Review: Wednesday - Season One

While attending Nevermore Academy, Wednesday Addams attempts to master her emerging psychic ability, thwart a killing spree and solve the mystery that embroiled her parents 25 years ago.

Jenna Ortega, Emma Myers, Gwendoline Christie, Hunter Doohan, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Percy Hynes White, Joy Sunday

‘Wednesday’ is the surprise show of the year, featuring an eerily perfect performance from Jenna Ortega, who kept me invested from episode to episode.

This show seems sort of like a creative return to form for Tim Burton, back and better than ever with his classic spooky gothic style. Having directed half the season, his fingerprints are all over this, any fan of his will be satisfied in his refreshing, yet familiar take on the iconic Addams family.

I was hooked from the very first episode, Ortega is the quintessential Wednesday Addams in my eyes, whose deadpan sense of humor, but oddly likable personality is what kept me watching and entertained throughout this entire first season. This new adaptation of Wednesday is flawless, with her constant wisecracks, passion for mystery, and appreciation for all things violent, Wednesday Addams has never been better.

This is a strangely hilarious show. I laughed out loud at least a couple times an episode, usually due to Wednesday’s snap backs, or blunt, but absolutely valid criticisms of the modern world. One particular scene that comes to mind is when Wednesday is working at a fudge shop at a pilgrim themed amusement park, and she explains to a group of guests (in fluent German) that “all proceeds go to uphold this pathetic whitewashing of American history”. It’s these type of moments that were some of my favorite in the show, where not only is it funny, but points out major flaws in the history of America.

The overall story is engaging enough, with a mystery involving a homicidal monster at its core. The pandemonium that ensues brings tons of secrets to light regarding the past of the Addams family, that lead Wednesday to not only uncover the truth about what’s happening at Nevermore Academy, but also about her parents dark secrets.

‘Wednesday’ is an extremely fun show, held together by Jenna Ortega’s turn as Wednesday, and an abundance of heart and dark humor to make this definitely worth the watch.