Guillermo De la Cruz: From Familiar to Fearless in “What We Do in the Shadows”
The Burden of a Familiar
“What We Do in the Shadows,” the mockumentary series that breathes hilarious new life into the vampire genre, has captivated audiences with its sharp wit, outlandish characters, and surprisingly poignant moments. While the ancient vampire roommates – Nandor the Relentless, Laszlo Cravensworth, Nadja of Antipaxos, and the energy vampire Colin Robinson – provide ample comedic fodder, it’s Guillermo de la Cruz, Nandor’s long-suffering familiar, who often steals the show. Guillermo, initially portrayed as a meek and perpetually overlooked servant, undergoes one of the most compelling and satisfying character arcs in the series, evolving from a seemingly powerless familiar to a capable vampire hunter (and quite possibly something more) with a burgeoning sense of self-worth. His journey is a testament to the show’s clever writing and the depth hidden beneath its comedic surface.
Guillermo’s introduction presents him as the quintessential familiar. He is the tirelessly devoted servant to Nandor, enduring centuries of unfulfilled promises of vampirism, endless chores, and a distinct lack of appreciation. He dutifully cleans up the vampires’ messes, both literal and metaphorical, from disposing of bodies to navigating the complexities of modern technology for his archaic masters. His days are a monotonous cycle of cleaning, fetching, and enduring Nandor’s often-absurd demands, all while clinging to the hope that one day, he will finally be granted the gift of eternal life and become a vampire himself. This yearning forms the core of his initial motivation, driving him to tolerate the vampires’ eccentricities and their blatant disregard for his well-being.
Early episodes showcase the comedic dissonance between Guillermo’s mundane existence and the vampires’ opulent, yet clueless, lifestyle. He’s forced to explain the internet, navigate dating apps for Nandor, and even act as a human shield when the vampires encounter sunlight (a task he performs with surprising regularity). He is the unsung hero, the quiet backbone that allows the vampires to maintain their illusion of power and sophistication. He is also demonstrably competent. He’s constantly reminding them of basic mortal necessities that they fail to consider and constantly bailing them out of dangerous situations, often with little to no thanks. The audience empathizes with Guillermo’s frustrations, his suppressed dreams, and his unacknowledged efforts, making his subsequent transformation all the more rewarding. His role as the perpetual caretaker, the one who knows where the bodies are buried (literally), highlights the inherent power imbalance in the master-familiar relationship, a dynamic the series cleverly subverts as it progresses.
Unexpected Heritage: The Vampire Hunter Within
The narrative takes an unexpected turn with the revelation of Guillermo’s Van Helsing ancestry. This discovery throws his entire world into disarray, forcing him to confront a hidden heritage that clashes directly with his desire to become a vampire. He is, by blood, a natural vampire hunter, destined to destroy the very creatures he seeks to emulate. This revelation sparks a fascinating internal conflict. Guillermo initially resists his hunter instincts, clinging to his dream of vampirism and fearing the implications of embracing his true nature. He tries to suppress his abilities, even as they manifest in accidental (and sometimes intentional) acts of vampire slaying.
The irony of a vampire hunter serving vampires is a recurring source of humor and dramatic tension. He finds himself in the absurd position of protecting the vampires from external threats, while simultaneously possessing the innate ability to destroy them. His powers are not just a plot device; they represent a fundamental shift in his character, forcing him to question his loyalty, his desires, and his very identity. This conflict is not simply about good versus evil; it’s about Guillermo grappling with his place in the world, caught between two opposing destinies. It’s about nature versus nurture and what he chooses to be.
Claiming Control: Asserting Agency and Independence
As the series progresses, Guillermo’s resentment simmers to the surface, fueled by Nandor’s continued obliviousness and his own unrealized ambitions. He begins to assert his agency, subtly at first, by questioning Nandor’s decisions and challenging his authority. These small acts of rebellion gradually escalate, demonstrating Guillermo’s growing confidence and his increasing awareness of his own worth. He explores opportunities outside of his familiar duties, attempting to forge his own path and discover his own passions. He tries other jobs and considers leaving, but is inevitably drawn back to the house.
