The show What We Do in the Shadows returns for its last season on October 21. This popular comedy horror series comes to an end after six seasons. It follows the funny adventures of a group of vampires and their human helper, known as a familiar.
In Season 5, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) becomes a vampire and tries to keep it a secret from Nandor (Kayvan Novak), with help from Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) and Laszlo (Matt Berry). The showrunner, Paul Simms, promises many surprises in the final season. Let’s look back at Season 5 before the show returns for one last time.
Guillermo Goes Behind Nandor’s Back To Become a Vampire
Throughout What We Do in the Shadows, Guillermo wishes to become a vampire. After waiting for 13 years for Nandor to turn him, Guillermo decides to take action.
He gets his friend Derek (Chris Sandiford) to turn him instead. The problem is that only Nandor can turn Guillermo into a vampire. Getting anyone else to do it is a big mistake and is seen as the highest dishonor among vampires.
Guillermo spends most of Season 5 trying to hide his new vampire identity from Nandor. He fears that if Nandor finds out, Nandor will have to kill him. Guillermo has a unique family background; he is a descendant of the famous vampire hunter Van Helsing.
This family history complicates his transformation into a vampire because the vampire hunter DNA in him fights against his new vampire DNA.
At one point, Guillermo accidentally reveals to Laszlo that he had Derek bite him. Feeling worried, he asks Laszlo for help to understand why he has not fully transformed yet. Laszlo, who is always up for some weird science, conducts a series of strange experiments.
He mixes Guillermo’s DNA with the DNA of various stray animals. This creates some very odd Guillermo-animal hybrid creatures that are both funny and horrifying.
At the beginning of Season 5, Guillermo is not able to fly. He grows tiny wings that do not work well. However, by the end of the season, he manages to turn into a bat completely. Throughout this time, Nadja and the other vampires discover Guillermo’s secret. They agree to keep it from Nandor until the big reveal in Episode 9.
Nandor’s Search for Guillermo
Nandor is furious when he learns that Guillermo has been hiding the truth. He tries to find Guillermo by stalking a local Panera Bread. After a conversation with comedian Patton Oswalt, Nandor starts to think about their friendship. He realizes that he does not want to kill Guillermo.
Still from What We Do in the Shadows (Credit: Hulu)
Meanwhile, Guillermo is hiding out in a motel. Nandor finds a clever way to lure him out. He calls Guillermo from Guillermo’s mother’s apartment, knowing Guillermo would do anything to protect her. When Guillermo hears this, he feels he must come out and face Nandor.
When they meet, Nandor decides to let Guillermo continue living with them as a vampire. He encourages Guillermo to drink human blood to help him complete his transformation. At first, this seems to work. However, when the time comes for them to hunt, Guillermo struggles.
He cannot bring himself to kill and eat an innocent human. This moment is very important because Guillermo realizes he is not cut out for the life of a vampire after all.
Nandor holds a fake “Ceremony of Vampiric Transmogrification” for Guillermo. This ceremony is supposed to give Guillermo one last chance to become a full vampire. During the ceremony, Guillermo expresses his true feelings. He tells Nandor that he would rather stay human.
To change him back to human, Guillermo would need to kill the vampire who turned him, Derek. However, Guillermo cannot bring himself to kill Derek.
So, Nandor takes matters into his own hands and kills Derek instead. Afterward, Guillermo and Laszlo take Derek’s body to the Necromancer (played by Benedict Wong), who resurrects him as a zombie. This outcome adds another layer of comedy to the already hilarious show.
Nadja Reconnects With Her Antipaxan Roots
While Guillermo deals with his vampire issues, the other vampires have their own adventures. Nadja shows Staten Island’s Little Antipaxos neighborhood. Here, she discovers her roots and reconnects with her culture. She meets a local Antipaxan family who welcomes her as one of their own. They even introduce her to Laszlo, which leads to some funny situations.
During her journey, Nadja tries to deal with a mysterious hex that has affected her. She believes that this hex is a way for her to pay for her past wrongdoings. Nadja takes it upon herself to teach Antipaxan immigrants how to adapt to American culture. This subplot allows the show to address themes of identity and belonging in a humorous way.
Colin Robinson’s Political Ambitions
Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) has his own storyline in Season 5. He decides to run for comptroller. This decision allows him to show the world of politics while still being the energy vampire that he is. He also reunites with his love interest from Season 1, Evie (Vanessa Bayer). Their relationship adds a fun romantic angle to the season.
