What We Do In The Shadows Guillermo And Nandor

Let's talk about Guillermo De la Cruz and Nandor the Relentless from "What We Do In The Shadows." You know, the vampire and his...familiar?
The Reluctant Protector
At first glance, it seems simple. Nandor, a powerful (ish) vampire, and Guillermo, the guy who cleans up after him. But it's so much more complicated than that.
Guillermo is basically Nandor's bodyguard, even though he's "just" a familiar. He stakes vampires who get too close to Nandor, protects him from sunlight, and generally keeps him alive.
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Think about that! He’s the unappreciated hero, constantly saving the day while Nandor brags about his (usually exaggerated) conquests.
A Hilariously Uneven Power Dynamic
The comedy gold comes from the massive power imbalance. Nandor is ancient and supposedly terrifying. But he's also incredibly clueless, and totally dependent on Guillermo.
Guillermo, on the other hand, is seemingly meek and mild, but he secretly harbors some serious power. And a lot of resentment.

It's funny watching Nandor try to act all superior while Guillermo is silently judging his every move. It is the basis of their comedic relationship.
The Familiar's Secret
Here's the kicker: Guillermo is a Van Helsing! This means he’s descended from a legendary line of vampire hunters. Talk about irony!
He could easily take down all the vampires in the house, including Nandor, but he doesn't. Why? That's the million-dollar question.
This adds a layer of intrigue to their dynamic, because you know that Guillermo holds all the cards.

More Than Just Master and Servant
Despite the power imbalance and the constant exasperation, there's something...sweet between them. Nandor, in his own oblivious way, does care for Guillermo.
He might forget his birthday, or accidentally hypnotize him to clean the entire house, but there are moments of genuine affection, hidden beneath layers of vampire ego.
And Guillermo, despite his dreams of being a vampire himself, clearly cares for Nandor too. He wouldn’t protect him so fiercely otherwise.

A Complicated Kindred Relationship
The show expertly uses their relationship to explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and unrequited longing. It is not a simple master and servant relationship.
Guillermo's longing to be a vampire, and Nandor's obliviousness to Guillermo's feelings are central themes to the show. It makes the show endearing and sets it apart from other vampire shows.
It's a testament to the writers and actors that they can make such a bizarre dynamic so relatable and heartwarming.
The Waiting Game
The biggest question, of course, is when Nandor will finally turn Guillermo into a vampire. Guillermo has been waiting patiently for so long.

He did everything Nandor told him to do. He has proven to be loyal and hardworking.
Will it ever happen? And if it does, how will it change their relationship? That's what keeps us hooked.
Whether you see them as friends, potential lovers, or just a hilarious odd couple, Guillermo and Nandor are undeniably the heart of "What We Do In The Shadows."
They remind us that even in the darkest of worlds, filled with bloodsucking creatures, there's always room for a little bit of love, loyalty, and a whole lot of laughs.
