Kristen Schaal recently shared her thoughts on the conclusion of What We Do in the Shadows, providing valuable insights into her character’s response to the series finale. Schaal played The Guide, a distinctively quirky bureaucratic vampire associated with Nadja’s nightclub. During a poignant moment in the show’s climax, Jerry, the long-sleeping vampire roommate, disrupts the atmosphere at Baron Afanas’s (portrayed by Doug Jones) Eternal Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony. His mockery of the Baron leads to a fatal confrontation where Cravensworth’s Monster kills him, forcing the vampire group to flee through the city. In a moment of deep remorse over Jerry’s betrayal, The Guide ultimately attempts to sacrifice herself to the Baron.
In an exclusive interview with Grant Hermanns from ScreenRant, Schaal elaborated on The Guide’s response to Jerry’s demise. She noted that The Guide regarded Jerry as a figure of authority and embraced his cult-like ideologies. This sense of betrayal was so profound that she contemplated suicide before Nandor could intervene. Reflecting on the show’s impact, Schaal predictably asserted that it would be a series that resonates with audiences for years to come. Here’s her full statement:
Oh my gosh, well, it’s like she said, The Guide feels incredibly betrayed. I think she sort of thought that this was the leader that was going to take them to the next level. He’s a bit culty, and she bought into all of it, and now, she’s just like — well, she was ready to kill herself in front of The Baron, and then Nandor ruined it. That would have been a great ending for The Guide. [Laughs] Sorry, no, she should live on forever. I do think that’s fun that you say, Grant, how much you’re going to miss Nandor, but Nandor will outlive you by thousands of years, and I think that’s sort of special about the show.
And that’s what I’ve been saying to Paul Sims and Yana Gorskaya, like, “Congratulations on the show, congratulations on the nominations for these awards, but I think the biggest congratulations is”— I suspect, I can’t see the future — “I think this show is going to be one of those shows that people revisit. I don’t think it’s gonna disappear.”
I have this special thing with Flight of the Conchords, where it surprised me, over and over, that people would bring it up. I’m like, “That show’s 20 years old,”or however long, and it’s like, “No, they keep finding it, and it keeps meaning something to them.”And I feel like, because of the subject matter and the weirdness of this show, that it will be evergreen like that, which is the highest award you could ever get.
What Schaal’s Comments About The Guide’s Ending Mean
It Addresses The Meaning Behind The Guide’s Redemption Arc
As The Guide navigates her unique role, she is often depicted as an outsider within the close-knit group of vampires on Staten Island. In season 6, she develops a sense of allegiance to Jerry, viewing him as a potential revolutionary leader capable of propelling them into a new era. However, Jerry’s betrayal and the shocking events of the award ceremony shatter The Guide’s illusions of a brighter vampire future. Her desperate act of attempted sacrifice reflects profound disillusionment and guilt stemming from misplaced faith in Jerry.
Schaal’s description of this dramatic clash highlights the show’s exceptional ability to blend bloodsucking humor with meaningful narratives of friendship and loyalty. The Guide’s internal struggle and willingness to sacrifice herself enrich the dynamics of the group, showcasing the chaotic yet affectionate relationships among characters on What We Do in the Shadows.
Her assertion that the series will remain “evergreen”aligns with its timeless nature, celebrating friendship and the quirky misadventures of these unique vampires. Like Jermaine Clement’s Flight of the Conchords, which also stars Schaal and continues to hold a beloved status, this mockumentary is likely to resonate with audiences for generations.
Our Take On Schaal’s Comments On The Guide’s Ending
It’s A Perfect Mix Of Humor & Heart
The Guide’s unwavering loyalty to Jerry—who she believed could transform their existence—infuses her eccentric character with unexpected depth. What We Do in the Shadows masterfully integrates humor with profound themes around identity, belonging, and the quirky aspects of life. Like Flight of the Conchords, its unique blend of absurdity and narrative depth ensures its standing in popular culture for years to come. Whether revisiting The Guide’s illuminating antics or the Staten Island crew’s various escapades, Kristen Schaal’s assertion rings true: this show is destined to be a source of endless enjoyment for audiences, revealing new layers with each viewing.
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