What We Do in the Shadows Recap: Video Village

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As a long-standing devotee of cinematic masterpieces and an avid fan of the supernatural, I have to say that What We Do in the Shadows has consistently managed to tickle my funny bone and satisfy my thirst for the macabre. The latest episode, “P.I. Undercover: New York,” is no exception. With its inside jokes, self-aware humor, and a healthy dose of swag, it’s like the writers and directors decided to throw an exclusive party just for us viewers – and I was there in spirit, savoring every moment.

The final chapters are approaching for “What We Do in the Shadows”. Though vampires can live eternally, this series will not, as we’re left with just three episodes before the grand finale. Starting next week, it seems we’ll delve deeper into the storyline. However, before we neatly conclude six years of hilarious vampire antics, let’s indulge in one more round of those shenanigans. This week’s episode appears to have been inspired by an amusing behind-the-scenes moment on the set of “What We Do in the Shadows” – and that’s not a bad thing at all. If you’ve ever eavesdropped on Matt Berry and Kayvan Novak joking around between takes while waiting for a lightbulb to be changed or a stunt harness to be adjusted, wouldn’t you want to bring that laughter to the world as well?

In “P.I. Undercover: New York,” there’s an overall atmosphere reminiscent of a wrap party, despite it appearing to be a humorous hostage situation like the fifth season’s “Local News” episode. However, it serves as a pretext for Berry and Novak to stroll around, using silly voices and poking fun at TV set jargon. I managed to decipher most of them, but ‘taffy’ remains a mystery, even in this context. The director Kyle Newacheck subtly portrays himself as the dim-witted leader of “P.I. Undercover: New York,” a characterization that originates from Laszlo, not me. This self-deprecating portrayal adds to the lightheartedness of the series. Similarly, writer Max Brockman uses Laszlo’s dialogue to extol the importance of writers in a TV show.

But the real siren song here is not ego but the irresistible pull of swag. Sure, Laszlo might lust after Nandor’s “sweated shirt” with the kangaroo-inspired pock-ET now. But that’s just because he can’t have one. That’s the thing about swag: You only want it if you can’t have it. Once you get it, you’re stuck trying to figure out what you’re going to do with this crap that’s taking up space in your house. I should know — I’m one of those reviewers who gets their turn this week when Colin looks up reviews of P.I. Undercover online. I felt a little called out by the phrase “winsomely entertaining copaganda,” but, again, not in an unfriendly way. We all get ours this week — even you, the person about to leave a comment on this recap!

In “P.I. Undercover: New York,” the central plot soon branches off in three directions. Nandor becomes immersed in the production’s thrill, while Laszlo, perhaps disenchanted by his work in adult films, expresses skepticism from the sideline. On the other hand, Guillermo, who happens to be a huge fan of Jack Mancuso, displays an enthusiastic response that is typical of him. This fascination with “PIU” shouldn’t come as a shock given his deep-rooted love for “Interview With the Vampire,” which initially led him into the world of vampires. Guillermo is, at heart, a dedicated fan or “stan.” If he were to ever develop a fandom for Taylor Swift, it could potentially cause a stir.

Nadja exhibits a touch of fandom too. Lately, she’s been immersed in the TV show titled “Sexy City“, analyzing it as if it’s a way to grasp female conversation patterns. This week, her storyline echoes a recurring joke in the series WWDITS, where they humorously display “Live, Laugh, Love” signs, satirizing mainstream culture. Nadja’s upcoming visit to Colin’s old workmate Joel — whom she calls “Jowel“, a nod back to “Jesh” from season one — is more of an anthropological expedition, a peek into the “pleasantly ordinary” human world.

Fans of human humor might catch the hidden joke in this week’s plot: Actors Zach Woods and Mark Proksch, who both starred on The Office, are now part of our cast. So when Colin mentions that he and Joel used to work together “shuffling papers” a few years ago, it’s a nod to the world of What We Do in the Shadows. As we have only a few episodes left before wrapping up this shared universe, a spin-off could be on the horizon.

As a film enthusiast who’s only witnessed episodes of Sexy City with the volume turned off while getting my nails done, I can’t confirm if Carrie and her friends ever discuss cuckolding during brunch or on a date with Mr. Big. However, Nadja swiftly picks up on the swingers’ vibe in Joel’s expansive suburban home, telling Colin that she believes “her instincts about you are pulsing” as soon as Joel’s wife, Becky, mentions that Colin isn’t like other men. Since the cameras started following her around, Nadja has toned down her wild lifestyle; the vampires haven’t hosted their annual orgy since season one, at least not on-screen. But she’s sharp enough to recognize deviance – or perhaps she can sniff it out.

This week, she’s opting to act as a good friend and devise a ruse to exit the situation instead of endorsing Colin sleeping with Becky while Joel looks on. It seems likely that she wants to avoid becoming entangled in the predicament herself – it’s not a pleasant position to be in, being the fourth wheel, especially when dealing with two discontented, heterosexual individuals and an unaware bald energy drainer. Instead, they opt for a leisurely stroll together. This week, it’s Colin who finds himself in a draining predicament … oh boy.

Craven Mirth

I found it quite surprising that this week’s episode carries a TV-MA rating for violence. I mean, there was plenty of explicit language about infidelity, but violence? It seems they may have killed off a few production assistants…

• “What are you up to, you creamy snake? All dressed up like a bowl of millet.”

This week, the playful kiss shared by Proksch and Natasia Demetriou came off as rather goofy, likely causing quite a few laughs during the filming process.

This week, Demetriou outshines her television vampire spouse to claim the award for best line delivery, as she convincingly portrays a real-life woman who enjoys wine. (Apologies for any confusion with “a delightful Chinese dinner.”)

Perhaps the peculiarity of humanity stems from our relentless pursuit of conformity, suppressing our strongest impulses, leading us to a state where we may ultimately self-destruct due to unfulfilled passions.

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2024-11-26 23:55