Sydney Wanguhu

Director Tim Burton’s take on “The Addams Family” has broken records.

Director Tim Burton’s take on “The Addams Family” has broken records as “Wednesday” is now Netflix’s most streamed original show in a week.

Everyone’s favorite spooky family is back on your screens with a new series and modern twist starring Jenna Ortega as Wednesday who does a phenomenal job maintaining a sickening feel throughout the sitcom.

I appreciate that this portrayal of the gut-wrenching family is from the perspective of Wednesday as a teenager. Her parents, Morticia and Gomez Addams, take Wednesday to their old boarding school in Nevermore, hoping she will have the same fulfilling experiences as they did. Even though Wednesday is labeled as an outcast, her journey is easily relatable as she overcomes family pressures, cliques, and love interests. 

It was interesting watching her lack every emotion possible but endure all the stress and drama teens do during high school. At times it was frustrating since her responses were either too unpredictable, witty or violent, but it made the intimate moments of the show even more enchanting. Nonetheless, it had me on the edge of my seat.

Unfortunately, Ortega’s supporting cast is mediocre. I had to rewatch specific episodes because I lost interest. The dialogue is cringy and written with terrible jokes that are nowhere near funny, which is why I can only focus on Wednesday. Although some stood out and resembled good characteristics you want in friends, as irritably animated as Enid is, her positivity takes Wednesday out of her social cocoon, bringing a balance to their yin and yang friendship.

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I’ve noticed a cliche in almost every teen series of some formal dance scene, but “Wednesday” has the coolest dance number by far. Something about her dancing as if she isn’t being watched is refreshing. Her confidence in being okay to stand out without worrying what other people think is prompt throughout the whole season, which I think is a great theme for the young consumers watching.

I applaud Burton for recreating a story that’s been told for decades many times. To please viewers and keep it interesting you need familiarity for people to reminisce on. His decision to incorporate Christina Ricci is a great way to pay homage to “The Addams Family” original movie. 

Some of the characters’ storylines either felt unnecessary or incomplete. Wednesday’s enemy-turned-friend, Bianca, gets a surprise visit from her mother, questioning Bianca’s new identity as if there is a past to hide, but the show fails to expound on the secrets of her early life. Along with that, Bianca’s intimate moments with the mayor’s son, Lucas Walker, towards the end felt forced. There was too much chaos as the show ended for us to see a potential future for both of them.

Hopefully, in the next season, the show will expound on Wednesday’s powers, specifically how she ironically uses them for good. I can imagine her teaming up with the rest of her boarding school friends to continue solving the supernatural crimes of Nevermore. Her ability to not take “no” as an answer from any authorities made her even more likable and I constantly found myself rooting for her.

Other than the underwhelming cheesy comedy, the plot twist makes up for it, and the series is a fun watch. This is some of Jenna’s best work, as you can see her commitment to her interpretation of Wednesday. The only question I have to ask is: Why didn’t this air during Halloween?

Rating: 4.2/5