"Wednesday" Friend or Woe (TV Episode 2022) Poster

(TV Series)

(2022)

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7/10
When Wednesday had an uncharacteristic emotional response
eunbi053018 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This series has been quite consistent with its pacing so far, despite being a series with teens as its targeted audience it doesn't feel "immature" for older audience. In this particular episode, there was a moment that didn't seem to match with what we were shown so far from Wednesday Addams. She has been shown as a quite rational character in her thoughts, in her replies, she was always ready with a compelling argument based on facts and her logic, however when Xavier meets her right after she has one of her psychic events Wednesday tries to come up with a connection for events that are based on speculations and when Xavier points that out her reply isn't Wednesday like she says "Are you mansplaining my power?". This is not a logical reply for someone that has been shown over and over to have a sharp tongue, also, she doesn't even understand her powers herself, meanwhile Xavier has had experience with his father a well known psychic within the outcasts society - as stated by Wednesday herself. So the "mansplaining" bit was an agenda graft, needless for that moment.
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8/10
Go With the Woe...
Xstal25 November 2022
The midweek minx, continues her jinks, takes her leave from the secret assembly, as its time to get dressed, become Pilgrim World's guest, and pretend that she's kind, keen and friendly; in the Meeting House room, she discovers a tome, but the pages are white as plain snow, and a picture reveals, alike image appeals, takes her to a house from long ago; another vision unlocks, 1625 shocks, where an ancestor reveals foul play, waking up in the rain, there's that monster again, just an ordinary Jericho day.

Any show that plays a song from Beach House in the background is always going to be a winner with me!
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8/10
Wednesday The Iconoclast
snoozejonc9 January 2023
Wednesday does some historical investigations about one of Jericho's founding fathers.

This is a well made episode with some intrigue and spectacle.

For me the previous cliffhanger could not be more of an anticlimax, but it is pretty funny due to Wednesday's reaction and attitude.

The most revealing plot element in this chapter comes in one of the exposition dumps that are Wednesday's psychic visions. It is another great visual sequence, to go with so many others in the show, plus it drip feeds more information that holds interest in the central mystery. It does not feel particularly original. Her arc feels quite similar to the great Simpsons episode 'Lisa The Iconoclast', but unlike the humorous Springfield story, it gives a more satisfying resolution to the historical whitewash, along with Wednesday's blunt distain for the museum.

As with previous episodes I find some characters better than others. Wednesday carries the show for me, but several other characters feel a bit uninspired, particularly the other students. I am not a fan of the martial arts scenes and doing it again here with the same antagonists feels repetitive.

All performances are strong and the production values are excellent.

For me it's a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.
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9/10
Much, much better.
W011y4m524 November 2022
"Wednesday" seems to have gotten off to a very slow start but it finally feels as though it's beginning to ease in to itself now, embracing the quirky absurdity of its premise & having fun whilst balancing genuine intrigue & mystery with brilliant moments of impressively constructed comedy.

Additionally, Tim Burton's iconic signature style is bleeding through increasingly, with each installment - allowing for the series as a whole to carve out a distinctive identity which sets itself apart from the rest. I can sympathise he may have found the gradual transition from film to TV quite jarring at first, but I get the impression he's definitely found his feet again here, thankfully - & that confidence behind the camera shows, allowing for some gorgeously captured set pieces to flourish as a consequence.

The characterisation of Wednesday Addams is more accurate too, managing to portray her sadism & cynicism without veering too perilously close to being sympathetic - so as not to jeopardise her detachment from others (& humanising her), which is the source of the her endearing amusement. In "Friend or Woe", she's simply obsessive with pursuing her own ambitions, addressing the ambiguity of the situation without being distracted by external forces - & that's very on brand with what we'd associate, so I'm pleased to see they've readjusted her course & taken her in a more believable direction.
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10/10
The Plot Thickens... Fantastic world-building, mystery-threading and characterisation all around. Tim Burton presents The Addams Family. Can't get over that cello shot.
quiqueperezsoler27 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A look at the town folk, their relation to the Nevermore institution, Elite secret societies, a Pilgrim-themed theme park and a history-revealing episode provide another incredibly well-rounded view at our setting for this show.

