Merlina

I really liked the first season of this show. Even though he didn't direct every episode, Tim Burton's style was felt throughout the season. I can't say the same for season 2. Style-wise, his episodes were great, but the other seem like a poor-man's version. Also, the season is kind of a mess. Too many subplots, too many characters, too much that didn't have anything to do with the story...it's just all over the place. Even though it was three years later, story-wise it seems rushed...almost like the writers weren't ready when Netflix decided they wanted another season. Just my 1/50 of a dollar.

Once in a while a show comes along on there that I go wow... yes, this is what I am paying for. Now give me more. The season is contained but short. Ortega's Wednesday is exceptional, you will grow to love her and her supporting cast. The music and scenes set a great tone... (yes, I am listening to APOCALYPTICA: Nothing Else Matters as I write this)

It's dark, with some clever word play to give it a lighter tone at times as a nod to the older shows but...it's not a comedy. Regardless, It kept me engaged right to the end and I look forward to more. I'd love to see a bit longer seasons...

A binge worthy endeavor on the part of Burton and crew. They have done a masterful job with this series.

Addition: Thankfully, I managed to enjoy the last four episodes of the series again. What I find very impressive, as in the first season, are the lovingly designed sets and costumes. Unfortunately, there wasn't much opportunity or time to marvel at and enjoy them. For me, they packed too much into this season. There wasn't enough time to pause and take a breather. The series works better when everyone involved works together and contributes their strengths, and thankfully that's what happened in the end.

The first season was funny, interesting, and new. For me, it was also a symbol of neurodivergent people who have to cope with normality and find their people and their family. Wednesday was solitary, distant, intellectual, but at the end of the day, her heart was in the right place. They created a new Addams Family that many people embraced and liked. The friendship between Enid and Wednesday was genuine and felt organic. All the stories fit together. For me personally, the first four episodes of season 2 felt like a completely new series. Everything seems disjointed. There is no contact between Eugene and Wednesday. A lot happens, but somehow it leaves no impression on me. With Agnes, a second Wednesday has now been introduced unnecessarily. It feels cold, the mood is unfriendly. In season 1, there was no unnecessary violence that didn't fit into the story. It seems to me that season 2 now has a lot of extra violence integrated into it. Many people die as a result of her brother's actions. I would have preferred to do without the brother storyline, as I find nothing interesting about his character. The rehashing of the family history and the resulting mother-daughter conflicts are also told in a way that I find extremely annoying for me. I hope it gets better.

Don't get me wrong, Jenna Ortega's performance was absolutely fantastic. She captures Wednesday's essence perfectly. Pretty much everything else about the show falls flat for me. The plot really doesn't work for me. It reminds me of the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Riverdale. It doesn't feel creative or inventive at all and just doesn't work for me. The whole "school for outsiders" thing plus murder mystery just wasn't a hit in my opinion. I also wasn't impressed with the casting of Morticia and Gomez and their relationship with Wednesday. Overall, it feels very YA so maybe it's just meant for a younger crowd.

Directed by Tim Burton... Music by Danny Elfan... The look of the frame, the acting and story all remind me of the two now classic 90s Adam's Family Feature Films... Wednesday was my favourite character in the films, especially the second one when she and Pugsley got sent to Summer Camp...

Christina Ricci in those films as Wednesday was floorless, and it was great to see her appear in this too. Ortega's turn as the main character was excellent she is quickly becoming a great actress. I think you need to give the series time to develop and remember that it's target audience is quite wide, I don't think it's meant to be too dark. Just like the 90s films it plays on the dark and morbid humour, but with the teen angst mixed in.

Definitely worth watching if you are intrigued, but remember that it's not an 18+ rated adult only tale... it's a modern tale on these ever classic characters, think along the lines of the Netflix Sabrina series... If you liked that, then this should be right up your alley.