The episode skillfully blends its gothic mystery with Wednesday’s stoic, darkly humorous persona. While the pacing feels tight, it’s deliberately layered to enhance the intrigue. Jenna Ortega effortlessly anchors the show with her trademark deadpan delivery and emotional restraint, keeping Wednesday simultaneously eerie and magnetic.
Tim Burton’s direction infuses the episode with rich, macabre visuals—balancing creepy set pieces and whimsical touches that complement the show’s mood .
Steve Buscemi brings compelling energy as Principal Dort—his unsettling cheer masks dubious intentions, adding to the narrative tension .
We begin with Wednesday confronting the serial killer known as the Kansas City Scalper, showcasing her psychic abilities—and their unsettling side effects (like crying black tears).
Her return to Nevermore Academy paints her as a reluctant celebrity, which shifts the campus dynamic in intriguing ways.
Steve Buscemi debuts as the new principal Barry Dort, who introduces traditions (like the Founder’s Pyre) that hint at something more sinister.
Wednesday becomes aware she has a stalker when her manuscript goes missing under unsettling circumstances .
Pugsley, now also at Nevermore, struggles to fit in but taps into new powers—raising the bizarre and supernatural stakes.
Expectations for Season 2
Initial reactions are generally positive: critics praise Ortega’s performance and the show’s visual flair—and Rotten Tomatoes scores are strong (81–83%) . That said, some reviews flag concerns over overstuffed storytelling and a diluted focus on Wednesday herself.
