Published by Mason Oldridge, 16 December 2022
CONTAINS SPOILERS!
The new supernatural series based on The Addams Family’s teenage daughter Wednesday lands on Netflix, even beating the new Harry & Meghan documentary to the number one spot.
From the enticing first scene in which Wednesday exacts revenge on her brother’s bullies by attacking them with piranhas, viewers will be reeled in. The series then follows Wednesday as she enrols at a new boarding school for outcasts: Nevermore. Throughout her reluctant time there, she attempts to solve a murder mystery surrounding a monster in the woods.
The murder mystery plot is told in an entertaining way as the investigation is intriguing throughout without fully relying on the outcome.
However, it can be said it is the characters that make the show so compelling. Ortega earns her high praise for the protagonist as she perfectly portrays the cold and hardened yet strong-willed and brave teen while exhibiting some unexplainable likability that ropes both the male cast and viewers in. She is also at the helm of some of the series’ most awesome scenes including the burning of Crackstone’s statue and her impressive dance routine. The inclusive environment at the academy is composed by several other likeable students, particularly Wednesday’s optimistic roommate Enid and friendly beekeeper Eugene. The student cast allows for some meaningful coming-of-age elements as Wednesday grows to care about her classmates, Enid pursues a relationship with Ajax while dealing with conflict with her mother and Xavier develops feelings for Wednesday despite rejection and accusation. Additionally, Wednesday finally hugging Enid in the finale will melt your heart!
The ending elevates the quality of what is already an excellent series. After falsely accusing Xavier and Dr Kinbott, Wednesday is horrified to learn her romantic interest Tyler is the Hyde and Thornhill is the master. It is revealed that Thornhill is actually Lauren Gates, seeking revenge for her fathers death and is using Tyler to murder outcasts. Principle Weems uses her shapeshifting skills to retrieve this confession, though is murdered by Thornhill using nightshade poisoning. This is followed by an epic showdown in which Thornhill resurrects Crackstone, culminating in a deadly battle between the town’s founder and the outcasts which sees Wednesday fulfil the prophecy of her saving the school. Furthermore, in an exciting and satisfying shock, Enid finally wolfs out and, in werewolf form, defeats Tyler.
Everything about this series is perfect. The plot. The characters. The casting. A finale that outshines any possible conclusion viewers could have predicted. It is a shame Weems dies but all good shows have one unfortunate loss. As Wednesday hints at more mysteries to uncover and Tyler is shown to still be alive, viewers are left impatient for a second season.
10/10