I’m reluctant to start any series, because I never finish them. The only modern series I’ve finished is The Sopranos, and when did that end, twenty years ago? Even if I thoroughly enjoy it, I just can’t stick with it. I simply have too little time to commit to one show, and there are too many movies floating about that I’d rather watch.
So, I seriously doubt I’ll finish Wednesday. But I did watch the first episode.
I grew up watching The Addams Family quite regularly, much like I watched The Munsters. It wasn’t something I necessarily sought out, but it aired on Sunday mornings when all the boring cartoons were on, so I watched it on occasion. Then of course I saw both Addams Family films in the early 90s. Both the original show and the 90s movies are more intriguing than Wednesday, in my opinion.
That’s not to say it’s bad. I enjoyed watching this first episode with my wife and daughter, and I couldn’t help but feel that it’s more geared toward them. No doubt, they enjoyed it quite a lot more than myself. But that’s no surprise, seeing as the show is about a young lady.
The atmosphere of Wednesday is probably my favorite thing about it. The Nevermore boarding school is beautifully gothic. The rooms of the place and the woods around it are all wonderfully spooky, yet also elegant and artful. The same can be said for the automobiles and the nearby town of Jericho.
At first I thought it was silly to have Wednesday experiencing these “visions,” like giving her special powers was necessary to make her interesting. But then we find out why: she’s basically attending a school of mashed up Harry Potter and Twilight rejects. Okay fine, give her some visions to play around with in the plot.
But why make her fucking Bruce Lee too? Not only is she smart and wicked and has this ability to see things that are going to happen, but she can also kick the shit out of whoever she wants. Why? One of the flaws of modern storytelling is the repeated creation of perfectly flawless, indestructible protagonists. John Wick, Wolverine, Alice (Resident Evil), Thor, Jason Bourne, Rambo, Black Widow. They’re all boring characters because you never think they’re going to lose. You’re never on the edge of your seat thinking, Fuck, they might not make it this time. For some reason, they gave Wednesday this quality.
Nevertheless, the first episode is fun. You can see there is a mystery—perhaps multiple mysteries—unfolding, and I have to say, I was tempted to go ahead and start the second episode even though it was nearing my daughter’s bedtime. Will I watch the entire series? Probably not. But I might have to keep watching for a little bit, if only to see the direction it’s going.
Wednesday
Yeah, I don't really finish watching series shows either. Only if they're one season long, and even then I've started more than I've finished. Like 1899. I watched the first episode last night. Not bad, but I might not go back. The Terror was better and I didn't even finish that one!
Hey Patrick, just wanted to say I'm enjoying the blog. Keep up the good work.