WEDNESDAY’S RAREST SMILE  — In Season 2 Part 1, fans finally witness the one moment Wednesday lets her guard down with a true smile

The reason behind it is darker, more emotional, and more revealing than anyone imagined…

The titular character in Netflix’s hit series, Wednesday, isn’t exactly joyful, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t known to smile once in a blue moon. Wednesday introduced a number of unresolved mysteries in the first half of season 2 that will need to be answered in the second half of the season.

To achieve Wednesday’s chilling lack of expression, Jenna Ortega trained herself to monitor every facial move. For example, her creepy stare was inspired by the “Kubrick stare” as seen, most notably, in The Shining. Ortega also managed to control her blinks to be as imperceptible as possible.

By blinking only when the focus was on another character, Ortega maintained the deadpan, almost inhuman appearance that Wednesday is known for. So far, the perpetually frowning member of the Addams clan has only smiled once in season 2, and, like Wednesday’s smile at the sight of Uncle Fester in season 1, the reason is rather heartwarming.

Wednesday Genuinely Smiles When Hester Gives Her The Deed To A Cemetery

Wednesday only smiled seven times in the show’s previous season. The first smile happens when Wednesday sends a school of piranhas chasing after Pugsley’s bullies, showing how far Wednesday will go for her family. It remains a theme in both seasons 1 and 2 that Wednesday’s family means a great deal to her.

Now, in season 2, Wednesday smiles again when her Grandmama, Hester Frump, gifts her the deed to a cemetery. This is a clear reminder to the audience that, despite her dark exterior, Wednesday does indeed have a soft spot for her family. And, certainly, cemeteries.

Wednesday’s Bond With Hester Is Similar To Her Closeness With Fester

Wednesday’s biggest smile by far was for the arrival of Uncle Fester in season 1, and the reason is a lot deeper than it may appear. Wednesday isn’t only an outcast, she stands out from her fellow students at Nevermore. In addition, although she comes from a line of kooky, spooky individuals, Wednesday often feels misunderstood, even by her own parents.

While Uncle Fester identifies himself as the “black sheep” of the family, Hester is a successful businesswoman and founder of Frump Mortuaries. In season 1, Wednesday and Morticia’s relationship problems are evident, as Wednesday shares that she has no intention of living a life like her mother’s; she has no desire to be a housewife.

Although harsh in delivery, this interaction indicates that Wednesday most likely relates heavily to Hester, and Fester, for that matter, considering how different they are from the rest of the family. Wednesday is not usually one to feel isolated, but her obvious excitement when meeting with Fester and Hester hints that she appreciates feeling understood more than she lets on.

By maintaining control over her facial expressions and keeping each blink, stare, and smile intentional, Jenna Ortega has crafted a brilliant character, both unique from and reminiscent of past Wednesdays. Tim Burton’s kookiest project yet has already been greenlit for a third season, meaning, in addition to season 2, part 2, the Wednesday series has many more surprises in store.