performer | | Jenna Ortega
spectacle, show, play | | Netflix Wednesday
episode | | “Chapter VIII: Murder of Calamity”(November 23, 2022)
performance | | Before the supernatural mystery finale, lead Jenna Ortega was already impressing as a hotheaded teen. perfect. Spooky dance influenced by Suzie Sue, 80’s goth dance clubs, OG on-screen Wednesday Lisa Rowling and more? Iconic.
But in a heartbreaking moment in the season’s final episode, Wednesday was forced to ponder emotions he’d held back for so long, and Ortega delivered the series’ strongest work to date, delighting the audience.
“Are you here to take me to the other side?” Ortega Wednesday said to ancestor Goody. Also Played by Ortega. Up to this point, Wednesdayenjoyed her status as an outcast. But when a death-possessed adolescent girl lay leaning against a stone pillar with a dagger in her abdomen, ready to accept her lonely fate, her ghostly ancestors pounce, she’s not alone, and she has Purpose.
“Wednesday, school needs you,” Goody insisted. Her gravelly voice was steeped in the knowledge that saving her offspring meant disappearing forever. It wasn’t some enigmatic weirdo, it was more… human.
As she walks toward the danger that awaits her with new strength, her character changes noticeably, and the normally calm heroine finally reveals her emotions. It was cathartic to see the swirling volcanic rage in Wednesday’s eyes as she pierced the crackstone into her heart and that steely mask slid off. Allowing those moody emotions to bubble to the surface temporarily, it spoke to the volume of her growth.
While the show’s fate remains undecided, one thing is clear: Ortega closed out the season with a memorable, career-defining performance.
honorable mention | every time i think yellowstone Power plant Kelly Riley She’s like, “Hold my beer.” Good example: Sunday episode (summarized here), Beth found a baby seat in her hated brother Jamie’s SUV and learned the devastating truth. This was followed by Should have been an Emmy nominee Fill her character with more combustible emotions than her body can carry. Beth is Beth, and she wanted her anger to be her only emotion, but Riley, master of pivoting, instincts packed an even bigger punch than the one Beth inflicted on Jamie. woven terror and sadness into her performance.
honorable mention | anytime Abbott Elementary School It presents an episode centered on Ava. Thanks to this week’s installment — with Principal Ava standing in for an ailing Janine — it didn’t disappoint on that front. Janelle James‘Always effervescent and a very entertaining performance.’ (Her snappy reply of “Stop flirting” when Gregory gave her educational advice was outstanding. Impressions on us.
Which performance knocked your Are you taking your socks off this week? Let us know in the comments!