In the delightfully chaotic third episode of What We Do in the Shadows' sixth season, titled "Sleep Hypnosis," the vampires of Staten Island find themselves in a battle of wills and wits over a room under the stairs. As Nadja so eloquently puts it, "TGIFMLNGL, LOL," a phrase that, if understood, signifies one's coolness quotient in the vampire world. This episode is a perfect blend of heartstrings and hypnotic hijinks, with a side of chicanery that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, or rather, coffins.
The episode opens with Nadja arriving home to a gruesome surprise: piles of bodies and human extremities, a testament to Laszlo's latest scientific endeavors. His quest to find matching eyes for Cravensworth's Monster leads to a domestic dispute that is as macabre as it is relatable. Nadja's demand for cleanliness and Laszlo's lack of storage space set the stage for a conflict that is both absurd and amusingly human.
As the vampires argue over the room under the stairs, Guillermo's old quarters, we are reminded of the complexities of vampire cohabitation. Nandor's transformation of the space into a gym adds another layer to the dispute, and Guillermo's involvement as the tiebreaker leads to a vote that, predictably, results in more chaos than resolution. The scene is a masterclass in physical comedy and dialogue, with each vampire's personality shining through in their reactions and arguments.
Colin Robinson, ever the sneaky energy vampire, eavesdrops from the vents, a place where he often gathers intelligence. His power rankings and fear of being ousted by his housemates add a layer of tension to the episode, as he schemes to use sleep hypnosis to sway Nandor to his side. The concept of sleep hypnosis is a clever plot device that allows for a series of hilarious and unexpected events.
The scene where Colin Robinson attempts to hypnotize Nandor is a standout, with the energy vampire's meticulous planning and execution leading to unintended consequences. Nandor's subsequent behavior, reciting Richard Nixon's speeches, is both bizarre and entertaining, showcasing the show's ability to blend historical references with supernatural shenanigans.
As the episode progresses, the power dynamics shift, with Nadja and Laszlo teaming up against Nandor and Colin Robinson. The use of sleep hypnosis becomes a weapon in their battle for control, leading to a series of events that are as funny as they are farcical. Nadja's decision to clean up the house using Laszlo's hypnotized state is a moment of dark comedy, while Colin Robinson's attempt to upgrade Nandor's hypnosis with a Nixon speech adds a layer of absurdity.
The episode takes a turn when Guillermo, seeking a solution to the hypnotic chaos, visits Baron Afanas. The Baron's attempt to reverse the hypnosis leads to a hilariously disastrous outcome, as he inadvertently erases his own mind. Doug Jones' portrayal of Baron Afanas is a highlight, as his character's transformation from decrepit to radiant adds a touch of whimsy to the episode.
In the end, the vampires find a compromise, sharing the room under the stairs, a resolution that is both practical and reflective of their dysfunctional family dynamic. The episode concludes with Guillermo, under the influence of the hypnosis, reapplying for his role as a familiar, a full-circle moment that is as heartwarming as it is humorous.
"Sleep Hypnosis" is a testament to the show's ability to take common domestic disputes and infuse them with supernatural elements, resulting in an episode that is as engaging as it is laugh-out-loud funny. The episode's blend of character development, witty dialogue, and physical comedy makes it a standout in the series, proving that What We Do in the Shadows continues to be a unique and entertaining exploration of the vampire lifestyle.