Mayhem has returned to Netflix with the new release of Wednesday, Season 2, Part 1
After a three-year wait, Netflix’s hit series directed by Tim Burton was released on Aug.6, with returning star favorites such as Jenna Ortega, Emma Myers, and Hunter Doohan. The series continues with Ortega playing the lead as Wednesday, and follows her mysterious adventures at Nevermore Academy. The storyline continues from the previous season as we follow up with Doohan’s and Christina Ricci’s characters, Tyler Galpin and Marilyn Thornhill. All the while, introducing a new villain who not only is on a murder spree but is also stalking Wednesday Adams and those around her. Wednesday uses her psychic abilities to try to help solve the case, but instead sees a vision of Enid’s death, which she causes. On a run against time, Wednesday must solve the case and put an end to the mystery.
Overall, the season feels true to the first, with the mystery and suspense remaining as enticing as before. The show feels as though the production team’s choice to carry and highlight the strengths of the previous season while making revisions works in favor; however, some character development issues arise with character Enid, as viewers felt her dynamic with Wednesday should fall under a romance rather than a friendship. Notably, Enid’s character is primarily focused on her romantic disputes rather than personal character development, unlike the first season, where she explored her identity, insecurities, and sense of belonging. In the show, we saw some resolution within her internal conflict. Still, instead of a steady build, her character changed in an instant into someone who would neglect communication with her Love interest from season 1, Ajax, and cheat on him with a member of the wolf pack in season 2. Enid’s character also fails to be a valuable member of Wednesday’s storyline, as she doesn’t make significant contributions to helping Wednesday solve the murder mystery, but leaves to focus on popularity and learning how to drive. Viewers also felt indifferent to the three-year wait, as only the first four episodes were released, with the last four to follow a month later.
However, fans can get excited, as a mini stop-motion animation featuring in season 2 is in Burton’s original art style. It is two minutes long and in black and white film. The tale tells of a genius student at Nevermore Academy who designs a clock heart and accidentally dies in an experiment gone wrong. The animation took eight months to complete and is crafted with thought and care, promising to take viewers down a path of familiar nostalgia that will surely excite.
Rating: 8 out of 10
Review By Samantha Ysaguirre
