The sixth season of "What We Do in the Shadows" continues to enchant with its intriguing blend of horror and humor, and episode six, aptly titled "Laszlo's Father," stands as a testament to this. This chapter delves deeply into the intricate dynamics between Laszlo (portrayed with relatable charm by Matt Berry) and his ethereal father, Lord Roderick Cravensworth (brilliantly brought to life by Steve Coogan), while also unraveling the humorous misunderstandings that entangle Nandor (Kayvan Novak) and Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) in their intriguing interactions with their new neighbors.
The episode kicks off with Nandor and Nadja indulging in classic vampire escapades—spying on their neighbors with relish. Their curiosity spikes when they observe their neighbors appearing much younger than their previous encounters, leading them to surmise that they must be shapeshifters. However, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), the voice of reason amidst chaos, informs them that the neighboring house is an Airbnb—a revelation that sails over the heads of these centuries-old vampires who are seemingly oblivious to modern-day concepts.
Meanwhile, Laszlo is haunted by eerie sensations and noises, which Nadja attributes to a ghostly apparition. A spell she chants inadvertently conjures up the spectral form of Laszlo's father, Lord Roderick Cravensworth. The reunion is anything but heartwarming, with Laszlo storming off in a huff while Roderick indulges in his signature Cravensworth flirtations with Nadja, adding a layer of comic intrigue to the mix.
As the episode unfolds, we witness Roderick's pervasive influence on the household as he engages with Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) and Cravensworth's Monster (played with delightful weirdness by Andy Assaf). Roderick's backhanded compliments and flirtatious demeanor create a tense yet entertaining ambiance, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative. Laszlo, the ingenious inventor, unveils his latest creation—a spirit catcher inspired by the iconic "Ghostbusters II"—which he intends to utilize to deal with his father's ghostly presence, adding a touch of whimsy and ingenuity to the supernatural saga.
The humor intensifies as Roderick expresses his desire for a grand tour of the house, unwittingly unveiling Colin Robinson's treasure trove of Funko Pop figurines and precipitating a chain of cringe-worthy encounters. Laszlo's solemn warning about Roderick's true intentions falls on deaf ears, as Colin harbors a naive belief that his father seeks reconciliation.
The narrative deepens as Laszlo and Colin embark on a tour of New York with Guillermo playing the role of Laszlo's familiar, all to curry favor with Roderick. However, Roderick's commendations for Laszlo carry hidden agendas; he reveals his sinister plan to reclaim mortality by possessing Laszlo's body. This bombshell triggers a dramatic clash and a desperate race against the ticking clock, as Laszlo and Cravensworth's Monster deploy the spirit catcher to ensnare Roderick's spirit within a glass prison.
Meanwhile, in a comical sidebar, Nandor and Nadja's suspicions about their neighbors being shapeshifters propel them into a series of hilarious escapades, culminating in Nadja's clandestine infiltration of the neighbor's abode under the alias of "Rawhide." Their bewilderment over the concept of Airbnb and their subsequent arrangement with Nancy, the youthful operator of this clandestine enterprise, injects an extra layer of absurdity into the episode.
The episode culminates in a shocking twist: Nandor and Nadja discover that their neighbor Nancy is indeed a shapeshifter, while Roderick's ghost is left in Colin Robinson's custody, setting the stage for a potentially tumultuous future.
"Laszlo's Father" emerges as a standout episode that skillfully balances the show's signature humor with emotional resonance, offering viewers a fresh glimpse into the characters' relationships and a hearty serving of supernatural antics. It underscores the show's prowess in captivating its audience with laughter and fostering a profound connection with these endearing, albeit somewhat bumbling, vampires.
