Second-season evaluation of Wednesday: Jenna Ortega's captivating charm may fuel a thousand funeral processions
Jenna Ortega returns as the iconic character, Wednesday Addams, in the second season of Netflix's hit series. This time around, she spends her summer vacation tracking down a notorious antagonist, the Kansas City Scalper, played by Haley Joel Osment.
The Kansas City Scalper, a fictional serial killer character, is inspired by real-life serial killers, adding an extra layer of darkness to the show's storytelling. Despite references to Kansas City in the series, filming actually took place in Ireland and Romania.
While Wednesday is busy hunting down the Scalper, chaos ensues at Nevermore Academy. The demon pilgrim Joseph Crackstone, resurrected by the dastardly botany teacher and beastmaster Marilyn Thornhill, played by Christina Ricci, causes havoc. However, Wednesday manages to stop him, ensuring the safety of Nevermore Academy once more.
Steve Buscemi plays the enthusiastic new principal of Nevermore Academy, Barry Dort, who is Not To Be Trusted. Meanwhile, Luis Guzmán's character, Gomez Addams, seems oddly unfinished, and rehearsals are abruptly abandoned halfway through.
Billie Piper plays the wispy new music teacher Isadora Capri, and Joy Sunday takes on the role of the 'It girl' Bianca. Catherine Zeta-Jones returns as the woozy, pillowy Morticia Addams, and Hunter Doohan plays barista/actual monster Tyler Galpin.
As Wednesday navigates the challenges at Nevermore Academy, she warns her schoolmates not to put her on a pedestal, stating that she will lead them off a cliff. A mystery stalker begins to leave cryptic notes demanding something from Wednesday, but the identity and motive of the stalker remain unknown.
Tim Burton's brisk direction ensures the season opener is skittish, dense with jokes, and plot, setting the stage for another thrilling season at Nevermore Academy. So, buckle up and get ready for another dark and twisted adventure with Wednesday Addams!
[1] The Irish Times
[2] Deadline
[3] Variety
[4] The Hollywood Reporter
[5] The Guardian
Entertainment-focused news outlets, such as The Irish Times, Deadline, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Guardian, are eagerly anticipating the second season of Netflix's hit series, Wednesday, given its mix of thrilling plotlines, dark humor, and an all-star cast. The Kansas City Scalper, played by Haley Joel Osment, will add another layer of entertainment with his villainous antics.
