Season 2 Ep 1-4 Review.
by Rosa Parra
“Wednesday” has quickly become a standout hit for Netflix. Following the success of Season 1, the show has solidified its place among Netflix’s top offerings. It’s a clear sign of popularity when a new season is released in two parts; in this case, the first four episodes will premiere on August 6th, while the remaining four will be released on September 3rd.
Directed by Tim Burton, Season 2 stars Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams, with Steve Buscemi as Principal Dort, Emma Myers as Enid Sinclair, Joy Sunday as Bianca Barclay, Moosa Mostafa as Eugene Ottinger, Georgie Farmer as Ajax Petropolus, and Isaac Ordonez as Pugsley Addams. In this season, Wednesday returns to Nevermore, where she must navigate friendships, family dynamics, and old rivals, all propelling her into a chilling murder mystery.
As I mentioned in my audio reaction, the first six minutes of Episode 1 were released online, and from that brief glimpse, I knew this season would take a darker turn, delving deeper into the horror genre. Fortunately, the first four episodes do not disappoint.
We see Wednesday being kidnapped by a serial killer, only for her and Thing to outsmart him. In a house filled with dolls, Wednesday chooses one to gift to Enid as a summer memento. The dynamic between Wednesday and Enid remains strong, even as one grows while the other “cocoons.” Now that Enid has transformed into a werewolf, she has become more accepted within her pack, evolving from the insecure young student we met in Season 1 into a confident young woman who embraces her feelings and experiences.
Unlike the first season, we see more involvement from the Addams family this time around. Morticia stays on campus as she has been asked to chair the upcoming gala. Pugsley is a new incoming student at Nevermore, while Gomez makes occasional appearances. Once again, Wednesday finds herself in a detective role, trying to uncover the identity of the person behind a series of killings. A one-eyed raven has been on a rampage, targeting important figures, and familiar characters from Season 1 return, adding to the intrigue.
One highlight is a stop-motion animation sequence that retells the story of a former student turned legend, which brought a huge smile to my face. Tim Burton’s distinctive stop-motion style is among my favorites, so this was a delightful addition.
All of this unfolds while Wednesday struggles to control her psychic abilities. A new symptom has emerged: when she has visions, dark blood seeps from her tear ducts. Morticia finds it challenging to connect with Wednesday and worries that if she misses the chance to guide her daughter, history may repeat itself. Aunt Ophelia, Morticia’s younger sister, is frequently mentioned and is teased to make an appearance in the second half of the season. Meanwhile, as Pugsley attempts to fit into the academy, he often finds himself alone while searching for friends.
This season is notably darker and leans heavily into horror elements, showcasing more cadavers and gruesome imagery. From ravens pecking out eyeballs to disturbing drawings and scenes reminiscent of nightmares, these moments were both thrilling and chilling to witness.
Overall, “Wednesday Season 2” is sharply written and strongly acted, delivering just the right dose of horror and darkness. Ending Episode 4 with a perfect cliffhanger, this season has established itself as another success for the show and Netflix. I can’t wait to see the rest of the season.
Rating: 8/10.
Editor’s note:
That song you heard in beginning of Episode One, of Season Two of Wednesday is the ranchera “Un Mundo Raro”(Strange World.) by Jose Alfredo Jimenez and performed by Chavala Vargas. What a brilliant choice to an incredible startof the new season. Like any good ranchera, its slightly sad yet poetically honest about life and death, just like Wednesday! Bravo! Que viva!