Warning: SPOILERS ahead for the series finale of What We Do in the Shadows, season 6, episode 11, titled “The Finale”!
Overview of the Series Finale
Nandor and The Guide are at a pivotal moment in their afterlives as the series finale of What We Do in the Shadows unfolds. Throughout season 6, the group of lovable vampires has engaged in their usual antics, while Guillermo embarks on a journey of self-discovery — moving beyond his role as a familiar. The season has seen Laszlo and Colin Robinson create a Frankenstein-esque monster, Nadja and Nandor meddling in Guillermo’s job, and their long-lost roommate Jerry plotting his New World domination.
Plot Developments from the Finale
The finale, “The Finale,”follows directly after the episode titled “The Promotion.”In this critical episode, Guillermo leaves his office job following unfair treatment and embraces Nandor’s proposal to join him as a vigilante. However, the conclusion reveals an unexpected twist: the documentary format that has framed their lives is coming to a close, leaving the vampires dismissive about the change while Guillermo grapples with this unsettling reality. As Nandor insists on pursuing their vigilante partnership, he faces the likelihood of losing Guillermo, a friend he values dearly.
Impressive Reception
The series finale features an ensemble cast, including the talented Harvey Guillén as Guillermo, Kayvan Novak as Nandor, Natasia Demetriou as Nadja, Mark Proksch as Colin Robinson, Matt Berry as Laszlo, and Kristen Schaal as The Guide, alongside Doug Jones in a recurring role as Baron Afanas. Garnering a “Certified Fresh”rating of 90% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, season 6 has been praised, solidifying the series as a staple in the comedy genre.
Insights from the Cast
Ahead of the finale, ScreenRant conducted interviews with Kayvan Novak and Kristen Schaal, delving into topics such as the finale’s impact, the enduring legacy of the show, the potential for romantic entanglements between Nandor and The Guide, and their favorite guest appearances over the years.
The Guide’s Journey: A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience
Schaal Reflects on Her Role
ScreenRant: Kristen, as The Guide has evolved from a minor role to an integral part of this quirky vampire family, how does it feel to conclude her journey?
Kristen Schaal: It feels really good, I’m just so honored to get to be part of this show. This is a once-in-a-lifetime, supernatural, zany comedy with the best writers and crew in the industry. Being able to perform alongside some of the quickest, smartest comedians from both America and the UK in Toronto was a huge honor for me, and it’s something I will always cherish.
Character Development: The Guide’s Growth
Kristen Schaal: I appreciate how The Guide is finding her place this season. Previously, she often felt like an outsider trying to fit in with both the vampire community and her group. Now, while she recognizes she may not be a permanent member of the core group, she embraces her role as a quirky neighbor who is accepted by the others.
Kristen Schaal: It’s about finding that balance. Some groups will always include you, while others you greet casually at coffee.
Nandor’s Dilemma
Novak Discusses Performance Nuances
ScreenRant: Kayvan, how does Nandor navigate the emotional landscape, especially regarding Guillermo’s struggles with the documentary’s closure?
Kayvan Novak: Performing as Nandor has been a blend of intuitive acting and team effort. I’ve reached a point where it feels like autopilot. Nandor will navigate these emotions, but he’s also not overly concerned about how the documentary affects Guillermo.
The Guide’s Betrayal
Reactions to Jerry’s Actions
ScreenRant: With Jerry’s betrayal and his death, how does The Guide process these events?
Kristen Schaal: The Guide felt incredibly betrayed by Jerry’s turn against The Baron. She believed he could lead them to something greater but felt disillusioned by his actions. I think she had moments where she was prepared to confront these feelings intensely.
Unpacking Nandor’s Future
Nandor and The Guide’s Dynamics
ScreenRant: Kayvan, in the finale, does Nandor finally acknowledge the boundaries with The Guide?
Kayvan Novak: Yes, I think The Guide has realistically recognized their relationship dynamics. Nandor might have been infatuated, but she sees it for what it is and understands there’s no future there. It’s a humorous end to the pursuit.
Looking Forward: Vigilante Ambitions
Novak on Future Storylines
ScreenRant: What about Nandor’s vigilante plans? Are they sustainable?
Kayvan Novak: I see it as another fleeting phase. While the idea of crime fighting might excite him for a moment, the reality of his nature as a vampire might overshadow that ambition. I had hoped to explore a storyline involving a detective pursuing the vampires. However, with our narrative style, a constant overt threat might detract from the comedic essence.
Favorite Cameos in What We Do in the Shadows
Memorable Guests Throughout the Series
ScreenRant: What has been your favorite cameo throughout the series?
Kristen Schaal: Mark Hamill was definitely a high point — his appearance was simply iconic!
Kayvan Novak: It’s hard to top Luke Skywalker as a guest. However, I also loved the thrill of having Steve Coogan this season.
About What We Do in the Shadows Season 6
What We Do in the Shadows chronicles the lives of vampire roommates Nandor (Kayvan Novak), Laszlo (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) as they adapt to contemporary life in Staten Island with assistance from Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), their former familiar, and The Guide (Kristen Schaal). With Guillermo reconsidering his existence post-transformation and the vampires reflecting on their unfulfilled aspirations, the show embarks on a blend of comedy and character exploration.
The final season promises a whirlwind of adventures as the group enters the workforce, attends a human dinner party, celebrates The Baron, and even summons a demon, all while seeking to uncover their roles in a chaotic world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oymrTolkR7Uhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oymrTolkR7U
- Matt Berry, Kristen Schaal, Mark Proksch, Paul Simms & Kyle Newacheck (San Diego Comic-Con 2024)
- Kayvan Novak
- Mark Proksch
- Paul Simms
- Harvey Guillén (pre-release)
- Paul Simms, Sam Johnson, Sarah Naftalis, Kayvan Novak, Harvey Guillén, Matt Berry & Mark Proksch (New York Comic Con 2024)
- Doug Jones
- Harvey Guillén & Mark Proksch (series finale post-mortem)
All episodes of
What We Do in the Shadows
are currently available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
Source: ScreenRant Plus