On Sept. 3, the Netflix show “Wednesday” released the final episodes of its second season. Reviews of season 2 remain mixed, with many criticizing the various plot holes and pointing out inadequacy in the writing, while others enjoy the new ideas writers introduced. With this final spoiler warning, here’s my take on the most recent season of this unique series!
This season featured the introduction, development, and even elimination of a wide array of characters.
Many fans, myself included, were elated to see the return of Nevermore’s late Principal Weems. It was amusing to see her react to the changes occurring at Nevermore in her absence, and she makes for a comical spirit guide to contrast Wednesday’s serious and determined character.
Although the jump from season one to two is jarring at first, I quickly grew to adjust and enjoy the shifting environment at Nevermore. While it wasn’t something I’d anticipated, the initial idolization of Wednesday and her friends by her fellow classmates is realistic given her feat in season one’s finale, and it adds an interesting social aspect to see how the group has grown.
One of these fans is the young and cunning Agnes DeMille, who made a great addition to Wednesday’s team. Her transformation from an eager-to-please and crazed fan to her own individual was touching, as her character arc carries valuable themes about self-growth. While unexpected, Agnes became an undeniably iconic and integral member of the group, becoming a character that I, like Wednesday and Enid, grew to appreciate and care for.
Agnes, Enid, and members of the Addams family were given a chance to shine, but others remain underutilized. Eugene, despite being someone who Wednesday valued in season one, had no major involvement in the events of this season, along with Bianca, who, while being an enjoyable character that I’ve consistently rooted for, leads a practically useless side-plot.
The first half of season two feels similar to the first season of the show in its murder-mystery plot and adjustment to new surroundings; however, part two doesn’t tie together these concepts in a compelling way.
While part 1 is relatively straightforward, part 2 introduces many different plotlines, including the infamous body-swap episode between Wednesday and Enid. While I found it to be an amusing concept with a lot of potential for development in Wednesday and Enid’s relationship, a lack of depth prevented the episode from having greater meaning and emotion. The focus on the pre-existing plot and urgency Wednesday and Enid have to return back to normal makes it difficult for either the characters or us viewers to experience any realistic repercussions for what should have been much more major of an event. The episode does an only adequate job of repairing the distance in Wednesday’s and Enid’s friendship, without allowing them to grow closer in the same way that many fans were so touched by in season one.
Overall, “Wednesday” remains passively entertaining, but lacks immersion. The unique characters and expanding world-building continue to fascinate countless viewers. Still, the excitement of seeing the raven psychic Wednesday given a werewolf form doesn’t make up for her stagnant character—so many fans were quick to dismiss the fact that Wednesday hasn’t had much character growth throughout the course of the season.
Regardless of its flaws, this season of Wednesday was entertaining and a worthwhile expansion on the series. I’ll still be elated when season three comes around, which is predicted to release between mid 2027 to early 2028!
