"Wednesday" You Reap What You Woe (TV Episode 2022) Poster

(TV Series)

(2022)

User Reviews

Review this title
14 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
8/10
Better the Devil You Woe...
Xstal25 November 2022
It's a family reunion for parents weekend, but re-joining with Wednesday doesn't pay dividends, as Gomez is clasped in the laws vengeful jaws, for a murder he had justifiable cause, it was some years ago with Morticia in thrall, had a fight with a normie that led to his fall, but there's more to the tale, a more sinister thread, that resulted in a son and a brother that's dead, while Enid's decided to be who she is, her parents can howl as it's none of their bis, interfering with what a young person desires, enrages and angers, piques, annoys and just tires (especially if they go about it in an insincere and ignorant way).
20 out of 32 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Impressive.
W011y4m524 November 2022
Usually when a lead director steps down after completing the first block of principal photography on a production, there's admittedly a frustrating tendency for the next one to struggle capturing filmmaking of the same calibre. Therefore, the visuals become less experimental, more conventional / formulaic & aesthetically, the established style deteriorates until it's less adventurous & consequently, predictable - in order for it to be easier to maintain for the duration of the rest of a shoot. I say this in order to provide context for my main compliment because credit where credit's due, it is genuinely a major achievement for Gandja Monteiro & cinematographer Stephan Pehrsson to take over from a duo as formidably strong as Tim Burton & David Lanzenberg (behind the camera) - & still manage to meet the same standard set by their predecessors with relative ease. Seriously, the transition from one team to the next is seamless & I'm in awe of the brilliance of their abilities, in retaining such strong continuity - & making it appear almost effortless.

With this episode, the narrative additionally builds upon the previous 4 installments with a newfound energy & enthusiasm I couldn't help but notice; each & every scene skilfully crafted & enhancing the story further with interesting twists & turns which lead in to a really wonderfully realised cliffhanger. Although the show didn't get off to a very promising start, the more I watch of this, the better it's gradually becoming.
16 out of 26 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
The show's dark comedy is taking a back seat to the serious drama-mystery.
Escapist-280228 November 2022
The parents are coming together for a weekend celebration, but seeing Wednesday won't be worth it since Gomez is in prison for a crime he committed. While it is true that he fell as a result of an incident with a normal, there is another, darker thread in the story that eventually led to his tragedy.

If the show's director changes after the first phase is over, the successor director sometimes struggles to maintain the same level of filmmaking quality. As a consequence, the established style deteriorates until it becomes less risky and, therefore, easier to sustain during the course of a session, as the photographs become less innovative, more traditional, and more visually appealing. This is simply background for my main compliment: I believe it is vital to give credit where credit is due, and it is a big achievement for Gandja Monteiro to replace a creative force as formidable as Tim Burton while maintaining the same level of comfort they created. However, if you look attentively, you will see a change in orientation.

The show's dark comedy, macabre aesthetics, and self-awareness were initially what set it apart, but they seem to be taking a back seat to the serious drama-mystery at its center. There isn't as much visual comedy or crazy shots, framing, or staging as there was in the last episode, and there are also fewer humorous characters. The show seems to be losing steam or changing its emphasis away from what makes it unique in favour of less distinctive components. The narrative of the programme is unique in that it depicts a mystery-teen-drama concept through a Tim Burtonesque lens of self-awareness and excessive romanticization of macabre, sardonic, and even sadistic reactions to events that occur.
13 out of 21 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
The Addams Family, Ortega, and Burton, worth it.
jontryingteach30 November 2022
I've never been hugely into The Addams Family, remember watching the old one in black and white a few times. Never really got into the Addams Family movies either. But this! This is just amazing, and even tempts me to go and watch the Addams Family more.

A wonderful show focusing on story and characters, (rather than some of the modern stuff that needs to push certain agendas), and is so binge worthy.

Wonderfully shot with excellent dark "gothic" feeling. You can feel the genius of Burton all over it, and has his usual vibe pulsing through it.

