Working off an idea that has inspired comic strips, cartoons and movies can be challenging for a new show. When people do it, a lot of the time it falls short and is not well liked when compared to the original.
But with new ideas and a way to revamp what once was- you get shows like “Wednesday.”
*Cue two snaps*
The new Netflix series, “Wednesday” is focused on Wednesday Addams being sent to a boarding school for outcasts; the very one where her parents met. Throughout her time there she is trying to manage and control her emerging psychic ability, combat a killing spree and solve a 25-year-old mystery that involved her parents when they attended Nevermore Academy.
This new series was unique and put a creative spin on the classic story of The Addams Family. When the thought of an ideal 20th-century American family turned satirical surrounding a family with a love for the macabre and no concern for what others think of them (that they are strange or frightening), it took off.
Although this show is focused on Wednesday, it was still able to bring in elements of the original storyline, like the family and backstories. And although we don’t get to see the whole family often, we do see the character Thing, as he is majorly involved in each episode.
There has been talk and even trends on social media inspired by Thing and I can say he was a great addition to this series. He brought out a twinkle of a light in Wednesday and, not to give any spoilers away, she genuinely cares about him.
This storyline was expertly put together with many twists and turns along the way. It’s the kind of show where you cannot predict the ending because it will pull you one way in the beginning of an episode but then you feel completely different by the end. It forces you to think and try to solve these crimes on your own, but still allows you to relax and stay interested in this twist on the original story.
Another very important aspect of this new show is the fact that this is the first time Wednesday is being played by a latina. In an interview, Jenna Ortega who plays Wednesday says, “take someone like Wednesday, who has such a large platform — I think it’s really important for not only everyone to see it, but also for girls out there like me who just want to be seen.”
Ortega says that when she was little she never saw people on screen that looked like her and now she is taking this opportunity to be that person for underrepresented people everywhere to look up to and see themselves represented on screen.
Ortega brought life to this character in a way that has never been seen before. Yes, Wednesday is solemn, deadpan and obsessed with all things death- but Ortega brings a light to her that has never been represented. We see this character experience emotions through what really is just her eyebrows. Ortega only blinked during times of severe shock or discomfort, and we only see her smile a handful of times as well. Ortega played this role in such a way that viewers are able to tell the difference in emotion through small cues and it is perfect for the character at hand.
This is a series you do not want to miss. At the end of the final episode you’re left on a few cliffhangers so there is definitely room for another season.
If you like a little mystery and a play on a classic, I cannot recommend it enough.
