Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ is just the right amount of kooky, mysterious, and spooky

"Wednesday: A Darkly Hilarious Take on the Addams Family"

Introducing the latest addition to Netflix's roster of original series - Wednesday, a reimagining of the classic Addams Family. Starring Jenna Ortega as the eponymous Wednesday, this show is a thrilling mix of murder mystery, teenage drama, and gothic humor.

Wednesday begins with the teenage daughter of Morticia and Gomez (played by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán) starting her first day at Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts that her parents once attended. As she navigates the challenges of being the new kid in school, Wednesday faces a series of mysterious murders that seem to be connected to her family.

Jenna Ortega's portrayal of Wednesday is simply mesmerizing. She effortlessly captures the dark and stoic demeanor of the character, while also adding layers of depth and emotion. The rest of the cast, including Emma Myers as Enid Sinclair and Gwendoline Christie as Principal Weems, add to the show's allure.

Executive producer Tim Burton's touch is palpable throughout the series, lending his signature style of balancing humor with darkness. This unique blend of humor and horror sets Wednesday apart from other adaptations that try to make everything dark and gritty. The show is fully aware of its kookiness and embraces it, making it a truly enjoyable viewing experience.

Teenage angst is a central theme in Wednesday, with familiar archetypes like the popular girl, the nerdy outcast, and the mysterious love interest all making an appearance. Despite these clichéd elements, the show still manages to stand out with its unique and imaginative world-building. The focus on the supernatural killings in the small town of Jericho is also a highlight of the show, as Wednesday and her friends play amateur detectives to uncover the truth.

Finally, Wednesday takes the Addams Family franchise to a whole new level with its edgier, more realistic take on the macabre antics that are so central to the family's legacy. With piranhas, guillotines, and severed hands, this isn't your cartoonish Addams Family anymore.

It's no surprise that Wednesday has already been renewed for a second season, having beaten Stranger Things to become the most-viewed show on Netflix in its debut week. So, if you're looking for a darkly hilarious and highly entertaining show, Wednesday is the perfect pick for you.

At the heart of the show is the central character, Wednesday Addams, a unique and independent teenager, who has to navigate the challenges of attending Nevermore Academy, a school for outcasts. Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday is nothing short of impressive, as she brings a nuanced and subtle emotional depth to a stoic character. The series is a standout in the genre due to its remarkable ability to balance the source material’s dark humor and the serious plot. This is in large part due to Tim Burton’s involvement as the show’s executive producer and director of several episodes.

Wednesday's new school presents her with various obstacles such as a color-obsessed roommate, a principal who distrusts her, and the onset of teenage angst. The show brings a true sense of realism, terror, and danger to the Addams Family world, and it is a far cry from the animated versions of the past. This sense of realism is what makes the show so enjoyable and sets it apart from other adaptations that try to make everything dark and gritty.

At the center of the plot is the supernatural murders happening in Jericho, and Wednesday plays the role of a morbid-obsessed Sherlock Holmes as she works to uncover the truth with the help of her friends. The show does a great job of balancing the archetypes and clichés that are present in the plot, making it an enjoyable watch despite its predictability.

Overall, Wednesday is a self-aware and captivating show that knows how to play with its kookiness, making it a standout among its peers. The fact that it beat Stranger Things as the most-viewed show in a week on Netflix is a testament to its popularity and appeal. Fans are eagerly awaiting a second season and are curious to see if the show will be able to maintain its balance of dark humor and serious plot.