The seventh installment of the sixth season of "What We Do in the Shadows," titled "March Madness," masterfully intertwines the realms of the supernatural and the mundane, as the vampires residing on Staten Island find themselves ensnared in a labyrinthine web of mistaken demonic possession and the intricate machinations of office hierarchy. While perhaps not the pinnacle of the series' offerings, this episode still boasts an abundance of character-centric humor and some unexpectedly heartfelt moments that resonate deeply.
The episode kicks off with Laszlo, portrayed by the ever-eccentric Matt Berry, delving into the complexities of human anatomy in his relentless pursuit of crafting the ultimate monster. His mishaps with the digestive system of his chaotic creation elicit an early chuckle, setting the stage for an episode that skillfully blends horror and comedy.
When Laszlo and Nandor (Kayvan Novak) hear their neighbor Sean (Anthony Atamanuik) wailing in distress, they hastily rush to his side, only to discover him in the throes of what they mistakenly perceive as demonic possession. However, the culprit behind Sean's turmoil is not a sinister spirit but rather the annual college basketball frenzy known as March Madness. This misunderstanding prompts a series of hilarious exorcism attempts, with the vampires' blissful ignorance of American sports culture serving as a humorous foil.
Charmaine (Marissa Jaret Winokur) remains unimpressed by the unfolding chaos, recognizing Sean's annual basketball-induced frenzy for what it is. Her frustration with the vampires' antics injects a dose of domestic realism into the supernatural milieu, as she threatens to depart until the madness abates.
Elsewhere, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén), eager to carve out his niche in the office, receives some unsolicited advice from Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch). Colin's leaf blower-induced ruminations on office politics inspire a series of identity experiments for Guillermo, as he tries on various personas like a suit of clothes, ranging from the office clown to the repressed hothead.
The episode's zenith unfolds when Colin, masquerading as an HR representative, accompanies Guillermo to his workplace. This faux pas triggers a dramatic outpouring that astonishingly garners Guillermo a substantial amount of admiration from his peers. Mark Proksch's portrayal of Colin Robinson, with his stone-faced demeanor and unexpected fits of aggression, truly steals the spotlight in this installment.
As the vampires endeavor to expel a nonexistent demon from Sean, they enlist the weary assistance of The Guide (Kristen Schaal), who is already worn out by Jerry's (Mike O'Brien) schemes for vampire supremacy. The Guide's conjuring of a more formidable demon to address the presumed possession is a masterstroke of comedic timing. The demon, portrayed by Jon Glaser, exhibits a predilection for college basketball rather than fulfilling his exorcism obligations.
The episode's climax finds Sean, convinced of a heart attack, grappling with the stark reality of his mortality. His heartfelt conversation with Laszlo serves as a poignant moment that humanizes the usually frenetic Sean. Matt Berry's depiction of Laszlo adds a nuanced layer to the character's typical bluster.
Ultimately, "March Madness" exemplifies the show's prowess in balancing its supernatural backdrop with poignant character moments. Although the episode may not be the most plot-centric, it excels in its character dynamics and its daring dive into the absurdities of both vampire existence and office politics.
As the season unfolds, "March Madness" leaves viewers with an eager anticipation for the unfolding narrative. The characters' arcs continue to evolve, and the show's unparalleled blend of humor and heart shines brightly. It's an episode that, despite its imperfections, stands as an enjoyable and engaging contribution to the "What We Do in the Shadows" oeuvre.
