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One thing I’d love to see is a heated discussion between Schitt’s Creek’s Moira Rose (Catherine O’Hara), What We Do in the Shadows‘ Laszlo (Matt Berry), and Wednesday Addams herself, faultlessly portrayed by Jenna Ortega in the Netflix Original Series. One thing is for sure: it would be spectacular. And if season 2 and its Part 1 prove anything, it’s that Miss Addams remains as jaded as ever, still armed with razor-sharp retorts and her keen detective’s eye, ready to solve another murder spree.
The new Wednesday season is proof that the director and executive producer Tim Burton isn’t slowing down; quite the opposite. In Part 1, Burton and writers/showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar deliver another deadly dose of dark comedy and a tightly woven whodunnit mystery.
It’s a new year at Nevermore Academy, a special school for Outcasts, people with magical abilities, and all kinds of supernatural beings. As Wednesday returns for another term, her brother Pugsley (Isaac Ordonez) joins her to begin his own education. Following the untimely death of Principal Larissa Weems (Gwendoline Christie), the school is now under the guidance of Principal Dort (Steve Buscemi), a quirky but seemingly greedy and suspicious character. Just as Wednesday thinks she might avoid fresh foes and woes, a new spree of murders begins, all while her powers don’t work as they should. But that’s not all. The Addams daughter also has to deal with an annoying, masked stalker who threatens Wednesday and her friends. And who better to solve the bloody puzzle if not the Addams daughter?
Part 1 starts with a bang (thank you, Joel Haley Osment!) and doesn’t slow down until the fourth episode, which ends with a tumultuous cliffhanger. What’s more, this second chapter zeroes in on the development of supporting characters—most notably Ordonez’s Pugsley and Joy Sunday’s Bianca. The latter finds herself stuck between a rock and a hard place as her loyalty to the Outcasts is tested. Both actors give excellent performances, as do Luis Guzmán and Catherine Zeta-Jones, portraying the Addams family’s matriarch and patriarch.
The new season also introduces bewitching new faces and a few surprise returns that you won’t see coming. A powerful addition is also Billie Piper as Isadora Capri, a new music teacher whose overly cheerful demeanor clashes hilariously with Wednesday’s gloom. We also welcome back Emma Myers’ Enid, whose character has finally grown into her werewolf self. In the new chapter, Enid focuses on herself, spending more time with the Wolf Pack, and a little less with her crime-obsessed, perpetually grumpy roommate.
It’s no secret that Jenna Ortega is a worthy successor to Christina Ricci’s legendary portrayal (originally brought to life on TV by Lisa Loring); Part 1 is only added proof of that. I must admit, I missed Wednesday’s deadpan charm and her ride-or-die loyalty to friends and family we saw in season 1 (though she’d never admit it, not even when put in a torture chamber). This time around, the murder mystery leads us from Nevermore to an institution called Willow Hill, where, under the watchful eye of Dr. Fairburn (Thandiwe Newton), both humans and Outcasts may seek therapy and mental help. Part 1 once again shines a light on how Outcasts are treated in public settings, making a case for more tolerance toward those who are different or misunderstood.
Though it consists of just four one-hour episodes, Part 1 packs in a lot: it’s a family story, a tale of grief and about mental health, as well as an exploration of individuality, power, and corruption. Complementing the complex storylines is Addams-worthy photography by PJ Dillon and John Conroy, and stunning costume design by Colleen Atwood and Mark Sutherland. These elements beautifully enhance the Halloween-like, eerie ambiance of the show. Finally, let’s not forget the music. Danny Elfman’s score is enchanting and haunting as ever, especially his instrumental renditions of songs we know and love. All that and Burton’s eye-catching direction create a solid new chapter.
It’s challenging to choose the best episode of the four, as each plays an integral role in character development and pacing. That said, episode four is arguably the most compelling, culminating in a gratifying climax and a tantalizing cliffhanger. A new chapter of Wednesday isn’t just satisfying; it leaves us craving more of Wednesday’s astute wit and her unraveling more dangerous secrets. With Part 2 premiering on September 3rd, we might as well rewatch Seasons 1 and 2 (Part 1) several times before then.
There’s little to complain about here. Every decision made, whether by the showrunners or characters, feels deliberate and well-executed, giving fans exactly what they want: more mayhem, more ghastly happenings, and more riddles. Additionally, one could truly publish a whole book of Wednesday’s memorable quotes, thanks to her razor-sharp one-liners, or the hilariously peculiar epithets Gomez uses when expressing love for his children. In short: you won’t be disappointed. You may even become obsessed.
Wednesday Season 2 Part 1 premieres on Netflix on August 6th, with Part 2 premiering on September 3rd.
Grade: A
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Wednesday
Wednesday Addams is sent to Nevermore Academy, a bizarre boarding school where she attempts to master her psychic powers, stop a monstrous killing spree of the town citizens, and solve the supernatural mystery that affected her family 25 years ago — all while navigating her new relationships.
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Director: Miles Millar Alfred Gough
Cast: Jenna Ortega , Emma Myers , Joy Sunday
