TV Review: ‘Wednesday’ Season 1, Episode 8
by Frank Martin
It’s incredibly impressive to see the different types of shows Wednesday tries to emulate while also keeping its tone and characters consistent. It’s been a teenage drama, a family drama, a black comedy, an investigative murder, a suspenseful thriller, and more. This all culminates in a finale that dives headlong into supernatural action. At the beginning of the story, it’s hard to imagine that the show’s main character would face off in a sword fight against a zombie pilgrim. It’s a bit off-brand for The Addams Family, which sometimes tries to keep its supernatural elements grounded to just the macabre. But the show does an amazing job of fitting this wild climax into its universe.
After fumbling her investigation a bit, Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) becomes fully committed into believing Tyler (Hunter Doohan) is the monster. She even goes so far as to kidnap him and attempt to torture him into a confession. She fails, which forces her to fall back on trying to out Thornhill (Christina Ricci) as the mastermind behind the whole ordeal. She fails in that regard too, and Thornhill successfully resurrects Crackstone (William Houston). This fulfills Wednesday’s destiny to fight him and save the school. Of course, she’s successful in that regard, and the show’s happy ending ends on a cliffhanger as she has a new stalker to deal with.
The only real criticism of the show technically isn’t a criticism at all. After showing off incredible investigative skills, Wednesday is wrong on two accounts regarding the monster and its master. She jumps to conclusions without any concrete proof or evidence. This is not so much a plot hole, however, as it is one of Wednesday’s character flaws. She’s pointed out as being impulsive and impatient. Wednesday is a great character. She’s strong, confident, and funny (even if it is by accident). But she’s not perfect, nor do viewers want her to be. She needs to have growth and an arc. This show provided that while also being phenomenal on multiple fronts. Hopefully, it will get renewed for a second season. It certainly deserves it.
Wednesday is now streaming on Netflix.
