finance
Money talks; reviewing the global economy, government spending, taxes, and economic policy that affect our social and political future.
Wednesday Season 2’s Surprising Rotten Tomatoes Score
Wednesday Season 2 has arrived on Netflix and the reaction from critics has been unexpectedly positive with a Rotten Tomatoes score that surprised both fans and industry insiders alike Early reviews have given the season a fresh rating in the low 80s surpassing Season 1’s score of 73 percent and signaling that the show is finding stronger footing with critics The season began with Part 1 of its new story arc released on August 6 2025 consisting of the first four episodes of the season With just over 50 reviews counted the critical consensus places Wednesday Season 2 between 79 and 84 percent depending on the source Some publications report an 81 percent score while others cite 82 or even 84 giving the season a Certified Fresh label on Rotten Tomatoes This improvement may not seem dramatic at first glance but in the world of streaming television where sequels often struggle to retain freshness and originality a jump of 8 to 11 percent is considered a notable achievement For fans of the series the news confirms what they have long believed Wednesday is not just a viral sensation but a show capable of critical growth and narrative depth Jenna Ortega once again anchors the show with a performance that critics are calling darker sharper and more emotionally nuanced than her breakout in Season 1 Her portrayal of Wednesday Addams continues to be the soul of the series with many reviews praising her command of dry wit combined with increasingly complex emotional stakes The second season leans more heavily into horror elements and expands its world with more Addams family involvement which reviewers have described as bold creative and sometimes even gothic in scope Despite the acclaim not all reviews are glowing Some critics argue that the pacing remains uneven and that the show occasionally buckles under the weight of its multiple plotlines One review called the story formulaic another said the tone sometimes shifts too quickly from quirky to grim But these critiques are currently outweighed by the praise as evidenced by the overall Rotten Tomatoes score which suggests broad approval across a diverse group of outlets Compared to Season 1 which debuted in late 2022 with 105 critic reviews and a 73 percent score the early momentum for Season 2 suggests it could ultimately finish with a higher overall average especially once Part 2 of the season drops in September The structure of Season 2 split into two parts has also helped build anticipation Netflix confirmed that Part 2 will premiere on September 3 2025 offering viewers the rest of the season and likely prompting another wave of reviews and possibly an updated Rotten Tomatoes rating Interestingly Netflix renewed the show for a third season in July 2025 before Season 2 was even released indicating strong internal confidence in the series The early Rotten Tomatoes performance only reinforces that bet with many outlets already referring to Season 2 as a creative success and a sign of growth not decline The Rotten Tomatoes score has become an increasingly influential benchmark for streaming success and while viewership numbers remain important critical reception can significantly impact the longevity of a series In this case Wednesday has managed to both retain its massive fan base and improve its standing among critics an increasingly rare feat for serialized streaming content where second seasons often falter Wednesday’s Season 2 has proven it can evolve beyond its debut season’s novelty embracing more ambitious storytelling and deeper character development while still delivering the macabre humor and stylistic flair that fans love Jenna Ortega’s performance remains a centerpiece but stronger ensemble work more dynamic writing and more daring creative risks appear to be paying off With only half the season released the critical conversation is likely just beginning but based on the current Rotten Tomatoes score Wednesday Season 2 is off to a better than expected start and could cement the show as one of Netflix’s most valuable original properties in the long term Whether the final episodes sustain or elevate the early praise remains to be seen but for now Wednesday’s return is not just successful it’s surprisingly well received by critics too
By GLOBAL NEWS5 months ago in The Swamp
The Tale of the Gambling Gentleman and the Coward in a Tie
Once upon a time—not long ago, but long enough for folks to forget—a certain breed of man in polished shoes got it in his head that risk was a virtue, and that profit excused everything short of arson. He worked on a street named Wall, though I reckon it should’ve been called Wager Avenue, because gambling was the only honest thing going on there.
By Mike Barvosa5 months ago in The Swamp
The Uneasy Embrace: US-Pakistan Relations and the Geostrategic Puzzle of South Asia
By Inzamam Ul Haq In the intricate geopolitical theater of Asia, alliances are not forged solely on ideological lines or historic friendships. They are shaped by necessity, strategy, and ever-shifting regional dynamics. Among the most enigmatic and often misunderstood of these relationships is the long, layered, and sometimes strained alliance between the United States and Pakistan.
By Inzamam Ul Haq5 months ago in The Swamp
SpaceX launches Crew-11 astronauts to the ISS for NASA on milestone Crew Dragon flight (video)
SpaceX launches NASA's Crew-11 astronauts to the International Space Station on a historic Crew Dragon flight. SpaceX successfully launched NASA's Crew-11 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), a significant accomplishment for commercial spaceflight and international cooperation. This mission is yet another milestone in the Commercial Crew Program, a partnership between NASA and SpaceX that has revolutionized American space access since its inception. On a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Crew-11 mission took off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Crew Dragon spacecraft, which was given the name "Endurance" and had already completed multiple missions to the ISS, was perched atop the rocket. The reliability of SpaceX's reusable spacecraft and booster systems, which continue to set new standards for cost-effective space travel, was reaffirmed by the successful launch. There are four astronauts aboard this mission, three from NASA and one from an international partner agency. Commander Michael Barratt, a NASA astronaut with two previous space missions under his belt, is in charge of the mission. Pilot Jeanette Epps, who is making her first spaceflight following years of training and delays, and Mission Specialist Matthew Dominick, a member of NASA's 2017 astronaut class, will be traveling with him. Completing the international team is Koichi Wakata of Japan’s space agency, JAXA, a veteran astronaut with several ISS missions to his name.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Construction on Trump’s $200 million White House ballroom to begin in September
President Donald Trump has unveiled an ambitious two hundred million dollar plan to build a lavish White House State Ballroom, with construction set to begin in September twenty twenty-five and finish before the end of his term in early twenty twenty-nine.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
Donald Trump Snubs India, Signs Oil Deal With Pak. What Does This Mean?
After announcing a 25 per cent 'reciprocal tariff' on his "friend" India, plus a penalty for buying Russian weapons and oil, Donald Trump said Thursday the US had struck a trade deal with Pakistan, including plans to develop its "massive" oil reserves.
By Kristen Orkoshneli6 months ago in The Swamp
Tsunami Evacuations Ordered in South America, but Worst Risk Passes for U.S. After Huge Quake
Early on Wednesday, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 8.8 struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, triggering widespread tsunami warnings and mass evacuations across the Pacific Rim. Officials later determined that the greatest tsunami threat to the United States had passed, despite the frantic efforts of countries in South America to evacuate individuals. At a depth of 19 kilometers, the quake, one of the strongest in recent memory, occurred approximately 75 miles offshore from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The quake's shallowness made it particularly capable of moving large volumes of water. From Japan to Chile to Hawaii, tsunami warnings were quickly issued across the Pacific Basin. Response times to emergencies were quick in South America. Chile began evacuating vulnerable coastal areas after raising its tsunami alert level to the highest level. Authorities emphasized the danger of after-waves, reminding citizens that the first wave is rarely the most dangerous. Chilean officials coordinated with local governments to evacuate thousands from low-lying areas.
By GLOBAL NEWS6 months ago in The Swamp
