Netflix’s Wednesday series endeavors to transform the beloved Addams Family character for a contemporary audience. The series’ initial scene, steeped in dark humor and sharp social commentary, garnered acclaim for accurately encapsulating the essence of Wednesday Addams. However, as the narrative unfolded, viewers expressed concerns over deviations from the character’s traditional qualities, notably through the introduction of a love triangle. With the upcoming Season 2, there’s potential for redemption of key characters.
Jenna Ortega, who portrays Wednesday, has publicly voiced her dissatisfaction with certain creative decisions, particularly the romantic subplot. She emphasized that these elements do not align with Wednesday’s established personality. Nonetheless, the show has proven to be a commercial success. As the series approaches its second season, updates about the plot could determine whether the creators will steer back toward the character’s iconic darker roots.
Faithfulness of Wednesday’s Opening Scene
Sardonic and Dark Elements in the Opening Scene
The opening sequence of Netflix’s Wednesday sets a tone aligned with the macabre style Jenna Ortega initially agreed to embrace. The scene contrasts Wednesday against a world where she feels distinctly out of place, introducing her brother Pugsley and establishing their sibling dynamic, which remains integral to her character. The plot takes a delightfully sinister twist when Wednesday unleashes two bags of piranhas into the swimming pool to exact revenge on her brother’s tormentors. She asserts her right to bully Pugsley, underscoring her unique brand of humor.
This opening scene stands out as the most faithful representation of who Wednesday Addams truly is. Particularly through her voiceover commentary about her surroundings, the scene underscores her perception as an outsider within the social hierarchy. This outsider status is central to the Addams family’s enduring appeal.
The tone is effectively set with Pugsley positioned as a bullying victim. In the classic show The Addams Family, the family members are portrayed as “kooks” rather than outright villains; they maintain friendliness towards their conventional neighbors, which was crucial for establishing viewer affection back in the day.
Overhaul of Character in Season 1
In a revealing podcast interview on Armchair Expert With Dax Shepherd, Ortega candidly shared her frustrations regarding aspects of the script. She was initially assured that no love triangle would be featured; however, this subplot contradicted her expectations and became a source of irritation during filming. Although she expressed gratitude for the series, she lamented, “It’s not my proudest moment internally,” highlighting her protectiveness over the character.
The introduction of the love triangle perpetuates a clichéd narrative centered around teenage girls. While character evolution from childhood to adolescence is natural, the series excessively leans on overused teenage tropes. The attempted noir angle, with Tyler as a dangerous love interest and Xavier as a red herring, lacks execution and feels superficial.
The Promising Horror Element of Season 2
Ortega Advocating for Horror Over Romance
Jenna Ortega’s remarks sparked debates about the role of actors in the writing process. Her intimate understanding of Wednesday’s character suggests she could significantly influence dialogue and plot direction. Season 1 should have prioritized character groundwork and the evolution of Wednesday into her teen years; introducing romance at such an early stage felt misaligned. Despite the noir framework, it often came off as uncomfortable and inappropriate.
Looking ahead, Season 2 promises a return to a more horror-centric focus, aligning with what Ortega eagerly sought from the beginning. She has been involved in shaping some creative ideas, particularly those that dive deeper into the horror genre, distancing from romantic subplots. With her growing acclaim from roles in the Scream franchise and her gothic portrayal in Beetlejuice, Ortega’s increased involvement as a producer in Wednesday Season 2 aims to channel bolder, darker themes. In an interview with Variety, she asserted, “We’re going to get bolder, more dark.”
Sources: Variety, Armchair Expert With Dax Shepherd
Leave a Reply