Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 is now available to stream on Netflix. Is it better than the debut season? Well, it’s safe to say that it has turned out far better than the first. Its current score on Rotten Tomatoes is solid proof, an 82% “fresh” rating, compared to Season 1’s 73%.
Season 2 brings a lot more spookiness and gloom, but in the best possible way. Many viewers’ biggest point of contention with Season 1 was its overfocus on the complicated love triangle between Wednesday (Jenna Ortega), Tyler (Hunter Doohan), and Xavier (Percy Hynes White). This emphasis on the romantic subplot diverted attention from the protagonist’s misanthropic, dreaded nature, as well as from her friendships and detective work.
Part 1 of the latest season leans more into Wednesday’s defining personality traits and her psychic powers for her detective work, while keeping a safe distance from the tropes of conventional teen dramas.
Another major problem with Season 1 was the limited screen time given to the rest of the Addams family. This time, we see much more of Morticia (Catherine Zeta Jones), Gomez (Luis Guzman), and Pugsley (Isaac Ordonez), which not only adds freshness but also keeps us hooked, as their greater inclusion could take the series in many exciting directions. This expanded focus on the Addams family dynamic provides a deeper understanding of Wednesday’s background and adds to the show’s signature quirky, gothic humour.
Steve Buscemi’s Barry Dort is an intriguing addition as Nevermore’s newest principal, and the rest of the cast is also in fine form. Part 1 does leave some things unresolved, but those will be addressed in the upcoming Part 2, set to release on September 3.
Another low for Part 1 is the reduced screen time for Emma Myers’ Enid. Jenna Ortega may have led the first season, but it was Enid who turned out to be the real heart of the show. Her eccentricities, bright personality, and unique dynamic with Wednesday made Season 1 worth watching despite its flaws.
That said, Enid’s new character arc shows great promise. Having “wolfed out” completely, she’s no longer just the cute girl with a vibrant, happy-go-lucky persona. She has gained maturity and complexity, fully embracing her place in the werewolf pack. This evolution has led to a strained relationship with Wednesday and a new love triangle of her own. She’s going to play a bigger and more important role in Part 2.
Amidst all the human drama, Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 also delves properly into horror and spooky elements this time around, which bodes well for the forthcoming Part 2.
This new direction proves the creators have listened to their audience, amplifying the macabre charm that made the show a breakout hit while shedding some of its more conventional trappings. Part 1 of Season 2 feels like a confident stride into a more mature, darker, and ultimately more compelling story. With such a promising start, the stage is set for the second half to deliver a truly unforgettable and satisfying conclusion. Stay tuned for more updates.