As Colin campaigns for his political position, he uses his unique skills as an energy vampire to drain the energy from his opponents. This part of the season showcases Colin’s ability to manipulate situations to his advantage, leading to several comical moments.
The Guide’s Return
Another important character in Season 5 is the Guide, played by Kristen Schaal. Throughout the season, the Guide tries hard to rejoin the vampire group. She especially wants to befriend Nadja, who has been feeling lonely and wishes for more female friends. The Guide has some funny and awkward moments as she tries to fit in.
Despite her best efforts, the Guide is often left out of the group’s activities. At one point, she makes up a hex so that Nadja will have to hang out with her. This plan seems to work for a while, but the group remains mostly uninterested in her attempts to connect.
In Episode 9, the Guide invites everyone to an art show featuring her paintings of the group. However, they show little interest in attending. Frustrated, she decides to take drastic measures. She sends the group a fake invitation to Morrigan Manor. Once they arrive, she traps each of them in silver cages as a way to punish them for excluding her. This plan backfires in a hilarious way.
Season 5 Highlights
As Season 5 unfolds, the show maintains its unique mix of comedy and horror. Each character faces their own challenges, and the stories interweave in funny and surprising ways. The dynamic between the vampires and Guillermo becomes even more interesting as Guillermo struggles with his identity.
One of the key highlights of Season 5 is the evolving relationship between Guillermo and Nandor. Their friendship faces serious tests as secrets come to light. Nandor’s eventual decision to spare Guillermo shows growth in his character. This moment is heartwarming and adds depth to the show.
Another highlight is Nadja’s journey of self-discovery. Her reconnection with her culture and roots offers a comedic yet meaningful perspective on immigration and identity. Nadja’s attempts to help others while dealing with her own hex create funny scenarios that viewers can relate to.
Colin’s political ambitions also provide plenty of laughs. His unique take on campaigning and how he uses his energy-draining powers for personal gain adds a clever twist to the political satire.
Finally, the Guide’s antics throughout Season 5 bring a fresh energy to the show. Her attempts to fit in and her clever but misguided plans create tension and humor. The Guide’s evolution from an outsider to someone who plays a pivotal role in the group shows that even the most unlikely characters can have significant impacts.
Looking Forward to Season 6
As What We Do in the Shadows prepares for its final season, fans are eager to see how the story concludes. The show has gained a loyal following over the years, and many viewers are excited about the promised surprises in Season 6.
Showrunner Paul Simms has hinted that fans can expect some unexpected twists and turns. This gives viewers hope for an exciting conclusion to the characters’ stories. With Guillermo now a vampire, Nandor’s evolving feelings, and the dynamic between all the characters, Season 6 promises to be full of surprises.
The final season will also likely show themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of accepting oneself. Guillermo’s journey, in particular, will be a central focus as he comes to terms with his new identity and what it means for his relationships with Nandor and the other vampires.
Where to Watch
What We Do in the Shadows is available for streaming on Hulu in the United States. Fans can look forward to the premiere of the first three episodes of Season 6 on October 21.
The series has received critical acclaim for its clever writing, engaging characters, and unique blend of horror and humor. It has become a beloved part of the comedy genre, and its fans are eager to see how it all wraps up.
Still from What We Do in the Shadows (Credit: Hulu)
As we prepare for the final season, it is worth reflecting on what made the series so special. The blend of horror and comedy, along with relatable characters, created a show that resonates with many viewers. The writers have done an excellent job of keeping the humor fresh and engaging while also showing deeper themes of friendship and identity.
Conclusion
What We Do in the Shadows has taken viewers on an unforgettable journey. As the final season approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the closure of beloved storylines and characters. With the show’s mix of humor, horror, and heart, Season 6 is sure to be an exciting and memorable conclusion to this unique series.
Catch the final season and witness how Guillermo, Nandor, Nadja, Laszlo, Colin, and the Guide show their final adventures. With big surprises ahead, fans will not want to miss a single moment of this beloved series. The stories, laughter, and friendships will surely leave a lasting impact on everyone who has enjoyed this wild ride.
The Walking Dead has officially ended after 12 long years, with 11 thrilling seasons that entertained fans and critics alike. Although there were several spin-offs featuring many beloved characters, the main show finally said its goodbye on AMC.
The series was known for bringing something new to television, with its gripping storyline, unforgettable characters, and a large number of intense walker (zombie) encounters.
