By Grace Gorsline
Staff Writer
Nevermore Academy has opened its gates again, and with it comes another season of secrets, suspense and spice. Jenna Ortega’s previous performance in Season 1 established her as a cultural phenomenon, so now, in Season 2, the series doubles down on what fans love — gothic mystery, sharp humor and a protagonist who finds a way to make morbidity surprisingly charming.
“Wednesday” was released in two parts. Part one was released this past August and part two came out on Sept. 3. It starts right where Season 1 left off, with Wednesday uncovering new dangers at Nevermore. The writers develop Wednesday's world further by introducing new characters and diving deeper into the academy’s suspicious history. Overall, the main mystery is darker and more personal, which raises the stakes for Wednesday and her loved ones.
Without a doubt, Ortega’s, Catherine Zeta-Jones’s, Luis Guzman’s and the performances of many others have remained nothing short of stellar. Ortega’s one-liners are perfect. Zeta-Jones, who plays Morticia, and Guzman, who plays Gomez, get more time on screen, which adds depth to the Addams family dynamic.
By giving these two characters a bigger role, viewers get a better understanding of Wednesday’s upbringing, legacy and the role models who helped shape her personality. Also, Steve Buscemi, who was an actor in other films like, “Monsters Inc,” “Charlotte’s Web” and “Grown Ups,” takes on the role of Nevermore’s new principal.
Buscemi added another layer of deception and evilness to the show, which provided a stark contrast in comparison to the real antagonist of the story, Judi Stonhearst, an avian who manipulated events in order to avenge her father’s dark history.
Despite the fact that many of these characters presented great levels of talent, some of the new characters were slightly underdeveloped, which slowed the momentum of the story. For example, Isaac Night and Francoise, Tyler Galpin’s uncle and mother, were introduced a bit later in the season, which did not give viewers enough time to know them or understand them. Francoise’s character was especially confusing as her actions did not always match her motives.
Meanwhile, the visual aspect of the show is beautiful. The moody color palettes, set design and soundtrack are a perfect combination of goth with a fresh modern twist.
While Season 1 focused on Wednesday making friends and finding her place, Season 2 is about her claiming this place, and unlocking her true strength.
She goes through trials and errors between uncovering her stalker to controlling her psychic abilities, all to understand the mysteries and secrets around her. She even goes to lengths viewers never would have believed based on the previous season, including finding the goodness in characters who are assumed to be evil.
Themes of identity, friendship and legacy come through deeply in this season, and even though the plot is slowed a bit by the array of characters, Ortega’s performance ensures that viewers will keep coming back to Nevermore.
Overall, this eccentric show is a lovely, grim blend of dark comedy and mystery, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, delightfully afraid for what happens next.