"It's amateurs like you who give kidnapping a bad rep". I love the fact that Wednesday is above everyone else when it comes to morbidness and cynicism. Like sure, this is a school of outcasts and freaks, and yet she is still above them in a non-condescending way. She is quick on her feet and smarter in the things she is good at and interested in: solving mysteries, "killing", scheming, and such. She doesn't take crap from anyone and is incredibly smart. However, like Sherlock Holmes, her brilliant and analytical mind outweighs her capacity to emote or engage socially with others. Not that she doesn't have feelings or that she is trying to avoid them, but more like she doesn't feel comfortable embracing them.

In spite of her stoic, hard exterior I especially like the vulnerability certain aspects of her age gives to her: she writes novels and dreams about being a novelist, so she has ambitions of her own; she's a lonely creature yet when she sees a struggling fellow student she doesn't ignore but help them; she doesn't think twice about righting a wrong when she sees it; she had suffered bullying when she was younger and even though she outgrew the memories, they still define who she is reflecting that desire to be respected in petty revenge plots that, while never fatal, are morbid in their own way and she enjoys quite much. Her sadistic side is never too much for the show, just balanced enough to not make it an over-the-top goof. Her writing is excellent and despite how some in the school have abilities and powers, they still fear her or react shocked when she outwits them (always with a quippy remark).

Love the fact that the school is an elitist institution famously known for their weird kids, yet the town depends on its donations to stay afloat. These conditions make possible this otherwise unnatural coexistence as any normal town would have called the authorities about the monsters that live in the school. So, in a way, we are seeing the status quo being altered for the first time now with the arrival of Wednesday. Which I believe makes the show a bit "contrived" in that aspect alone. We are still to see where the mysteries lead to but, come on, all this starts to happen when Wednesday arrives? I know, the show uses a lot of familiar tropes, like "the chosen one" narrative and the "having visions of the future" who happen to be connected to the history of the town. But I really don't mind them as long as they are well-woven into the show and remain interesting until the end. But that's about the only small issue I see the show having, nothing to diminish its rating.

However, I must say the backstory to the town have a close resemblance to that of Paranorman. I couldn't help but feel I have seen it before and in spite of how I enjoy it personally, seeing it be retreaded didn't feel as refreshing. Nevertheless, the plot thickens as we start to piece more of the mystery that surrounds the town and the school where the Addams went. I think it is brilliant to make a show that finally begins to dig deep into their story as it provides context to many of their quirks and personalities. It's not easy to make sequels but an essential aspect to them is that they must not only provide a new and different story from the original, yet maintaining the same beats that made it unique; but also they have the core functionality of expanding their world. In Shrek 2, we got to see more of the world where Fiona came from, this gave us an insightful view of where we stand history-wise in the world. With the other Addams media, we always had a bit of an anthological narrative where each time it was "rebooted" our window to the world remained the same if not superficially addressed (again, I haven't watched ALL of The Addams Family, but I mean the ones I have seen, and again this is my opinion, I'm no expert). This time around we count with a backdrop that is not only relevant to the Addams family but also to the story that is unfolding. I don't want to spoil too much, so I'll leave it at that. This world is realized and grounded in a way that would provide a lot of rope to this show in the years to come. And I for one cannot wait for it to unravel before my eyes.

And that shot of Wednesday playing the cello while the world is on fire... This show is gold. I don't know how it works so well but its enigmatic sense of romantic dramatization that manages to work so well elevates the show to a point of traversing the thin line between reality and fiction. Its over-the-top attributes are grounded in a supernatural plausibility within the realm of shows like Twin Peaks. With references to Agatha Christie, the mystery builds and spreads like wildfire, starting so many plotpoints and providing so much progression in a single episode it is amazing how much we have learned of the world, characters and history in simply 3 episodes. I couldn't have asked for a better blend of Stranger Things meets Harry Potter and Tim Burton.
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9/10
Good balance between intrigue, mystery and comedy.
Escapist-280227 November 2022
Even though "Wednesday" appears to have gotten off to a sluggish start, the show is really starting to come into its own, embracing the quirky absurdity of its premise and having fun with it while also managing to strike a good balance between genuine intrigue and mystery and brilliantly constructed moments of comedy.

