"Wednesday" of Old and New

 I am avid consumer of Netflix. Depending on the day, I could watch anything from crime documentaries to family-friendly comedies. As I ruminated on potential blog posts, one show immediately came to mind: Wednesday. A continuation of The Addams Family story, Wednesday, as the name suggests, focuses specifically on the perspective of Wednesday Addams as she navigates death and mystery at Nevermore Academy. Known for harboring and educating 'outcasts,' including werewolves, sirens, and more, Nevermore Academy exists on the outskirts of a seemingly 'normal' small town with a deep history. 

   

 The founder of the town itself, Joseph Crackstone, is a symbol of strong values and leadership to most in the town. However, to the 'outcasts,' Joseph Crackstone is a figure of persecution, death, and fear. During our class discussions, I couldn't help but notice striking similarities between Crackstone and Heinrich Kramer. They are both imposing white males, whose position and opinions granted them a great deal of authority over others. Furthermore, the two men share a striking similarity in their hatred and desire to wipe out all 'others.' Crackstone believes that the outcasts of the town, encompassing any group that has abilities or differences from the 'normies', must be banished, while Kramer desires to eradicate witches specifically. Both men are ruthless in their pursuit, willing to manipulate, torture and kill people to accomplish their mission.

Heinrich Kramer

Joseph Crackstone

    Throughout the show, Joseph Crackstone is the leader of the townsfolk, able to direct their energy and focus onto issues he deems significant. In one scene, we see Joseph Crackstone with a crowd of townsfolk, each of them angry, yelling, and armed with torches. This scene really embodied the traditional witch hunt that I picture when reading of the Salem witch trials. During these scenes especially, I see how Wednesday utilized the setting of the Salem witch trials as inspiration, while adding modifications for entertainment purposes. The costumes and set design are very reminiscent of the Salem witch trials, including the wood-built structures and Puritan wardrobe. Another aspect that looked and felt extremely similar was the containment of suspected 'outcasts' in dilapidated conditions while they wait for their trial or judgement. Chained to the floor and to each other, the 'outcasts' were slowly wasting away without any true opportunity to prove themselves innocent.

The townspeople gather to burn the 'outcasts'