Worth watching just for Jenna Ortega's fantastic, creative, portrayal of Wednesday Addams. Characterization beautifully developed and maintained, and you get lost in the fact that she isn't Wednesday. Self-assured, morbid, dark, humour and sarcastic, a little arrogant, cold, and reserved, but with slight moments of more under the protective shell. (Episode 6 I believe is the first time she blinks (though I'm sure most before that is editing), and it is there for a reason) Truly Ortega is totally amazing in this!! <3

Supporting cast are all basically great too. Christie as principal, gets a mention, but she's generally great in everything she is in, Myers (who I don't know) is great in her role as the contrasting roomy, Ricci, I wasn't aware it was her at first, great characterization, and love the fact that she played Wednesday in the movies....little cross-over, Zeta-Jones and Guzman are a great portrayal of Morticia and Gomez, Lindhorne brings a touch of her usual quirkiness to her role, and Thing (Dorobantu) does a stunning job as just a hand! So much expression and humour!

Netflix finally did something extremely well! Don't screw it up!

I had big hopes for Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which I feel slowly died, and I've barely started season 2 as I lost interest. I want to watch more of Wednesday, and I'm even a little sad that there are only 8 episodes.

If you like the Addams Family (especially because of Wednesday), if you liked the good elements of Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, if you like the vibe of Beetle Juice, and most other films that Burton directs or has an important roll in, if you like Jenna Ortega (or if you've never seen her before, but love actors that become their character), if you love quirky, school for those of special abilities/folklore, mystery solving, touch of creepiness, then just watch two episodes, and I'm sure you'll get hooked! (Sure, it has elements of so many things that are already out there, been done before, but there is just something special and magical about this.)
10 out of 16 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Nice episode
funnycommentor5 December 2022
The plot of the 5th episode was really interesting and I really liked that episode (because, there were many flashbacks about Morticia's and Gomez's life). The storyline was very well written and everything was well-explained. Of course, it was a really intense episode (just like every other episode of the TV show) and I really enjoyed it. The plot twists of that episode were just nice, but not really shocking. The ending scene was fine and I'm really excited about episode 6. Sadly, there weren't any kills on that episode (actually, only the 1st episode was super creepy and full of death scenes, it was EPIC).
5 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Morticia and Gomez take the stage
snoozejonc10 January 2023
Wednesday finds out about her parents time at Nevermore.

This is another visually impressive episode with fairly good character moments.

The story is reasonably interesting, with some good backstory revealed by certain characters telling stories at key moments and a convenient vision from Wednesday.

I think for fans of the Addams Family, it depends what you think of the show's portrayal of Morticia and Gomez as to how much you are likely to enjoy this episode, as they are the main focus. Personally, I think they are used well by the writers and Catherine Zeta-Jones is perfectly cast. I slightly struggle with Luis Guzmán's quieter take on his character, probably because I'm used to the louder, more dominant personalities of John Astin and Raùl Juliá. Maybe he will grow on me.

The characters Enid and Bianca have B and C plots that continue the theme of teenagers difficult relationships with parents. One is a bit of a clichéd arc about the pressure of expectations and being an individual, whilst the other is somewhat more mysterious and intriguing.

As ever, the visuals are excellent. I particularly like the transitions from certain characters faces in present time to their younger selves in and out of the flashback scenes.

For me it's a 7.5/10, but I round upwards.
3 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Great episode. However, the lack of Tim Burtonisms is noticable. I hope we don't begin to lose the essence and self-awareness of why this show was unique
quiqueperezsoler27 November 2022
Interesting episode where the Addams parents take center stage. It is definitely interesting to see their younger selves in the very same institution where we have been discovering secrets about. However, I think the flashbacks should have been more extensive and detailed to give us a better grasp of the backstory and setting. Many convenient information was provided as exposition where I myself would have loved if they had took their time to present the younger versions of the Addams parents and their relationships with the other students so it didn't come as "forced" the eventual animosities that catapulted the events that unravel here.

