Fresh Perspective on the Shadows
Discussion with Series Writer and Executive Producer on Upcoming Season 6 of "What We Do in the Shadows"
Here's a fun chat with What We Do in the Shadows writer and producer Paul Simms about the upcoming final season – and beyond! Too soon, mate? But let's crack on with the hilarity.
Cheryl Eddy: Why quit the party while it's still raging, especially with Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, Colin, Guillermo, and the rest of the nutty nightcrawlers? Is there a sinister agenda behind terminating the series now, or is it more about ensuring fans can't get enough of the obscene action?
Paul Simms: Better to leave 'em begging for more. Rather to call it quits too soon than too late. Every time we wrap a season, we're like, "That's it; we're out of ideas," and then everyone scattered takes a break and their brains thaw, and boom – fresh laughs! But we've all feared the headline that hints our mockumentary has seen its last blood-sucking days – you know, the ones loaded with cheesy puns such as "Stakes are low" or "Sinking teeth." Let's keep them craving for more, yeah?
Cheryl: In episode one of season six, Jerry (that new bloodsucker) asks, "Do you even know who they're going to show this all to?", referring to the weirdo documentary crew. Are we since Comic-Con going to uncover the peculiar crew's identity or is that a plot point you've been hiding until the big finale?
Simms: No grand plot revelation, man. It's more like a nod to the essential queries that creep into our heads throughout the series – like "Why on earth have we got a crew filming vampires? Who even cares about these nocturnal weirdos?" Some characters, like Jerry, bring up these doubts, making the viewers question things they perhaps haven't thought about before, without turning this series into a sappy reflection on its legitimacy.
Cheryl: Apart from the apocalypse and sending the von Helsings packing, is this truly the end or is there a chance of re-emergence in the future under some form?
Simms: Say it with me now, folks – auf wiedersehen, Shadows! No more bloodlust, no more fangs, no more Nandor and the gang. We've thoroughly enjoyed TV comedy over movies and there's nothing we'd do film-wise that we haven't already managed to do on the show with its modestish budget. You think a feature film would significantly up the ante? Nah, we're gonna stick to binging our beloved half-hour supernatural romp.
Cheryl: The core of the series has been Guillermo's thirst for vampirism that's led to years of servitude under Nandor and co. That resolution concluded in season five, setting the scene for a new dynamic. What was the creative thinking behind this season's development?
Simms: In the early days, we pondered the consequences of Guillermo reaching his dreams, and how the show wouldn't work with him transformed. But contemplating his character deeper convinced us there'd be a closing moment of realization and satisfaction when Guillermo realizes vampirism isn't his Cupid's arrow after all. Season six focuses on the path Guillermo chooses afterwards – heading out into the human world with the bloodsuckers in pursuit.
Cheryl: Shall we catch a glimpse of some past characters in this farewell season?
Simms: In a roundabout way, yeah, especially in the finale. But our season six emphasis favors refreshing characters and side-splitting guest stars, providing a fitting send-off for our twisted trio and their servo-turned-vamp.
Cheryl: You hinted at the finale, and with 11 episodes this season (and not the usual 10), are there more goodbyes to savor that called for the extended run?
Simms: Initially, FX suggested a possible 12-episode finale for us to take our time to bid adieu, but we decided to stick with 11. The finale's juicy, with comedy and surprises galore – no emotional breakdowns, though. We wanted to preserve the witty and wacky vibe throughout.
Cheryl: A taste of how much the fans love the Shadows creup came from their cosplay appearances at Comic-Con. Is there a particular moment from the series you were proud of or grabbed the fans by the throat?
Simms: When we see the fans take joy in our sick sense of humor makes our day. One memory that sticks out is when my sons and I spotted cosplayers dressed as Nadja and Laszlo on the streets of Brooklyn during Halloween in season 2. Seems we've touched the hearts of some undead aficionados!
Cheryl: Guess we'll just have to watch it all fall apart once more as the sixth season serves up the final dish. May the laughs never stop!
What We Do in the Shadows Season 6 kicks off October 21 on FX, streaming the next day on Hulu. Stay tuned to io9 for more exciting interviews and chat about Shadows and other pop-culture offerings!
- The television show What We Do in the Shadows, produced by Paul Simms, will be airing its final season, but the creators are excited to keep fans craving for more.
- In the upcoming final season, the show will not reveal the identity of the documentary crew, but it will bring up questions about their presence and relevance.
- The creative team behind the show has no plans for a feature film after the series ends, preferring to stick with the half-hour supernatural comedy format.
- The sixth season of What We Do in the Shadows will have a focus on Guillermo's journey after giving up his dreams of vampirism, with glimpses of past characters in the finale.
