Is Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ a Family Affair?
The Addams Family, created by Charles Addams back in the 1930s, has been a cultural phenomenon for decades. From comic strips to TV shows and movies, they’ve made their indelible mark. Recently, the clan got a reboot through Netflix’s series ‘Wednesday,’ focusing on the titular character as she navigates life at Nevermore Academy. While Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday is compelling, fans can’t help but notice several divergences from the beloved original storyline. Here’s a close look at what Netflix got wrong in its interpretation.
The (Not So) Laughing Matter
“One of the best things about the Addams Family is all of their jokes.”
Let’s be honest, one of the things we’ve always adored about the Addams Family is their dark humor. From Uncle Fester’s dad jokes to the witty banter between Gomez and Morticia, the Addams have never been a dull bunch. However, ‘Wednesday’ dampens the hilarity. The show has shifted focus so significantly onto Wednesday’s deadpan one-liners that it’s left the other characters somewhat lacking in their comedic essence.
A Mother-Daughter Rift
“Wednesday changed Wednesday and Morticia’s relationship from a secure and nurturing one into a hostile and combative one.”
Morticia and Wednesday have always had a special bond. Yet, in the Netflix series, this relationship turns antagonistic. In the original storylines, Wednesday looks up to her mother, cherishing the strong family bond. This change to a more combative dynamic distorts the essence of the Addams Family’s loving relationships.
Where’s the Quirkiness?
“Instead of being an odd cadre of spooky people in a ‘normal’ world Wednesday changed the point of the Addams Family.”
The original Addams Family was endearing because they were weird but lovable in a “normal” world. However, placing them in Nevermore Academy among other misfits takes away from their unique charm. They’re not the standouts anymore; they’re just part of the crowd.
The Love That’s Missing
“Gomez and Morticia don’t have a lot of screen time in Wednesday.”
Another missing element is the romantic intensity between Gomez and Morticia. Their chemistry was always palpable, giving relationship goals a new meaning. The Netflix series dilutes this, portraying them as disconnected rather than deeply in love.
A Mean-Spirited Wednesday?
“In Wednesday, she’s not just sarcastic but jaded.”
The character development for Wednesday in this series goes against the grain. She starts off as cynical and jaded, making her less likable and more detached from the original cheerful girl who took delight in the strange and unusual.
Pugsley’s Toned-Down Torture
“Wednesday treats these moments akin to an older sister indulging an annoying little brother.”
Pugsley’s infamous love for torture and mayhem has been severely toned down. In this series, the play between him and Wednesday feels less like creative sibling rivalry and more like routine annoyance.
Stripping the Addams of Their Charm
“Every other on-screen depiction of the Addams Family has shown the cadaverous clan to be jovial, light-hearted, and downright pleasant.”
The Netflix series makes them seem like a more somber group, lacking their original zest for life (or death).
Suddenly Superhuman?
“Wednesday reveals that Morticia has psychic visions.”
Last but not least, the addition of supernatural elements feels like a forced attempt to make the Addams more interesting. However, what made them genuinely interesting was their quirky normality in a world that viewed them as odd.
Final Take
Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ series has its merits, but the deviations from the classic Addams Family canon are glaring. While some changes add layers to Wednesday’s character, they often do so at the expense of the iconic family’s endearing qualities.
