Wednesday - A Netflix Series Review

Let’s welcome Wednesday Addams to the school.

Wednesday was released to Netflix in 2022. Enrolled in a prep school by her parents, Wednesday doesn’t fit in with the crowd. That’s not the only problem. Discovering a psychic ability and a murder mystery on the campus, Wednesday must solve the mystery before it destroys her family name.

The Addams Family has been on TV for decades now. Wednesday is a creative spin-off. I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. The dark humor is the show’s trademark. Except, the story took too much of a fantasy spin by the climax which didn’t suit the show’s gothic tone.

Jenna Ortega did impressive preparation for her role as Wednesday Addams. Ortega had the best dark comedy flair. She learned to play the cello, took fencing lessons, and speak German! Oh yes, and she choreographed her dance which has now gone viral on the Internet.

Wednesday has never been an open person. She chooses to remain in her own world. In some ways, Wednesday’s attitude acknowledges a key lesson. Be happy with who you are and don’t let anyone else put you down. However, that’s not always a good thing.

Choosing to look out for herself instead of others doesn’t lead Wednesday down the right path. For the first time, Wednesday must think about her actions when she doesn’t have anyone to turn to.

The series has great casting choices. The acting was great. It’s evident that the cast had a fun time working together.

Emma Myers was excellent as Enid. Wednesday and Enid are two contrasting people. Any interactions between them made me laugh, especially when Wednesday first notes the differences in their shared dorm room. You can always make it work. Plus, you never know what you may have in common with someone.

More credits include Hunter Doohan, Percy Hayres White, Gwendoline Christie, and an appearance by Christina Ricci who played Wednesday in the 90s films. Victor Dorobantu was excellent as Thing. Aside from Ortega, Thing was the series highlight. The vibrant hand could very well have his own series.

As the rest of the Addams clan, Catherina Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman, Isaac Ordonez, and Fred Armisen were terrific. Zeta-Jones was stupendous as Morticia Addams.

Once again, Tim Burton invites us into his fantasy world. I didn’t even have to guess that this was Burton’s work. He has a unique eye for creatively dark worlds. Wednesday is replenished with creative camera work, designs, and color mixing. Wednesday’s black attire stands out in fruity colors. Burton did an excellent job working with the cast.

I liked the series but there were a few issues that I had with the story. The story didn’t feel as original. We have seen school plotlines in other media.

In my opinion, the rest of the Addams family should have appeared in just one episode. This series is about Wednesday. The murder frame against the Addams family didn’t acquaint to a series about Wednesday.

All the fantasy elements like werewolves and vampires felt like a separate story. Yes, I know I am talking about The Addams Family who are gothic people that believe in this but it jumped the shark, to me.

I knit-picked a bit, but I still enjoyed it. I couldn’t wait to catch up on each episode. I was surprised by the twists. Wednesday has been a bit among audiences setting a record for the most binged show on Netflix.

You should take a look at Wednesday on Netflix. It’s worth your watch. I am looking forward to season 2.