Season two of ‘Wednesday’ brings thrills and chills to the fall season

By Danielle Cherry

The Adams family is back, ready for another year of mystery and mayhem at Nevermore Academy. Wednesday Adams is just as dismal and deceptive as before, but now faces a jarring problem, a lack of premonitions. 

Throughout the series, fans of the original Adams family will be thrilled to see more members joining the ranks,creating a growing spiderweb of lore for Wednesday’s story. Back in season one, it was obvious Wednesday and her mother Morticia were on strained terms. Now that Wednesday lacks her premonition abilities, a wall stands between Morticia and Wednesday that Morticia desperately tries to break. 

“Wednesday” is expertly written, cluing fans into her thoughts and emotions while also allowing us to see the humanity that is barely visible within her. Throughout this season we watch as Wednesday crawls back into her coffin of self-sufficiency, rejecting the help of others to be a lone wolf. 

Jenna Ortega deserves special mention for both her talent as an actress and her portrayal of Wednesday. It is obvious that Ortega has grown in her acting ability. The small actions are more visibly intentional; everything from the quirk of an eye to a slight grin shows the audience what Wednesday is thinking and, although uncommon, what she is feeling.

Playing a character who cares for no one is no easy task. Wednesday constantly pushes people away, only adding to her inflated ego that she can do everything on her own. She wears her proud mannerism on her sleeve, causing viewers to question if she is truly a good role model. 

Wednesday Adams is a prodigy of music, yet it is a talent she hides. Her musical ensembles are played all through the show, providing a lovely background to action on screen. The score for the show is fast paced and beautiful. In a way the orchestral parts of the music show Wednesday’s emotional processing, and serve as the only way she is willing to express her feelings. 

Throughout the show Wednesday is tested on what she is willing to give up to save those around her. The answer is just about everything. This show portrays sacrificial love in both familial and interpersonal relationships, in a shockingly profound way. This dualistic nature of Wednesday is what makes her such a standout character among other tv-show characters. 

Another standout acting role is that of Hunter Doohan. Tyler Galpin is psychologically corrupt, and Doohan plays him with such finesse. Even though Tyler was revealed to be a Hyde in season one and had intentions of harming Wednesday, I still found myself rooting for him because of his character’s backstory and the empathy that Hunter played him with. This show is filled with actors who have mastered the small movements of facial expression. 

The popularity “Wednesday” garnered is not without reason. In season two, fans have the opportunity to see into the backgrounds of characters’ lives and learn more about the history of Nevermore Academy and the student’s ‘outcast’ gifts. Everything fans loved about season one is found in more grandiose forms in the second season.

This season of “Wednesday” was split into two parts, which broke up the pacing of the narrative. Part one and two felt like completely separate stories, only tied together by a few consistent plot lines. Despite this, each part was exciting and twisted in a lovely Tim Burton way. 

Although the narrative of season two was split by a month break in between part one and two, the plot continues to resolve conflicts and questions from season one, even shedding light on more obscure mysteries like “Morning Song.” Every camera pan and subtle glance was done intentionally to push the story forward. 

Characters were each given time to develop over the course of this season. What also developed was the plot and filming style. Tim Burton’s directing style was evident throughout this season, specifically in elements that are unique to his psychological spooky aesthetic. Episode eight in particular was a beautiful coalescing of plot points and unique filming angles that had me squirming in my seat. 

Falling into Netflix’s horror category, “Wednesday” is more of a dry humored thriller with a spooky tone, making it reach a wider and younger audience. The atmosphere within the show is dark and eerie, relying heavily on the gothic style architecture of Nevermore. Wednesday takes her fashion cues from the darkness and grime of a monochrome world. 

“Wednesday” will forever mark the change in seasons, from summer to fall. With its soft horror atmosphere and dry humor “Wednesday” remains one of the most unique shows I have ever watched. Seeing the success of yet another season of “Wednesday” brought joy to my autumn loving heart, even though I am certain Wednesday Adams would throw up at my declaration. 

“Wednesday” is currently streaming on Netflix

Danielle Cherry is a sophomore communication major and writer for Cedars A&E and Sports. She is a Missionary Kid from Germany and loves to travel and talk about Marvel.

Images courtesy of MGM Television