Nandor the Relentless: A Deep Dive into the Lovable (and Confused) Vampire Warrior
“Bat!”
That exclamation, often bellowed with more enthusiasm than accuracy, perfectly encapsulates Nandor the Relentless, the ancient, albeit slightly inept, vampire from the hit FX series “What We Do in the Shadows.” While centuries old and boasting a fearsome reputation (mostly self-proclaimed), Nandor is far more than just a bloodsucking warrior. He’s a hilarious paradox: a relic of a bygone era struggling to navigate the complexities of modern life, a “relentless” conqueror constantly undermined by his own good intentions, and a surprisingly endearing figure whose journey of self-discovery (however slow) makes him one of the show’s most captivating characters. This article delves deep into the layers of Nandor the Relentless, exploring his historical context, his hilarious insecurities, his complex relationship with his familiar, Guillermo, and the endearing qualities that make him a true fan favorite.
A Warrior Out of Time: Nandor’s Origins and Anachronistic Worldview
Nandor’s background is shrouded in a delightful vagueness. He hails from Al Quolanudar, a location that sounds both exotic and entirely fictional, and his reign of terror (again, mostly self-proclaimed) presumably took place sometime around the era of the Ottoman Empire. This ancient origin is crucial to understanding Nandor’s character. He’s a man – or rather, a vampire – out of time, a warrior whose rigid code of honor and antiquated worldview clash spectacularly with the mundane realities of twenty-first-century Staten Island.
This clash of eras manifests in countless ways. His understanding of relationships is particularly skewed, often reflecting outdated and patriarchal norms. He views women as prizes to be won, not as equals, and his attempts at courtship are consistently disastrous due to his inability to grasp modern social cues and expectations. His concept of power dynamics is equally archaic, believing in absolute authority and unquestioning obedience, a perspective that clashes with the relatively democratic (or at least, slightly less authoritarian) environment of his vampire household.
Nandor’s struggles with modern technology are a constant source of humor. The internet is a bewildering maze to him, television a source of endless confusion, and even basic household appliances seem to conspire against his efforts to master them. He misinterprets slang, misunderstands cultural references, and generally bumbles his way through the modern world, creating a constant stream of comedic moments. This isn’t simply a case of being old; it’s a fundamental disconnect between his ancient mindset and the rapidly evolving world around him, a disconnect that highlights his isolation and his desperate attempts to fit in. The very concept of streaming services and the overwhelming choice they provide throw him into a state of paralysis. Ordering take-out becomes a military operation fraught with peril, and even using a remote control seems to require a summoning ritual.
The Relentless Paradox: Incompetence, Insecurity and Nandor the Relentless
Perhaps the most endearing aspect of Nandor the Relentless is the stark contrast between his self-proclaimed fearsome reputation and his actual, often comical, ineptitude. He talks a big game, constantly reminding everyone of his past conquests and his ruthless nature, but in reality, he’s far more likely to be foiled by a faulty sprinkler system than a rival vampire clan.
This gap between reputation and reality stems from a deep-seated insecurity. Despite his age and apparent power, Nandor desperately craves validation and constantly seeks approval, particularly from his long-suffering familiar, Guillermo. He needs to be seen as strong, capable, and in control, even when it’s painfully obvious that he’s anything but. He’ll often exaggerate his accomplishments, embellish his stories, and even outright lie to maintain the illusion of “relentlessness.”
His failures, while often humiliating for him, are a comedic goldmine for the audience. Whether he’s accidentally summoning demons instead of ordering pizza, getting scammed by online “dating” sites, or simply tripping over his own feet, Nandor’s incompetence is consistently hilarious because it humanizes him. He’s not a menacing, all-powerful vampire; he’s a flawed, vulnerable, and ultimately relatable character struggling to navigate a world that has left him behind. The fact that he believes he’s being intimidating while simultaneously being patently absurd is a cornerstone of his comedic appeal.
Nandor and Guillermo: A Relationship Built on Loyalty (and Exasperation)
The dynamic between Nandor the Relentless and Guillermo de la Cruz is arguably the heart of “What We Do in the Shadows.” It’s a relationship built on a deeply uneven power dynamic, initially fueled by Nandor’s exploitative treatment of Guillermo, his familiar, but evolving into something far more complex and arguably, affectionate.
Nandor’s treatment of Guillermo in the early seasons is undeniably problematic. He treats him as a servant, a punching bag, and a general dogsbody, rarely acknowledging his efforts and often taking him for granted. He demands unwavering loyalty while offering little in return, perpetuating a master-servant dynamic that feels increasingly outdated and uncomfortable in the modern world.
