Wednesday’s iconic character has never been known to smile, crack or mellow. In her world of sarcasm, wit and fierce independence, the girl who has mastered the art of detachment showed a glimpse of something unexpected: empathy. 

The second season of “Wednesday,” released on Sept. 3, left me speechless. The show’s first season follows Wednesday, the eldest child of the iconic Addams family, as she uncovers the history of Nevermore. However, this time her family’s past affairs return to haunt them. 

While maintaining the dark tones and exemplary, polished look of the original Addams family, this new season steps further in Wednesday’s personal development. She isn’t just uncovering a mystery, but also new levels of vulnerability within her relationships that were not shown in the first season.

The dynamics within the Addams family start to shift when Wednesday pushes the boundaries of her psychic ability, causing Morticia to confiscate her spellbook out of fear and concern for her daughter. 

It is soon discovered that Morticia’s sister, Ophelia, had fallen into the same rabbit hole with her psychic ability, almost killing her. 

Eventually, Wednesday and Morticia’s dynamic is no longer two characters battling each other, but rather a mother sincerely fighting for the safety of her daughter. I found this detail to be intriguing, and it introduces an interesting complexity within Wednesday and her family.

Wednesday is always displayed as independent and never in need of assistance. Seeing her face conflict with her mother, and accept help from her friends and family, illustrates how the biggest case to solve this season might actually be the relationships she has with her family members. 

Audiences saw a different side of Wednesday throughout this season, not one that is weak, but rather more human. What I liked about this season is that the thrilling mysteries remained, while allowing space for us to see Wednesday develop as a character. 

For what seemed like the first time in Wednesday’s history, her flaws and mistakes get the best of her. She is corrected, pushed back and sometimes even humbled. Seeing her in positions of vulnerability while still keeping her edge and deadpan charm is touching, and I no longer see her as just a character, but as a person. 

For instance, when she defends her partner Thing from being permanently captured or looks after her mother despite their quarrels, Wednesday further proves her growth. 

After watching season two, it turns out Wednesday’s child isn’t always full of woe. Instead, she is full of depth and resilience, and more heart than she thought she had.