tomas_12345

There are so many improvements to Wednesday in S02, I don't even know where to start:

• Characters - They are really establishing the stand-alone universe and exploring the Nevermore school. They are showing students powers, but unlike in S01 where powers were used in an ostentatious way, you can see students using the powers in purposeful ways (build bonfire, use siren song to manipulate, etc) so it feels more like a real school with real students using powers in real-life scenarios, rather than in S01 where you had a bunch of young kids in a school setting occasionally using power without any purpose just to showcase "oh, it's really a magic school". At times, it reminds me of Hogwarts, but in an new and original way where they don't try to copy it, but build its own universe.

• Addams family - In S01, Wednesday was the main character and her family was just background cameo without any importance. In S02, i really like that they are bringing her family to the front and they also explore their personalities and motivations, not just have them as stand-ins with occasional line. Their re-introduction is also done in a smart way where in each episode we focus on a new Addams character and get to know them better - first episode - Pugsley, 2nd/3rd episode - Morticia/Gomez, last episode - grandmama/Fester. And their side stories are organic and interesting. I am happy that Pugsley/Fester got their own interesting storylines. Bit sad that Morticia/Gomez do not, but I am happy that at least they are exploring their personalities and motivations more and we get to know them better. Plus, the relationship between Wednesday and her mom is very interesting (Morticia wants to protect her in a condescending way and Wednesday rebels as a regular teenager - feels very organic)

• Dialogues - Dialogues are much wittier in Season 2 - so many punchlines and memorable quotes. I also like the overall pacing. I like they bring back a lot of S01 characters too, and not just for the sake of cameo, but give them interesting storyline as well and implement them to further progress the plot.

Overall, every scene seems purposeful, every character has importance and there seem to be no filler scenes. Really smart writing this season and huge upgrade from S02. Addams family now knows who they are and the writers are playing into their strengths.

After 2-3 disappointing episodes where the season felt like it was going nowhere, this episode was a complete turnaround. It went back to the basics of season 1, restoring my faith in the season. The intimate setting (Doreen's house with hilarious creepy dolls everywhere) and the witty dialogue were a refreshing change from the unrealistic events of earlier episodes.

Melissa was absolutely phenomenal. From her first second in the episode, she stole every scene and outshined the other actors-even Meryl Streep! Every line she delivered was hilarious. Her physical comedy (wigs, vodka cups, leopard leggings), comedy timing (every joke landed), and even her movements (she could just stand there and you couldn't take your eyes off her). She brought back the humor of seasons 1 and 2 and elevated the entire episode by multiple levels. Her catfight scenes with Meryl were fantastic, reminding me of the iconic fight between Goldie Hawn and Meryl in Death Becomes Her.

An amazing episode-so glad I stuck with this season! I will definitely rewatch this episode multiple times just because of Melissa to notice further nuances of her performance. I couldn't get enough!