Guillermo’s unwavering loyalty, despite this treatment, is initially baffling. He endures years of abuse and neglect, seemingly content to spend his life cleaning up Nandor’s messes and protecting him from various threats. The humor often lies in Guillermo’s exasperation, his eye-rolls, and his muttered complaints, as he constantly saves Nandor from his own incompetence. However, as the series progresses, Guillermo’s motivations become clearer. He desires to be a vampire, and he believes that serving Nandor is his path to immortality. Beyond that, there’s an undeniable affection for Nandor, a sense of responsibility, and a genuine desire to protect him, despite his flaws.
Beneath the surface of this often-dysfunctional relationship, there are hints of a deeper connection. Moments of genuine care and concern occasionally peek through Nandor’s self-absorbed exterior, suggesting a level of affection for Guillermo that he struggles to express. Whether this affection is platonic, paternal, or even romantic is open to interpretation, but the subtext is undeniable. Their bond is tested and strengthened throughout the series, leading to moments of vulnerability and unexpected tenderness that add depth and complexity to their relationship. The evolving nature of their bond, moving from master and servant to something resembling friendship (or perhaps something more), is one of the most compelling aspects of the show. The quiet moments of shared camaraderie, the unspoken understanding between them, hint at a connection that transcends the traditional vampire-familiar dynamic.
Romantic Misadventures: Nandor’s Perpetual Search for Love
Nandor the Relentless’s romantic life is a comedy of errors. He repeatedly seeks companionship, driven by a desire for love and connection, but his attempts are consistently thwarted by his own unrealistic expectations, his inability to understand modern relationships, and his general social awkwardness.
His romantic pursuits often involve desperate measures and questionable judgment. He’s been scammed by online dating profiles, pursued inappropriate relationships, and even become obsessed with a possessed doll, all in his quest to find a partner. These failures highlight his loneliness and his yearning for connection, but they also underscore his inability to adapt to the complexities of modern dating.
His obsession with the Nadja doll is a particularly poignant example of his loneliness. He treats the doll as a surrogate partner, projecting his desires and fantasies onto it, revealing a desperate need for companionship that he’s unable to fulfill in a healthy way. While comedic, this storyline also highlights the vulnerability and insecurity that lie beneath Nandor’s blustering exterior.
Throughout his romantic failures, Nandor begins, albeit slowly, to question his motivations. Is he truly searching for love, or is he simply trying to fill a void in his life? Does he need a partner to complete him, or is he capable of finding happiness on his own? This internal struggle suggests a growing awareness of his own flaws and a potential for personal growth. Perhaps, ultimately, his journey isn’t about finding romance, but about finding himself.
Endearing Qualities: Beyond the Relentlessness
Despite his flaws and his often-egregious behavior, Nandor the Relentless possesses a surprising number of endearing qualities that make him a lovable character. His naiveté, his occasional moments of genuine kindness, and his unexpected loyalty to his housemates all contribute to his appeal.
Beneath the bluster and the self-importance, there’s a surprising innocence to Nandor. He’s often genuinely confused by the modern world, and his attempts to understand it are both hilarious and touching. He’s capable of surprising acts of generosity, offering support to his housemates in his own, often-clumsy way.
Despite his constant bickering with Nadja and Laszlo, and his general disdain for Colin Robinson, Nandor demonstrates a surprising level of loyalty to his housemates. He defends them against threats, participates in their schemes (however reluctantly), and even offers emotional support when they need it. These moments of solidarity highlight the bond that connects them, a bond forged through centuries of shared experiences and mutual dependence.
Perhaps the most endearing quality of Nandor the Relentless is his potential for growth. While he may be slow to learn and prone to repeating his mistakes, he does show signs of evolving and becoming a slightly better version of himself. He begins to question his own beliefs, to challenge his own assumptions, and to acknowledge the validity of others’ perspectives. This slow, often-painful journey toward self-awareness is what makes Nandor such a compelling and relatable character.
Conclusion: The Undying Appeal of Nandor the Relentless
Nandor the Relentless is far more than just a comedic caricature. He’s a complex and nuanced character whose anachronistic values, hilarious insecurities, and surprisingly sweet nature make him a beloved figure in “What We Do in the Shadows.” He’s a warrior out of time, a relic of a bygone era struggling to navigate the complexities of the modern world, and a testament to the enduring power of flawed characters. His constant failures, his misguided attempts at romance, and his evolving relationship with Guillermo all contribute to his enduring appeal. He reminds us that even the most “relentless” among us are capable of vulnerability, insecurity, and ultimately, growth. As we continue to follow his misadventures, we can only hope that Nandor the Relentless continues to surprise and delight us with his unique brand of vampire mayhem. And perhaps, just perhaps, he’ll finally figure out how to work the damn television remote.
