Content Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the FX show “What We Do in the Shadows.”
In the fourth installment of the hilariously documentary-style show, “What We Do in the Shadows,” we continue to witness the wacky antics of our favorite vampires. Nadja faces a particularly challenging time this season as she struggles to manage a nightclub full of disgruntled ghosts. Despite her many trials, Nadja remains a fan-favorite character who 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 significant moments of development, such as her increased willingness to help Guillermo and growing strength in recent episodes.
Part 1
Nadja’s unique personality, both comedic and outspoken, was evident from the first season. Fans quickly learned about her lengthy marriage to Laszlo, making them undoubtedly the best couple in WWDITS. However, Nadja occasionally strayed in search of her longtime lover, Gregor, showcasing a different side of her character that makes him an irreplaceable recurring character in the series.
The first season also highlights how important Nadja’s fame and place in the vampire community are to her. When she and Laszlo were tasked with staging that year’s contest, Nadja went to great lengths to ensure its success and avoid permanent embarrassment—although it ultimately flopped. This arc reveals her arrogance and irritation while also showing that she doesn’t always agree with Laszlo’s choices.
Lastly, several episodes mark the beginning of Nadja’s tumultuous relationship with the Council of Vampires. By the end of the season, they had sentenced her and her roommate to death.
Season 2
Nadja has connections with some strange characters in the occult community, which is highlighted when she contacts the Necromancer Wallace to help the group with a problem. Her ability to form new relationships is also evident as she summons her own ghost and becomes so comfortable with her that the ghost becomes a regular character in 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 becomes one of Nadja’s most iconic opponents after Nadja recounts how Lilith deserved “five drops of enemy saliva like that.” The season also explores the flaws in Nadja and Laszlo’s marriage, particularly when Colin convinces them to perform his songs at a bar. Nadja’s sensitivity to her childhood is showcased in the rift between her and Nandor after she learns he has looted her village. Despite how terrible it may sound to others, she regularly talks about her humble origins.
Part 3
The first season of the series revolves around Guillermo, Van Helsing’s devoted assistant. Nadja is angry with her roommate because he refuses to kill Guillermo outright. Her quick decision demonstrates her ingratitude and cruelty, which she shows again later when she kills a rebellious vampire in order to prove a point to the Vampire Council.
Her struggle with Nandor over who will rule the council is a key plot point of the season, highlighting her ruthlessness. When the Sire is accidentally released, Nadja manipulates Nandor into believing it was his fault, despite her own involvement. The stress from her busy schedule leaves Nadja’s ghost feeling neglected, culminating in a dramatic scene where she runs away from home. The tumultuous environment prompts Nadja to realize that she has been neglecting her own needs as well. However, this idea is discarded when she receives an invitation to join London’s prestigious council of vampires – an invitation that only a select few receive.
season four
In the fourth season of the series, Nadja has become stronger than ever. Her tantrums and outbursts now have physical effects, shattering objects around her. At this point, everyone knows what she wants, and when she asks to open a nightclub, the gang rallies behind her to make it happen. However, her latest antics involve running a business that has faced challenges such as the Richie Suck situation and growing discontent among its patrons.
A significant part of Nadja’s character development this season has been how uncannily kind she is to 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 entirely out of character for Nadja, which makes it even more surprising when she backs him up to watch for his family’s arrival. She sets aside her pride and pretends to be his girlfriend so he won’t get in trouble, then hypnotizes his family to forget that he had admitted being “Family.” It’s intriguing to see how Nadja warms up to others while still maintaining her ruthless and unpredictable side.