by RookWri78

"Use the words 'little' and 'girl' to address me again and I can't guarantee your safety."

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Wednesday Addams, the not-so-ordinary teenager from Charles Addams' New Yorker cartoons, takes center stage in the hit Netflix series, "Wednesday." This isn't merely a remake of the classic Addams Family stories; it's a coming-of-age tale with a dark twist. Despite being embroiled in a murder spree, you'll find yourself both laughing and rooting for this character as she navigates high school and the supernatural.

The show kicks off with Wednesday, portrayed by Jenna Ortega ("Stuck In The Middle", "Scream V & VI" and "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice"), being shipped off to Nevermore Academy after an unfortunate incident involving piranhas and polo players (don't ask). Nevermore isn't your average high school though. It's a centuries-old haven for outcasts like vampires, werewolves, gorgons and sirens, where even Wednesday herself can finally fit in. It also draws a reluctant Wednesday into an upsetting incident that has plagued the school for 25 years - a case that just so happens to involve her parents, Morticia and Gomez Addams, who were once students there themselves.

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As Wednesday navigates the peculiar world of Nevermore, she grapples with emerging psychic abilities that manifest in visions and dreams. She crosses paths with a bunch of oddball characters, including her roommate Enid Sinclair, a bubbly werewolf with a flair for the colorful, and her rival Bianca Barclay, a cunning siren with a hidden agenda. To her morbid dismay, she even finds herself caught in a love triangle.

However, Wednesday Addams isn't one for hearts or flowers. She maintains her signature deadpan humor and sharp wit, delivering sarcastic remarks with perfectly timed frosty expressions. The series remains true to the Addams Family's macabre roots, filled with dark humor, spooky imagery, and a touch of the supernatural.

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Directed by the visionary Tim Burton ("Edward Scissorhands", "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children", and the "Beetlejuice" franchise), renowned for his gothic aesthetic and quirky characters, "Wednesday" is a visual feast. From the imposing architecture of Nevermore Academy to the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of Bușteni, Romania, where it was filmed, Burton's distinctive style is evident throughout. The soundtrack is also a standout, blending classical music with quirky new wave tunes for a distinctive soundscape.

Moreover, the show authentically embraces and celebrates Wednesday's Latinx heritage. With Jenna Ortega, a talented actress of Mexican descent, in the titular role, the show authentically portrays Wednesday's cultural background. This is further emphasized by the casting of Isaac Ordonez as her younger brother, Pugsley, and Luis Guzmán as their father, Gomez. A key scene establishes Wednesday's Mexican descent by showcasing a family altar dedicated to Día de los Muertos, a powerful symbol of their cultural identity.

Speaking of key scenes, one in particular has become a pop culture sensation - Wednesday's dance at the annual Rave'N Dance. Jenna Ortega choreographed the dance herself, drawing inspiration from gothic music videos and 1980s dance fads, and including Lisa Loring's iconic snaps from the original Addams Family series and Bob Fosse's choreography for "The Rich Man's Frug" from "Sweet Charity." The scene quickly went viral on TikTok and other social media platforms (much to Wednesday's chagrin), with fans and artists alike mimicking her unique moves.

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"Wednesday" has amassed a staggering 341.2 million views in its first week of release, solidifying its place as one of the highest-viewed English-language shows on Netflix. This success led to a renewal for a second season, promising even more thrilling adventures and darker twists for Wednesday and the students of Nevermore. For those eagerly anticipating its arrival, Season 2 has completed production and is expected to arrive in 2025.

But this is more than just a show: it's a journey of embracing your inner outcast, celebrating the strange and unusual, and perhaps even discovering a little something about yourself along the way (though Wednesday would likely scoff at the notion of self-discovery). It's a show infused with Tim Burton's signature whimsy, satisfying the goth in all of us, while also delivering an intriguing mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end.

Calling all Wednesday fans! Share your favorite scenes, characters and your predictions for Season 2 here.