WARNING: Spoilers ahead for the series finale of What We Do in the Shadows.
The Series Finale Overview
The much-anticipated finale of What We Do in the Shadows concludes with Guillermo and the vampire ensemble departing from their “documentary”world. This final episode reunited key characters from the beloved series, a creation of Taika Waititi and Jermaine Clement, who originally featured in the 2014 film of the same name. While Alexander Skarsgård made a surprising cameo in the penultimate episode, he did not appear in the series conclusion. The finale premiered on FX on December 16, 2024, and showcased an intriguing feature: three alternate takes of Nadja’s hypnosis scene.
What to Expect in Season 6, Episode 11: “The Finale”
The finale kicks off in a familiar comedic style, humorously introducing a scenario where Cravensworth’s Monster is overwhelmed with desire for The Guide. Interestingly, the season’s “corporate world”theme is almost entirely absent, and new characters like Jerry the Vampire, introduced in the season opener, are unexpectedly sidelined. Ultimately, the finale of What We Do in the Shadows focuses less on emotional depth and more on delivering the show’s signature humor right until the end.
Reasons Behind the Documentary Crew’s Conclusion
The Vampires’ Indifference
In a notable shift, the finale reveals that the documentary crew has finished capturing the vampires’ unorthodox lives after six seasons and 61 episodes. It remains a mystery what will happen to this footage, but the crew decides to stop filming. Guillermo is the only character expressing concern over the abrupt conclusion, as the other vampires display a comedic indifference to the documentary’s end.
Nadja’s Hypnosis Scenes Explained
Three Unique Takes
The finale uniquely offers three variations of Nadja’s “perfect ending”cutscene, accessible under “Extra Hypnosis Features”on Hulu. The primary cutscene humorously references the classic sitcom Newhart, suggesting that the relationship between Guillermo and Nandor was merely a dream.
The second version parodies the 1995 thriller The Usual Suspects, featuring Colin Robinson, The Guide, and the vampires’ neighbor, Sean Rinaldi, while cleverly integrating flashbacks from previous seasons. The third scene echoes the haunting closing moments of Rosemary’s Baby, culminating the episode on an intriguing note.
The Vampires’ Old Black-and-White Film
Guillermo’s Revelations
Throughout the first act of the finale, Guillermo’s frustration about the documentary’s conclusion becomes evident. Nadja reveals that the vampire crew has faced filming before. Colin unveils an old film projector, showcasing “Vampires,”a lost black-and-white film directed by documentary pioneers the Maysles Brothers in 1958.
Renowned for their works like Salesman and Gimme Shelter, the Maysles Brothers’ film reveals that the vampires have remained unchanged, offering Guillermo a humorous yet profound retrospective on his experiences.
The Humor Behind Cravensworth’s Monster
Eager for a Bride
In the opening sequence, Cravensworth’s Monster humorously reveals his desire for The Guide, leading to many comedic moments, including a playful interaction involving a fake bear during Guillermo’s emotional monologue. As Laszlo works on creating a female counterpart for The Monster, the narrative humorously intertwines with the existing documentary storyline.
Nandor’s Crime-Fighting Ambitions
Inspired by Guillermo’s Defense
This episode opens with Nandor attempting to recruit Guillermo to his newfound aspiration of crime-fighting, influenced by his protective stance over Guillermo against his corporate adversary. He proposes a covert lair, modeled after Batman’s, beneath their mansion. However, Guillermo politely declines, indicating his desire to prioritize their friendship over a vigilante partnership.
Guillermo’s Future After the Finale
Trapped in Nandor’s Lair
Ultimately, Guillermo’s attempt to distance himself from the vampire lifestyle strikes a surprising note. Having realized his aspiration of becoming a vampire, he decides against pursuing that existence, ending the series on an unexpected but thought-provoking note.
However, Nandor’s invitation into his coffin, rather than a simple gesture of friendship, reveals a hidden agenda; he has secretly built the vigilante lair he envisioned earlier. Nandor’s coffin transforms into an elevator leading deep underground, hinting that while this marks the end of What We Do in the Shadows, Guillermo’s adventures with Nandor and the vampire crew are far from over.
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