In the fifth episode of the sixth season of "What We Do in the Shadows," titled "Nandor's Army," the vampires' antics take a dramatic turn as they embark on a mission to retrieve Nandor, who has not only lost his mind but also his way, finding himself in New Hampshire. The episode is a blend of loyalty, guilt, and the absurdity that the show is known for, with Laszlo's elaborate plan to boost Sean's self-esteem from the previous episode, "The Railroad," setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the vampires' relationships and their impact on the humans around them.
Laszlo's loyalty to Sean is put to the test as he reveals the guilt he feels for hypnotizing Sean so frequently that it has turned his brain to oatmeal. This confession leads to a meta-joke about the brain-wiping gag in "Sleep Hypnosis," where Laszlo and Colin go to great lengths to set up a fake interview for Sean, complete with rented space, office props, and hired actors. The effort is a testament to Laszlo's character, showing that behind his bluster and bravado lies a vampire with a heart, albeit one that's a few beats off the human norm.
The dynamic between Laszlo and Nadja is further explored in this episode, with their goth couple goals reaching new heights. Their declarations of love in "Nandor's Army" are sweet, albeit in a twisted Nadja-and-Laszlo kind of way. Laszlo's comment about Nadja being a "10/10 pussy" might have missed the mark if not for his earlier compliments about her humor, sweetness, and beauty. However, his slip in asking Nadja if she's on her period is a rookie mistake that earns him a well-deserved sonic scream from Nadja, sending him flying across the street. This incident, along with her use of the scream to make Laszlo think he broke the window to the fireworks store, adds a layer of sweetness to Nadja's character, suggesting she's more of a softie in this final season, despite her demented cheerfulness and fierce reactions when provoked.
Colin Robinson, the energy vampire, thrives in the midst of the emotional turmoil, finding joy in his "I Heart Trains" coffee cup and taking to his role as a footsoldier in Nandor's crusade against Cannon Capital. Colin's enthusiasm for following Nandor's lead highlights his nature as a follower rather than a leader, and his participation in the mission to New Hampshire is a testament to his adaptability and ability to find pleasure in the chaos.
Amidst the drama, the show doesn't forget Jerry's plan to conquer the New World, which is overshadowed by the more subtle and sinister methods of subjugation employed by Cannon Capital. The episode highlights the "vampire squid" moment, drawing a parallel between Jerry's inelegant shock-and-awe tactics and the more covert, bloodsucking control exerted by the human vampires of Cannon Capital. The message is clear: in the quest to drain the New World dry, subtlety is key.
The episode is filled with quotable lines and Easter eggs for fans. From the brand equity comment to the finger food joke, "Nandor's Army" is a treasure trove of humor and insight into the vampire world. The raising of the reward for information on Nandor from $3 to $5 is a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of his value to the group. The mention of "Shutter Island rules" and the possible Twin Peaks reference with Major Briggs add layers to the episode's narrative. The lore established in the episode that vampires do not menstruate, and by extension, cannot reproduce, adds to the show's rich tapestry of vampire mythology.
In conclusion, "Nandor's Army" is an episode that delves into the complexities of the vampires' relationships, their impact on the humans in their lives, and their own personal growth. It's a testament to the show's ability to balance humor with emotional depth, providing a compelling look into the characters' motivations and the consequences of their actions. As the season progresses, the stakes (no pun intended) are raised, and the vampires must navigate the challenges of their immortal lives with the same flair and farce that have made "What We Do in the Shadows" a standout in the world of comedy-horror television.