In addition, Tim Burton's instantly recognisable visual aesthetic is becoming further engrained in each episode, giving the series a singular identity that helps it stand out from the rest of the competition.

Wednesday Addams is represented more realistically as well, with all of her sadness and cynicism being brought out without going too far into pity lest we lose sight of what it is about her that makes her so endearingly different from other people. It gives me pleasure to see that they have refocused on her and provided her with a route that is more plausible. In this episode, she is completely preoccupied with pursuing her own objectives and dealing with the uncertainty of the issue without getting diverted by other things, which is exactly what we would want her to be doing.
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8/10
Stay the course
tyggfqxcm8 December 2022
The show finally stops picking at the thread and begins to present us with what it promised in premise and setup. Everyone is giving it their all with what they're given and the this ultimately provides for an entertaining episode setting up multiple threads at once. That said, the dialogue is humiliating and seems to be written by a 40-year-old teen. Normies is used in-universe with a straight face, one hundo, and mansplaining. Soundtrack is becoming grating at this point as the music smothers dialogue and one can only take so many string covers. The show, like the characters, wears its intentions on its sleeve but is ultimately saved by technical execution.
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7/10
Consistent
lorenarufino113 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
While Jenna Ortega is, once again, excellent, the actress who plays Bianca continues to overdo it, as she has every episode thus far.

On the other hand, the problem with Xavier is still the character himself. Ajax claims he has a dark side; so far all he's done is try to look intense and whine. May the writers never follow through with the threat of making him a romantic interest for the protagonist.

Still speaking of what's been overdone, the ancestor that could have been the lead's identical twin is uninspired to put it mildly. Vampire Diaries comes to mind, and that's never a good thing.

All that said, save for the vision sequence it's a good episode. Jericho, the town, makes for a much better backdrop than Nevermore. The year long Thanksgiving craze offers the best contrast to Wednesday's no nonsense, monochromatic world view.
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9/10
The fingerprints of Gough and Millar...
actionsub3 January 2023
...are all over this. While people are criticizing this show as Tim Burton not working to potential, Burton's not the only one with input into this series.

The slow tease of Wednesday's story is reminiscent of another Gough/Millar-created show: "Smallville" in which they spent years with this nod nod, wink wink look at the coming of age of Superman.

And for those who don't like Luis Guzman as Gomez (not seen here), there can be only one John Astin. Even Raul Julia in the 90s films was a poor substitute. Let's not be too harsh.

While we've only ever known Wednesday as a child until now and this is terra nova, it seems as if they're trying to create a backstory for Gomez and Morticia as well.
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7/10
Not as good as the previous episodes
funnycommentor4 December 2022
The plot of the 3rd episode was really interesting and it was kinda different than the previous episodes. The storyline was well-written, even though it was kinda complicated. The characters were very well-developed on that episode (especially, Wednesday). Sadly, it wasn't a really intense episode and there weren't any HUGE plot twists. However, I have to admit that I really enjoyed that episode (because, it was really mysterious and kinda unexpected). Of course, it was really funny (just like every other episode) and Wednesday was ICONIC. So far, I really like the TV show and I'm really happy that I had decided to watch that show..!
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10/10
Woe or Friend??....
moviesfilmsreviewsinc6 December 2022
Episode 3 of Wednesday starts exactly where we left off in the previous chapter, with Wednesday captured in the secret Nightshade room. The bag over her head is removed and her hands are tied behind her. Cloaked people surround her but she spots Bianca and asks her to take off her mask. Everyone takes their masks off and Xavier asks how she got wind of their secret room. She answers that Rowan showed her. It seems like the Nightshades have been secretly thriving with the permission of the principal. They are now in a dilemma about what to do with Wednesday who stumbled upon their secret society. Xavier wants her to take the pledge and join them while Bianca thinks that is a horrible idea. On the other hand, Wednesday cares less about joining their secret society. She frees herself and walks out after calling them amateurs who give kidnapping a bad name. Gotta love her sense of humor! The next morning, the principal announces that students will be expected to do voluntary jobs that day followed by a community lunch. They will also have a dedication of a memorial statue in the town square and they are expected to behave accordingly. Wednesday is stationed to work at Uriah's heap, an antique store. The principal also informs her that she signed her up for a performance. She wants Wednesday to play her cello and accompany the neighboring school band at the ceremony. While in town for their respective volunteer jobs, Wednesday tells Xavier that she still thinks Rowan is dead. Xavier doesn't believe her but is willing to answer her questions about the picture in the book. He tells her the man in the picture is Jericho Crackstone, the town's founding father. In the meantime, the sheriff is convinced that the recent attacks in the woods are linked to Nevermore. However, the mayor doesn't share his thoughts and asks him to find the bear and take care of it. He reminds him that Nevermore is the town's biggest source of income so they can't go around pointing fingers at them. After the ceremony, the principal is furious and believes that Wednesday is the culprit, but has no evidence. Wednesday swears her hands are clean and questions the principal on her decision to hide the truth. The principal tells her that she can't risk having Nevermore ruined on her watch. She wants to start over and make nice with the people of the town. Wednesday tells her that will never work because most townspeople still hate them. Later that night, the monster attacks someone else and the attack is captured on the victim's camera. Elsewhere, Enid is excited about her first date with Ajax but he has a mirror accident and is unable to make it. Enid thinks he stood her up and disappointed and angry. As the episode ends, we see several characters hiding secrets, and the sheriff developing the film from the crime scene. It seems like a few of the people in Jericho who are close to the school are acting suspiciously. We can't help but suspect each one of them is either the monster or associated with it.
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7/10
I liked it but...
handmethatspanner25 December 2023
This is so politically motivated that the 'slumber-free' cheer and the rest wonder at the vilification.