Over its 11 seasons, viewers witnessed numerous cast changes, shocking deaths, relationships forming and breaking, and an impressive number of walkers being eliminated in brutal and creative ways.
The show ran for over a decade and became one of the most popular and talked-about TV shows of all time. It captured the audience’s attention with its unpredictable storylines, exciting action, and emotional moments. While some seasons stood out more than others, each season of The Walking Dead contributed something significant to the full story.
Some seasons will always be remembered, like Season 1, which kicked off the entire phenomenon, and Season 7, which shocked fans with its emotional premiere. However, not all seasons were as well received.
Some seasons, like Season 5, upset viewers with the death of a fan-favorite character, while others, like Season 10, surprised fans with unexpected moments like Negan and Alpha’s shocking encounter in the woods.
Ranking the seasons of The Walking Dead helps us look back at the highs and lows of this long-running series. Let’s show some of the most notable seasons in detail, from the best to the not-so-great.
11. Season 5 (2014-2015) Number of Episodes: 16
Season 5 brought a major turning point for Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and his group of survivors. The season started with some major events that shaped the characters in profound ways. First, it introduced Alexandria, a safe community that would become a significant part of the story.
However, before reaching Alexandria, fans were treated to Carol’s (Melissa McBride) redemption arc and the heartbreaking death of Beth (Emily Kinney). This season also introduced Father Gabriel (Seth Gilliam), a character who went from being a quiet and scared individual to an important part of Rick’s group.
The introduction of Alexandria was a big shift in the show, but it didn’t feel entirely new for fans. The show had already shown places like the Prison, which had a stronger impact on viewers compared to Alexandria. Nevertheless, Alexandria became the setting for many important future events in the series.
This season was also memorable for the large number of character deaths. Fans said goodbye to both long-time and newly introduced characters, including Beth, Noah (Tyler James Williams), Tyreese (Chad L. Coleman), and Bob (Lawrence Gilliard Jr.).
Still from The Walking Dead (Credit: AMC)
One of the few named characters who died and was reanimated as a zombie was Joan (Keisha Castle-Hughes). The season ended with an emotional reunion between Rick and Morgan (Lennie James), who had suffered the loss of his wife and son. This moment had a deep impact on Rick’s character moving forward.
10. Season 3 (2012-2013) Number of Episodes: 16
Season 3 was another significant season for The Walking Dead, as it introduced new characters and villains that would shape the series for years to come. One of the standout moments of the season was the introduction of Michonne (Danai Gurira), a fan-favorite character who quickly made an impact with her fierce personality and fighting skills.
On the other side of the story was The Governor (David Morrissey), one of the most dangerous and manipulative villains the group had ever encountered. His leadership of Woodbury provided a strong contrast to Rick’s group, which was trying to survive in a prison.
This season also introduced viewers to some of the most intense and violent moments of the series. Season 3 was the first season to receive a TV-MA rating, and it was recognized as one of the most violent shows on television in 2012. In the first eight episodes alone, over 300 dead bodies were shown, creating an atmosphere of fear and tension.
One of the most emotional moments of the season occurred when Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) gave birth to Judith in the prison. Tragically, Lori died during childbirth, and her son Carl (Chandler Riggs) had to make the painful decision to end his mother’s life before she could turn into a walker.
This event changed Carl forever, and it affected many of the choices he made in future seasons. Rick’s reaction to Lori’s death and Carl’s actions was one of the most heartbreaking moments in the entire show, showing how deeply these events affected him and his relationship with his son.
9. Season 9 (2018-2019) Number of Episodes: 16
Season 9 was one of the most emotional seasons for fans, as it marked the departure of Andrew Lincoln, the actor who played Rick Grimes, the show’s main character. Rick was seriously injured in an explosion and taken away by a mysterious helicopter, leaving his fate unknown.
Many fans thought Rick was dead, but the show cleverly left room for his potential return. This season also gave more screen time to other characters like Daryl (Norman Reedus), who appeared in every episode for the first time.
The absence of Rick left a gap in the show, but the writers used this opportunity to show new characters and storylines. One of the key new elements was the introduction of The Whisperers, led by Alpha (Samantha Morton) and Beta (Ryan Hurst). This group wore the skin of walkers to blend in with them, making them one of the most terrifying threats the survivors had ever faced.
