For those who grew up watching the old episodes of “The Addams Family” or the 1990s-era movies starring Christina Ricci, Netflix’s newest series “Wednesday” is sure to be a hit. Although much different from its predecessors, this incarnation of the Addams Family universe has fresh perspectives and much to offer a more mature audience. Already breaking records, this series (which centers on title character and icon Wednesday Addams) comes highly recommended. As finals roll around, this show may be a great distraction or study break for tired minds—but be aware that it may be difficult to stop after just one episode.
The premise for this series begins with Wednesday being expelled from her public school (the eighth in five years) after dumping a school of piranhas into the pool. With this, Wednesday’s parents decide to send her to Nevermore Academy: a school for the supernatural and, of course, their alma mater. However, Wednesday is not enthused about this, seeing it as an attempt by her parents to shape her in their footsteps. Left with a too-colorful roommate and plagued by mysterious visions, Wednesday is left at Nevermore Academy with the family’s iconic pet, the disembodied hand Thing. With Thing, Wednesday plots her escape from Nevermore Academy in resistance to her parents wishes. Soon, however, a mystery emerges which piques her interest, motivating her to stay longer as the story unfolds.
Although I haven’t finished the series yet, what I’ve seen so far and the reviews I have read online has been largely positive. The show gets all the basics right: Wednesday’s classic color scheme, attitude and deadpan insults are woven throughout each episode. Although the academy uniform is blue, Wednesday has a special-ordered black and white ensemble due to her “color allergies.” Even at Nevermore Academy, Wednesday stands in stark contrast to the people around her.
Despite featuring many of the same characters and foundation as shows and movies past, Netflix’s take on “Wednesday” is independent from these. It isn’t a continuation of prior work and Jenna Ortega, who plays Wednesday, has definitely made the character her own. With a performance to rival Ricci’s iconic movie performance, this show is sure to become a much-loved series and future Halloween favorite. At the same time that it stands separate from prior work, there is a callback to the 1990s movies within the film. Ricci returns to the world of the Addams family as a teacher at Nevermore Academy. While this is a nice easter egg to the movies, Ricci’s inclusion in the series does not connect the actual plot or performance to past work.
In terms of plot, this series definitely takes a deeper dive into the character of Wednesday Addams. A writer, musician and even inventor, Wednesday is obviously talented in many areas. The visions which affect her at random add mystery and a further supernatural element to the character which has been unseen in past iterations. Beyond her character, the series also explores the Addams family as a whole and their origin story as the spooky, kooky family beloved by many. Going back in time through her visions, Wednesday works to unravel questions about her own family’s past, their connection to Nevermore Academy and her own place within this narrative. All in all, this series takes a unique perspective on Wednesday Addams and her family which is well-worth a watch.