Even so, this is remarkable well done. I am confident that the cast was really well led by the writers and direction. There is enough 'on the page' that the editing can step along briskly. Even the doofus boys are well written. The first episode drags a bit but this features the set-up. Ep.2 shows us Wednesdays character. Ep.3, this one, goes overboard on the two-dimentional mean kids but no hero fares well unless the villains are serious.

I liked best the dialog 'asides' which are numerous and quick enough to keep the viewer interested and chuckling.
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3/10
Finding its Rhythm, And Not in a Good Way
machina2213 December 2022
If the second episode didn't already confirm it then this one does - this show is happily going to fall into the 'yet another supernatural teen drama' show category and the writers are going to do little to elevate it, despite being gifted an incredibly original fictional character (Wednesday, played very well by Ortega, despite being given increasingly terrible material to work with) and her family.

I'm wondering if the writers have run out of ideas already too. Seriously, we're using the 'bullies try to attack Wednesday and she ends up destroying them' scenario again? Already? I guess it wasn't cheesy enough the first time... Still, at least they're able to force Wednesday to regurgitate their trite political slogans, so I'm sure it's a net win in their books.

The show's become so predictable and cliched, and lacks the humour and wit of the first episode.

It's like Harry Potter crossed with the recent Sabrina reboot.
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10/10
Great Episode, but skip the bully scene
alex-frgi25 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Very nice episode, but i would not mind if they skipped the classic "fight-the-bullies-scene".

If Wednesday should defeat them it should be with some sneaky plan and not physical strength. In the real world guys are stronger than girls.

It seems like a new trend where a lot of guys are weak and whiney.

A good example in the episode is Wednesday defeating the homeless guy. She does not win physically, but uses thing to defeat him, which is a nice and realistic way of her winning.

A bad example in the episode is when Wednesday beats the pilgrim bullies and puts one of them in the pillory. She beats them physically.

Jenna Ortega is great as Wednesday. Its amazing how she can convey emotions and feelings only with her facial expression.
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5/10
Buenos dias.
bombersflyup26 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Friend or Woe isn't all the fudge it's cracked up to be.

It's fine, though not as good an episode as those prior, looking into the town's frightful disingenuous past and a secret society within a secret society. There's less humour here and quite a few unmemorable scenes, though a strong one comes of its findings; with Wednesday and Principal Weems. After burning the statue of Joseph Crackstone, with a hand from Thing... :) heh, Wednesday questions the Principal's moral foundation and backbone. The sheriff's a very under-performed role at this point and the family members unfortunately are yet to reappear.
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