There are many people who are still wondering if the Merlina series from the streaming platform giant Netflix is worth watching and here we are going to briefly explain everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
To delve into the enigmatic and dark universe of “Wednesday,” or “Merlina” in Latin America or “Miércoles” in Spanish from Spain, is to get to know up close the iconic daughter of the Addams family reinvented by the great Tim Burton, master of contemporary gothic, who infuses his distinctive aesthetic in the first episodes, combining elements of “Beetlejuice” and “Sleepy Hollow” with new youthful intrigues so typical of the audiovisual content of our days but that still continue to enchant and captivate.
The series blends elements of horror, murder mystery and teen drama. Merlina/Wednesday must navigate life in Nevermore while investigating a series of murders and uncovering secrets about her family and her own destiny. The story is both a coming-of-age story and a supernatural thriller, maintaining the dark, biting humor that has characterized the Addams Family since its first appearance back in the early 2000s.
What is the series about? No spoilers
The story unfolds with a deliciously macabre act of revenge: Merlina/Wednesday Addams, played by Jenna Ortega, uses piranhas in a swimming competition, mutilating a bully of her younger brother. This daring beginning banishes her to Nevermore Academy, a boarding school for outcasts and supernatural beings, where she must confront dark family secrets and a mysterious killer who lurks around the school where her parents, Morticia and Gomez Addams, also studied.
At Nevermore Academy, Wednesday encounters a variety of unique characters: vampires, werewolves, gorgons, and mermaids. These groups represent different groups within the school, similar to what is seen in movies like “Clueless” or “Mean Girls.” Among the important characters are Enid Sinclair, her cheerful roommate; Larissa Weems, the school’s principal; and Miss Thornhill, a teacher played by Christina Ricci, the same actress who brought Merlina/Wednesday to life in the 90s. There, the Addams daughter will face mysteries and dangers very typical of the universe of horror, terror, and even a little gore.
Although the series focuses on Wednesday, other members of the Addams family, such as Morticia, Gomez, Pugsley, and Uncle Fester, make limited appearances. This version features a less close-knit family dynamic than previous depictions, where unity and family love were central. The reduced presence of the main family is a notable change from previous versions.
Jenna Ortega: The young revelation of horror acting
Jenna Ortega faces the challenge of playing Merlina/Wednesday Addams, a character popularized by Christina Ricci in the 1990s films. Ricci played a detached, goth girl who became an icon. Ortega, however, must play a teenage Wednesday, which involves showing an evolution in her character throughout an eight-hour series, combining her sarcastic and dark nature with moments of human growth that surprise her and the viewer who until then had been captivated by an intriguing and well-developed plot.
Jenna excels in her role, though some critics find her perpetual sarcasm can become exhausting. Her character must balance isolation and the need for human connection, and no one better than Emma Myers, who plays her roommate Enid Sinclair, to bring a vivacious and comedic foil to the series, being one of the most beloved characters for her energy and optimism.
Ortega has the difficult task of following in the footsteps of Christina Ricci, whose portrayal of Wednesday in the 1990s became the definitive reference for the character. Now, Wednesday is a teenager, and her development over the course of eight episodes mixes horror, mystery and teenage drama. Enid Sinclair, Wednesday’s cheerful roommate, and other supernatural characters add layers of complexity and dynamism to the plot.
In short, “Wednesday” attempts to reimagine the famous daughter of the Addams Family in a supernatural teen drama context. Despite some criticism for a lack of originality and changes in family dynamics, the series maintains elements of dark humor and mystery that can appeal to new and old fans alike.
How has Merlina/Wednesday been received?
The series has received mixed reviews. Some consider Wednesday to be too formulaic a reimagining and to offer nothing new to the franchise. Its setting and plot are compared to other supernatural youth series and films, such as Harry Potter and The School for Good and Evil, leading to a perception of a lack of originality. However, despite these criticisms, the series maintains enough wit and dynamism to be entertaining.
Tim Burton directs the first four episodes and brings his signature gothic and macabre aesthetic to the series. Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, of “Smallville” fame, are the creators and know how to handle multiple plots that combine elements of the real world and the supernatural. Their previous experience helps them weave a complex and intertwined narrative.
The series includes themes such as teenage redemption and a critique of intolerance and colonialism. One example is the plot about Joseph Crackstone, a 17th-century pilgrim who attempted to exterminate the “outcasts” (supernatural characters). While these themes add a layer of depth, some critics consider them to be treated in a superficial and predictable manner.
The best thing about the Merlina/Wednesday series that makes it worth watching:
- Modern Reimagining: The series presents a teenage version of Wednesday, moving away from more classic depictions of the character.
- Tim Burton at the helm: The director puts his signature stamp on the series, with a gothic and visually striking aesthetic.
- Jenna Ortega shines: The actress delivers a compelling and memorable portrayal of Wednesday, exceeding fans’ expectations.
- Genre Mix: The series combines elements of mystery, horror, comedy and teen drama, offering a varied approach.
- Subtle social criticism: The series addresses issues such as inclusion, discrimination and the search for identity, although in a more subtle way.
- Tribute and Evolution: The series pays homage to previous versions of Wednesday, but at the same time reinvents it for a new generation.
- Notable supporting characters: In addition to Wednesday, other characters such as Enid and Bianca add depth to the plot.
- Captivating Soundtrack: Original music from the series complements the dark and mysterious atmosphere.
- Controversies: The series has generated debates around the representation of certain themes and faithfulness to the original material.
- Resounding success: Despite criticism, the series has been a huge success on streaming platforms and social media.
The Merlina/Wednesday series poses an interesting reflection on identity and the search for oneself in a world that often fails to understand difference. By presenting Wednesday as an outcast teenager at a school for young people with supernatural abilities, the series invites viewers to question stereotypes and celebrate individuality. However, some critics argue that the series falls into certain clichés typical of teen series and that Wednesday’s character is watered down too much to suit a wider audience.
Critics and audiences’ recommendations for the series:
- Greater depth for supporting characters: Further exploring the stories of Merlina/Wednesday’s companions in Nevermore could enrich the narrative.
- A darker approach: Some fans regret that the series has toned down certain aspects of Wednesday’s character and the Addams family in general.
- Greater connection to the original material: Incorporating more elements and references to the original comics could satisfy the most die-hard fans.
- More incisive social criticism: The series could have delved deeper into issues such as discrimination and social exclusion.
- Exploring Wednesday’s Powers: Wednesday’s psychic abilities could have been developed in a deeper and more complex way.
Wednesday is a series that has managed to captivate a wide audience, thanks in large part to Jenna Ortega’s charismatic performance and Tim Burton’s visually striking aesthetic. However, the series is not without its critics, especially for its more commercial approach and its move away from certain darker aspects of the original character. Despite its successes and failures, Wednesday represents an interesting attempt to revitalize a classic and connect with a new generation of viewers. The series invites us to reflect on the importance of individuality and the acceptance of difference, although it may not go as far as some fans might have hoped.
While the series offers charming nods to old-time fans, some critics have dismissed it as a pale copy of “Harry Potter” and other YA franchises. Plots about colonial intolerance and teenage redemption, while timely, sometimes feel shallow. Family interaction, a mainstay of previous iterations, feels blurred, with Morticia and Gomez in almost peripheral roles.
So is this dark academy worth the trip? Wednesday promises an experience filled with biting wit and mystery, but it’s up to the viewer to decide whether this return to the Addams’ world is a brilliant reinvention or a lackluster echo of past glories. Does the series live up to its legacy, or is it merely a rehash of tired formulas?
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2024-08-06 02:30:18
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