In the fourth episode of the sixth season of "What We Do in the Shadows," titled "The Railroad," the vampire shenanigans continue as the characters navigate their human facades and supernatural quirks. The episode opens with Jerryand The Guide outlining their plan to conquer the New World, a plan that is as ambitious as it is absurd. Their strategy? Take over the tristate area and then head west. The scene is a perfect example of the show's ability to blend the mundane with the monstrous, as Nadja dozes off during the planning, and Laszlo pretends to take a call on his hand, while only Colin Robinson takes the plan seriously.
The episode is a delightful mix of the vampires' attempts to fit into human society and their inherent inability to do so. Nadja and Nandorhave jobs at Cannon Capital Strategies, a setting that contrasts their supernatural nature with the corporate world. Nadja, in particular, thrives in her role, even going so far as to cause one of her coworkers to choke so that Guillermo can save him, thus bolstering his status at the company. Nandor, on the other hand, finds joy in his role as a janitor, reveling in the camaraderie and the less-than-glamorous tasks.
The corporate backdrop also sets the stage for a significant conflict between Guillermo and his former master, Nandor. Jordan, the corporate boss, demands that Guillermo fire Nandor, a task that Guillermo is reluctant to carry out. This plotline adds emotional weight to the episode, as it forces Guillermo to navigate his loyalty to his former master and his newfound success in the human world.
Meanwhile, Laszlo and Colin find themselves in a comedic predicament when their neighbor Sean loses his job at the TSA and asks for help in securing a position at the Staten Island & Southwestern Railroad, a company they've previously mentioned but which doesn't actually exist. In a brilliant display of improvisation, Laszlo and Colin create a fake office, hire actors, and even go so far as to have Cravensworth's Monster pretend to be the boss, Greg Smith. The interview scene is a highlight of the episode, with Sean's enthusiasm and Cravensworth's Monster's deadpan delivery leading to an unexpected outcome: Sean is hired as vice president of the non-existent company.
The episode also explores the theme of identity and self-worth, as seen through Nandor's experience of being fired by his former familiar, Guillermo. Nandor's reaction to his dismissal is a mix of pride and embarrassment, a complex emotional response that adds depth to his character. Sean's storyline also touches on this theme, as he deals with the collapse of the fake railroad company and his subsequent unemployment. His determination to find a new vice president position and his temporary work on TaskRabbit show his resilience and adaptability.
"The Railroad" is a standout episode in the series, blending the show's signature humor with moments of emotional resonance. The episode's climax, where Nadja saves her job by convincing the Cannon analysts to invest in the fake railroad company, is a masterclass in corporate manipulation and supernatural cunning. The episode ends on a high note, with the characters' fates left in a state of flux, perfectly setting up the rest of the season. This episode is a testament to the show's ability to balance character development with its unique brand of humor, making it an instant classic in the "What We Do in the Shadows" canon.