‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Ending Disappoints Fans and Neglects Female Characters

After six captivating seasons, What We Do in the Shadows has reached its conclusion, leaving fans with mixed emotions. While the Staten Island vampires have provided endless entertainment, it seems time has come for their quirky escapades to pause. Although many viewers were hoping for an indefinite continuation, the creative team understands the importance of keeping the series fresh to avoid the pitfalls of repetition. However, for such a highly anticipated final episode, there were several disappointments, leading to justified discontent among fans who took to social media to express their feelings.

It’s essential to highlight just how much What We Do in the Shadows has meant to me personally. The show brilliantly captures the idiosyncratic humor from its original Kiwi film, and despite the exit of creators and executive producers Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, the humor remained intact. Despite my disappointment with the series finale, it’s worth noting that this show holds a special place in my heart—I am likely to revisit it time and again. The vampires have become like a second family to me (with all due respect to the Gallaghers, who are my first).

The Will-They-Won’t-They Dilemma

One key disappointment lies in the relationship between Nandor (Kayvan Novak) and Guillermo (Harvey Guillén). Their character arc this season was indeed poignant, showcasing some much-needed development for Nandor. I particularly enjoyed Guillermo’s clever subversion at the documentary’s end, leading to a new adventure with Nandor at his secret crime-fighting lair.

However, the romantic aspect was lacking. Throughout the seasons, especially with Novak advocating for a romantic evolution, fans were treated to myriad teases of their relationship blossoming. For instance, during a pivotal moment when Nandor remarked about the cameras not always being there, Guillermo shot him a meaningful look, a classic setup for undeniable confessions. Yet, the heartfelt culmination never materialized, although Nandor and Guillermo ultimately fostered a solid friendship. That in itself is a small consolation.

The Diminishing Role of Female Characters

Another noteworthy concern has been the portrayal of female characters in the latter seasons. While I appreciated the increased focus on Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) and Laszlo (Matt Berry) together, a significant portion of her character development felt overshadowed by Laszlo’s story arc. Moreover, the Guide (Kristen Schaal), whose character has been a consistent presence, received minimal screen time this season, mainly revolving around Nandor’s unreciprocated affections.

I cherish these female characters and their individual arcs; Nadja’s fierce independence has been a highlight of the show. However, I felt her potential was squandered, often relying on Laszlo to drive her storyline. The sidelining of strong female characters in favor of their male counterparts is troubling, especially when subtle details matter most in a season short on content.

The Series Finale: A Safe Approach

The show’s premise revolves around vampires who steadfastly avoid growth or change—something emphasized through Nandor’s repetitive speeches. Still, a series finale presents a prime opportunity for evolution. Many fans had hoped to witness characters breaking the cycle that has defined them since the fifties.

Moreover, several plotlines remain unresolved. Questions linger about whether Cravensworth’s Monster will transform into the formidable foe teased earlier, or what fate awaits The Baron’s ambitious plan for world domination.

On a positive note, I thoroughly enjoyed the three unique “hypnotized”endings presented in the finale. This inventive approach echoed the show’s signature creativity and solidified its legacy as a standout series in modern television.

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