Netflix fully released season 2 of “Wednesday,” the hit supernatural mystery series following Wednesday Addams, a teenage girl, at Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for “outcasts” with unique abilities.
After a season 1 cliffhanger back in 2022, anticipation among fans was running high, with millions waiting to see how the story would continue. The official trailer displayed Wednesday in a coma alongside spiritual encounters with the dead and a bizarre body-swap twist, implying that season 2 would have a clear, bolder and darker atmosphere compared to the first one.
Part of the intrigue surrounding the new season was connected to its release format. Season 2 was intentionally split into two parts, echoing Netflix’s recent trend of stretching releases to increase viewer retention and online conversations. The setup makes part 2 especially important; it not only settles present tensions, but also must justify why the season was split up at all. Critics, however, are divided on whether the execution meets fans’ expectations. According to IGN’s critique, while part 2 may contain some of the “best episodes the show has done yet,” the season as a whole “tries to balance too many elements” and follows too many side stories.
The production of the show remains visually striking. It carries Tim Burton’s influence in the gothic color palette, dramatic framing and use of CGI to maintain the aesthetics established in season 1. On the contrary, the script is weak at times, balancing bizarre lore, teen drama and witty comedy without always providing enough substance to each story arc.
Another concern circulating among fans and in reviews is that the characters feel different from their season 1 counterparts. Season 1 kept the cast balanced with consistent personalities and dynamics, while season 2’s characterization of character dynamics like the one between Wednesday and Eugene went too far, making certain returning characters feel less recognizable. This left mixed feelings for fans who grew attached to the original dynamics and added to the impression that the season was trying to overdo things.
The audience’s response also highlights the “push and pull” dynamic of the second half of the series.
While the new episodes’ boldness has been praised on social media, particularly in posts showcasing Jenna Ortega’s appearance as Wednesday, many fans agree with the criticism, claiming that overlapping subplots, inconsistent character portrayals and plot holes weaken the central plot’s impact and have a tendency to make the story hard to follow.
Wednesday season 2, part 2 is a paradox; the highs are captivating, the lows are aggravating and the overall finale is somewhat questionable. Even so, the new release managed to successfully get people talking and leave them anticipating the upcoming third season.
