Wednesday’s first season steamed in 2022 (same year Peacemaker streamed) on Netflix. It earned praise from critics and streamers alike. A second season is in development. As of March 2023, no release date has been announced. There are two reasons why I wanna share my thoughts on Wednesday. First, Jenna Ortega reprises her role as Tara Carpenter in “Scream VI.” Second, Christina Ricci will reprise her role as Misty in Yellowjackets’ second season slated to air on March 26, 2023, only on Showtime.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to see the first season. Is this spin-off of “The Addams Family” an instant hit? Well, let’s find out. Shall we?
Victory & Defeat Aspects
Victory: Jenna Ortega did an excellent job for her performance as the titular character. To prepare for the role, she learned to play the cello and watched Christina Ricci’s performance in the live-action movies.
Other Cast Members such as Gwendoline Christie, Ricki Lindhome, Emma Myers and OG Wednesday herself, Christina Ricci all did a decent job for their respective performances.
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán & Fred Armisen guest star as Morticia, Gomez & Uncle Fester.
Tim Burton served as an executive producer. He also directed chapters 1-4.
Chemistry between Wednesday & Enid serves as the main highlight. Despite opposite personalities, their friendship grows as each episode progresses.
Besides Enid, the new characters didn’t overshadow Wednesday. They really serve a purpose.
Character Development involving Wednesday. She goes from a loner to having friends.
Practical Effects were heavily involved while C.G.I. was used carefully.
The Tone retains the ’60s show’s quirky sense of humor and also retains Barry Sonnenfeld’s black comedy in the live-action movies.
Wednesday has the power to touch a person or object and witness a subject’s memory. An homage to “Unbreakable.”
Season 1 focuses on Wednesday attending a boarding school investigating a mystery.
Despite Wednesday having a sardonic attitude, she really displays some emotion to her family and new friends coming across as nice. She’s 100 times better than *cough* “Velma!”
A monster factors in a murder-mystery. He’s like a mix between Gollum and The Wolf Man.
Upon watching all chapters, it’s worth a rewatch to pick up on subtle hints.
Defeat: I couldn’t find anything wrong. I’m giving Tim and the crew an Extra Point for making a flawless season as possible.
Chapter I – Wednesday’s Child Is Full of Woe
After dumping piranhas at pool filled with bullies who tormented Pugsley, Wednesday is sent to Nevermore Academy. Kickstarting Season 1’s storyline.
Wednesday meets her new roommate, new students, a teacher and a therapist. She makes an escape plan.
Wednesday said, “I can do this all day.” A reference to Captain America’s catchphrase.
Chapter II – Woe Is the Loneliest Number
Wednesday participates in a race. To put the icing on the cake, I laughed so hard seeing her in a silly outfit that’s supposed to match a team’s uniform.
Wednesday obtains clues. She sees a girl who looks like her.
A scene with somebody his/her thumbs twice, pays tribute to The Addams Family theme song.
Chapter III – Friend or Woe
One character said, “You rang.” Lurch’s catchphrase from the original show.
Wednesday sees a vision.
A monument sparked with a bang.
An instrumental version of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” is played in a montage.
Chapter IV – Woe What A Night
Wednesday shows of her dance moves. A meme is born. Thank goodness her dance scene is not cringeworthy like Matt Smith’s dance scene in “Morbius.”
One scene with red water spraying all over a dance floor reminds of the rave party from “Blade.”
Eugene goes on a solo investigation.
Fourth Episode has a shocking moment towards the end.
Chapter V – You Reap What You Woe
Wednesday learns a secret regarding her parents.
Morticia, Gomez & Puglsey and other parents arrive at the campus for Parent’s Day.
A yearbook’s labeled 1991. The exact same year Barry Sonnenfeld made his directorial debut, The Addams Family on the big screen.
A Plot Twist is revealed. Actually, a double twist. Who wrote this, Christopher Nolan?
Flashbacks to 1991 pays homage to Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashomon.”
Chapter VI – Quid Pro Woe
Wednesday’s pals throw her a surprise birthday party.
Wednesday encounters The Monster.
Somebody meets his/her end.
Chapter VII – If You Don’t Won’t Me by Now
Uncle Fester visits Wednesday. He helps her on her ongoing case.
The Monster’s identity is revealed. I can’t tell you all about it. You’ll have to see for yourself.
Wednesday reacting to a chick flick is actually pretty funny.
Like the Chapter V, another Plot Twist occurred. I did not see that coming.
Chapter VIII – A Murder of Woes
A fifth Plot Twist changes everything.
A huge climax is worth a big payoff.
Wednesday utters out John Wayne’s catchphrase, “Howdy Pilgrim.”
Final Scene sets up Season 2.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Wednesday’s first season is an instant hit. A strong start putting a new spin of the titular character while retaining her traits. Something Mindy Kaling failed to reinvent Velma and faceplants on the floor ruining a good character in a beloved franchise. I’m looking forward to a second season. Which villain do you think Wednesday will encounter. I hope its Debbie from “Addams Family Values.” She stole the movie. I wanna see her go mono e mono with Wednesday.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 