But I see that as more of a personal filmmaking preference of mine. The show remains as interesting as always through the development of its story. Nevertheless, you can feel the absence of Tim Burton's direction here. There aren't as many wacky shots, framing, staging nor other visual flairs nor character comedy as in the previous episode. The show is beginning to focus more on its serious drama-mystery than the dark comedy, macabre imagery and self-aware nature the show stood out so much for. This isn't Riverdale, this is isn't Chilling Adventures of Sabrina; the show was unique and genius in its absurdist approaches at the Addams-in-the-real-world shtick. But it always maintained a grasp of the cleverly constructed mystery and drama behind the amazing world-building.

It seems the show is beginning to stagnate a bit or in other terms starting to prioritize other aspects of it that are not the ones that make the show unique. The show is unique because it presents a pretty "straight forward" narrative built on mystery-teen-drama through a unique Tim Burtonesque lense of self-awareness and over-the-top romanticised macabre, cynical and even a smidge of sadistic reaction to all the events that unravel. While every other Non-Addams character is interesting in their own way, they don't stand out as great as the nature and personalities of the Addams. I'd just hate for this traits of them to diminish as they become as two dimensional as the other characters can end up being. Lets not forget there's yet a lot of things we haven't seen yet and I hope we get to them in the wacky and over the top way the Addams are known for. I'd just hate to see the show devolve into a cookie cutter teen-supernatural-mystery drama featuring the Addams. There are great performances, fantasticly well-fleshed-out characters, rich and engaging School and town backstory and I hope they keep up the narrative with the same gusto as the previous episodes. And never forgetting that black comedy, that is the cherry on top.
7 out of 17 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Basic but the Addams' reunion make it better
lorenarufino114 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Morticia and Gomez are an absolute delight. It's good to see the family reunite, including Pugsley and Lurch.

But this episode showcases two of the series' biggest issues.

Firstly, it succeeds in building suspense, but the resolution doesn't always pay off. Sheriff Galpin spent decades obsessing over catching Gomez for murder, but turns out he's totally innocent and Morticia had legal justification to use deadly force. It was all rather convenient and mundane.

(Unless Garret is not dead, but a time traveler who now goes by the name of Xavier and has transferred his unrequited infatuation to Morticia's daughter. They seemed to describe the exact same character, only Garret wasn't an outcast.)

Anyway, the second problem is that the show struggles with its own sense of morality. When is murder bad and when is it fun? Where do we draw the line between good and bad "terrible", to borrow Wednesday's words?

In other news, Bianca found herself a subplot that doesn't involve teen romance. Good for her, but let's hope it doesn't get too convoluted. This whole siren thing has been kind of terrible, and not good terrible.
2 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
Moving smoothly
Rajit_thebingewatcher8 December 2022
This is the episode where you get to know the family dynamics of Addams family. Where in adversities they bond together and what previous episodes have portrayed are actually an act of love. Sideline stories keep on merging and makes the episodes ever so interesting.

The best thing about series is it gets the time to build the character arch. This time it tries to get sympathy for bianca. From the first episode it has portrayed her as Wednesday's arch rival. This time it shows why she has so much bitterness. The stereotyping of Eugene is bit uncomfortable though. It continues in this episode as well . However the way Wednesday perceive Eugene as his best friend and his better assets shows the creators are trying to find some remorse in it.

And finally thing does what thing did . He is the "hand of the queen" in adams world. Moving smoothly.
4 out of 9 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
A decline from previous episodes.
gjjgbpw3 December 2022
This episode is a decline from the previous. The writing and dialogues are terrible. Gomez and Morticia don't have any personality similarities to The Addams Family characters, and their acting is probably the worst on the show.

During the flashback, Gomez was struggling in a sword fight, yet in the original Addams Family he was always known as an expert swordsman.

Did the writers ever watch the original?

I like Guzman as an actor usually, but this isn't the same character as previously portrayed (perfectly) by John Astin and Raul Julia.

Overall I enjoy Wednesday and Thing as characters, but this isn't The Addams Family, it's basically Riverdale with a Addams twist.

