Ep 8. Citizenship

In "Citizenship," the eighth episode of the first season of What We Do in the Shadows, the vampire housemates continue on their quest to obtain citizenship in the modern world. As they prepare for their citizenship test, Nandor the Relentless tries to prove his American patriotism by wearing a red, white, and blue tracksuit and having a Fourth of July party, while Laszlo Cravensworth attempts to find a way to cheat on the test. Meanwhile, Guillermo de la Cruz meets with a group of vampire hunters, desperate to make a career change from being a familiar.

The episode sees the vampires struggling to understand the customs and expectations of modern society as they prepare for their citizenship test. Nandor's attempts to prove his love for America are both cringe-worthy and hilarious, as he sets off fireworks in the apartment and sings the national anthem at the top of his lungs. Laszlo's attempts at cheating on the test, meanwhile, take a more clever approach as he attempts to use his vampiric powers to psychically receive answers. However, his plan backfires in a humorous and unexpected way.

As the vampires struggle with their own individual challenges, the episode also introduces Guillermo's desire to leave behind his life as a familiar and become a vampire hunter. Guillermo meets with a group of hunters who are initially suspicious of him, but he manages to impress them with his knowledge of vampire weaknesses and his experience as a familiar. This subplot adds a fresh layer to the show's already hilarious premise, as we are given a glimpse into the world of vampire hunters and their motivations for targeting the undead.

Throughout "Citizenship," the show offers its trademark blend of horror and comedy as the vampires navigate their way through the challenges of modern life. From Nandor's attempts to fit in with American culture to Guillermo's aspirations of becoming a hunter, the episode manages to balance absurdity with a touch of realism. This balance is further aided by the show's talented cast, who deliver pitch-perfect performances and manage to infuse even the most mundane scenes with humor.

Overall, "Citizenship" is a standout episode in the first season of What We Do in the Shadows, offering a hilarious and clever take on the challenges of being a vampire in modern society. With its mix of horror, comedy, and relatable character struggles, the episode is sure to delight fans of the show and newcomers alike.