The Big Picture: Unleashing Kristen Schaal’s Talents in What We Do in the Shadows Season 5
What We Do in the Shadows Season 5 exceeds all expectations by continuously pushing the boundaries with its fresh and outrageously funny storylines. However, amidst all the brilliance, one character remains underutilized and overlooked—the Guide, portrayed by the talented Kristen Schaal. It’s high time for the show to recognize Schaal’s comedic prowess and give the Guide more substantial plotlines that will enhance her importance to the series.
When the announcement was made in 2018 that FX would be airing a television spinoff series of What We Do in the Shadows, fans couldn’t help but worry. After all, the original mockumentary film, written and directed by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, had set the bar high with its eccentric characters and endless laughter. How could an American version live up to that magic? Surprisingly, What We Do in the Shadows, the TV series, managed to strike the perfect balance between familiarity and originality. Set in New York, the show follows a different group of vampires and has only improved with each passing season, even earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. Though it’s safe to say that the characters in the series have their own unique charm, there is one character that seems out of place.
Season 5 of What We Do in the Shadows continues to amaze and surpass expectations. Just when you think the show has reached its peak, it surprises you with even crazier and funnier moments. Remember when energy vampire Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) died and was reborn as a baby, rapidly aging into a child and beyond? That was just the tip of the iceberg. This season, we witness Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) finally achieving his long-standing wish of becoming a vampire. However, the transformation is a slow and humorous process, with Guillermo sprouting pitiful wings and failing miserably at flying. On top of that, there’s the underlying tension of Laszlo (Matt Berry) and Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) discovering Guillermo’s secret, which could potentially put him in grave danger if Nandor (Kayvan Novak) finds out.
What We Do in the Shadows excels in delivering captivating storylines. Colin Robinson’s near-death experience due to his newfound interestingness, and the mind-boggling body swap between human ghost Nadja and vampire Nadja are prime examples of its brilliance. However, amidst all these engrossing tales, there is one character who seems to fade into the background—the Guide.
The Guide (Kristen Schaal) is an enigmatic vampire with centuries of knowledge and intelligence. Unlike the bumbling vampires we follow, she possesses wisdom and power. Yet, despite her capabilities, she remains largely unnoticed and unappreciated. She struggles with social awkwardness and craves genuine connections, but her efforts are in vain. We catch glimpses of the Guide throughout the seasons, usually during summonings by the Vampiric Council. In Season 4, she even became a main cast member after a successful presence in the previous season. However, her potential has yet to be tapped into. In Season 5, with diminishing appearances before the council and the closure of the vampire nightclub subplot, the Guide is left with little to do but linger in the background. She lacks a distinct personality. It’s almost comical when she excitedly exclaims, “I’m back!” only to be met with indifference by the other characters, epitomized by Nadja’s bored response, “Were you even gone?”. The Guide’s insignificance is driven by how she’s treated, thus making her uninteresting to both the characters and the viewers.
It’s perplexing why the Guide was presented as a main character when her presence is minimal. She doesn’t contribute significantly to the plot except when others can’t. With her extensive knowledge, she becomes the go-to character for exposition, but she doesn’t offer much beyond that purpose. Take, for example, the episode “Urgent Care,” where Guillermo injures himself while attempting to fly. In that brief encounter at the vampire familiar hospital, the Guide appears momentarily dressed as a nurse but serves no real function. It feels forced, almost as if the writers realized they needed to include her last minute. This lack of purpose and forced inclusion undermines the potential of both the character and Kristen Schaal’s exceptional talent.
Let’s be clear—this critique of the Guide is not a reflection of Kristen Schaal’s abilities. She is an extraordinary comedic actress, perhaps even more well-known than some of the other cast members. That’s why it’s disheartening to see her stuck with a character that doesn’t live up to her potential. Schaal has consistently proven her brilliance, whether as a correspondent on The Daily Show, her remarkable performance on The Last Man on Earth, or her memorable voice work on Bob’s Burgers. It’s time for What We Do in the Shadows to recognize her talents and give her character the depth and importance she deserves.
In conclusion, What We Do in the Shadows Season 5 showcases remarkable growth and creativity. However, amidst the brilliance, the character of the Guide remains an untapped resource. By investing in the development of the Guide’s storyline and establishing her significance within the show, the series can fully leverage Kristen Schaal’s comedic abilities. The Guide should be more than just a plot device; she has the potential to become an integral and intriguing part of What We Do in the Shadows. It’s time for the show to unleash Schaal’s talents and elevate the Guide to her rightful place in the spotlight.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
