What We Do in the Shadows Recap: Like Father, Like Son

As a movie critic with a penchant for the macabre and the absurd, I found myself utterly enthralled by this week’s episode of What We Do in the Shadows. The Cravensworth clan, with their aristocratic airs and carnal appetites, have long been a source of intrigue for me, much like a dusty old family portrait that reveals itself to be a window into a world of secrets and scandals when you squint just right.

In this week’s episode, it’s clear to me as a movie reviewer that Lord Roderick Cravensworth is indeed Laszlo Cravensworth’s father – no DNA test required. Despite the fact that Steve Coogan and Matt Berry might not resemble each other physically, there are two compelling factors that suggest a genuine father-son dynamic:

In the sixth episode of “What We Do in the Shadows’ final season, there’s a bit of a break from the intense events of the past fortnight, offering lighthearted, isolated shenanigans that subtly reflect the current state of the vampire family. Essentially, Guillermo has grown weary: While he might have once enthusiastically joined Nandor’s shape-shifting venture, now he merely passes by, seeming to prioritize his next high-end client at Cannon Capital over such antics.

In one corner of the house, you might find Nadja, a woman who seems drawn to British men regardless of age. Initially, I assumed she was trying to win favor with her deceased father-in-law since she used to be Laszlo’s companion. However, when Roderick made his suggestive advances, it seemed as if she responded like a seasoned prostitute on the streets, suggesting there may be more to this connection than just familial acceptance.

Previously, it was hinted that Laszlo’s aristocratic family disapproved of his relationship with the peasant girl Nadja, causing him to leave England to be with her. However, now that Laszlo’s father-in-law, Cravensworth, needs a favor, they are pretending to get along. This behavior from Cravensworth is making Laszlo’s younger brother, Roderick, very suspicious. Known as the Whispering Swordsman, the Scurrilous Bob, and the Nightdog of Cresco, among other names, Roderick tends to be critical in a subtle, parental way. He refuses to show affection towards his son and judges his living situation, even when trying to be cordial!

Although Laszlo has found an unconventional way to address his father issues by engaging in consensual spanking with Nadja, he’s now able to let go of the need to uphold appearances and thwart his father’s evil scheme to control him. It seems that Laszlo might have finally achieved physical relief after centuries of sexual frustration, as suggested by Roderick’s character. But, the resolution of the Cravensworth conflict remains offscreen, leaving us questioning whether it’s indeed Laszlo giving Colin an hourglass or someone else, and whether Roderick’s spirit or a clever trick is inside. With Craven-like deceit (intended as a pun) at play, we’ll have to wait until next week to uncover the truth.

In this week’s episode, it’s not just Laszlo who grapples with family troubles. While Laszlo is the only one in the vampire household known to have a father, we learn that Colin and Guillermo didn’t grow up with father figures, aside from Laszlo effectively raising Colin since his rebirth in season four. Nadja’s background also suggests she was disowned by her family upon becoming a vampire, leaving Nandor’s father as the only unanswered question. Interestingly, Nandor is a father himself, having had numerous children during his human life due to his “37 brides” situation. However, he has never spoken about his own dad.

Nandor’s children have been deceased for hundreds of years, making it easier for him to embrace his true age on the show “What We Do in the Shadows.” A notable example of this humor is seen in the season-two episode “The Curse,” where the vampires grapple with the terrors of email communication. This week, he and Nadja are displaying a neighborhood-watch mentality, peering through a newly found window on the other side of the house, much like many curious neighbors have done before them.

It turns out that many suburban folks, often labeled as dimwits, tend to spy on their neighbors, whom they mistakenly believe are shape-shifters but are actually Airbnb guests. This misconception sparks growing paranoia among the vampires. However, this story has a pleasant resolution due to New York’s strict regulations on short-term rentals, resulting in a friendly vacation for the vampires complete with cozy robes and muffins, and Guillermo stopping by once a month. In fact, they find themselves with a possum serving as their temporary landlord! Nandor has been single for quite some time now…

Craven Mirth

• It’s difficult to compete in a Cravensworth-centered episode when it comes to line readings. Kayvan Novak’s “Shape-shifters are … extremely freaky” would have won any other week, but “bare back-SIDE!” has to take it.

• This can’t be the world’s first steampunk proton pack. Ghostbusters fans, weigh in?

• “I haven’t heard that since my penultimate visit to the Cunny Pot!” Pure poetry.

In this week’s episode, Roderick uttered a phrase that seems familiar to me – “My wayward little ally” or something similar – but I’m having trouble recalling exactly where I’ve heard it before on the show.

In the world of vampires, placing a welcome mat outside your home is seen as inviting them in. Adjust your boundaries or thresholds appropriately.

• The historical timeline doesn’t quite add up for Rasputin being Laszlo’s babysitter, but hearing Matt Berry roll the R makes it all okay.

Previously, we’ve encountered variations of “Live, Laugh, Love”-style signs in WWDITS, but the phrase “Bye, Felicia, and take Karen with you” takes it to an entirely different, more humorous level.

Lazlo continues to care for Colin, as evident when he informs him that his latest Funko Pop! friend has embarked on a “spiritual adventure,” possibly to an out-of-town farm.

2024-11-13 05:54

What We Do in the Shadows Recap: Like Father, Like Son

Craven Mirth

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