The vampires must defend themselves as an international vampire tribunal gathers to judge them for their transgressions.

Just when you thought that last week’s instalment couldn’t be topped, along comes this half hour that features a cast to die for (though they may already be dead!) It has the scale of a season finale and yet there’s still three more episodes to go. Of course, when you see original movie co-writers/directors Jemaine Clement and Taika Watiti on the credits, respectively as writer and director, you know it’s going to be something special.

Our trio of hopeless vampires have been summoned to the Vampiric Council within the Temple of Blood-Devourers, called to answer for the alleged murder of the Baron (Guillermo accidentally dusted him by opening the door to bright sunlight). They’re greeted by floaty Kristen Schaal (regular Mel from Flight of the Conchords), gilding around on a cloud of air. Along the way they meet Dave Bautista as an imprisoned vampire, convicted for turning a baby, and then they encounter the council.

First treat is the return of Jemaine, Taika and Johnny Brugh, the three on-screen vampires from the movie. But the best is yet to come – they’ve managed to get actors to play characters named after their real selves, and the criteria is that they have played memorable vampires in movies or TV. There’s Tilda (Swinton, Only Lovers Left Alive), Evan (Rachel Wood, True Blood), Danny (Trejo, From Dusk ’Til Dawn) and Paul Reubens (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Brad, Tom and Keifer allegedly couldn’t make it due to scheduling conflicts – and then there’s Wesley Snipes on Skype!

Verdict: The main cast inevitably take a back seat in the presence of such esteemed guest stars, but why try to fight the quality that’s on the screen? Here’s that rarity – a TV transfer of a popular movie that is comparable in quality to its big screen brother, made with just the same passion. Hurrah that it’s been renewed for a second year. 9/10

Nick Joy