What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 Episode 7 Review: March Madness
What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 Episode 7, “March Madness,” tackles demonic possession and office hijinks in equal measure. While it certainly has its strengths, the outing is a step down from last week’s fare and indicates a multi-episode slump in this final season.
March Madness and Repressed Hotheads
One thing that will never get old is Laszlo’s enduring affection for his Seanaaay. We’ve seen him bend over backward to help his friend, but Laz has never gone this far to save Sean. Surprisingly, the prospect of turning Sean doesn’t arise, which is perhaps emblematic of Laszlo’s immense growth over six seasons. The hospital scene between Laz and Sean is quite sweet and proof that this series can address heavier conversations with grace and heart.
Additionally, the character dynamics in “March Madness” are a ton of fun. We’ve never had a Guillermo/Colin Robinson pairing, so that, in itself, is a positive. Harvey Guillén and Mark Proksch play off each other well. Proksch, in particular, shines here as he taps into a side of Colin Robinson we haven’t seen before: his rage.
Meanwhile, Guillén tapping into Guillermo’s “angry” side is a blast. It’s simultaneously jarring and hilarious watching Guillermo hurl insults at Colin Robinson. Not to mention, Guillén’s facial expressions as he addresses the camera — or we, as the audience — are a delight. Nandor and Charmaine are also a pairing I didn’t know I needed, but now I wish we had more.
Out of Pace and Out of Place
What doesn’t work in “March Madness” is the odd pacing. What We Do in the Shadows normally maintains even pacing and organically fleshes out each episodic story. However, it feels like the writers crammed so much plot into one episode, mainly for the A-storyline. It moves too quickly. I would’ve loved to spend more time with the gang trying to exorcise the “demon” from Sean or with the demon The Guide summoned.
In addition, the Nandor/The Guide storyline is strange. Inorganic, even. Sure, it was hinted at in Season 5 Episode 9, “A Weekend at Morrigan Manor,” but the series hasn’t spent enough time building these two as a potential romantic pair. It feels out of left field. That said, based on the mid-credits scene, this could make Nandor realize he doesn’t actually love The Guide or serve as the basis for him unearthing his feelings for Guillermo.
All in all, episodes like this, where the group is split, are usually the weakest, with Season 2 Episode 6, “On the Run,” being one of the exceptions.
Demonic Possession or Really Into Basketball?
“March Madness” boasts a hysterical concept for a story: the vampires mistaking Sean’s intense love of basketball for demonic possession. Even if it somewhat misses the bar due to narrative structuring and pacing, there’s still plenty to love here. Matt Berry and Anthony Atamanuik are a dynamite combo.
Additionally, Guillermo’s arc digs deeper into his relationship with his boss, Jordan, which mimics his early days with Nandor. Those parallels are fascinating, and they could lead to Guillermo realizing he’s falling into old patterns and must break free of them.
After all, Guillermo is our eyes and ears, our human perspective. But more than that, he’s the heart of What We Do in the Shadows.
Stray Observations:
- So, my Seasonal Affective Disorder is actually demonic possession? What about my year-round, regular depression? Does this mean I’m perpetually possessed? I wonder if they make SAD lamps to draw out demons…
- Matt Berry saying “F*cking shitstorm” needs to be studied. His unique pronunciations, in general, should’ve garnered him a shelf full of accolades by now.
- I would kill to be the Thelma to Nadja’s Louise or vice versa. Give me that banana phone.
- I’m very curious to get the dirt on Cannon Capital Strategies. What are they hiding? What secrets will Guillermo have to keep on their behalf?
- We need more Charmaine. Always and forever. Marissa Jaret Winokur is a gem.
- Colin Robinson yelling, “Don’t f*cking step to me!” as he’s escorted out of Cannon by security cracks me up.
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 Mondays at 10/9c on FX, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
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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.