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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
“Coworkers die. Vampire roommates, they’re forever.”
What We Do in the Shadows‘s fifth episode of its second season is titled “Colin’s Promotion;” it is directed by series creator Jemaine Clement (Legion), and written by Shana Gohd.
Some spoilers ahead for those who have not yet watched the episode or the series. If you haven’t done either, you should get to that now, then return to this article!
Colin Robinson the Energy Vampire (Mark Proksch) is promoted to a boss position at his work and reaches his peak amongst the mortals in the human world. Meanwhile, the other three Staten Island vampires Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), and Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry) argue over an old portrait which, indeed, tells a thousand words.
“Colin’s Promotion” gives some great character development primarily to whom its episode title lends itself — that is, Colin Robinson — and just about as much to Nandor and Nadja. Colin experiences what it is like to have power. When he is given his promotion, he lets his job take a toll on him and he pushes away his friends, who he believes have always been pushing him away. He then puts this sentiment to the test.
Colin has always been one to drain the life force away from those around him, but as the boss at his work, he has more than he can handle. He says something that may stick true to the underappreciated:
Even when you’re being sincere and maybe looking for some reassurance or support, people think you’re trying to drain their life force. I wish people would understand that I don’t live to drain; I drain to live.
This has been the case, especially in Colin’s workplace, and while this is so, the vampires joke whether he has become the wild card or the instruction card that came with the deck. Colin talks of his newfound discovery, “I feel like I have the power of a thousand cowboys running through my veins right now.” This is a rather peculiar line to say, but at the same time, it sort of makes sense.
Speaking of colonizers, Nandor and Nadja argue over the usurp of the latter’s home country centuries ago. While they agree that the past should be the past, they also decide to settle the score.
This episode of What We Do in the Shadows satirizes how individuals in their respective professions act when placed in high positions. Additionally, it pokes fun at how art pieces (that is, portraits) are still a lot like photos (a modern-day version), replacing the medium written text with that of the image. In one example, Laszlo appears in a portrait bomb, which an older version of a photobomb.
“Colin’s Promotion” has some good writing and promises a good future in Colin’s future endeavors as an office worker. What could possibly go wrong?
Next week, Star Wars and Batman: The Animated Series actor Mark Hammill finally makes his appearance on the series!
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What do you think? Have you seen this series? If not, do you plan to binge it sometime in the near future? Let us know! For more What We Do in the Shadows, FX, horror, and comedy-related news and reviews follow The Cinema Spot on Twitter (@TheCinemaSpot) and Instagram (@thecinemaspot_).
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
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