The latest season of FX’s cult favourite “What We Do in the Shadows” seems to have got its mojo back, providing consistent hilarity in the first four episodes that convey the show is confidently finding its stride again.
The comedic vampire series had teetered on the brink during its fourth season with storylines that often verged on the absurd and comedy bits that were starting to feel a bit repetitive.
Still, the beloved characters at the heart of the show – Guillermo’s enduring quest for immortality, Laszlo’s oversized ego, Nandor’s eternal awkwardness, the energy-leeching Colin, and attention-craving Nadja – seem to have been reinvigorated.
Harvey Guillen, who plays Guillermo, faces the exciting prospect of potential vampirism while character Nadja, portrayed by Natasia Demetriou, grips us with the revelation of being hexed.
This season also treats fans to a return of the delightfully tiresome Colin Robinson, played by Mark Proksch, in what can be considered his best episode in years. Kristen Schaal, another fan favorite, also appears more consistently this season adding further depth to the proceedings.
The genius of this show is how familiar and instantly gratifying its comedy is. Without needing constant reinvention, the thrill lies in the characters’ ongoing antics. The writers have certainly rediscovered how to play to the strengths of their adept cast, making the show enjoyable on a deeper level each season.
Without giving too much away, one episode lures our vampire friends to an all-too-human setting – a mall. The simple premise already sparks joyous anticipation among seasoned fans, even before the punchline delivers.
It may be a challenge for newcomers to tune into the craziness of “What We Do in the Shadows” at this stage. The show’s magic lies in its legacy and loyal fans’ understanding of its unique, immortal humor. But, judging from the first four episodes, this cult vampire comedy still has a lot of life in it.
Feel free to check out the Season 5 trailer here before digging into these uproarious episodes. Season 5, it appears, is truly back to feeling immortal again. With a blend of fan-favorite characters and fresh storylines, “What We Do in the Shadows” remains a must-watch.
