The End of an Era: What We Do in the Shadows Concludes its Run, Leaving Behind a Legacy of Laughter and Memorable Characters
The critically acclaimed mockumentary series, What We Do in the Shadows, has officially concluded its six-season run, leaving fans both saddened by its departure and satisfied with its poignant finale. The show, which follows the mundane yet hilariously chaotic lives of a group of vampire roommates in Staten Island, has garnered a dedicated fanbase drawn to its witty writing, quirky characters, and unique blend of horror and comedy. The series finale, which aired on December 16th, provided a sense of closure while leaving room for potential future revisits to the beloved characters.
The cast, reflecting on the show’s end, shared their experiences and perspectives on the finale and the overall journey of What We Do in the Shadows. Harvey Guillén, who played the ever-loyal familiar Guillermo, expressed his satisfaction with the conclusion, calling it a "perfect ending to a perfect series." He also revealed his penchant for collecting souvenirs from the set, acquiring numerous sweaters worn by his character and even some lamps from Nandor’s room, which now adorn his guest house. Mark Proksch, who portrayed the energy vampire Colin Robinson, echoed Guillén’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of ending the show on a high note rather than stretching it beyond its prime. He likened the potential pitfalls of extending a series past its natural lifespan to keeping it on "life support," highlighting the value of concluding while the show remains fresh and engaging.
The cast also disclosed the various mementos they kept from the set. Proksch retained the locket featured in the finale, containing a picture of Vanessa Bayer’s character, Evie, Colin Robinson’s brief romantic interest. He ultimately gifted the locket to Bayer, humorously noting that the vampires’ decor didn’t quite match his own home’s aesthetic. Kayvan Novak, who played the narcissistic vampire Nandor, kept a portrait of his character, while Kristen Schaal, who played The Guide, acquired the Guillermo frog and a portrait of Paul Reubens, commemorating the late actor’s appearance on the show.
While the series finale marked the end of the documentary crew’s filming of the vampire roommates, the story concluded with Nandor and Guillermo embarking on a new chapter together as crime-fighting partners. This ending provided a satisfying resolution to their complex relationship, while simultaneously leaving some fans yearning for a more overtly romantic conclusion. The ambiguity surrounding their dynamic, however, allows for varying interpretations and fuels ongoing discussions among viewers.
The possibility of a future What We Do in the Shadows movie remains a topic of speculation. While Novak deemed the chances "slim to none," Schaal expressed optimistic certainty that a film would eventually materialize. Guillén also expressed interest in revisiting the characters in a few years, showcasing his willingness to return to the world of the vampires. Proksch, however, reminded everyone of the existence of the original 2014 What We Do in the Shadows film, which served as the inspiration for the series, suggesting that the franchise already has a cinematic legacy.
One of the most hotly debated topics among fans is the nature of Nandor and Guillermo’s relationship. While some viewers yearned for a romantic culmination, the finale ultimately presented a platonic resolution, leaving many interpretations open. Guillén defended the chosen ending, emphasizing the importance of normalizing non-sexual relationships between same-sex friends. He argued that genuine love and care can exist without romantic involvement and that Nandor and Guillermo’s bond exemplified this type of profound connection. He reiterated that fans essentially received what they desired: Nandor and Guillermo "riding off into the sunset" together, albeit in a slightly unconventional manner – inside a coffin descending into a secret lair.
In conclusion, What We Do in the Shadows has concluded its run with a memorable finale that both satisfies and sparks further discussion among its dedicated fanbase. The cast’s reflections on the show’s conclusion, their cherished souvenirs, and the varying perspectives on the future of the franchise underscore the impact and enduring legacy of this quirky and beloved series. The ambiguous ending of Nandor and Guillermo’s relationship, while potentially disappointing to some, highlights the complexity of human connection and the validity of platonic love. As the series transitions into syndication on Hulu, fans can continue to revisit the hilarious misadventures of the Staten Island vampires and ponder the endless possibilities that lie beyond the finale’s closing scene.