The emotional complexity of his relationship with Nandor is a central theme. Their dynamic is more than just master and servant; it’s a codependent relationship built on years of shared experiences, unrequited affection, and a shared sense of belonging. Nandor, despite his self-absorbed nature, clearly cares for Guillermo in his own way, albeit in a way that often falls short of meeting Guillermo’s needs. Guillermo, in turn, harbors a complicated mix of resentment, loyalty, and even affection for his master. This ambiguity makes their relationship all the more compelling, as it explores the blurred lines between love, obligation, and exploitation. Is it Stockholm Syndrome? Is it something deeper? The show leaves it open to interpretation, adding layers of depth to their interactions.
Navigating Relationships: The Dynamics of the Household
Guillermo’s interactions with the other vampires provide further insight into his character. Laszlo, Nadja, and Colin Robinson often treat him with a mix of indifference and amusement, viewing him as little more than a convenient errand boy. However, there are moments of unexpected support and camaraderie, revealing a hidden respect for his competence and resilience. Laszlo, in particular, occasionally offers grudging praise and practical advice, recognizing Guillermo’s resourcefulness. Nadja, with her sharp wit and pragmatic nature, sometimes uses Guillermo to her advantage, but also acknowledges his value to the household. Colin Robinson, the energy vampire, often feeds on Guillermo’s frustration, but even he seems to recognize Guillermo’s essential role in maintaining the balance of the group. Guillermo’s interactions with other supporting characters, such as Derek (the newly turned vampire) and other vampire hunters, further highlight his evolving identity and his growing confidence in social situations outside the confines of the vampire household. His growing network of contacts and relationships outside the main group indicates his increasing independence and his willingness to explore new possibilities.
The Future Unwritten: Potential Directions for Guillermo
The future holds endless possibilities for Guillermo de la Cruz. Will he fully embrace his destiny as a vampire hunter, dedicating himself to eradicating the undead? Will he finally achieve his long-held dream of becoming a vampire, potentially disrupting the power dynamics within the household? Or will he forge his own unique path, finding a way to balance his hunter instincts with his loyalty to his vampire roommates? These are the questions that fans eagerly await to be answered. The show’s writers have consistently surprised audiences with unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to predict Guillermo’s ultimate fate.
One intriguing possibility is that Guillermo could eventually become a leader of some kind, either within the vampire community or within the vampire hunting world. His competence, his empathy, and his ability to navigate complex social situations make him a natural candidate for a leadership role. He could also choose to strike out on his own, using his skills and knowledge to help others and protect the innocent from the dangers of the supernatural world. Regardless of the path he chooses, it is clear that Guillermo’s character will continue to evolve and surprise audiences in the seasons to come.
Guillermo’s character is essential to maintaining the show’s heart and relatability. While the vampires are often portrayed as selfish and out of touch, Guillermo provides a grounded perspective, offering a point of entry for viewers who may not identify with the undead. His struggles, his aspirations, and his evolving sense of self-worth resonate with audiences on a deeper level, making him one of the most beloved characters in the series. He is the ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances, and his journey of self-discovery is both hilarious and inspiring.
Guillermo’s Enduring Appeal: A Hero Emerges
Guillermo de la Cruz’s transformation from a long-suffering familiar to a fearless, (sort of) empowered individual is a defining characteristic of “What We Do in the Shadows.” He is a testament to the fact that even the most seemingly ordinary individuals can possess hidden depths and untapped potential. His journey, filled with comedic mishaps, unexpected twists, and heartfelt moments, has captivated audiences and cemented his place as one of the most memorable and endearing characters in television comedy. The series has shown that Guillermo’s journey isn’t just about becoming something more, but about realizing that he’s had the capacity for greatness all along. As the show continues, audiences can eagerly anticipate witnessing the next chapter in Guillermo’s ongoing evolution, knowing that his future is bound to be filled with surprises, challenges, and plenty of opportunities to shine. The audience awaits Guillermo’s new chapter with bated breath.
