You Reap What You Woe

Usually when a lead director steps down after completing the first block of principal photography on a production, there's admittedly a frustrating tendency for the next one to struggle capturing filmmaking of the same calibre. Therefore, the visuals become less experimental, more conventional / formulaic & aesthetically, the established style deteriorates until it's less adventurous & consequently, predictable - in order for it to be easier to maintain for the duration of the rest of a shoot. I say this in order to provide context for my main compliment because credit where credit's due, it is genuinely a major achievement for Gandja Monteiro & cinematographer Stephan Pehrsson to take over from a duo as formidably strong as Tim Burton & David Lanzenberg (behind the camera) - & still manage to meet the same standard set by their predecessors with relative ease. Seriously, the transition from one team to the next is seamless & I'm in awe of the brilliance of their abilities, in retaining such strong continuity - & making it appear almost effortless.

With this episode, the narrative additionally builds upon the previous 4 installments with a newfound energy & enthusiasm I couldn't help but notice; each & every scene skilfully crafted & enhancing the story further with interesting twists & turns which lead in to a really wonderfully realised cliffhanger. Although the show didn't get off to a very promising start, the more I watch of this, the better it's gradually becoming.

This is the episode where you get to know the family dynamics of Addams family. Where in adversities they bond together and what previous episodes have portrayed are actually an act of love. Sideline stories keep on merging and makes the episodes ever so interesting.

The best thing about series is it gets the time to build the character arch. This time it tries to get sympathy for bianca. From the first episode it has portrayed her as Wednesday's arch rival. This time it shows why she has so much bitterness. The stereotyping of Eugene is bit uncomfortable though. It continues in this episode as well . However the way Wednesday perceive Eugene as his best friend and his better assets shows the creators are trying to find some remorse in it.

And finally thing does what thing did . He is the "hand of the queen" in adams world. Moving smoothly.

The parents are coming together for a weekend celebration, but seeing Wednesday won't be worth it since Gomez is in prison for a crime he committed. While it is true that he fell as a result of an incident with a normal, there is another, darker thread in the story that eventually led to his tragedy.

If the show's director changes after the first phase is over, the successor director sometimes struggles to maintain the same level of filmmaking quality. As a consequence, the established style deteriorates until it becomes less risky and, therefore, easier to sustain during the course of a session, as the photographs become less innovative, more traditional, and more visually appealing. This is simply background for my main compliment: I believe it is vital to give credit where credit is due, and it is a big achievement for Gandja Monteiro to replace a creative force as formidable as Tim Burton while maintaining the same level of comfort they created. However, if you look attentively, you will see a change in orientation.

The show's dark comedy, macabre aesthetics, and self-awareness were initially what set it apart, but they seem to be taking a back seat to the serious drama-mystery at its center. There isn't as much visual comedy or crazy shots, framing, or staging as there was in the last episode, and there are also fewer humorous characters. The show seems to be losing steam or changing its emphasis away from what makes it unique in favour of less distinctive components. The narrative of the programme is unique in that it depicts a mystery-teen-drama concept through a Tim Burtonesque lens of self-awareness and excessive romanticization of macabre, sardonic, and even sadistic reactions to events that occur.

It's a family reunion for parents weekend, but re-joining with Wednesday doesn't pay dividends, as Gomez is clasped in the laws vengeful jaws, for a murder he had justifiable cause, it was some years ago with Morticia in thrall, had a fight with a normie that led to his fall, but there's more to the tale, a more sinister thread, that resulted in a son and a brother that's dead, while Enid's decided to be who she is, her parents can howl as it's none of their bis, interfering with what a young person desires, enrages and angers, piques, annoys and just tires (especially if they go about it in an insincere and ignorant way).

Wednesday finds out about her parents time at Nevermore.

This is another visually impressive episode with fairly good character moments.

The story is reasonably interesting, with some good backstory revealed by certain characters telling stories at key moments and a convenient vision from Wednesday.

I think for fans of the Addams Family, it depends what you think of the show's portrayal of Morticia and Gomez as to how much you are likely to enjoy this episode, as they are the main focus. Personally, I think they are used well by the writers and Catherine Zeta-Jones is perfectly cast. I slightly struggle with Luis Guzmán's quieter take on his character, probably because I'm used to the louder, more dominant personalities of John Astin and Raùl Juliá. Maybe he will grow on me.

The characters Enid and Bianca have B and C plots that continue the theme of teenagers difficult relationships with parents. One is a bit of a clichéd arc about the pressure of expectations and being an individual, whilst the other is somewhat more mysterious and intriguing.

As ever, the visuals are excellent. I particularly like the transitions from certain characters faces in present time to their younger selves in and out of the flashback scenes.

For me it's a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.