By Michelle Halloween
Season 2 of WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS has been a delightful conversation starter since the first episode aired on April 15th, 2020. WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS is a ridiculously hysterical mockumentary that follows the nightly shenanigans of four eccentric vampires and, one very alluring familiar. By now, it should be known WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS is set within the same universe as the 2014 film of the same title. The show is sprinkled with celebrity cameos throughout season one and two. Their performances on WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS will be an added highlight on their career. The show is brilliant and, since Season three has been announced it was imperative to know what insight would be given at Comic-Con @Home 2020.
Moderated by Haley Joel Osment, the panel brought together the Vampires, Nandor (Kayvan Novak); Lazlo (Matt Berry); Nadja (Natasia Demetriou); Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch). What was a real fan treat was Harvey Guillen, who plays the fan-favorite familiar, Guillermo, was introduced ahead of the Vampires. I had to wonder how Nandor would have felt about that. “Vampires only, Guillermo.”
What a delight it was to have Haley Joel Osment moderate the panel of quirky Vamps and Guillermo. Osment played Nadja and Lazlo’s pesky familiar, Topher. One by one, Osment introduced the cast and show writers Stephanie Robinson and Paul Simms. The panel offered some behind-the-scenes insight from each character. Harvey revealed how he prepared Guillermo for the Season two finale. Kayvan enlightened fans about the complicated relationship between Guillermo and Nandor and some ideas for what is to become of their relationship. The fangs are out, Nandor has to know, after the season two finale, that Guillermo has some sick vampire killing skills. We humans all know Guillermo is a Van Helsing descendent.
It was surprising to hear Mark Proksch was quite ill during Episode five where the episode is centered around Colin Robinson’s promotion. Filming was done in Toronto and it was freezing cold. Proksch brushed off the miserable conditions and simply said, “It’s work. You have to show up.” Colin’s Promotion” focused on Colin’s increasing power and still ends with no explanation as to how Colin came into his energy vampire powers. It was questioned if Colin would find out how he came into his powers. Perhaps we will get another full episode about Colin in season three but, Stephanie and Paul were very good at not disclosing too many hints.
Natasia Demetriou is a natural and as she put it, “I am a fantastic actor and improviser.” She made a not-so-funny moment, on set, comical in her explanation. Natasia was describing how intricate the set is and if you stopped in the halls too long, you would catch fire from the lit candles. She has an admirable dark sense of humor, I sensed, as she said, “The terror in the crew's eyes was hysterical. Nadja leaves me in stitches with her dialogue with her roommates and Lazlo.
Speaking of Lazlo, Matt Berry revealed that he was starstruck during Mark Hamil’s guest appearance. In Episode two; On The Run, Hamil portrays “Jim the Vampire'' an old nemesis of Lazlo’s. Both Jim and Lazlo’s dynamic was perfection and a legendary quote was birthed from it. Next time you are able to order a beer be sure to ask for “one alcohol human beer.”
The dynamic between Nandor, Lazlo, Nadja, Colin, and, dear Guillermo’s is addictive and there’s no exaggeration that WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS is the funniest show on television. The characters, brilliant writing, and timing of Season two’s release certainly lightened the harshness of quarantine and civil unrest. In addition, Harvey Guillen continued the fun with an Instagram live show complete with guest appearances every week. The show is set for Season 3 as soon as it's safe and it’s great to know that writing hasn’t been affected by COVID. Us fans cannot wait for the coffins to open once more. Until then, watching Season one and two over and over again will suffice nicely.
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