Why did Laszlo promise not to erase the humans’ memories?
"What We Do in the Shadows" is a wonderfully unique series that breathes fresh life into the vampire genre, combining horror and comedy in a mockumentary format. One of the most intriguing elements of the show's recent episodes was when Laszlo, the charmingly roguish English vampire, promises not to erase what could potentially be a memorable evening in the episode "A Night Out with the Guys." This promise represents a significant moment that deepens the lore of the show and the character of Laszlo.
To provide some context, in the supernatural world of "What We Do in the Shadows," vampires often use their mind-altering powers to manipulate the memories of humans. This power, referred to as "glamouring," allows vampires to live undetected among humans, letting them commit outrageous acts without suffering any consequences as their victims' memories can be wiped or altered at will.
Laszlo Cravensworth, portrayed brilliantly by Matt Berry, is a fun-loving vampire who enjoys the pleasures of life, be it music, wine, or the company of humans. In the episode in question, Laszlo invites Nandor, the formerly fierce vampire warlord turned loveable goof, to join him for a night out with their human neighbor, Sean Rinaldi, and his friends. This scenario in itself is a delightful subversion of the vampire genre's usual tropes, as we see these immortal beings awkwardly navigate the mundanity of a regular night out with humans.
However, what makes this night out truly memorable and different is Laszlo's promise not to erase the events of the evening. Typically, after their nocturnal escapades, vampires would glamour the humans involved, making them forget everything that occurred. But in this case, Laszlo promises to let the night's events remain in the humans' memories.
This decision marks a significant departure from the vampires' usual modus operandi and raises some intriguing questions about the nature of their relationship with humans. The promise reveals a more complex side to Laszlo's character and suggests a growing sense of respect for their human acquaintances. It challenges the traditional power dynamic between the vampires and humans, where the latter are usually seen as mere fodder or playthings.
Allowing the humans to remember the evening's events also creates a sense of vulnerability for the vampires. They are exposing themselves and their supernatural world, leaving evidence of their existence and actions in the memories of the humans they interact with. It's a risky move, potentially jeopardizing their safety and secret existence.
Yet, Laszlo's promise also brings a unique element of authenticity to the experiences of the evening. The moments shared, the laughter, the camaraderie - all become real memories rather than forgotten or altered fragments of time. It shows a willingness on Laszlo's part to connect with humans on a more genuine level, which adds depth to his character.
Laszlo's promise not to erase the night's events opens up a world of possibilities for the storyline. It could lead to the humans gradually becoming more involved in the vampires' world, or it could create conflicts and complications if the humans react unpredictably to their new memories. Either way, this promise has set the stage for intriguing developments in the future of "What We Do in the Shadows."
In summary, Laszlo's promise represents a notable shift in the dynamics of the show, both in terms of character development and plot progression. It serves as a testament to the show's knack for blending the ordinary and the supernatural, adding layers of complexity to the characters, and keeping the audience eager to see what will happen next. Whatever the consequences of this memorable night out, one thing is certain: Laszlo's promise has forever changed the game in "What We Do in the Shadows."
