The sixth season of What We Do in the Shadows continues to delight with its unique blend of horror and humor, and episode six, titled "Laszlo's Father," is no exception. This installment offers a deep dive into the complex relationship between Laszlo (Matt Berry) and his spectral dad, Lord Roderick Cravensworth (Steve Coogan), while also exploring the comedic misunderstandings of Nandor (Kayvan Novak) and Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) with their newfound neighbors.
The episode opens with Nandor and Nadja engaged in some classic vampire behavior—spying on their neighbors. Their intrigue is piqued when they notice the neighbors appear to be much younger than before, leading them to the conclusion that they must be shapeshifters. Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), ever the voice of reason, informs them that the house next door is an Airbnb, a concept that goes over the heads of the centuries-old vampires.
Meanwhile, Laszlo is plagued by strange feelings and noises, which Nadja attributes to a ghostly presence. A spell she recites inadvertently summons the ghost of Laszlo's father, Lord Roderick Cravensworth. The reunion is less than warm, with Laszlo storming off and Roderick engaging in some characteristic Cravensworth flirting with Nadja.
As the episode progresses, we see Roderick's influence on the household, as he interacts with Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) and Cravensworth's Monster (Andy Assaf). Roderick's backhanded compliments and flirtatious nature create a tense but entertaining atmosphere. Laszlo, ever the inventor, unveils his latest creation—a spirit catcher inspired by Ghostbusters II—which he plans to use to deal with his father's ghostly presence.
The humor escalates as Roderick requests a tour of the house, leading to a showcase of Colin Robinson's Funko Pop collection and a series of awkward encounters. Laszlo's warning to Colin about his father's true nature is met with skepticism, as Colin believes Roderick is seeking reconciliation.
The plot thickens as Laszlo and Colin take Roderick on a tour of New York, with Guillermo playing along as Laszlo's familiar to impress his father. Roderick's praise for Laszlo is tinged with ulterior motives, as he reveals his desire to return to the land of the living by inhabiting Laszlo's body. This revelation leads to a dramatic confrontation and a race against time as Laszlo and Cravensworth's Monster use the spirit catcher to trap Roderick's spirit in a glass container.
In a subplot, Nandor and Nadja's suspicions about their neighbors being shapeshifters lead to a series of comical misadventures, including Nadja's infiltration of the neighbor's house under the guise of "Rawhide." Their confusion about the concept of Airbnb and their subsequent agreement with Nancy, the young woman running the unauthorized operation, adds a layer of absurdity to the episode.
The episode concludes with a twist, as Nadja and Nandor discover that their neighbor Nancy is indeed a shapeshifter, and Roderick's ghost is left in Colin Robinson's care, setting the stage for potential future drama.
"Laszlo's Father" is a standout episode that balances the show's trademark humor with emotional depth, providing viewers with a fresh perspective on the characters' relationships and a healthy dose of supernatural shenanigans. It's a testament to the show's ability to keep its audience both laughing and invested in the lives of these lovable, if somewhat inept, vampires.