Come Out and Play (What We Do in the Shadows)
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Episode 9
- Shana Gohd
- Paul Simms
| "Come Out and Play" | |
|---|---|
| What We Do in the Shadows episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 6 Episode 9 |
| Directed by | DJ Stipsen |
| Written by |
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| Cinematography by | Bevan Crothers |
| Editing by |
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| Production code | XWS06009 |
| Original air date | December 2, 2024 |
| Running time | 27 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Come Out and Play" is the ninth episode of the sixth season of the American mockumentary comedy horror television series What We Do in the Shadows, set in the franchise of the same name. It is the 59th overall episode of the series and was written by supervising producer Shana Gohd and executive producer Paul Simms, and directed by DJ Stipsen. It was released on FX on December 2, 2024.
The series is set in Staten Island, New York City. Like the 2014 film, the series follows the lives of vampires in the city. These consist of three vampires, Nandor, Laszlo, and Nadja. They live alongside Colin Robinson, an energy vampire; and Guillermo, Nandor's familiar. The series explores the absurdity and misfortunes experienced by the vampires. In the episode, the vampires accompany the Baron to a gathering for an award, where he is confronted by Jerry for his failure in conquering the New World.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.149 million household viewers and gained a 0.03 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the humor, performances, tone, and homage to The Warriors.
The vampires prepare to attend a special event, where Baron Afanas (Doug Jones) will receive the Eternal Lifetime Achievement Award. Not invited to attend, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén) is disappointed to see Cravensworth's Monster joining the "family" fun.
At the gathering, the vampires mix among other groups, and Jerry (Mike O'Brien) introduces the Baron to the audience. Jerry uses the introduction to express dissatisfaction with the Baron's failure to conquer the New World, prompting an angry Nadja (Natasia Demetriou) to come to the Baron's defense. When their fight intensifies, the Monster squashes Jerry's skull and beheads him. Horrified, the other groups blame the vampires for Jerry's death, forcing them to flee in their bat form. Meanwhile, Guillermo hangs out with his cousin Miguel (Frankie Quiñones); even though the latter bullied him in childhood, their mothers want them to remain friends. When the vampires call for help, Guillermo reluctantly brings Miguel along.
As the vampires move through town, repeatedly encountering various groups they are trying to avoid, they take refuge in a cemetery. Laszlo (Matt Berry) and Nadja get into an argument when she feels intimidated by the Monster, but Laszlo reassures her that the Monster would never harm her. Nandor (Kayvan Novak) admits his feelings for the Guide (Kristen Schaal), which she does not reciprocate. When a swarm of decaying cemetery vampires emerge, the vampires strike back, killing many, then flee to a coffee shop.
Guillermo arrives at the coffee shop, where Nandor uses his powers to prove to Miguel that they are vampires. The staff is revealed to be vampires as well, but Miguel, who also carries Van Helsing's blood, helps Guillermo in killing the staff vampires. Miguel calls in some of his friends, helping the whole gang escape on motorcycles. Back at the Staten Island home, the Baron confronts them for killing Jerry, which he planned to do himself to reassert his power. The Monster returns, having brought Jerry's head. The Baron holds another meeting to declare his intentions to conquer the New World with all vampires, and killing those who question him.
Production
Development
In November 2024, FX confirmed that the ninth episode of the season would be titled "Come Out and Play", and that it would be written by supervising producer Shana Gohd and executive producer Paul Simms, and directed by DJ Stipsen.[1] This was Gohd's fifth writing credit, Simms' 16th writing credit, and Stipsen's second directing credit.[2]
Writing
Regarding Baron Afanas' actions in the episode, Doug Jones explained, "Baron Afanas is so self-absorbed, and when he hears that there's going to be an award for him, it's like, 'Well, of course, there is, because I am all of that.' But what he doesn't remember is that he has gotten comfortable in his lifestyle. The Baron knows [Jerry is] kind of right. It was a wake-up call for him to realize that yes, he has leadership skills, but he has not been using them all this time. He's just been lavishing in his own glory, and that's not enough."[3]
Casting
The episode features a cameo appearance by Alexander Skarsgård as a vampire in the final scene. The character shares a strong resemblance to Skarsgård's character, Eric Northman, in True Blood, although the character's name is not mentioned in the episode.[4] According to Jones, Skarsgård's appearance was a surprise to the background stars, who were not informed of his role until he showed up on set.[5] Skarsgård jokingly released a statement saying, "I'm afraid I have no recollection of shooting this episode as Dr. Laszlo Cravensworth apparently hypnotized me at the wrap party. But I did wake up with an intense physical attraction to Dr. Cravensworth and found his extraordinary wit, charm and intelligence absolutely disarming. I have since started a YouTube fan page for him. It's called 'Because you're Cravens-worth it' Please like, follow and subscribe."[6]