What We Do In The Shadows Season 1 Episode 1

Pilot: A Hilarious, (Slightly) Flawed Introduction

Okay, let’s talk about the pilot episode of What We Do In The Shadows. It’s a classic, right? But is it perfect? I have some thoughts.

We meet our vampire roommates: Nandor the Relentless, Laszlo Cravensworth, and Nadja of Bohemia. And, of course, the energy vampire Colin Robinson. The documentary crew is there to capture their undead lives.

The Setup: A Vampire Documentary

The premise is brilliant. A mockumentary about vampires living in Staten Island? Comedy gold. Imagine a reality show about ancient creatures dealing with modern problems.

Like paying the bills. And dealing with… neighbors.

The pilot throws us right into the chaos. Nandor wants to plan an extravagant Eternal Life Ceremony. But no one seems to care. Hilarious!

Why It Works (Mostly)

The characters are instantly lovable (or hateable, in Colin Robinson's case). Their quirks and absurdities are the core of the show. Nandor's eagerness, Laszlo's flamboyance, and Nadja's bluntness create a great dynamic.

The humor is dry and witty. It often relies on the characters' cluelessness about the human world. Things like struggling with technology or figuring out modern slang become comedic moments.

And let's not forget Guillermo, Nandor's familiar. He dreams of becoming a vampire but mostly does chores. We feel his pain.

My Unpopular Opinion (Brace Yourselves!)

Here’s where things get spicy. I think the pilot is slightly rough around the edges.

Hear me out! The later episodes feel more polished. The characters become more defined. The jokes become even sharper.

In the pilot, some jokes felt a little forced. Some scenes dragged on a tad too long. Don't get me wrong, I laughed a lot. But it wasn't peak Shadows yet.

The Baron Arrives (and the Show Takes Off)

The arrival of the Baron Afanas is a turning point. He comes to check on their progress. Their mission? Dominate Staten Island!

Of course, they've done nothing of the sort. They're too busy arguing about cleaning schedules. Or attending neighborhood council meetings.

The Baron's presence raises the stakes. Well, sort of. It mostly just creates more opportunities for hilarious mishaps.

The Familiar Problem

Guillermo's storyline is one of the best parts. His devotion to Nandor is both touching and absurd. He just wants to be a vampire!

But Nandor treats him terribly. He's more like a servant than a friend. Poor Guillermo.

The pilot establishes this dynamic perfectly. You immediately root for him. You hope he gets his due (and maybe some vampire powers).

Final Thoughts: Still Worth Sinking Your Teeth Into

Despite my minor gripes, the pilot episode is fantastic. It's a great introduction to the world of What We Do In The Shadows. It sets the stage for everything that follows.

It also introduces us to the unique brand of humor that makes the show so special. It's weird, dark, and utterly delightful.

So, if you haven't seen it, what are you waiting for? Just remember, it gets even better from there. Prepare to laugh. And maybe develop a strange affection for energy vampires.