
Never underestimate an energy vampire. Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) gets a taste of unadulterated power in “Colin’s Promotion,” causing a feeding frenzy and newly generated abilities. Naturally, this disrupts the delicate, precarious balance of power in the Staten Island house. Proksch gets plenty of room to stretch his comedic legs, and boy, howdy, is he funny, even sans Updog.
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“On the Run”
Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry) is a man of many talents, from crafting topiaries of his favorite vulvas to playing piano and, well, being a certified master cocksman. With “On the Run,” he adds “carefully curated human disguise” to his skill set. This episode is easily one of the most beloved, with Laszlo’s alias of Jackie Daytona from Tuscon, Arizonia going down in Shadows history as a memorable good-time chap (who loves supporting high school girls’ volleyball and human alcohol beer).
Plus, who can forget Laszlo’s battle with Jim the Vampire, played by the legendary Mark Hamill, complete with a clever Star Wars lightsaber nod?
“The Casino”
In the words of Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak) … Bazinga! Season 3 might be my favorite season (with Season 2 hot on its heels), and “The Casino” stands out as one of its strongest episodes. Nandor has an existential crisis, resulting in Colin Robinson attempting to teach him the Big Bang. You mean to tell me the world isn’t balanced on the back of a turtle?
Outside of that, Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) parties with the Rat Pack, and Laszlo tries to help out his Seanaaay (Anthony Atamanuik) financially. Everyone fires on all cylinders, comedy-wise.
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“The Wellness Center”
Part of the Season 3 narrative centers on Nandor’s “Eat, Prey, Love” journey. In “The Wellness Center,” Nandor rejects vampirism in pursuit of a human lifestyle. Sure, he pulls his fangs out every day because they regrow, and he can’t eat human food, but hey, he shouldn’t let that stop him from being that f*cking guy.
This outing is just plain fun. Novak delivers an endearingly hilarious and well-rounded performance as Nandor. On a more materialistic note, we also get Nandor in Paul Mescal-esque short shorts. That’s what really matters, right?
“A Farewell” / “The Portrait”
I’ve decided to combine “A Farewell” and “The Portrait” into one entry because they feed into each other. It’s rare when What We Do in the Shadows presents a continuous storyline spanning multiple episodes. Here, Colin Robinson’s 100th birthday party — culminating in his shocking death — leads into an action-packed, damn entertaining season finale, with Nadja accepting a job in London and a Nandermo fight for the ages. Oh, and we get Donal Logue in his painter era.
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Of course, the series brings Nandor and Guillermo closer together before ripping them apart (and, in turn, our hearts). And who can forget that ending? Thus commences the Age of Baby Colin Robinson.
“Private School”
“Private School” is one of the few TV episodes that makes me literally laugh out loud. It’s comedic perfection from beginning to end — a propulsive, fast-paced, breathless display of pure hilarity. The vampires kill off Sal Vulcano of the “Incomprehensible Jesters,” and the Ayo Edebiri is responsible for this gem of a line: “Gay is in. Gay is hot. I want some gay.” The entire private school admission interview sequence is utterly laugh-inducing, with every player at the top of their comedic game.
“Go Flip Yourself”
Simon the Devious (Nick Kroll) returns in “Go Flip Yourself” to exact revenge against Laszlo (and get hold of that damned witch skin hat). Of course, this is saved for the big reveal — after the gang participates in an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition-esque reality show. Even better, this episode blesses us with one of the best line readings of all time courtesy of Matt Berry: “You really are the most devious bastard in New Yahk Citaaay.”
“Pride Parade”
Hey, Sean’s bein’ gay ovah here! “Pride Parade” is a stellar Season 5 outing from top to bottom(s). The vamps help Seanaaay throw a pride parade to appeal to the LGBTQIA+ community in his run for Staten Island comptroller. Laszlo steps into the sun after a few centuries. Nandor also launches himself into outer space, which is quite the feat for a vampire. It’s such a fun, heartwarming, spirit-lifting episode.
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“Local News”
Joanna Roscoe must die. Well, at least that’s what our vampires believe in “Local News” when Nandor inadvertently lets slip that they exist. Sorry, I mean, “Nandor De Laurentiis.” What transpires next is a downward spiral for the gang as they prepare for humanity to stage an attack. While the whole episode is hilarious, I’m quite partial to the impromptu news segment toward the end. Comedy gold.
“Come Out and Play”
Season 6 is the weakest overall for me (although I still love it), but “Come Out and Play” is a certified beauty from start to finish. It presents a high-stakes, propulsive narrative, which is rare for a sitcom. Guillermo has a badass fight sequence, Laszlo tears our hearts asunder with his unwavering love for his good lady wife and the season finally puts The Guide/Nandor arc to bed (Praise Be). We also see more of the vampire world and this show’s fascinating mythology.
“The Finale”
This is the end. “The Finale” knocks it out of the park. While Guillermo panics that filming for the documentary is over, it’s business as usual for our vampires. Undead, eternal life marches on. What makes this series finale so unique is the incorporation of three hypnosis endings courtesy of Nadja’s expert hypnotizing skills. Think of it as a “choose your own adventure” situation.
RELATED: Read our What We Do in the Shadows recaps
One of the endings, which pays homage to The Usual Suspects, is chock full of show-spanning Easter eggs. The other, inspired by the sitcom Newhart, gives Nandermo fans what they’ve craved. Lastly, a Nadja-centric ending takes a page from Rosemary’s Baby‘s book. All in all, “The Finale” is a beautifully hilarious and heartstring-tugging love letter to fans.
What are your favorite episodes of What We Do in the Shadows? Sound off in the comments below.
What We Do in the Shadows is now streaming on Hulu.
Book Review: VAMPIRES OF EL NORTE
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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