The second episode of the sixth season of "What We Do in the Shadows," aptly titled "Headhunting," delivers a dose of humor and horror that fans have come to love. This episode is a testament to the show's ability to blend the mundane with the macabre, all while keeping the laughs coming. As we delve into the world of corporate America through the eyes of our favorite vampires and their familiar, we are treated to a story that is as heartwarming as it is head-rolling.
The episode kicks off with Laszlo, played by the brilliant Matt Berry, who has dusted off his lab and is ready to embark on a new scientific adventure. His goal? To reanimate dead flesh, a quest he has pursued since his days in the Civil War. Laszlo's lab is a treasure trove of oddities, and his enthusiasm for his work is both endearing and slightly disturbing. His repeated failures only fuel his determination, as he quips, "If repetition is the father of progress, then call me Big Papa." This sets the tone for an episode filled with dark humor and a touch of madness.
We are then introduced to Guillermo's new life as a finance guy at Cannon Capital Strategies. His transition from vampire familiar to mailroom employee is both unexpected and delightful. Guillermo's ambition and determination to succeed in the human world are contrasted with his vampire family's attempts to ensure his happiness, even if it means taking drastic measures. This includes Nadja's decision to eliminate Wendy, Guillermo's coworker, to clear the path for his success. It's a stark reminder that while Guillermo may be living among humans, he is still very much a part of the vampire world.
Meanwhile, Laszlo and Colin Robinson's pursuit of the perfect head for Cravensworth's Monster provides a series of comedic encounters. From a man with unappealing ears to another who didn't cry during "Good Will Hunting," the selection process is as absurd as it is entertaining. The eventual choice, a man with a penchant for Latin jazz, leads to a predictable but no less amusing outcome.
Nadja's transformation into an '80s businesswoman as she navigates the world of finance is a sight to behold. Her interactions with Guillermo and his coworkers are both terrifying and hilarious, as she uses her vampire powers to manipulate the situation to Guillermo's advantage. Her cold-blooded disposal of Wendy and subsequent assumption of her role is a perfect example of how "What We Do in the Shadows" can take a common trope and turn it on its head.
The episode also explores the lengths to which the vampires will go to ensure Guillermo's happiness and prevent him from turning against them. Nandor's clumsy attempt at janitorial work and Nadja's ruthless yet calculated approach to management show that they are willing to step out of their comfort zones for Guillermo's sake.
As the episode draws to a close, we see the fruits of Colin Robinson's labor with Cravensworth's Monster. The creature's seemingly docile nature is a stark contrast to Laszlo's previous failures, and it serves as a testament to Colin Robinson's determination. However, the monster's true nature is revealed in a final twist that is both predictable and satisfying.
"Headhunting" is a masterclass in blending the absurd with the heartfelt. It showcases the show's ability to take common storylines and infuse them with a unique brand of humor and horror. The episode is a love letter to fans, filled with sharp dialogue, memorable one-liners, and performances that are nothing short of brilliant. It's a reminder that "What We Do in the Shadows" is not just a show about vampires; it's a show about the human condition, told through the eyes of the undead.