When “Wednesday” first came out in November 2022, it became an instant hit. It shattered records, propelled its actors into fame and took over the internet with videos of Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) dancing to “Bloody Mary” by Lady Gaga. That fall, it seemed like all anyone could talk about was the show.
Three years later, on Sept. 3, the long-awaited season two of “Wednesday” was finally released on Netflix. Directed by Tim Burton and Paco Cabezas, the show reimagines Wednesday Addams from the 1991 movie “The Addams Family” as a teenager attending the Nevermore Academy for outcasts. Although this season suffers from an unclear, convoluted plot and weak dialogue, its outstanding cast, exploration of the Addams’ familial relationships and immersive Burton-esque visuals make up for it.
After saving Nevermore from the attacks of a resurrected Pilgrim, a predatory teacher and her ex-boyfriend, Tyler (Hunter Doohan), Wednesday wants to sneak out of the spotlight and back into the shadows of her mind to work on her novel. As soon as she arrives at Nevermore, though, she finds herself following a trail of murders that leads to a sinister secret. As Wednesday gets pulled deeper and deeper into the investigation, she comes to two bone-chilling realizations: one, someone is destroying evidence before she can get to it; and two, the birds are watching her.
As Wednesday and her friends embark on their quest to uncover the truth, their spooky adventures are enhanced by an amazing soundtrack full of sharp stings and swirling orchestras that made me jump in my seat.
Although Burton only directed four of the eight episodes, his distinctive and whimsical gothic horror style is strong throughout the season. Featuring hauntingly good cinematography, excellent character design and even signature Burton stop-motion animation in episode 1, the creepy atmosphere and the mystery of the investigation immediately enticed me.
However, as the season progresses, it becomes clear that the plot doesn’t have an overarching mystery guiding it like the previous season. Instead, it consists of smaller plotlines that are resolved in one or two episodes, often predictably and unoriginally. It sometimes feels as though the plot barely moves forward, losing momentum, especially around the middle of the season. It was not the plot that motivated me to keep watching, but rather, it was the characters and cinematography.
Additionally, some of the dialogue felt dumbed down and unrealistic. The show is diseased with what many other shows that cater to younger audiences suffer from: irritating attempts at using Gen-Z slang. (No, Enid, Wednesday does not need to go on a “slaycation.”)
Thankfully, these shortcomings are greatly remedied by the performances of Ortega, Myers and Doohan. Just like season 1, the chemistry between Ortega and Myers is impeccable. Although on paper it would seem like the introverted and sardonic Wednesday would never get along with the bubbly and outgoing Enid, they play into each other’s strengths perfectly. The talents of the actresses are further highlighted in the “Freaky Friday” inspired episode six, “Woe Thyself.” Doohan and Ortega’s chemistry is also undeniable, even though they are barely on screen with each other. Through the smallest falters in their cold expressions, they impressively convey unresolved feelings for each other left over from season one, making Tyler’s villainy all the more complex.
Besides the exemplary performances, I enjoyed how much more active the Addams family is this season. Because it is Wednesday’s brother Pugsley’s (Isaac Ordonez) first year at Nevermore, both Gomez (Luis Guzmán) and Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones) Addams move into a cottage on campus. Wednesday’s already-tense relationship with her mother is further aggravated by the loss of her psychic ability, and her efforts to navigate her relationship with Morticia are surprisingly relatable.
Wednesday is an outcast, even among the outcasts, and she prefers it that way. At a time when it feels as though to not fit in is to fail, we can look to Wednesday, who succeeds by being unapologetically herself. Even though it isn’t as bingeable as the first, season two of “Wednesday” is still a worthwhile watch to get into the mood for the spooky season.