Im also curious what role Tim Burton actually had in this show, not much it seems.
29 out of 43 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Tim Burton is a Genius
moviesfilmsreviewsinc6 December 2022
Episode 5 of Wednesday starts with questions around how well Wednesday knows her parents. She is trying to figure out what happened the night her dad was accused of killing someone back when he was a student at Nevermore. In a flashback, we see a young Larissa giving a statement to the police blaming Morticia while Gomez is being taken away in handcuffs.

At present time, it is the official parent's weekend at the school and most parents have started arriving to spend the weekend with their children. The Addam family is in attendance and Morticia worries that Wednesday is not looking forward to seeing them. At the assembly, the principal gives an update on Eugene and tells the parents and the students that he is on the mend and is expected to make a full recovery. Enid asks Wednesday if she has gone to see him and she tells her that he is in a coma and she feels guilty for what happened to him.

Enid is also not excited to see her family, she is dreading her mother's judgmental personality because she is yet to wolf out. She and Wednesday hope to get through the weekend and be done with the forced family togetherness. They are not the only ones who find the weekend a bit taxing, Xavier's dad is a no-show and Bianca's mom showed up to create more problems. She is threatening Bianca to come back home and help her and swindle people using their powers. It seems as if the Garret case is linked to the current killings that are happening in town. This episode showed us a softer side to Wednesday, especially while she was talking to her brother about the love their parents have for each other. Enid standing up for herself was also a proud moment, sometimes parents don't really know what is good for their kids. It is up to the child to protect herself from her parents and Enid did exactly that. On the other hand, Bianca is being threatened by her own mother to do shady business for her stepfather. She is unable to protect herself from her mother and that is sad but hopefully, she will find her freedom. The principal calls Wednesday's parents for a meeting and tells them about the issues she has been having with Wednesday. She explains it has been rocky at best and asks them to attend a family therapy session with Dr Kinbott over the weekend. Morticia is against the idea but Gomez is up for it. They drive to town for the session and they are spotted by the sheriff who thinks that Gomez is a murderer who got free using underhand methods. Tyler tells him that at least Gomez cares enough to go to therapy with Wednesday and they get into an argument. The sheriff doesn't want to go for a family therapy session with Tyler and it is causing friction between them. As he leaves the cafe, the sheriff gets a call that the coroner has committed suicide.
5 out of 17 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
4/10
A decline, but by no means woeful.
bombersflyup28 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Many aspects of You Reap What You Woe doesn't work for me, the show's starting to meander and drift from what's important at the same time.

The episode being about Gomez for one, who's not played well by Luis Guzman. Nor are the flashbacks convincing in the slightest, including the actors playing them. There are multiple scenes with other characters and their parents, which have no value at all. What it may suffer from the most though, is the Addams family itself outside of Wednesday and Thing being too reserved and almost common thus far. Not having the unique qualities that draw people to watching such a show in the first place. I do enjoy Pugsley though.
16 out of 32 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
Complete context change.
Mika2049er4 December 2022
Ohh ffs it's not 10 seasons of the X files. Why in season 1 half way through do we need new writers? The previous four episodes were amazing, this episode is an utterly pointless backstory story. Tedious and plodding. Completely lacking all the pacing and narrative of the first four episodes. This could have easily been integrated rather than been a stand alone story. Terrible directing. I'm praying e6 gets back to the delights of 1-4. Ok I'm now watching e6. Seriously worried we have gone from snappy fresh teen detective series into Riverdale soap opera cringe boring tedium. Hope I'm wrong. Burton has left the building.

Edit. Thankfully it pulls itself back together for the final few episodes.
14 out of 31 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
1/10
Lol
HumanSpider12 November 2023
There's so much left wing trash, I just tried to ignore it for the first four episodes. This episode went all in at the start with Eugene's "mothers" lol This is typical Netflix. Forced diversity. Awful acting. It's CW level stuff and it will not get any better. The side stories are ridiculous and are taking away from the main character. And now this silliness with Gomez (Luis Guzman is awful and destroys the character) and Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones isn't much better). No one cares about the werewolf girl wolfing out. The bald siren girl is the worst actor on the show. I'll finish it just for the laughs but this show is absolute garbage.
2 out of 6 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed