Wednesday Review: Everything You Don't Need To Know Before Season 2

"The more you know, the more you know you don't know" - Aristotle

THIS POST INCLUDES SOME SPOILERS ABOUT SEASON 1, CONTINUE READING ON YOUR OWN RISK. (OR JUST GO WATCH SEASON 1, IT IS AWESOME.

I may have arrived late to the "Wednesday" craze, but that gives me a unique advantage: a fresh perspective. While countless reviews have dissected the acting, direction, and cinematography, this post will take you somewhere different. We're going beyond the obvious and diving deep into the eerie undercurrents of Nevermore Academy and the mysterious town of Jericho.

Here, we'll crack open the hidden secrets, unravel dark philosophies, and explore layers that might have gone unnoticed. Yes, we’ll touch on the essentials like performance and production, but our real focus will be peeling back the sinister layers that give this dark comedy its magnetic pull. Prepare to journey into the show’s untold mysteries and philosophical depths that lurk just beneath its gothic surface.

This post might be JUST A LITTLE BIT long. PLEASE feel free to wander around the sub-headings of this writing and just visit it whenever you want to have a sip of the dark satire of Wednesday.

Woe A Terrible World

Let's start with the obvious: Meaningless life. Life's meaninglessness, absurdity, and unchangeability have become and getting more and more popular themes in cinema, especially in the 21st century. With social media and our constant quest for deeper understanding, these profound ideas have found their way into mainstream storytelling. While it's great to see such heavy concepts get their due, many portrayals oversimplify these complex philosophies, often missing the mark.

But Wednesday stands on a different level. This show isn’t just another exploration of existential angst. It’s a masterclass in showcasing the chaotic dance of conflicting philosophies. Instead of sticking to one perspective, Wednesday takes us on a journey through nihilism, absurdism, determinism, and existentialism. It’s like peering into the tangled web of our own thoughts and beliefs.

Wednesday Addams herself is a walking contradiction. As a nihilist, she scoffs at conventional morality. As an existentialist, she champions individuality with a fierce, unyielding spirit. She laughs in the face of life’s absurdities as an absurdist, and she meets her own mortality with a stoic, determinist gaze. All these facets clash and coalesce within her, creating a character who is both intensely complex and eerily complete.

What’s so captivating about Wednesday is how she embodies these contradictions without unraveling. Instead of offering a neat, tidy philosophical stance, she represents the messy, unpredictable nature of human thought. We’re all a mix of conflicting ideas, and that’s what makes us uniquely ourselves.

So, while many movies and shows try to box us into a single philosophical viewpoint, Wednesday revels in the chaos of our internal contradictions. She shows us that our true essence lies in the storm of our beliefs, in the way we juggle and merge different perspectives. In her world, the philosophical cloud might be dark and stormy, but it’s also uniquely ours, full of potential and intrigue. In the end, Wednesday isn’t just a character; she’s a reflection of the beautiful mess that is our own existential journey. It’s in this mix of philosophies, this unpredictability, that we find our true selves.

Woe Woman Woe Cry

A break from philosophy and into the realm of sociology. And yes, we're diving into feminism. But no, I’m not going to rehash all the typical discussions. Yes, Wednesday absolutely dismantles traditional gender norms and rewrites the rules of society. And yet; no, it's near impossible to find a real-life "Wednesday Addams" in terms of her unwavering defiance against society. The kind of unflinching rejection of every social expectation that Wednesday embodies may seem alluring, but it’s not exactly grounded in reality. This brings me to a character who, in my view, presents a more realistic and beautifully nuanced example of navigating societal expectations: Enid Sinclair.

Enid, the vibrant, colorful, and unapologetically glittery werewolf, couldn’t be more different from Wednesday. Yet, there’s something so captivating about her character. She might not outwardly rebel against every social norm in the same way as Wednesday, but that doesn’t make her any less powerful or independent. In fact, Enid’s journey is deeply relatable and, dare I say, far more applicable to the reality of being a woman—or simply a person—trying to carve out their own identity within the confines of societal expectations.

Enid’s struggles are a reflection of what it means to grow up in a world that constantly tries to tell you who you should be. As a "late bloomer," she finds herself outside of even the outsider norms of Nevermore Academy. She’s not wolfing out like the other werewolves, not reigning as a social queen bee like Bianca, but also not retreating into solitary rebellion like Wednesday. Instead, she’s caught in the middle, wanting to be accepted without losing herself. And this is where Enid shines. She doesn’t conform, nor does she reject society outright—she finds her place within it, on her own terms.

What’s particularly beautiful about Enid’s story is that it highlights the complexity of becoming an individual. We often celebrate figures who reject everything and everyone around them as a form of empowerment. But what Wednesday shows us, through Enid, is that sometimes the real courage lies in embracing who you are without feeling the need to fit into any predefined category. She’s not trying to be someone else’s version of "powerful" or "mature"—she’s simply trying to be herself.

And isn’t that the real challenge of growing up? We are constantly pushed to embody conflicting ideals: be independent but also likable, be strong but not intimidating, be yourself but don’t stray too far from the norm. Enid’s struggle to reconcile these pressures mirrors the experience of so many women and girls who want to assert their individuality without severing themselves from community. In a world where being "girly" or "extroverted" might be seen as trivial or shallow, Enid manages to assert her power while embracing every aspect of who she is—glitter, rainbows, and all.

She may be too "girly" for some, or too "childish" for others, but that’s exactly what makes her such an inspiring character. Enid doesn’t feel the need to fit into society’s box, but she also doesn’t completely reject the world around her. She engages with it, navigates its expectations, and ultimately, defines her own identity. She finds real maturity not through rebelling against society at every turn, but by standing firm in her uniqueness. She’s independent, powerful, and yes, still unapologetically “girly.” She’s not the lone wolf—she’s something even more complex: a vibrant, extroverted, yet distinct individual who finds her own way of thriving in a world that often demands conformity.

In a sense, Enid’s journey is a quieter, but no less profound rebellion against the norms of womanhood and societal expectations. Her power lies in her ability to be all the things she is, without apology or explanation. And that, in itself, is a feminist message that resonates deeply. While being a "Wednesday" may seem tempting in its rejection of all things human, Enid shows us that true strength lies in the messy, complex, and very human task of being yourself in a world that wants you to be someone else. So, no, we might not all be able to rip apart society’s norms with the cold, calculated precision of a Wednesday Addams. But perhaps we don’t need to. Enid Sinclair, with her colorful charm and quiet resilience, reminds us that being ourselves—fully and authentically—is its own kind of rebellion, and perhaps the most powerful one of all.

Wow, being so different from Enid, I didn't expect this much to tell about her but what can you say she is THE GIRL of the show (no hard feelings Wednesday, everybody loves you).

I Woe To Break Free

As I mentioned before, in this post, we are diving deep into everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) about the show that might have gone unnoticed, analyzing it from every possible angle. And there's no better place to talk about Ajax than right after discussing Enid. But first things first: I found the character of Ajax WASTED in the first season. Don’t get me wrong—he was great (that's why we have a sub-heading for him), but his potential, especially in tandem with Enid, was huge. This couple might just be the only reason to watch the series (they certainly are for me). Still, we shouldn’t lose hope—Season 2 promises more Enjax (or whatever we’re calling them). Now, back to the main topic: Ajax Petropolus. As a gorgon, Ajax is taught to avoid contact and to isolate himself, fearful of turning others to stone. However, the real Ajax begins to emerge when he forms a bond with Enid, perhaps unintentionally. It’s in these moments, when he lets his guard down, that we see how, while his powers can petrify others, his connection with Enid begins to "un-stone" (if that's a word) his own soul. Ajax might seem like the typical cool, quiet introvert that everyone knows, but in reality, his introversion doesn’t mean he’s unnoticed—it’s just that he seeks deeper, more meaningful connections.

In fact, Ajax's relationship with Enid highlights something essential: the value of soft, quiet love in a world that often glorifies loud, dramatic romance. Their connection isn't built on grand gestures or public declarations but on moments of vulnerability and understanding. Ajax’s struggle with his gorgon abilities can be seen as a metaphor for how many of us hide parts of ourselves for fear of hurting others or being misunderstood. It’s as though he believes that getting too close might cause irreparable damage—yet, in his moments with Enid, we see that his true self is more gentle than dangerous. This touches on deeper themes of vulnerability and self-acceptance, where the real challenge isn’t avoiding others but accepting that being seen—flaws and all—is part of forming genuine, lasting relationships.

Holding Out Woe a Hero

Sometimes the hero you need isn't the hero you want. Sound familiar? Batman? No Wednesday, actually. And sometimes this hero is just a dark and cold-blooded warrior rejecting anybody else's ethical perspective. Again, does it ring a bell? Batman? No Wednesday. Yeah, these two have A LOT in common (let's not forget the Burton link) but we're not getting into this at least not in this post. Instead we will talk about how Wednesday resurrected a forgotten hero archetype we all need but many of us don't want: The Dark Knight (No not Batman, in general). A hero hiding his past behind a dark mask, a hero with no fears other than losing any time solving the mystery that has to be solved, fighting crimes that has to be fought. Not the chosen one but the one who chooses him/herself. In this TV Show of course our main character: The Thing (joking). The dark knight of our show is no one else than Wednesday Addams.

Wednesday, indisputably is the mysterious musketeer of the show, choosing herself as the one to solve the never-solved mystery of Nevermore and Jericho (she was also chosen by fate or something like that but...). The point I want to make in this writing is how is the "Dark Knight" character of Wednesday important for cinema rather than why Wednesday is "the dark knight" of the show (because it's not hard to see the similarities between her and Batman). By reviving this hero archetype, the show made a clear point that a hero doesn't always need to be from a well-known hero movie. Romance movies can have heroes, comedy movies can have heroes, and mystery movies too. Fantasy movies, history movies, cartoons, disaster movies, art movies, blockbusters... They all can have heroes inside them. And when cinema gets rid of all its norms and stereotypes, everything happens more natural. The heroes in them don't cause the cliches of superhero movies, it's because of the "hero" stereotypes. And Wednesday definitely makes a great job of crashing all the stereotypes and showing the power of freedom in cinema.

Woe A Little Help From My Friends

Now that we've explored Wednesday's role as a lonely hero, let’s shift focus and delve into her friends. However, as always, we won’t be discussing the obvious. Instead, we'll examine what the series reveals about its characters, pushing further into the deeper messages related to the original hero archetype we touched on before. Characters, much like real people, often exhibit traits that are both contradictory and uniquely defining. These traits are not mistakes or overlooked aspects in the screenplay; they are precisely what makes characters compelling and what makes us human.

Wednesday’s friends are the splash of color she desperately needs in her monochromatic world. In return, she serves as the dark reality they must confront. As Jean-Paul Sartre famously wrote in his one-act play with only three characters—each interacting with one another in a confined space—"Hell is other people." If this is indeed the hell Sartre describes, then where is heaven? Sartre concludes his play with a moment of profound realization: the trio is condemned to spend eternity together. This revelation is followed by laughter and the somewhat lesser-known, yet equally significant line: "Eh bien, continuons..."—which translates to "Well then, let’s get on with it."

So, will the trio truly manage to move forward? If they do, does this still equate to hell? And if hell is indeed other people, what then is heaven? Sartre leaves these questions open to interpretation, subtly suggesting that perhaps "Heaven is other people." Our task is to identify those who bring us closer to this metaphorical heaven and to navigate our relationships with those who may embody a more challenging role. In essence, it’s about finding the right companions who make life’s journey worthwhile while simply "getting on" with those who don't. Sartre finishes his story with no key but with many doors and locks being discovered in the dusty depths of the human soul. But Wednesday on the bright side gives us some answers for sure. To be truly ourselves we need to accept our contradictory traits and find the ones worth fighting for because every dark Wednesday has a colorful Enid to find.

Woe Can't Always Get What You Want

As we said, we are analyzing anything that comes to our mind about Wednesday to show how much can be found in this incredible series and now it is time for the "queen bee": Bianca Barclay. Bianca's character offers a profound reflection on the burden of perfectionism. With her powerful voice, Bianca is coping with the heavy expectations she put on herself due to her ability of being able to control things around her. She is constantly navigating the pressure to maintain control—over her image, her influence, and her status at Nevermore. This struggle mirrors the way women, in particular, are often expected to use their charm or appearance to get ahead, even when they wish to be seen for their substance. Bianca's arc highlights the toxic sides of ambition and perfectionism. Beneath her confident exterior lies a deep insecurity, as she grapples with the fear of losing her status and influence. Her rivalry with Wednesday further underscores these internal battles, fully highlighting how setting unachievable standards for yourself is meaningless. Although forcing ourselves to be a better version of ourselves is necessary for improvement which is a great way to pursue your dreams; in the end accepting yourself the way you are is what improves us a lot. The moment Bianca realizes this, she truly takes control of her life and she starts her real progress at that instance. Ultimately, Bianca’s story offers a powerful commentary on the cost of perfectionism and the search for true authenticity.

The Woe of Silence

Let's speed up things and talk about two characters together this time: Weems and Xavier who have more similarities than expected. Xavier Thorpe and Principal Larissa Weems represent two sides of the same coin—both burdened by the shadows cast by others, yet each grappling with their role in this dynamic differently. Xavier, expressing himself more with art, struggles to find his own place in a world that constantly overlooks him in favor of more prominent personalities. His creations, which literally come to life, serve as metaphors for his longing to be recognized, not just as a tool of creative expression, but as an individual. In contrast, Weems, who once lived in the shadow of Morticia Addams, has spent her career trying to craft an identity that commands respect and authority. While Xavier feels the sting of unacknowledged talent and unreciprocated emotions, Weems bears the weight of having achieved a visible position but always being compared to a past rival. Both characters reflect different facets of identity and recognition—one seeking to be seen for his depth, and the other fighting to maintain her hard-earned status, even as it slowly crumbles under Wednesday’s relentless independence.

Woe of Puppets

Maybe it is too late for him but better late than never: here comes Tyler Galpin. When I started watching the series and saw Tyer, I said "Really? Is this it? Wednesday finds out the power of love and Tyler shows the soft side of her blah blah blah." But as the series proceeded, I was more than wrong. Tyer is really a great character with so much to tell and he was one of the reasons of the growing suspense especially towards the end of the season. Besides his character's importance for the story-telling, he is also a character that can be analyzed deeply for paragraphs due to the complexity of his secrets. Tyler Galpin is the quintessential example of a character whose ordinary exterior conceals deep, inner conflict—a ticking time bomb of repressed emotion and monstrous transformation. His journey isn’t just about the revelation of his darker nature; it’s a commentary on how people often suppress their true selves to fit the roles imposed on them by society. Tyler’s role as the “nice guy” working in a coffee shop belies the rage and vulnerability lurking beneath, symbolizing the tension between how we are perceived and what we truly are. His duality goes beyond the classic Jekyll-and-Hyde archetype. It asks us to question how much of our identity is shaped by circumstances beyond our control, and how far we’ll go to either embrace or escape the darker parts of ourselves. Tyler’s arc challenges the notion of clear-cut villains and heroes, suggesting that sometimes, our monsters are simply byproducts of the cages society builds for us.

No Woe Just Eugene

As you see from the heading, it is time for the bee-boy: Eugene Otinger. Personally, I found Eugene pleasingly simple and he was adding a nice spice to the show, however, he still has things to tell as a character. Eugene, the quirky "king of bees," is the heart of Nevermore, offering a refreshing contrast to the darker characters with his innocence and open-heartedness. His nerdy enthusiasm and loyalty make him an unlikely hero, embodying the underdog often overlooked in favor of more conventional strength. Yet, Eugene’s quiet bravery shines through in his unwavering support for Wednesday, showing that true courage comes from being unapologetically yourself. His character reminds us that heroism isn’t about grand gestures, but about kindness, loyalty, and the strength to embrace who you are, no matter how out of place you may feel. A simple yet nice character, one of my favorites.

I Woe To Hold Your Hand

I saved the best part to the end: Thing T. Thing or simply "The Thing". He is only a hand literally named as Thing; so he is basically something and nothing more (it is so funny to make jokes about his name, but he is a distinguished gentleman so got to be careful). Although he is as simple as that, Thing is a complete character with a solid morality and with strong emotions. He was already a nice character in the original Addams Family, but in Wednesday he was more than just the comedic relief of the show. He was a trustworthy, thoughtful, and brave gentleman ready to fight for what he believed. The simplicity of the character (i mean he is literally just a hand, what could be simpler?) showed that physical appearance is just a tiny detail compared to someone's character. So Thing is a great idol both for cinema and life.

In this Wednesday review, I’ve focused on the show's unique aspects, delving into its philosophical themes and the depth of its characters. From Wednesday's internal struggle with power and control to her friendships reflecting existential dilemmas, the show goes beyond dark humor and gothic aesthetics, offering a thoughtful exploration of human experience. While I’ve highlighted what makes Wednesday distinct, the original Addams Family is iconic in its own right, with rich characters like Gomez and Morticia Addams, offering even more concepts to explore around family, love, and individuality. So I tried to focus on the originality of the show, but let's not finish without crediting the original saga. If you like the dark world of Wednesday check these out:

Beetlejuice (1988)

Miss Peregrine's Ho... (2016)

The Sandman (2022-)