Summary
Tim Burton’s reimagining ofThe Addams Family—Wednesday— debuted on Netflix in 2022 and is expected to return for Season 2. He directed the first four episodes of the first season, setting the show’s visual grammar and aesthetic. Now he brings in a longtime collaborator, actor Steve Buscemi, to the eclectic mix. Wednesday marks Burton and Buscemi’s second time collaborating, following 2003’sBig Fish.
Buscemi’s penchant for portraying offbeat characters and eccentric oddballs with a darkly comedic edge makes him a perfect fit for the cynical, gothic, and quirky atmosphere of the unconventional Nevermore. He has big shoes to fill at the school of outcasts, but that’s wherethe newly transformed Enid Sinclairand Wednesday Addams come in. Together, they can form a trio that can crack big mysteries and tackle the dangers of the upcoming season ofWednesday.
Who Is Wednesday Season 2’s New Nevermore Principal?
Principal Larissa Weems' death marked a profound turning point in the history of Nevermore Academy. She was murdered by the science teacher, Marilyn Thornhill, whose true identity was revealed as Laurel Gates, through a fatal injection of Nightshade poison in the neck. Before Weems could act, she collapsed, foaming at the mouth, dying in terrible agony.
Behind that bubbly and seemingly innocent exterior,Gates was revealed to be the mastermindbehind the Hyde murder spree, responsible for activating Tyler Galpin’s Hyde powers and becoming his Hyde master. Ultimately, she was killed by the collective forces of Eugene Ottinger and Wednesday in the show’s final moments, concluding her and Joseph Crackstone’s one-season arc. Marilyn and Crackstone’s impact was fleeting, but Weems' sacrifice to save Nevermore will not be easily forgotten.
The cold-blooded murder ofthe upright and honorable Weemsdeeply affected Wednesday. Their constant clashing, coupled with the abrupt nature of Weems' departure, amplified Wednesday’s grief and loss. She and Enid shared a moment in Weems' vacant principal’s office, paying tribute to a figure of immense authority.
Steve Buscemi As Barry Dort InWednesdaySeason 2
The passing of Weems means Christie is no longer a part of theWednesdaycast. Therefore, an empty seat awaits Buscemi’s character, Barry Dort, who is anticipated to fill the void at Nevermore as its new Principal. This development opens numerous doors for Dort: he could become a valuable ally to the heroes,Wednesday and Enid, and help them in navigating various challenges ahead, or he could echo Weems' initial skepticism towards Wednesday, and eventually become more supportive.
Though Weems took time to warm up to Wednesday, she repeatedly advised her to stay out of harm’s way. They constantly clashed due to Wednesday’s disregard for both her advice and school etiquette, in general. In the finale episode ofWednesday, Weems managed to convince Sheriff Galpin to drop Tyler’s kidnapping charges in exchange for Wednesday’s immediateexpulsion from Nevermore Academy. But off-screen, Wednesday convinced Weems to secretly cooperate in uncovering Thornhill’s truth. When Wednesday finally confided in her about her suspicions, they worked together to uncover the larger truth.
In the upcoming season, the lead, Wednesday, will inevitably find herself in trouble, given her penchant for mystery-solving. This presents an opportunity for Principal Dort to take a different tack in this role as Nevermore’s head. Having established her reputation as Nevermore’s problem-solver, Wednesday’s insights are likely to command Principal Dort’s attention. She has risen from a Nancy Reagan High School expellee but isthe hero of Nevermore. Even if Principal Dort isn’t particularly student-friendly, he owes her due regard.
Wednesday has demonstrated strong critical thinking and analysis, but she struggles to communicate effectively. She needs a head who is ready to listen to her from the get-go. Wednesday had earlieradmitted to Weemsthat she had neither trusted nor cooperated with her, yet all she heard were the words “impatient” and “impulsive” in return.
The A-team: Dort, Wednesday And Enid
The expectations for Weems' successor, Dort, will be shaped by a mix of tensions and upheaval of the previous semester. He inherits a nearly-destroyed school and students who are reeling from the twin traumas of Thornhill and Crackstone. Against such a backdrop, he is required to show integrity, wisdom, and emotional intelligence. It also helps that he keep the top students, Wednesday,Eugene, and Enid, in confidence.
Wednesday and Enid have already demonstrated their strengths, it is Dort’s turn to show his. Given Buscemi’s knack for offbeat/ unusual roles, Dort could emerge as Nevermore’s eccentric goofball — marking a break from Weems' stern leadership, but still remaining in line with the show’s tradition of embracing oddball characters. He will need Wednesday, and Enid as his guiding light throughthe challenges of Season 2.
Weems had a direct connection to Wednesday’s parents from their time together at Nevermore — was Morticia Addams' roommate. This connection made it easier for her to notice that Wednesday was having visions, like when they drove past the driver with a broken neck.A similar narrative devicecan be used for Principal Dort — perhaps with Enid. This will add a layer of depth to the world ofWednesdayand help the new character, Dort, establish a connection to an already existing character - say, Enid.
Here’s hoping Barry’s entry is organically woven into Season 2’s narrative, especially when the show is committed to exploring more Addams Family lore.
