The Villain Issue in Wednesday Season 2: A Crucial Fix Required (But Not the Expected One)
Unleashing the true horror in Wednesday Season 2: A thrilling quest to overcome its villain problem and uncover the chilling potential of Tim Burton's practical effects (146 characters)
Article Overview
The first season of Wednesday on Netflix was a hit, but the villain, Hyde, fell short due to its underwhelming CGI effects.
Practical effects, such as the ones showcased in John Carpenter's The Thing, offer a far more frightening and authentic portrayal of monsters compared to CGI.
Given Tim Burton's participation in Wednesday, his expertise in practical effects from Beetlejuice 2 should be employed to intensify the suspense in the show's second season.
Wednesday season 1 had a successful start on Netflix, but there was a significant problem with its villain that must be addressed in season 2. Inspired by the beloved character from the Addams Family, Wednesday follows the story of Jenna Ortega's psychic teenager as she attends Nevermore Academy alongside her classmates who possess supernatural abilities. The first season centered around solving the mystery of a "Hyde" monster wreaking havoc on the campus. While the Hyde made for a compelling antagonist, there was a production issue that hindered the character's potential.
Since its debut in late 2022, Wednesday has swiftly become one of Netflix's most popular series. Within a few months, the show was renewed for a second season, with Ortega also taking on a producer role. The ongoing strike action in Hollywood may have caused some delays in the development of Wednesday season 2. However, this provides the producers with ample time to devise a plan for the show's future, particularly in addressing the major issue from season 1.
Wednesday Season 1's CG Hyde Monster Wasn't Scary
The early episodes of Season 1 of Wednesday introduced the main villain, the Hyde, who terrorized the Nevermore campus. However, when the Hyde was finally revealed, it fell short of expectations due to its CGI creation. The CGI Hyde appeared glossy and artificial, lacking the ability to evoke genuine fear. To truly captivate audiences, Season 2 of Wednesday should feature a much more terrifying monster brought to life through realistic practical effects rather than relying on CGI.
Rob Bottin's practical effects in John Carpenter's The Thing continue to be a chilling portrayal of otherworldly terrors, even to this day. The 2011 prequel of Carpenter's film, however, abandoned the classic practical effects that contributed to its status as a masterpiece. Instead, the prequel opted for CGI to create its alien monsters. This decision significantly diminished the fear factor, as CGI never quite matches the authenticity of practical effects. Practical effects possess a raw intensity since they are tangible entities captured on film, while CGI inherently appears artificial.
Wednesday Season 2 Can Use Tim Burton's Practical Effects
Tim Burton, the executive producer of Wednesday, also directed the first half of the show's inaugural season. Currently busy with Beetlejuice 2, in which Ortega plays the role of Lydia Deetz's daughter, Burton is said to be reverting to the classic practical effects that added a delightful charm to the original film. After experiencing the use of practical effects in the production of Beetlejuice 2, it would be wise for Burton to incorporate these methods when he completes the sequel and begins working on season 2 of Wednesday.
Wednesday
Starring Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzman, Gwendoline Christie, Riki Lindhome, Jamie McShane, Christina Ricci, Hunter Doohan, Emma Myers, and Joy Sunday. Directed by Tim Burton, James Marshall, and Gandja Monteiro. Helmed by showrunner Miles Millar and Alfred Gough.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of the Wednesday series, I am thrilled about the upcoming second season. However, I share the concern about the underwhelming portrayal of the villain in the first season. The Hyde, which was supposed to be the main antagonist, fell short due to its reliance on CGI effects. The glossy and artificial appearance of the Hyde diminished its ability to evoke genuine fear.
I strongly believe that the use of practical effects, as showcased in classic horror films like John Carpenter's The Thing, can significantly enhance the horror and authenticity of the show. Practical effects have a raw intensity and tangibility that CGI often fails to capture. The chilling portrayal of otherworldly terrors through practical effects creates a more immersive and unsettling experience for the audience.