Season 9 also featured one of the most shocking and brutal moments in the show’s history. Several major characters, including Tara (Alanna Masterson), Enid (Katelyn Nacon), and Henry (Macsen and Matt Lintz), were captured by The Whisperers, decapitated, and had their heads displayed on sticks. This brutal scene deeply impacted the survivors and was a turning point in the season.
Still from The Walking Dead (Credit: AMC)
The changes in the cast and the addition of The Whisperers made Season 9 one of the more controversial seasons. Some fans appreciated the focus on new characters and the fresh storylines, while others struggled to adjust to the loss of Rick, the show’s central character. Nonetheless, Season 9 brought new challenges and showed the survivors facing their toughest enemies yet.
8. Season 4 (2013-2014) Number of Episodes: 16
Season 4 introduced some important new characters to the series, including Rosita (Christian Serratos), Eugene (Josh McDermitt), and Abraham (Michael Cudlitz). These characters quickly became fan favorites, adding depth and variety to Rick’s group of survivors.
However, the season also saw the devastating loss of Hershel (Scott Wilson), who was one of the most beloved characters in the series. The Governor (David Morrissey) gruesomely killed Hershel with Michonne’s katana, making it one of the hardest deaths to watch in the show’s history.
Season 4 also focused on the development of key relationships, especially the growing friendship between Daryl (Norman Reedus) and Beth (Emily Kinney). Their bond was one of the more tender and emotional parts of the season, showing how the characters relied on each other in times of hardship.
Another significant part of the season was the introduction of Terminus, a group that pretended to offer sanctuary but turned out to be cannibals. The scenes at Terminus were some of the most intense and terrifying moments in the series, showing how far people were willing to go to survive in this dangerous new world.
One of the most unforgettable moments of Season 4 involved Carol (Melissa McBride) and a young girl named Lizzie (Brighton Sharbino). Lizzie had developed an obsession with walkers and didn’t understand the danger they posed.
In one of the most shocking scenes of the season, Carol instructed Lizzie to “look at the flowers” before shooting her to prevent further harm. This moment was heartbreaking but necessary for the safety of the group, showing how the apocalypse had forced people to make impossible choices.
7. Season 11 (2021-2022) Number of Episodes: 24
Season 11 was The Walking Dead’s longest season, with 24 episodes split into three parts. This final season wrapped up many of the show’s biggest storylines and introduced new characters and conflicts, like The Commonwealth, a large community with its own problems and corrupt leadership. This season also saw the conclusion of several character arcs and set the stage for future spin-offs.
One of the major events of Season 11 was the death of Rosita (Christian Serratos), who had been with the show since Season 4. Rosita’s death was a heartbreaking moment for fans, especially since it happened in the final episode. However, the show also ended on a hopeful note, with Eugene (Josh McDermitt) welcoming his new daughter, Rosie, into the world.
The series finale didn’t provide a solution to the walker outbreak, but it did set up future adventures for some of the surviving characters. Daryl (Norman Reedus) left to show new territories in his own spin-off series, while Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) set off on separate paths.
The finale also gave fans a glimpse of where Rick and Michonne had been, teasing their upcoming miniseries and leaving fans excited for what’s to come.
While some fans were disappointed that the show didn’t answer all the questions or provide a neat conclusion, most agreed that the major storylines were wrapped up in a satisfying way. The final season provided closure for many beloved characters and left the door open for future spin-offs and adventures.
6. Season 8 (2017-2018) Episodes: 16
Season 8 of The Walking Dead premiered with a milestone: it marked the 100th episode of the series. After Season 7 showed the devastating deaths of Glenn and Abraham, this season followed up with the conclusion of the All-Out War between Rick’s group and Negan. Fans said farewell not only to Shiva, Ezekiel’s loyal tiger, but also to Carl Grimes, one of the most beloved characters in the series.
Still from The Walking Dead (Credit: AMC)
While it’s well known that no one is truly safe in The Walking Dead, many viewers believed that Carl Grimes, portrayed by Chandler Riggs, would be an exception. His death was both shocking and heartbreaking. After being bitten by a walker, Carl spent his final moments with Rick and Michonne.
In a touching scene, he shared his dreams for a peaceful future, even envisioning Negan as part of their community. In his final act, Carl chose to end his life before the walker bite could take him. This emotional moment resonated deeply with fans and reminded everyone just how unpredictable the show could be.
5. Season 7 (2016-2017) Episodes: 16
Though Season 7 wasn’t packed with high points, it remains one of the most memorable seasons of The Walking Dead. After Negan’s terrifying introduction at the end of Season 6, Season 7 wasted no time in showing just how brutal he could be.
