What We Do in the Shadows Review: The Escape (Season 3 Episode 6)
What We Do in the Shadows Season 3 Episode 6, “The Escape,” kicks the stakes up a notch with the unintentional escape of The Sire, gossipy gargoyles, and the unexpected return of a long-thought-dead character. Naturally, delightful chaos ensues.
There’s something about the sixth episode in every season of What We Do in the Shadows: Season 1 boasts the incredible “Baron’s Night Out,” and Season 2 has the hilarious “On the Run” (the birth of Jackie Daytona). This season presents “The Escape,” another masterful installment that solidifies this series as one of the best comedies out there.
LASZLO: Previously on this filmed documentary program, or whatever the f**k this is supposed to be.
Bringing Doug Jones back into the fold two seasons later is a smart move on the show’s part. Jones infuses the ancient vamp with surprising vitality and humor. While he’s a rather physical actor given his stature, Jones still shines as the Baron, charred half-body and all.
Kristen Schaal’s increased presence on What We Do in the Shadows is a blessing; she’s an immensely gifted comedic performer, and her timing is always effortless and on point. Adding The Guide to the roster opens a world of new potential storylines and Vampire Council shenanigans.
GUILLERMO: Sorry, there’s not a chalkboard in here, so I had to use my mouth.
“The Escape” peels back another layer of Guillermo’s personality. Whereas last week’s episode reveals his penchant for persuasion and gossip a la Varys in Game of Thrones, this outing shows us his authoritative side. Harvey Guillén is a natural on-screen, and he’s such a joy to watch.
NADJA: We’ve come to take you home to your lovely, cozy prison cell!
Overall, What We Do in the Shadows knocks another cracking episode out of the park with every aspect of it firing on all cylinders, including stellar performances, great guest appearances, cheeky quips, intricate mythology, and enviably macabre aesthetics.
Stray Observations:
- Julie Klausner and Cole Escola voice the gargoyles, who you might know from another NYC-based comedy, Difficult People (a series that ended far before its time).
- Colin Robinson discovers “That’s what she said” jokes for the first time in this episode, meaning the apocalypse is nigh.
- There’s nothing funnier than a half-bodied Baron riding a golden retriever like a noble steed charging into battle and later cruising in a remote-control “Barbie” car.
- Petition to get a spin-off show featuring Baron Afanas, The Sire, and the hellhound living in blissful domesticity?
- Laszlo with a magic flute would be a devastating addition to vampire orgies everywhere. As would Matt Berry armed with a harmonica.
- The last episode featuring the Baron alive is in Season 1 Episode 6, and he returns in Season 3 Episode 6 (Symmetry!).
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.