What We Do in the Shadows Review: The Chamber of Judgement (Season 3 Episode 5)
What We Do in the Shadows Season 3 Episode 5, “The Chamber of Judgement,” finds our vampires taking on new responsibilities to hilarious effect.
“The Chamber of Judgement” brilliantly executes the parallels between Nandor and Nadja running the vampire tribunal and Laszlo representing Sean in small claims court. Justice reigns supreme across the board, and, as per usual, the Staten Island vampires are up to the challenge.
GUILLERMO: I mean, who wields the ultimate power? The one who sits on the throne, or the one who challenges the throne-sitter?
What We Do in the Shadows hasn’t had a subpar episode thus far, but “The Chamber of Judgement” falters slightly in comparison to last week’s Atlantic City-fueled fare. “The Casino” is one of the show’s best outings yet, setting the bar incredibly high for future installments.
Acting MVPs for “The Chamber of Judgement” go to Harvey Guillén and Matt Berry. Guillén shows us a vastly different side of Guillermo, which floats like a butterfly but stings like a bee, and Guillén doles out more reasons to love our favorite vampire bodyguard.
He artfully reveals these nuances in an almost systematic, considerate manner, and it’s a joy to see Guillermo embrace his competitiveness.
LASZLO: I used to be a barrister on the Queen’s Bench, mainly representing myself for crimes such as soliciting and pornography.
Berry’s a seasoned comedic vet, and the range of his abilities is on full display in “The Chamber of Judgement.” He creatively capitalizes on Laszlo’s innate vanity to hysterical success, notably when Laszlo returns home rip-roaring drunk and attempts to save Derek’s life as his inebriated attorney.
What We Do in the Shadows boasts fantastic writing, but it’s the performances that catapult it to new, batty heights.
“The Chamber of Judgement” propels the season-long plot forward with its trademark kookiness and lighthearted fun. It’s nice to see a more cohesive arc for the vampires and witness the Powers That Be take delightful narrative risks.
NADJA: Nandor is very tall. When he stands, his face is much higher than my face ’cause I am sat on the throne.
The guest appearances effectively bolster the episode to varying degrees — Kristen Schaal’s The Guide is always a welcome sight, and the return of Chris Sandiford as Derek is a fun and unexpected plot twist. Derek’s bumbling obliviousness as a fledgling vamp plays well off our core cast.
This show continues to push the horror-comedy envelope in every way, from its top-tier acting to its consistent writing and perfectly (un)deadpan humor, and the only direction What We Do in the Shadows can go is up (and out of the Well of Daylight).
Stray Observations:
- Guillermo going full Varys from Game of Thrones is life (just like football).
- Yes, Laszlo, Colin Robinson’s Jar Jar Binks impression is funny and not at all annoying.
- Sean forgetting Colin Robinson’s name several times feels like a side effect of being exposed to an energy vampire.
- We need a flashback of Laszlo defending himself 300 years ago as a barrister, and we need it now.
- Perhaps Guillermo’s former Mosquito Club will make a resurgence, and his vampire hunter history causes further conflict with his desire to become a vampire?
What did you think of this episode of What We Do in the Shadows? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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What We Do in the Shadows airs Thursdays at 10/9c on FX.
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.