A reimagination and extension of the Addams Family cartoons, Wednesday brings the titular protagonist (an adolescent in this portrayal) to Nevermore, a school for outcasts. In addition to dealing with her lack of emotions and social graces that renders her isolated in this setting, she also gets embroiled in a dangerous murder mystery, the key to whose solution may lie in her unique psychic abilities and ancestral legacy.
Bearing somewhat of a Harry Potter and Sabrina vibe, the deadpan macabre humour and striking goth depictions are impressive. The production quality is excellent, be it in terms of the costumes, the sets and environments, the music, or the effects. Side characters like Enid and Eugene are memorable and Jenna Ortega's acting chops in her lead role are abundantly evident.
The show however suffers from some serious flaws, especially in the writing department. The whodunit is derivative and uninspired with much more enjoyment to be gained from watching Wednesday's struggles to fit in at Nevermore over guessing the identity of the monster. The full potential of characters like Principal Weems is never harnessed and the entire Joseph Crackstone saga is extremely underwhelming. The dialogue often feels out of place as if it was intended for teenagers but written by adults who do not understand them. And for all the romantic subplots, the essential chemistry is missing, be that between Wednesday and Xavier or Morticia and Gomez.
These criticisms notwithstanding, Wednesday should still prove diverting to lovers of young adult fantasy and supernatural shows. The first season sets a good platform to relate future stories in the same universe and it will be interesting to see how Wednesday will evolve as a character going forward.
Bearing somewhat of a Harry Potter and Sabrina vibe, the deadpan macabre humour and striking goth depictions are impressive. The production quality is excellent, be it in terms of the costumes, the sets and environments, the music, or the effects. Side characters like Enid and Eugene are memorable and Jenna Ortega's acting chops in her lead role are abundantly evident.
The show however suffers from some serious flaws, especially in the writing department. The whodunit is derivative and uninspired with much more enjoyment to be gained from watching Wednesday's struggles to fit in at Nevermore over guessing the identity of the monster. The full potential of characters like Principal Weems is never harnessed and the entire Joseph Crackstone saga is extremely underwhelming. The dialogue often feels out of place as if it was intended for teenagers but written by adults who do not understand them. And for all the romantic subplots, the essential chemistry is missing, be that between Wednesday and Xavier or Morticia and Gomez.
These criticisms notwithstanding, Wednesday should still prove diverting to lovers of young adult fantasy and supernatural shows. The first season sets a good platform to relate future stories in the same universe and it will be interesting to see how Wednesday will evolve as a character going forward.