It’s going to be difficult to review What We Do in the Shadows 4×04 without making it all about Guillermo. He has been the heart of the show since the first season and continues to be the star. So what if the show is tied to Taika Waititi? This is Harvey Guillen’s show now. As Nadja’s nightclub is taking off, there’s not much in her way to get it pumping. Little Colin Robinson is just the entertainment they needed to bring in vampires and humans alike. The only problem is, that the wraiths aren’t happy with their working conditions. No one wants to share sleeping in a supply closet with 30 other people, it’s just not comfortable. But, instead of meeting their needs, Nadja comes up with a better idea. So, for episode 4×04, the Staten Island vampires head to The Night Market.
NADJA’S BARTERING SKILLS
Nadja has one problem with her nightclub: the wraiths. They are killing her guests to protest the working conditions at “Nadja’s.” In order to make a bargain with them, Nadja doesn’t attempt to hear their demands. Instead, she takes the group to the Night Market to find something to blackmail the wraith’s leader with. Fortunately, with the intense bartering system at the Night Market, she gets exactly what she needs to sniff out a leader amongst the wraiths.
There’s not much to say on this part. Nadja is the driving force of the episode, but she isn’t the one who moves the story along this time. Despite What We Do in the Shadows 4×04 being slow, it still moves pretty quickly. By leaning on Nadja’s character traits, this episode gains its plot. Mission: Have Nadja blackmail the wraiths. Nadja would definitely blackmail someone to get her way. Once she completes her mission, the episode is over. But, that was only so Guillermo and Nandor could get more attention. So while this subplot may have bored others, I was intrigued by seeing the Shadows world more outside of vampires and their familiars. Not to mention anything having to do with Nadja’s silliness always makes the show just a little better.
A NEW FAIRY TALE FOR COLIN
Young Colin Robinson is boring but without meaning to be. This time, rather than his obsession being Legos or musical theater, his new interest is in fairy tales. Laszlo would rather have Colin rehearse for his performances. Colin would rather read instead of dance. So instead, in his quest to give the young man-boy an education, Laszlo teaches Colin about the real stories behind his fairy tales. What better place to do it than the Night Market?
What We Do in the Shadows 4×04 knew its timing perfectly. Laszlo has already developed a strong bond with Colin as his “son.” While he most likely will never call him “son,” Laslo’s adopted a father-like manner when it comes to Colin. This isn’t surprising given that these two were put together because the writers thought that Laszlo and Colin would be an unlikely pairing. But they work perfectly together because Baby Colin takes things at face value and Laszlo tells nothing but the facts as he sees them. Is he always right? Absolutely not, but he’s going to teach Colin all he knows. Last season, Laszlo stuck with Colin out of pity, but now it is truly convincing that he loves Colin. If only he could get Nadja on board with parenting, it would be the most hilarious vampire family ever.
GUILLERMO, THE PRIZED FAMILIAR
Guillermo is apprehensive about going to the Night Market as a human, but Nandor assures him that if he tells everyone he’s an orc, he should be fine. Surprisingly, it works, until they come across a tournament. When they hear the announcer yell about a “familiar fight,” Guillermo turns to see two vampire familiars weakly fighting each other to win. For the vampire’s amusement, the loser gets their head chopped off. Nandor thinks Guillermo would win against any other familiar. Loudly and proudly announcing that Guillermo can kick ass, Nandor sends his unwilling familiar into a death battle. Except, he’s got his vampire killer instincts on his side, so he wins everything. Until the group wants him to fight a vampire. To avoid killing Guillermo, Nandor says he’ll fight him instead, leading the both of them into a brawl that will make history in What We Do in the Shadows.
Guillermo has been by Nandor’s side for the last 13 years. First introduced as a meek vampire fanatic, Guillermo has really grown into his own person. Now, he’s more likely to talk back to the vampires when they disrespect them. So, when Guillermo challenges Nandor for real in the fight, it wasn’t a surprise. Not sure if the writers of What We Do in the Shadows intend to make Guillermo an equal to the vampires, but he’s well on his way. He gave Nandor an ass whooping he’ll never forget.
If Guillermo does become equal to the vampires, it’s great that it’s not by making him a vampire. He mentions it less now and instead talks about how he wants to protect the vampires, mainly Nandor. He sees them as the priority but still has to learn how to put himself first. We’re supposed to meet his parents soon and if they’re anything like him, they’ll be the type to put up a good fight.
OVERALL THOUGHTS ON WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS 4X04
- Someone buy me a t-shirt that says “That’s my fucking guy!” and I will wear it proudly.
- Seeing Guillermo really fight a vampire for the first time was so satisfying.
- I hope Nandor sees that this fight tells him that he loves Guillermo more than just as his familiar.
- I want a recording of Matt Berry as Laszlo reading In Cold Blood. I will petition FX for this.
- Season 5 better have more stunts like this in it. Make this my new obscure Marvel movie.
