What We Do In The Shadows Episode 1 Online

Okay, confession time. I have an unpopular opinion.

I re-watched the first episode of What We Do In The Shadows. Online, of course. Because who still has cable?

And… I think it's just... fine.

Hear Me Out: Episode 1 is Just "Fine"

Don't get me wrong. I adore the show.

The later seasons are comedic gold. The characters become hilarious caricatures.

But that first episode? It's good, sure. Not the gut-busting masterpiece everyone claims it is.

The Setup: A Little Slow?

It's all setup, right?

We meet Nandor the Relentless, desperate to throw a Super Bowl party.

Laszlo and Nadja are bickering like an old married (undead) couple. And let's not forget Colin Robinson, the energy vampire.

These are the characters we have grown to love.

The humor is there, it’s undeniable. But it hasn’t quite found its rhythm yet.

It's like the band is warming up. But not quite hitting the high notes.

Familiarity Breeds Contempt? (Or Just a Higher Standard?)

Maybe I'm spoiled.

I've seen the iconic scenes. The werewolf fight. The garden gnome massacre. All of that came later.

The first episode lacks the same chaotic energy.

The jokes feel a little more… restrained.

The Charm is Still There, Though

I don’t want to sound like a complete hater.

Even in its "just fine" state, the episode has charm.

The mockumentary style is brilliant. The actors are clearly having fun. You can see their playfulness.

Guillermo being a hapless familiar is endearing, even in the begining.

"Bat!" - Nandor's iconic transformation call, even from episode one.

I also love the cringe of all of their antics, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Maybe It's Me

Maybe I'm being too critical.

Comedy is subjective. What tickles my funny bone might not tickle yours.

Perhaps, I've watched it too many times.

But honestly, I think the show really takes off a few episodes later. And then it just takes off!

Give Episode 1 a Chance, but...

Watch it, of course!

It's important to see where it all began. All good things come from humble beginnings.

Just don't expect the same level of laugh-out-loud moments you'd get from, say, the episode where Nadja's doll comes to life.

Or the one where they accidentally join a neighborhood watch.

Those are gold.

But hey, that's just my opinion. Now, someone hand me a garlic knot!