The seventh episode of the sixth season of "What We Do in the Shadows," titled "March Madness," is a delightful blend of the supernatural and the mundane, as the vampires of Staten Island find themselves entangled in both a case of mistaken demonic possession and the intricate power dynamics of office life. This episode, while not the strongest in the series, offers a wealth of character-driven humor and some surprisingly poignant moments.
The episode opens with Laszlo, played by the always eccentric Matt Berry, delving into the intricacies of human anatomy in his quest to create the perfect monster. His misadventures with the digestive system of his "shambolic monstrosity" provide an early laugh, setting the tone for the episode's blend of horror and comedy.
When Laszlo and Nandor (Kayvan Novak) hear their neighbor Sean (Anthony Atamanuik) screaming, they rush to his aid, only to find him in the throes of what they believe to be demonic possession. The source of Sean's distress, however, is not a malevolent spirit but the annual college basketball frenzy known as March Madness. This misunderstanding leads to a series of comedic exorcism attempts, with the vampires' ignorance of American sports culture providing a humorous backdrop.
Charmaine (Marissa Jaret Winokur) is less than impressed with the situation, recognizing Sean's annual basketball-induced mania. Her frustration with the vampires' antics adds a layer of domestic realism to the supernatural setting, as she threatens to leave until the madness subsides.
Meanwhile, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), seeking to establish his identity in the office, receives some unexpected advice from Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch). Colin's leaf blower-induced musings on office politics lead to a series of identity experiments for Guillermo, as he tries on various roles, from the office joker to the repressed hothead.
The episode's highlight comes when Colin, pretending to be from HR, accompanies Guillermo to work, leading to a dramatic outburst that earns Guillermo a surprising amount of respect from his coworkers. Mark Proksch's performance as Colin Robinson, with his deadpan delivery and unexpected bursts of violence, is a standout in this episode.
As the vampires attempt to exorcise the non-existent demon from Sean, they enlist the help of The Guide (Kristen Schaal), who is herself exhausted from Jerry's (Mike O’Brien) plans for vampire domination. The Guide's summoning of a larger demon to deal with the supposed possession is a masterclass in comedic timing, as the demon, played by Jon Glaser, is more interested in college basketball than in performing his exorcism duties.
The episode's climax sees Sean, convinced he's had a heart attack, grappling with his own mortality. His conversation with Laszlo is a touching moment that humanizes the usually frenetic Sean, and Matt Berry's performance as Laszlo adds a layer of depth to the character's usual bluster.
In the end, "March Madness" is a testament to the show's ability to balance its supernatural premise with relatable character moments. The episode may not be the most plot-driven, but it excels in its character dynamics and its willingness to delve into the absurdity of both vampire life and office politics.
As the season progresses, "March Madness" leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation for what's to come, as the characters' arcs continue to develop and the show's unique blend of humor and heart shines through. It's an episode that, while not perfect, is a fun and engaging addition to the "What We Do in the Shadows" canon.