The number-one Netflix TV show in the U.S. right now is the new hit-sensation, Wednesday. For this reason, please note that there will be spoilers included in this entertainment review of the show!
I had preconceived notions about the show before I watched it. I thought it was going to be cringey and have a bunch of stereotypes, but I was wrong.
In the first episode, we get a clear view about who Wednesday is when she first arrives at Nevermore, a school for outcasts that doubles as her parents’ alma mater. Her parents also left behind Thing, a sentient hand, to watch over her and report back to her parents.
She was expelled from her old school because she took revenge on bullies who relentlessly picked on her younger brother. Her roommate, Enid, is the exact opposite of her, as she is a colorful werewolf with a bubbly personality who had yet to “wolf out.”
The first episode is all about Wednesday adjusting to her new school and bubbly roommate while also being the victim of two attempted murders, both by the same character, Rowan, who is later killed.
Wednesday chased Rowan into the woods because she saw a vision of his death after accidentally bumping into him. When she caught up to him, he used his telekinesis to try and choke her to death, but was interrupted by a monster who then ripped him to shreds. After Wednesday was “saved” from Rowan by the monster, she became infatuated with the case and vowed to find out what, or who, the monster was.
As I watched the show, every episode led us closer to finding out who the monster was and who controlled it. Without spoiling too much, I will say I was not surprised by who ended up being the monster and the monster’s master. I have a tendency to read too many murder mysteries, so I am now able to predict most of what happens in any new media I consume.
Suffice to say, Wednesday had incredible character development. After being kidnapped, surviving multiple attempts on her life, going to counseling and even a school dance, she persevered and made friends (even after trying to push everyone away). When Wednesday first came to Nevermore, she was closed off and cold towards anyone who expressed any kindness towards her; but, by the final episode, she let Enid hug her and even accepted a gift from a love interest.
The dialogue was a bit too Gen-Z for me, but I liked how the writers didn’t make all the characters fall into stereotypes for their roles in the show. Enid, while being a bubbly character, wasn’t an airhead; she had depth and feelings that normally get swept aside when it comes to the main character’s best friend role (and I use “best friend” very lightly).
All in all, I would say that this show was definitely worth the watch. It was like watching a mix of young romance and dark plot lines come to life through the mind of a young goth girl.
Wednesday is not your typical main character, but she definitely makes you laugh while also questioning if her amount of angst will make you want to turn the TV off and never watch a Gen-Z based show ever again.
While season two of the show is not coming out until 2024, season one left me on the edge of my seat with a cliffhanger that I need answered, sooner rather than later. If you have eight hours to spare, I recommend watching this show; you will be laughing and igniting your own Nancy Drew as you try to solve the mystery before someone else ends up dead.
