The finale of What We Do in the Shadows has arrived, sinking its teeth into expectations and delivering a conclusion that is both fittingly absurd and surprisingly poignant. If you tuned in for the final episode of What We Do in the Shadows Season 6, you might have found yourself experiencing a strange sense of déjà vu, particularly if you’re a fan of classic twist endings.
For those who haven’t seen it yet, and without giving away too many spoilers, the episode cleverly nods to The Usual Suspects. This isn’t to say the What We Do in the Shadows ending is in any way a disappointment – quite the opposite. It’s a meta-joke, a wink to the audience acknowledging the inherent difficulty of crafting a “perfect ending,” and perhaps suggesting that sometimes, borrowing from a well-regarded classic is the most humorous approach. The writers playfully highlight the impossible task of satisfying everyone, even when aiming for a supposedly flawless conclusion.
The main cast of What We Do in the Shadows Season 6, featuring Nandor the Relentless, Nadja of Nadja's, Laszlo Cravensworth, Colin Robinson, and Guillermo de la Cruz, in a scene from the final season of the hit FX comedy series.
On a broader level, the ending of What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 mirrors the natural conclusion of the documentary format the show has employed. The documentary crew, who have been chronicling the lives of our Staten Island vampires for six seasons, declares their project complete. This abrupt decision carries a meta-layer, possibly referencing the show’s own unexpected cancellation 1. The episode cleverly plays with this sudden stop, initially teasing viewers with classic Shadows-esque storylines, only to dismiss them just as quickly.
Initially, the episode hints at two potential narratives. The first, seemingly the main plotline, continues from the previous episode where Nandor decides to use his vampire abilities for good, teaming up with Guillermo to fight crime. However, the comedic friction is immediate. Guillermo is hilariously uncomfortable in the ridiculous “Cowboy Kid” costume provided by Nandor, and equally unimpressed with Nandor’s chosen superhero moniker, “The Phantom Menace!” Their dynamic is further complicated by Nandor’s ambitious, and grammatically challenged, plans for an “Underground Lare” – a secret lair a thousand feet below ground, accessible via a hidden elevator in his coffin, a project he naturally expects Guillermo to build.
The second potential storyline revolves around The Monster, Laszlo’s creation, whose uncontrollable libido forces the documentary crew to awkwardly frame Colin Robinson and Laszlo during interviews to avoid capturing the Monster’s lewd behavior. This subplot provides one last opportunity for Matt Berry to deliver his signature comedic lines, lamenting the Monster’s “hand in the cookie JARRR!”
However, both of these promising storylines are swiftly sidelined. The vampires are summoned to the living room and informed that the documentary is wrapping up, with only a few more hours of B-roll footage needed. While the vampires themselves are largely indifferent to this news, Guillermo reacts with palpable, though initially unexplained, panic. Thus, “The Finale” shifts its focus from the anticipated A and B plots to a more character-driven narrative: the housemates, along with The Guide, attempt to understand the root of Guillermo’s unexpected distress. This pivot highlights the show’s strength – its ability to blend the supernatural with deeply human, and often hilarious, relational dynamics, making What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 a memorable final season for fans.
