Wednesday Season 2 Review: Ortega brings chaos but lacks the spark

In the final episode of Wednesday Season 2, Part 1, the titular character delivers a line that lingers in the air like smoke: “Maybe I have made everything worse. Much worse.” That one sentence perfectly captures the storm of chaos she’s stirred up once again. With her signature stoicism and razor-sharp instincts, Wednesday Addams is back—but this time, even she seems unsure if she can fix the mess she’s made. As the season pauses before Part 2, we’re left outside the gates of Willowhill Psychiatric Hospital, wondering what schemes lie ahead.

Back in Nevermore: A Darker, Deadlier Semester

The second season kicks off with Wednesday imprisoned in a serial killer’s basement, restrained and silenced. Black tears streaking down her cheeks set the tone for a twisted summer break that saw her take down a notorious killer—Haley Joel Osment—with the help of her loyal sidekick, Thing. She returns to Nevermore Academy, only to find that the landscape has changed—both literally and metaphorically.

This semester is more dangerous, more personal. With her psychic abilities dulled, Wednesday must rely on raw intellect to unearth a stalker, save her best friend Enid, and navigate growing threats. Fortunately, she still has her trusty appendage, Thing, crawling into trouble on her behalf.

Gone is Goody Addams, but the Addams family legacy deepens with the introduction of Ophelia, Wednesday’s mysterious aunt who vanished two decades ago. Psychic visions lead Wednesday to suspect Enid’s life is in jeopardy—and worse, that she may be the reason. Her obsession with solving the puzzle drives the narrative through the first four episodes.

New Faces and Evolving Subplots

One of the season’s freshest additions is Evie Templeton’s portrayal of Agnes, a new Nevermore student with the power of invisibility and an eerie admiration for Wednesday. With wide eyes and unsettling stillness, Agnes instantly becomes a compelling piece of the show’s expanding puzzle.

This season, more characters are pulled into the spotlight. Morticia and Gomez enjoy expanded storylines, while Bianca, the siren rival from Season 1, also gains depth. As the narrative splinters into multiple threads, the world of Nevermore grows richer, though at times slightly more scattered.

What the First Half Delivers—and Misses

There’s no doubt the series retains its atmospheric charm and twisted aesthetic. The blend of boarding school mystery and supernatural tension still works, and the performances keep the narrative alive. However, something is missing. The wit, punch, and “wow” factor of Season 1 feel dialed down in these early episodes.

The darker elements—zombies, macabre humor, and gothic visuals—are there, but they don’t hit with the same surprise or impact. The pacing feels a bit more deliberate, and the stakes, while high, lack the explosive moments that made the first season so gripping.

Still, by the end of Episode 4, the seeds for a thrilling Part 2 are clearly planted, hinting that the best may be yet to come.

Standout Performances Bring Shadows to Life

Jenna Ortega continues to command the screen with deadpan brilliance. Her eye rolls and razor-edged delivery are on point, anchoring every scene she appears in. Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán bring delightful strangeness as Morticia and Gomez, charming with their creepy domestic moments—be it eating rats or serving spiderweb-wrapped cookies.

Fred Armisen’s return as Uncle Fester provides the most laughs, adding a jolt of comic electricity that the slower moments sorely need. Meanwhile, Enid, played by Emma Myers, remains a visual and emotional contrast to Wednesday, though her character arc in these episodes feels a bit sidelined.

Final Verdict: A Gothic Prelude Worth Watching

Part 1 of Season 2 doesn’t quite live up to the breakout brilliance of the show’s debut, but it lays solid groundwork for what could be a gripping finale. The performances are captivating, the world-building is lush, and the tension simmers even if it doesn’t boil over just yet.

If Part 2 delivers on the promises whispered through cryptic visions and half-solved mysteries, Wednesday may still live up to its full potential this season.