What We Do in the Shadows: Guillermo’s Journey from Familiar to Vampire Hunter (and Beyond?)
FX’s mockumentary series, What We Do in the Shadows, has captivated audiences with its hilarious portrayal of centuries-old vampires navigating the modern world. While the show is brimming with eccentric characters, one stands out for his evolution and complexity: Guillermo De la Cruz, played brilliantly by Harvey Guillén. Initially introduced as Nandor the Relentless’ long-suffering familiar, Guillermo’s journey has been anything but predictable, transforming him into a formidable vampire hunter, a reluctant bodyguard, and potentially, something entirely new. This article explores Guillermo’s multifaceted role in What We Do in the Shadows, his relationships with the vampires he serves (and hunts), and what the future might hold for this pivotal character.
Guillermo’s Humble Beginnings: The Familiar Life
For a decade, Guillermo dutifully served Nandor, enduring endless chores, bizarre requests, and the constant promise of being turned into a vampire – a promise that remained perpetually unfulfilled. His life as a familiar was a monotonous cycle of cleaning up vampire messes, procuring virgin blood (often with hilarious mishaps), and acting as the house’s de facto caretaker. Guillermo’s patience and loyalty were consistently tested, yet he persevered, clinging to the hope of immortality and a closer bond with Nandor. This unrequited desire fueled much of his early character arc. The audience empathized with his yearning for acceptance and transformation. He dreamed of becoming like the vampires he served, only to discover a hidden strength within himself.
The Accidental Vampire Hunter: A Twist of Fate
The biggest turning point in Guillermo’s story came with the shocking revelation that he is a descendant of Van Helsing, the legendary vampire hunter. This discovery unlocked dormant abilities, transforming him into a natural, albeit reluctant, slayer of the undead. The irony is thick: Guillermo, the devoted familiar, is genetically predisposed to destroy the very creatures he seeks to emulate. This internal conflict became a central theme, adding layers of depth to his character. The series masterfully uses this juxtaposition for comedic effect, showcasing Guillermo’s awkward attempts to balance his duties as a familiar with his innate vampire-hunting instincts. We see him protecting the vampires he serves, while simultaneously staking rogue vampires that pose a threat. This duality makes Guillermo a truly unique and compelling character.
Navigating the Shadows: Relationships and Loyalties
Guillermo’s relationships with the other vampires in the house – Nandor, Laszlo, Nadja, and Colin Robinson – are complex and often fraught with tension. His relationship with Nandor is particularly central to the show. Despite Nandor’s often-selfish and oblivious nature, Guillermo harbors genuine affection for him. He provides unwavering support and often acts as Nandor’s moral compass, even when Nandor fails to appreciate it. Laszlo, with his eccentric personality and scientific curiosity, often views Guillermo as a subject of amusement and experimentation. Nadja, the passionate and dramatic vampire, has a more detached relationship with Guillermo, but occasionally acknowledges his contributions to the household. Colin Robinson, the energy vampire, presents a different kind of challenge, constantly draining Guillermo’s energy and testing his patience. These interactions highlight Guillermo’s resilience and his ability to navigate the bizarre dynamics of the vampire household. He is the glue that holds them together, often mediating disputes and preventing them from destroying each other (or themselves).
The Bodyguard and Beyond: Evolving Roles
As the series progresses, Guillermo’s role evolves beyond that of a mere familiar. He becomes Nandor’s bodyguard, protecting him from various supernatural threats. This new responsibility allows him to showcase his vampire-hunting skills more openly, solidifying his position as a valuable asset to the group. However, the tension between his protective instincts and his desire to become a vampire continues to simmer beneath the surface. He grapples with the moral implications of his actions, questioning whether he is truly helping the vampires or simply enabling their destructive tendencies. This internal struggle adds depth and nuance to his character, making him more than just a comedic sidekick. Guillermo’s journey is one of self-discovery, as he learns to embrace his own unique abilities and define his own path, independent of the vampires he serves.
The Future of Guillermo: What Lies Ahead?
The question of Guillermo’s ultimate fate remains one of the most intriguing aspects of What We Do in the Shadows. Will he finally become a vampire? Will he fully embrace his role as a vampire hunter? Or will he forge his own unique destiny? Recent seasons have hinted at the possibility of Guillermo undergoing a transformation, perhaps becoming a daywalker or a hybrid creature with both vampire and Van Helsing abilities. The writers have consistently subverted expectations, so it’s likely that Guillermo’s journey will continue to surprise and delight audiences. His character arc is a testament to the show’s ability to blend humor with genuine emotional depth, creating a character that is both relatable and utterly captivating. The evolution of Guillermo De la Cruz is a key element of *What We Do in the Shadows*’ success. As audiences eagerly await future seasons, one thing is certain: Guillermo’s story is far from over. The potential for his character development is vast, and the writers have proven their ability to craft compelling narratives that keep viewers engaged. We may see him finally achieve his dream of vampirism, or he may completely reject the supernatural world and embrace a normal life. Whatever the future holds, Guillermo’s journey will undoubtedly be filled with humor, heart, and plenty of unexpected twists. The show’s comedic timing and Guillermo’s impeccable delivery make him a fan favorite. He is, in many ways, the heart of the show, and his story resonates with audiences who have ever felt like an outsider searching for their place in the world. He is a relatable character in an otherwise outlandish and supernatural setting. Furthermore, his internal conflict between his loyalty to the vampires and his natural inclination to hunt them adds a layer of complexity that elevates him beyond a simple comedic sidekick. The writing for *What We Do in the Shadows* is consistently sharp and witty, and the show’s ability to balance humor with genuine emotional depth is a major reason for its success. Guillermo’s character arc is a prime example of this, and his journey is one that viewers have become deeply invested in. The show’s exploration of themes such as belonging, identity, and the search for meaning in life resonates with audiences of all ages. The vampires in *What We Do in the Shadows* are not simply monstrous creatures; they are complex characters with their own flaws and vulnerabilities. This makes them surprisingly relatable, despite their supernatural nature. And Guillermo, as the human (or perhaps soon-to-be something else) element in the equation, serves as a bridge between the audience and the bizarre world of the vampires. He is the everyman, the underdog, the one we root for. And as his story continues to unfold, we can’t help but wonder what the future holds for Guillermo De la Cruz, the reluctant vampire hunter and devoted familiar. What will become of Guillermo? Will he ever attain the vampire dream that has eluded him for so long? Or is he destined for a different path altogether? The answers, like Guillermo himself, are sure to be surprising, hilarious, and deeply satisfying.
[See also: Nandor the Relentless: A Study in Vampire Leadership (and Ineptitude)]
[See also: The Hilarious Horror of What We Do in the Shadows: A Deep Dive]
[See also: Colin Robinson: The Energy Vampire We All Know and Loathe]
Guillermo: The Show’s Unsung Hero
Ultimately, Guillermo’s journey in *What We Do in the Shadows* is one of self-discovery and empowerment. He begins as a subservient familiar, yearning for acceptance and transformation. But through a series of unexpected events, he uncovers a hidden strength within himself and begins to define his own path. He is no longer simply defined by his relationship to the vampires he serves. He is Guillermo De la Cruz, the vampire hunter, the bodyguard, and potentially, something even greater. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, loyalty, and the courage to embrace one’s true self. The show’s brilliance lies in its ability to create characters that are both hilarious and deeply human. Guillermo is a perfect example of this, and his journey is one that resonates with audiences on a profound level. He is the heart and soul of *What We Do in the Shadows*, and his story is far from over.
