Though What We Do in the Shadows has been one of my favourite comedies of the last few years, the show had begun to feel as though it was running on fumes. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it did lead me to wonder if the show should consider calling it quits soon. However, this year’s season was a return to form that proves this show still has a lot left in the tank. The first two episodes of the season were solid, but it is episode 3’s “Pride Parade” that brought the show back up to the exceptional standard that I became used to with the first two seasons. From then on, the show never loses its momentum, with other standout episodes being episode 5’s “Local News” and episode 9’s “A Weekend at Morrigan Manor”. Season 5 of What We Do in the Shadows feels like a bold declaration that its writers are loud, proud comedic geniuses, and I am so here for it. It truly amazes me how easily and effectively the show is able to take the simplest lines and make them incredibly gut-bustingly funny.

A lot of these lines are delivered by Matt Berry, who is simply one of the best comedic actors in the industry, and Mark Proksch, who can deadpan any line and make it hysterical. The cast as a whole brings their A-game this year and gives their best performances of the entire show so far. Harvey Guillén is one of my favourite up-and-coming actors and he brings so much to this role. Guillermo has the most interesting material of the quintet sextet (sorry, Guide!) this season, especially after the major bombshell that season 4 ended on. His relationship not just with Kayvan Novak’s Nandor but with each of the other characters is a joy because we finally get to see some well-earned character progression in a show that was beginning to feel like a victim of endless status quo reverting following major moments and reveals.

Speaking of Kayvan Novak, he as usual brings great comedic chops to many of his scenes, but towards the end of the show we begin seeing something very different from him. The last two episodes of the season prove that he’s also an incredibly versatile actor who can nail dramatic beats when necessary. Meanwhile, Natasia Demetirou and Kristen Schaal were two actors in the show that I always liked but never truly loved until this year. Natasia not only chews up every line she delivers but also effortlessly induces laughs with her top-notch physicality. The reliable Kristen Schaal was fairly solid for most of the season, but she really comes alive in “A Weekend at Morrigan Manor”.

Though the excellent performances absolutely elevate their scripts to new comedy heights, the writing itself is nonetheless fantastic. There are several wonderful concepts at play here that I really connected with. Though lore expansion is always hit or miss with me due to how often it adds a more somber tone without actually being engaging, this is not the case with What We Do in the Shadows. The writers introduce incredibly innocuous and absurd vampire lore that is never referred to again but, in the moment, creates a really entertaining story.

What may be this season’s greatest achievement, however, is showcasing new character dynamics that add to a much stronger emotional backbone. Laszlo and Guillermo’s dynamic brings a surprisingly sweet heart to the season that was engaging throughout. Nandor and Colin Robinson have some truly great moments together that made me laugh in a way that could only be rivaled by classic Simpsons and Futurama. Nadja’s interactions with Guillermo, Colin Robinson, and the Guide have been equal parts delightfully kooky and strangely touching. What We Do in the Shadows works as well as it does because of its characters, and because of them, it solidifies itself as one of the most genuinely funny, entertaining and, at times, heartfelt TV that I’ve seen all year. I need at least two more seasons of these delightfully wonderful vampires!

8.5/10