In the premiere, Negan, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, used his infamous barb-wired bat, Lucille, to kill both Glenn and Abraham in one of the most gut-wrenching scenes in the series.
Glenn’s death hit fans especially hard. He had been a fan favorite since Season 1, known for his bravery and love for Maggie. Abraham, though introduced later, also made a strong impact on viewers. The deaths of these two characters set the stage for a dark and intense season.
For the first time, Rick wasn’t the main focus of every episode. Instead, Rosita, played by Christian Serratos, had more screen time than Rick. The season also introduced new characters like Ezekiel, Jerry, Shiva, and Jadis. While Sasha made a heartbreaking sacrifice in a bold attempt to kill Negan, the season also saw Rick’s group reconnecting with Morgan.
4. Season 2 (2011-2012) Episodes: 13
Season 2 had big shoes to fill after the success of the first season, and it didn’t disappoint. The season kicked off with Carl, Rick’s son, fighting for his life after being shot. This dramatic event set the tone for the rest of the season, which was full of surprises and tension.
The most intense conflict of the season was between Rick and Shane, two former friends turned enemies. Shane’s jealousy and bitterness drove him to a violent confrontation with Rick, leading to his death.
In addition to this intense storyline, Season 2 introduced the Greene family, including Maggie, who would later marry Glenn. This season also featured one of the most heartbreaking moments in the entire series.
When Rick’s group discovered a barn full of walkers on Hershel’s farm, they found Carol’s missing daughter, Sophia, among the undead. Her death was a shocking and emotional scene that left a lasting impact on both the characters and the audience.
3. Season 10 (2019-2020) Episodes: 22
Season 10 is known for concluding the storyline involving Alpha, Beta, and the Whisperers. With Daryl and Negan teaming up to take down both Beta and Alpha, the season ended a major chapter in The Walking Dead.
Still from The Walking Dead (Credit: AMC)
But beyond these major plot points, the season is remembered for its key character moments, starting with Maggie’s return. Fans had been unsure if Lauren Cohan, who played Maggie, would ever return to the series, so her comeback was a big moment.
The season had a unique ending with six episodes focused on individual characters. One standout episode featured Princess, a character introduced in Season 10, as she struggled with a break from reality. Another memorable episode centered on Daryl and Carol, showcasing their complex friendship in a way that felt like a pilot for their upcoming spinoff series.
The final episode of the season gave viewers a rare look into Negan’s past. Titled “Here’s Negan,” it shows how his wife Lucille’s death transformed him into the villain he became. This emotional backstory added depth to Negan’s character and gave fans a new perspective on his actions.
2. Season 6 (2015-2016) Episodes: 16
Season 6 of The Walking Dead introduced fans to the character of Negan, played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Negan quickly became the most feared and hated villain in the series.
The season finale ended with a jaw-dropping cliffhanger as Negan captured Rick’s group and teased his violent intentions by selecting a victim to kill with his bat, Lucille. This moment left fans anxiously awaiting the start of Season 7 to find out who had been killed.
However, this wasn’t the only intense moment of Season 6. The midseason finale also shocked viewers when Jessie allowed herself to be eaten by walkers after her youngest son was devoured. In the same episode, Carl faced off against Ron, resulting in Carl being shot in the eye. These moments added to the sense of danger that defined the entire season.
1. Season 1 (2010) Episodes: 6
Though Season 1 is the shortest in the series, many fans still consider it the best. It set the foundation for everything that followed and introduced viewers to a world overrun by walkers.
The season followed Rick Grimes, played by Andrew Lincoln, as he awoke from a coma to find the world had completely changed. His journey to reunite with his family was full of tense moments, but also gave the show some of its first emotional beats.
Still from The Walking Dead (Credit: AMC)
The first season introduced key characters like Daryl Dixon and Carol Peletier, who would go on to become central to the series. It also launched the careers of many actors, including Steven Yeun, who played Glenn. With no midseason break and no major character deaths, Season 1 was a thrilling and intense ride from start to finish. It laid the groundwork for the long-running series and hooked viewers from the very beginning.
Each season of The Walking Dead brought something new to the table, whether it was a shocking character death, an intense showdown, or a heartbreaking sacrifice.
While the show has changed over the years, these memorable moments have stayed with fans, proving that The Walking Dead remains one of the most impactful and unpredictable series on television.
