Wednesday: Season 2

When Tim Burton’s Wednesday was announced, it generated an instant buzz — combining the iconic Addams Family with the director’s signature gothic style seemed like a match made in dark, eerie heaven. The result? A refreshingly unique, mysterious, and, at times, deeply comedic series that not only reintroduces the beloved Wednesday Addams but also brings a fresh twist to the character’s legacy. After a long wait, the show has delivered on its promise. Here’s my review of Wednesday Season 1, a delightful blend of the macabre and the modern.

Plot: A Gripping Mystery with a Dash of Teen Drama

Wednesday Season 1 follows the enigmatic daughter of Gomez and Morticia Addams (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán) as she navigates her new life at Nevermore Academy. She’s sent there after a series of disturbing events at her previous school, but as she settles into the strange new world of her fellow students, Wednesday begins to unravel a sinister mystery that connects her family’s past with a series of murders plaguing the nearby town of Jericho.

While Wednesday deals with classic supernatural themes — telepathy, monsters, and secret societies — it also brings a refreshing coming-of-age angle. As Wednesday grapples with her identity, she forms complex relationships with the quirky characters around her. The mystery at the heart of the series keeps you hooked, while also offering moments of heartfelt introspection.

Jenna Ortega as Wednesday: A Star Is Born

One of the biggest highlights of the show is undoubtedly Jenna Ortega’s performance as the titular Wednesday. Known for her work in horror and teen dramas, Ortega completely redefines the character, making her both sarcastic and vulnerable. She brings a level of complexity to Wednesday that makes her feel both like the familiar gothic teen and a modern, multi-dimensional character. Ortega’s delivery of Wednesday’s deadpan humor is perfect, and her portrayal makes you root for the character, even when she’s at her most distant and mysterious.

A Strong Supporting Cast

While Ortega shines as the lead, the show’s supporting cast also stands out. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán are a wonderfully eccentric Morticia and Gomez, and the chemistry between them is delightful. Additionally, standout performances come from Emma Myers as the kind-hearted and tough Enid, and Percy Hynes White as Xavier, a fellow student with a complicated past. The relationships that develop throughout the season, especially Wednesday’s unlikely bonds with her peers, add a human layer to what could otherwise be a purely supernatural story.

Tim Burton’s Signature Gothic Aesthetic

Tim Burton’s direction is another major draw of Wednesday. Known for his love of dark, whimsical visuals, Burton infuses every scene with his signature style. The haunting atmosphere of Nevermore Academy is captured perfectly — from its sprawling, misty campus to its Gothic architecture. The show never lets you forget that you’re in a world both beautiful and sinister, and it uses this setting to elevate the show’s mystery elements.

The show’s aesthetic is more than just eye candy, though — it helps tell the story. The visuals enhance the mood and tone, ensuring that every encounter with a creature or cryptic clue feels like a piece of a larger puzzle that has yet to be solved.

Themes: Mystery, Identity, and Belonging

At its core, Wednesday explores themes of identity and belonging. Wednesday’s struggles with fitting in are relatable, despite her morbid personality. The show does a great job of showing how she seeks out her own place in a world that often feels like it’s against her, and the friendships that form out of these struggles make her journey feel rewarding.

On top of the personal story, the mystery surrounding the murders and the deeper secrets of Nevermore Academy create a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged. Every clue uncovered leads to more questions, and Season 1 ends on a cliffhanger that leaves plenty of room for intrigue and new mysteries in the upcoming seasons.

Criticisms: Slow Build at Times

While the show’s pace is generally strong, there are moments where the plot feels like it drags. Some viewers might find the middle episodes a bit slow as the show balances its focus between Wednesday’s personal journey and the murder mystery. A few secondary characters could also use a bit more development to make the ensemble feel even more rounded.

Final Thoughts

Wednesday is a perfect blend of dark comedy, gothic aesthetics, and thrilling mystery. With a standout performance by Jenna Ortega, a compelling narrative, and an atmosphere only Tim Burton could deliver, it’s a must-watch for fans of the Addams Family and anyone who enjoys a good mystery with a touch of supernatural flair.

As the first season wraps up, there’s no shortage of intrigue, and I’m excited to see where Season 2 takes us. Will Wednesday unravel even darker secrets? Will her relationships evolve? One thing’s for sure — I’m hooked, and I can’t wait for more.