©Couretsy of Netflix
The titular anti-heroine is providing words of inspiration for a new era of students in Netflix’s returning fantasy comedy, Wednesday. Series star Jenna Ortega infused her performance of the leader in Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 with a sense of tenacity.
The character’s fierceness shine through as she chases her dreams in the mystery series’ sophomore season. Wednesday uses her past mistakes and successes to stop the enemy who wishes to subdue her. She leads her peers in their pursuit of safety until she vanquishes their enemy.
The streamer split the coming-of-age supernatural show’s second season into two parts, and each part features four hour-long episodes. Tim Burton returned to the comedy to once again direct four of the eight episodes. He also served as an executive producer, on the follow-up season.
Creator/showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar also returned for the project’s second season, alongside Burton. Besides Ortega, the comedy stars Steve Buscemi, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Emma Myers, Joy Sunday, Luis Guzmán, Hunter Doohan, Billie Piper and Isaac Ordonez.
©Couretsy of Netflix
Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 follows the eponymous protagonist as she returns to Nevermore to battle enemies and overcome conflict. She must navigate family, friends and old adversaries to help propel her into another year of dark and mysterious mayhem.
Following the Season 1 finale, Wednesday enjoyed her summer by refusing to edit the novel she worked on the previous school year. She instead focused her time on mastering her psychic abilities by digging through Goody’s Book of Shadows. She used her polished skills to track down a notorious serial killer from her childhood.
So when she returns to Nevermore in the fall, Wednesday’s disillusioned to learn that she has become a school-wide celebrity. She begins receiving praise for catching the serial killer. She’s also recognized for saving the school last spring from Tyler (Hunter Doohan) and Marilyn (Christina Ricci). One of the protagonist’s classmates, Agnes (Evie Templetond), even proclaims to be her biggest fan.
Wednesday subtly finds some solace in reuniting with her roommate, Enid (Myers), who spent her summer attending wolf camp. The latter is initially excited about exploring a potential new love interest, Bruno (Noah B. Taylor), in the dorms. But once she reunites with her self-proclaimed “bestie,” she turns her attention to her friend’s newfound fame, which she cherishes more.
©Couretsy of Netflix
Wednesday becomes even more frustrated when she realizes that Principal Weems’ successor at Nevermore, Barry Dort (Buscemi), embraces outcast pride to the extreme. Therefore, he wishes to use Wednesday as a school mascot.
However, the anti-heroine is more pleased that bodies are starting to pile up in the community of Jericho. Despite not having a connection to the victim, she still sets out to uncover why they were found with their eyes plucked out by crows.
Adding to Wednesday’s dismay is Principal Dort asking Morticia (Zeta-Jones) to lead his crucial fundraising initiative for the upcoming gala. The new principal invites her and her husband, Gomez (Guzman), to live in an on-campus cottage if she decides to take charge of the committee.
Wednesday’s younger brother, Pugsley (Ordonez), who’s learning how to control his power of shooting electricity, also joins the rest of the family. He begins attending Nevermore as a new student.
©Couretsy of Netflix
Ortega’s emotional performance is enhanced by the visual elements the crew infused into Wednesday Season 2 Part I. Much like its preceding season, the series’ latest episodes continue highlighting Burton’s signature lavish visual production.
The character of Wednesday always stands out visually. The hair, makeup and costume departments balanced staying true to her iconic style while also giving her an updated, more contemporary look, including bangs and extensions in her hair.
Wednesday‘s costume designer, Colleen Atwood also only dressed Ortega in the titular character’s black and white clothing on each episode. The protagonist once again adds a pop to her school uniform. The outfit stands out against the other characters’ costumes, which are presented in bold colors, particularly purple
Wednesday‘s sophomore season also offers an intriguing, more in-depth exploration into the long-hidden Addams family secrets amid her investigation into Nevermore. The rest of the Addams became series regulars for the current season. As a result, Burton and the show’s writers deepened the intensity and caution between the teen protagonist and her mother. The arrival of the titular character’s Grandmama Frump (Joanna Lumley) further emphasizes the underlying friction between Wednesday and Morticia.
Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 is another emotional and visually stunning entry in The Addams Family franchise. Ortega pays tribute to the series’ titular character in the sophomore season by emphasizes her curiosity, cynicism and independence. The four latest episodes also prove that no matter what obstacles they face, everyone can be a hero if they pursue the journey that truly intrigues them.
All four episodes of Wednesday‘s Season 2 Part 1 are now streaming on Netflix. The streamer will release Season 2 Part 2’s four episodes on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
©Couretsy of Netflix
Overall: A-
If you like the review, share your thoughts below!