Nandor the Relentless: A Hilariously Inept Conqueror’s Journey to Self-Discovery
Introduction
“What We Do in the Shadows” has cemented itself as a comedic masterpiece, offering a mockumentary-style glimpse into the utterly absurd lives of vampire roommates residing in Staten Island. Amidst the ancient squabbles over whose turn it is to do the dishes (presumably blood-soaked ones), who gets the comfiest coffin, and how to navigate the bewildering maze of modern human customs, one vampire stands out as both a fearsome figure of the past and a hilariously inept individual of the present: Nandor the Relentless. Once a ruthless conqueror, now struggling to conquer even the simplest tasks, Nandor embodies the show’s unique blend of horror and humor.
This isn’t simply a show about vampires; it’s a show about the human (or undead, as the case may be) condition. And at the heart of this exploration lies Nandor the Relentless, a character whose arc is arguably the most compelling of the entire series. He’s not just a vampire; he’s a study in contradictions, a powerful warlord perpetually undermined by his own good intentions and a profound lack of self-awareness. His journey is one of grappling with a fading past, navigating confusing present, and searching for a purpose (and perhaps even love) in a world drastically different from the one he once dominated. The journey of Nandor the Relentless is one of hilarious ineptitude and a surprisingly touching search for meaning.
The Fearsome Warrior and His Undying Power
Before he was a somewhat bumbling member of a vampire household in Staten Island, Nandor the Relentless was a formidable leader, a ruthless conqueror from Al Quolanudar. The series provides glimpses into his historical background through flashbacks and anecdotes, painting a picture of a bloodthirsty warrior who commanded armies and amassed a vast empire. These recollections, often delivered with Nandor’s characteristic bombast, stand in stark contrast to the man (or creature) he is today.
As a vampire, Nandor possesses the typical powers associated with the undead: superhuman strength, heightened senses, and the ability to hypnotize humans. We’ve seen him effortlessly overpower foes, command the minds of others with a simple gaze, and transform into a bat (though the execution isn’t always graceful). However, what makes Nandor such a compelling character is the dissonance between his impressive powers and his often hilariously inept application of them. He frequently misinterprets modern customs, falls victim to simple scams, and struggles to understand even the most basic technological advancements. The once fearsome Nandor the Relentless now finds himself battling with online banking and the complexities of ordering takeout. This creates a comedic tension that is both endearing and laugh-out-loud funny.
Relationships: A Labyrinth of Loyalties and Longing
The relationships that Nandor the Relentless cultivates are at the heart of his comedic and surprisingly tender existence.
The most central of these is, without a doubt, his relationship with Guillermo. Guillermo de la Cruz, Nandor’s long-suffering familiar, is the anchor to Nandor’s occasionally erratic behavior and a silent, unappreciated hero. Their dynamic is a complex blend of master and servant, codependency, and, perhaps, even something more. Nandor often treats Guillermo with a dismissive, demanding attitude, expecting unwavering loyalty and service. He frequently forgets Guillermo’s name, belittles his contributions, and takes his presence for granted. Yet, beneath the surface, there is a deep-seated reliance on Guillermo, a recognition of his unwavering loyalty, and a growing (albeit often unconscious) affection. Guillermo, on the other hand, dreams of becoming a vampire himself, a longing that fuels his servitude and often leaves him feeling undervalued and resentful. This interplay of power, expectation, and unrequited desire forms the bedrock of their relationship.
Nandor’s relationships with the other vampires in the house, Laszlo, Nadja, and Colin Robinson, are equally entertaining, albeit less emotionally charged. He views Laszlo and Nadja as both allies and rivals, engaging in playful competition and occasional bickering over matters of status, territory, and the latest supernatural gossip. Colin Robinson, the energy vampire, is a source of constant annoyance and bewilderment to Nandor, who struggles to understand the nature of his powers and the purpose of his monotonous existence. These interactions highlight Nandor’s competitive spirit, his occasional moments of genuine friendship, and his overall inability to comprehend anything remotely boring.
Perhaps the most consistently hilarious aspect of Nandor the Relentless is his ill-fated romantic pursuits. Throughout the series, he embarks on numerous attempts to find a wife, employing methods ranging from elaborate online dating profiles to summoning a djinn to grant his wishes. These endeavors invariably end in comedic failure, often due to Nandor’s own naivete, his outdated views on courtship, and his inability to connect with potential partners on a meaningful level. These failed relationships reveal a deep-seated loneliness and a yearning for companionship that lies beneath Nandor’s imposing exterior. They are comedic gold, but also touch on the very human desire for connection.
The Relentless Search for Purpose and Identity
Having lived for centuries, Nandor the Relentless faces a unique existential crisis: what is his purpose in a world that has moved on without him? He struggles to reconcile his past identity as a powerful conqueror with his present-day reality as a somewhat pathetic vampire living in a shared house in Staten Island. He attempts to adapt to modern life, often with disastrous results, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to tasks that are sometimes, quite frankly, idiotic.
Nandor’s goals evolve throughout the series. Initially, he clings to the remnants of his past ambition, dreaming of world domination and fantasizing about rebuilding his empire. However, as the show progresses, his desires shift, becoming more focused on personal fulfillment and emotional connection. He begins to prioritize finding love, building relationships, and discovering a sense of belonging. Key episodes showcase this internal conflict, as Nandor grapples with his past glory and his present-day inadequacies. He questions his values, re-evaluates his priorities, and ultimately embarks on a journey of self-discovery that is both hilarious and surprisingly poignant. The relentless pursuit of something more, something *meaningful*, is what drives Nandor the Relentless.
The Hilarious Heart of a Vampire Warrior
Nandor the Relentless is a consistently funny character for one simple reason: the stark contrast between his grandiose pronouncements and his often-clumsy actions. He speaks of his past conquests with unwavering confidence, yet struggles to operate a microwave oven. He boasts of his fearsome power, yet is easily manipulated by the other vampires in the house. This inherent incongruity is the source of much of the show’s humor. The physical comedy that accompanies Nandor the Relentless’s blunders, from tripping over his own cape to awkwardly transforming into a bat, further enhances the comedic effect.
Kayvan Novak’s performance is crucial to Nandor’s success. He imbues the character with a unique blend of ferocity, vulnerability, and sheer cluelessness. Novak’s delivery of Nandor’s lines, with his distinct accent and exaggerated pronouncements, is consistently hilarious. He perfectly captures the character’s earnestness, his obliviousness, and his underlying humanity (or vampiric equivalent). Without Novak’s nuanced portrayal, Nandor the Relentless would simply be a caricature; instead, he is a fully realized, multi-faceted character who audiences can both laugh at and empathize with.
Conclusion: The Relentless Pursuit of… Something?
Nandor the Relentless is far more than just a comedic character; he’s a complex, multi-layered individual grappling with identity, purpose, and the challenges of adapting to a rapidly changing world. His journey, from fearsome conqueror to hilariously inept roommate, is a testament to the show’s clever writing and Kayvan Novak’s exceptional performance.
As the series continues, it will be fascinating to see where Nandor’s journey takes him. Will he finally find love? Will he reconcile his past with his present? Or will he simply continue to stumble through life, leaving a trail of comedic chaos in his wake? One thing is certain: Nandor the Relentless will always be a compelling and entertaining character, a vampire warrior forever searching for something more, even if he doesn’t quite know what that “something” is. The future holds endless possibilities for the hilarious and endearing Nandor the Relentless.
