Charlotte Zenfis
The Season 5 finale of What We Do in the Shadows delivered some surprising and hilarious moments, as well as further character development for Nandor, Guillermo, and Laszlo. The episode, titled “A Weekend at Morrigan Manor” and “Exit Interview,” aired on Aug. 31 and showcased the show’s ability to balance humor, emotion, and unexpected twists.
The episode kicks off with Nandor’s discovery that Guillermo has become a vampire, hiding the truth from him. Feeling betrayed, Nandor embarks on a mission to find and kill Guillermo, but instead stumbles upon Patton Oswalt, who he mistakes for Guillermo. The two develop an unexpected bond, with Oswalt trying to convince Nandor to forgive Guillermo. However, Nandor’s anger gets the best of him, and he kicks Oswalt off a building, leading to his unfortunate death. Nandor immediately regrets his actions and learns a valuable lesson about compassion and forgiveness.
This moment sets the stage for the climax of the season, where Nandor finally confronts Guillermo and attempts to kill him. However, he remembers Oswalt’s words and realizes that Guillermo never wanted to be a vampire. This realization leads Nandor to help Guillermo become human again, further solidifying their friendship and showing Nandor’s growth as a character.
In addition to the Oswalt storyline, the episode also brings back Benedict Wong’s character, Wallace, a necromancer who resurrects Laszlo and Nadja’s familiar, Topher. However, the revival doesn’t go as planned, and Topher comes back as a faulty zombie, lacking coordination and proper speech. This comedic twist highlights Laszlo’s desperation and the lengths he will go to solve a problem, even if it means turning to someone he despises.
Furthermore, Topher’s presence among the other zombie failures creates a unique dynamic, and his prank to deceive the others shows that there is hope for them to regain their identities. This subplot has a heartwarming conclusion, with Derek feeling accepted and finding a sense of belonging among his new zombie tribe.
While the inclusion of Patton Oswalt in the episode may feel random, it aligns with the show’s tendency to bring in unexpected cameos. However, it would have been more impactful if Nandor had received guidance from characters who have a closer connection with Guillermo, such as the Guide or his fellow vampires. Nevertheless, Oswalt’s character serves as a catalyst for Nandor’s growth and helps him realize the true desires of Guillermo.
In contrast, the appearances of Wallace and Topher in the episode work perfectly. They highlight Laszlo’s insecurities and remind Guillermo of the consequences of his actions. These cameos play into the season’s themes of science vs. magic and deepen the character dynamics. The resurrection of Topher and his acceptance into the zombie group also sets up potential storylines for future seasons.
Overall, the Season 5 finale of What We Do in the Shadows delivers a satisfying conclusion while leaving room for future developments. The episode showcases the show’s ability to mix humor, emotion, and unexpected twists, and further develops the characters of Nandor, Guillermo, and Laszlo. Fans of the show will be excited to see where the series goes next.
