Content warning: The following article contains spoilers for the FX show “What We Do in the Dark.”
In the fourth installment of the hilarious documentary series “What We Do in the Shadows,” we continue to witness the outrageous antics of our favorite vampires. Nadja faces an especially difficult time this season as she struggles to manage a nightclub full of disgruntled ghosts. Despite her many challenges, Nadja remains a fan favorite and has become an exaggerated version of herself over time.
Throughout the show, Nadja’s personality remains consistent in many ways. Her love for Laszlo, her belief that she is always right, her quick wit, and her shocking outbursts are all constants. However, small changes in her character mark important moments of growth, such as her increasing willingness to help Guillermo and her growing strength in recent episodes.
Part 1
Nadja’s unique personality, both humorous and outspoken, was evident from the first season. Fans quickly learned about her long-term marriage to Laszlo, making them undoubtedly the best looking couple in WWDITS. However, Nadja occasionally strays in search of her long-time lover, Gregor, demonstrating another aspect of her personality that makes him an irreplaceable recurring character in the series.
The first season also highlights how important Nadja’s reputation and position in the vampire community is to her. When she and Laszlo were tasked with organizing that year’s contest, Nadja put in a lot of effort to ensure its success and avoid permanent embarrassment—though it ultimately failed. This part reveals her arrogance and irritation, and shows that she doesn’t always agree with Laszlo’s choices.
Finally, several episodes mark the beginning of Nadja’s tumultuous relationship with the Vampire Council. By the end of the season, they had sentenced her and her roommate to death.
Season 2
Nadja has connections to a number of strange figures in the paranormal community, which is emphasized when she contacts the Necromancer Wallace to help the group with a problem. Her ability to form new relationships is also evident when she summons her own ghost and becomes so comfortable with her that the ghost becomes a regular character on the show. However, Nadja also makes many enemies, as shown by her quick scolding of her elderly neighbor Joan when she learns that her necklace has been stolen. In another instance, the witch Lilith became one of Nadja’s most iconic opponents after Nadja recounted how Lilith deserved “five drops of her enemy’s saliva.” This season also explores the flaws in Nadja and Laszlo’s marriage, especially when Colin convinces them to perform his songs at a bar. Nadja’s sensitivity towards her childhood is demonstrated by the rift between her and Nandor after she learns he has looted her village. Regardless of how terrible it may sound to others, she often talks about her humble origins.
Part 3
The first part of the series revolves around Guillermo, Van Helsing’s devoted assistant. Nadja is angry with his roommate because he refuses to kill Guillermo immediately. Her quick decision demonstrates her ungratefulness and cruelty, which she demonstrates again later when she kills a rebellious vampire to prove her point to the Vampire Council.
Her struggle with Nandor over who should rule the council is a key plot point of the season, highlighting her ruthlessness. When Sire is accidentally released, Nadja makes Nandor believe that it is his fault, despite her own involvement. The stress from her busy schedule makes Nadja’s ghost feel abandoned, culminating in her running away from home. The chaotic environment made Nadja realize that she was also neglecting her own needs. However, this idea is scrapped when she receives an invitation to join London’s prestigious vampire council – an invitation that only a select few receive.
season four
In the series’ fourth season, Nadja has become stronger than ever. Her anger and outbursts now have physical effects, breaking objects around her. At this point, everyone knew what she wanted, and when she asked to open a nightclub, the group rallied behind her to make it happen. Her latest antics, however, involve running a business that is facing challenges like the Richie Suck situation and the growing dissatisfaction of its patrons.
A big part of Nadja’s character development this season is how well she treats Guillermo. When she sees how stressed he is about Nandor’s wedding, she decides to help by sharing some of his duties. This kindness is completely absent from Nadja, which surprises her even more when she assists him in tracking his family’s arrival. She put aside her pride and pretended to be his girlfriend so he wouldn’t get into trouble, then hypnotized his family to forget that he had admitted to being “Family.” It’s interesting to see how passionate Nadja is towards others while still maintaining her ruthless and unpredictable side.