The Addams Family is a series that really needs no introduction. Since 1964, this kooky family has graced countless TV screens and movie theaters across the world. With both live-action and animated adaptations under its belt, there is an Addams Family series out there for everyone.
But what if there was a series that showed a darker side of the universe? One that not only captures the magic and dark humor of the original, but also puts some unforeseen twists on the formula?
Well, that is exactly what happened in 2022 with Netflix's appropriately named Wednesday.
The series follows Wednesday Addams as she enrolls at Nevermore Academy alongside other outcasts and monsters. She is forced to room with the happy-go-lucky Enid, a werewolf who can't transform and enjoys bright, fun colors. The two obviously clash due to their distinct personalities and Wednesday's allergy to color, but they eventually form a friendship when things take a turn for the worst. Nevermore Academy holds many secrets, and news of a serial killer terrorizing the town only complicates things further. This is when Wednesday awakens to her own psychic powers and gets wrapped up in a much greater mystery than she could have ever imagined.
With season 2, things are a bit different, and that is a direct result of the ending to season 1. That being said, there will be spoilers ahead for season 1, so turn back now if you do not want it ruined for you.
Season 2 Part 1: Return to Nevermore
Season 2 kicks off with Wednesday Addams using her psychic powers to track down killers and solve mysteries that she has a personal interest in. This includes a quick cameo from The Sixth Sense horror icon Haley Joel Osment (whom many others may know as Sora from Kingdom Hearts), and some quick Addams Family-style humor as she travels back to Nevermore. While these scenes have little impact on the overall plot of Season 2, they serve as a quick reintroduction to the world before throwing viewers headfirst back into the school—where quite a bit has changed.
With a three-year gap between seasons, the first part of Season 2 does what it can to recap viewers. An actual recap is included, but it alone isn't enough to go over all the details that might have been missed. Quite a few characters died in the previous season, some simply can no longer be at the school, and the remaining members have had their lives altered due to the ending of Season 1. These characters have changed in different ways, and even the break from school has left some gaps in their character development. This means characters we thought we knew may no longer be exactly as fans remember them, which leaves room for Season 2 to re-explore who they are; however, that doesn't really happen this time around.
Unlike Season 1, Season 2 focuses more on a core cast of characters and the new mysteries that arise. Pugsley Addams has now enrolled at Nevermore due to his electric powers awakening, and his struggle to fit in is what eventually leads him to investigate the story of a kid with a mechanical heart being buried near the school. Meanwhile, Wednesday struggles with her psychic powers and once again gets wrapped up in a murder mystery that may or may not have connections to Nevermore itself. Then you have mysterious new characters replacing the "missing" players from Season 1, and we dive into some of the loose ends that left viewers hanging.
It is actually a lot of setup that initially seems to be separate overarching plot lines, but eventually, things do come together. One of the highlights from Part 1, however, is the Tim Burton-animated scene, which is sure to put a smile on fans' faces.
Season 2 Part 2: We Are Just Getting Started
The second half of Season 2 is where everything falls into place. While Part 1 focused on developing the world and setting up the future, including a confirmed Season 3, Part 2 is much more main-story-focused and paints a clearer picture of what's going on. Connections are made between the different plotlines, the stakes are much higher, and there are quite a few surprises that fans won't see coming—one of which alters everything fans of the series thought they knew.
Without giving away any spoilers, Part 2 is the highlight of the entire season, but it wouldn't be as good without the initial setup. This is where the show really captures what made Season 1 so great while also elevating things to a different level. It's a season that will clearly shape the entire future of the franchise and it leaves just as many questions as we got answers. The ending, especially, asks fans to reconsider everything they learned this time around and shows that even Season 1 might not be as black and white as it seemed. There's a lot more to this universe than what is on the surface, and Part 2 proves that the showrunners are willing to venture into uncharted territory. They aren't bound by existing Addams Family lore but rather are able to create it in new ways never seen before.
Besides the story, one standout moment in Part 2 shows just how great Jenna Ortega (Wednesday) and Emma Myers (Enid) are in their roles. They both nail their performances perfectly throughout the entire series, but one episode challenges them in new ways, and the end result is fantastic! It's one of the most memorable episodes of the entire series, and that opening alone will live on, rent-free, in the heads of many.
Still Some Rough (CGI) Edges
Season 2 steps up the production value in many ways and pulls off just enough tricks to prevent the series from being rated for mature audiences. Yes, there are some graphic scenes throughout the show, especially considering what Pugsley's actions ultimately cause, and a few of the "aftermath" scenes took it further than many might have expected. Still, some of the CGI and monster designs come off a bit awkward, just as they did in Season 1, but with some improvements to make it less noticeable.
One monster design in particular, the worst offender from Season 1, does look better here overall, but there's no denying that it could still be better. This does not take away from how great the show is, however, and is easier to overlook than the first time around. As for the monster itself, Season 2 handles it much better than the original, and there are some standout moments fans can look forward to seeing.
Should you watch it?
Wednesday Season 2 is an excellent follow-up to the original series, and fans really have no excuse not to watch it. While Part 1 might not initially match up to Season 1's quality and storytelling, the build-up and payoff in Part 2 were more than worth the wait. This is not a complete story, however, as Season 2 serves more as a bridge between Season 1 and whatever comes next. It's a season that establishes and alters Addams Family lore and is a stepping stone for Wednesday's next adventure. It's a season that isn't afraid to venture into new territory, but it leaves fans wanting more.
It's a shame that some of the core cast from Season 1 didn't get much time in the spotlight this time around, but the more focused plot centered on the Addams Family itself was a nice change of pace. There are some great new additions to the cast as well, with one character in particular developing in a way I didn't expect. It will be great to see where they go with this idea in the future, but for now, we only have a teaser of what's to come.
Overall, Wednesday Season 2 is a must-watch for fans of Season 1, and the series, in general, is something fans of monsters and murder mysteries should look into. It isn't a show that should be seen as "just an Addams Family spin-off," because it is truly so much more. You don't have to be a fan of the Addams Family to enjoy this, and if anything, it might be the series to make you a fan. When you get the chance, do yourself a favor and check it out!
VERDICT: Recommended
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