Summary

Principal Weems and Laurel Gates have fascinating character arcs that end in shocking ways.
Wednesday stabs Joseph Crackstone, leading to Gates' death at the hands of Eugene Ottinger.
Season 1 ends with Wednesday discovering she has a stalker, setting up a new mystery for season 2.

As soon as I watched Netflix's Wednesday season 1 in the late fall of 2022, I was drawn to Jenna Ortega's witty and smart performance and loved the show's jokes, surprising plot twists, and mysterious tone. Now, with season 2 part one arriving on the streaming platform on August 6th, 2025, I'm counting down the hours until I can see Wednesday Addams and her quirky and intelligent classmates and family again. Since Tim Burton directed the season 2 premiere, I'm anticipating a perfectly spooky and fun episode, and I'm sure the rest of the season will be just as fantastic as his best horror movies.

Since it's been almost three years since season 1 thrilled fans (and made them laugh in equal measure), it's definitely time to reflect on the biggest plot twists and character moments. Before you tune into Wednesday season 2 and see the next part of Wednesday Addams's dark, funny, and enthralling story, here are the key plot points from the first eight episodes.

What Happened To Principal Weems And Laurel Gates In Wednesday Season 1?

Are These Memorable Characters Good Or Evil?

Gwendoline Christie as Larissa Weems in Wednesday

Principal Weems (Gwendoline Christie) and Laurel Gates (Christina Ricci) are two of the most important characters in the hit Netflix show's first season, and their character arcs end in fascinating and terrifying ways. Viewers learn that Gates, a seemingly sweet and innocent teacher at Nevermore, is really Marilyn Thornhill, an evil villain who is trying to get revenge on the Addams Family, and Gates stabs and kills Weems with the poisonous Nightshade.

I was shocked by this moment and sad about Weems's death. Although fans are never sure if Weems is good or evil, she's a memorable and beloved character who truly wants the best for her students at Nevermore Academy. Some viewers wonder if Weems could come back in Wednesday season 2 in the form of Lurch, but I'm fairly certain that the complicated principal's story is truly over.

Wednesday stabs the ghostly form of Joseph Crackstone and murders him, which is a memorable moment that once again proves how tough the beloved character is. This sets Gates's death in motion as Wednesday's quirky and clever classmate Eugene Ottinger (Moosa Mostafa) kills Gates with a group of bees. I loved seeing Wednesday and her friends take on Gates. I also thought it was great that Eugene, a quiet character who deserves more screen time in season 2, took charge and played a key role in saving everyone. I'm sure that another character will surprise fans in season 2, although perhaps we haven't met them yet.

How Does Wednesday Season 1 End?

The Hit Netflix Series Sets Up A Brand New Mystery

Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) in Wednesday season 2

Wednesday season 1 ends on a compelling note that I've been thinking about ever since I watched the finale in November 2022: Wednesday drives away from Nevermore Academy and is shocked by a mysterious text message. She learns she has a stalker, and it's likely someone who has been watching her for a long time.

After the scary events of the semester, Nevermore shuts down, and Wednesday and her classmates head home for a while. The trailer shows Ortega's character at the airport, and it seems likely that she's coming back from vacation and headed back to school. I can't wait to find out where she went and how the experience changed her.

Wednesday smiles when she sees Uncle Fester in Wednesday.

Although it doesn't seem like the stalker will be the main plotline of the new season, it will likely still be a significant part of the new episodes. I'm looking forward to seeing Wednesday take down her stalker as I know she'll be able to win against them. But I'm also curious if she actually knows who has been spying on her and if they have a unique motivation that will be revealed by the end of season 2.

Who Was The Main Villain Of Wednesday Season 1?

He Wasn't Who You Would Expect

Tyler at his job at the coffee shop Weatherwane on Wednesday

Wednesday season 1 did a great job of surprising fans with a big twist: Wednesday's friend/love interest Tyler Galpin (Hunter Doohan) is actually the Hyde Monster. This compelling villain has been scaring Nevermore Academy students and Jericho residents for a while now, and Wednesday is shocked to learn that she got close to him. When Wednesday and Tyler kiss, she has a terrifying vision of Tyler as the creature, and she realizes what's really going on.

While Tyler is coming back for the second season, it's unclear if he'll be shown in his Hyde Monster form or if he'll stay locked up at Willow Hill. I would love for Tyler to be a good character in season 2 and for him to help Wednesday. After all, the new villain, the Kansas City Scalper, looks horrifying, and although I have total faith in Wednesday's strength, I don't think she can fight him alone.

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