Fans of Netflix’s Wednesday are critical of the romance between Tyler and Wednesday. However, the other side of the love triangle isn’t much better.
Many Wednesday fans are calling out Tyler for sending Wednesday mixed signals, but fans should also be critical of Xavier. Tim Burton’s Wednesday sets up a love triangle between Tyler, Xavier, and Wednesday Addams early in the series. While Wednesday seems to develop feelings for Tyler, she is more interested in solving the Jericho mystery than chasing boys. Nonetheless, the Netflix series teased a romance as much as it teased Xavier being the Hyde. While Wednesday is far from typical, she isn’t safe from the coming-of-age romance formula.
Wednesday’s original source may be a comic strip from 1938, but Wednesday Addams is depicted as a modern girl. She is smart and capable, and she doesn’t need a boy to save her. Yet, Xavier does save her from Rowan early in the show, setting him up as a potential love interest for Wednesday. She also meets Tyler who offers to help her, but both boys seem to believe that Wednesday should reward them. No doubt, Wednesday knows her worth and doesn’t have time for entitled boys who act as if Wednesday owes them affection. This makes Wednesday’s love triangle even more puzzling since neither of the conventionally attractive boys seem worthy of Wednesday’s time.
Xavier Was Also Problematic In Wednesday (Aside From Tyler)
Even before Tyler is revealed as the Hyde, he gaslights and manipulates Wednesday. However, Xavier isn’t much better. In addition to his bad attitude, Xavier has a hard time seeing Wednesday’s point of view. There is a lot of evidence connecting Wednesday‘s Xavier to the Hyde, such as his accurate paintings of the monster and his suspiciously uncanny timing for showing up after the Hyde’s attacks. Instead of explaining himself clearly, Xavier acts like Wednesday is the problem. Xavier spends the majority of the season annoyed at Wednesday. Yet, he is always hanging around her.
Xavier doesn’t just treat Wednesday poorly, but also his ex-girlfriend Bianca. At the Rave’N dance, he asks her to use her siren song to help him forget Wednesday. When Bianca is understandably upset with him, he doesn’t seem to understand the gravity of his insensitive request. He doesn’t truly let go of his Wednesday grudge until the season 1 ending, when she jumps in front of an arrow as a way to apologize for his involvement. Only then does Xavier feel like the score is even between the two of them. He saves her in the first episode and Wednesday returns the favor by saving him in the last episode.
Why Wednesday Season 2 Needs To Fix Xavier
The end of Wednesday depicts Xavier forgiving Wednesday and cementing their friendship for season 2. However, friendship shouldn’t be a conditional relationship, and Xavier treats it as such. What’s more, Xavier gives Wednesday a phone, despite her refusal to be a “slave to technology.” While Xavier may play it off as a selfless deed to allow Wednesday to join the 21st century, this comes with the expectation that she contact him and give him more attention when they return to Nevermore. He may seem over his Wednesday gripe, but he likely still has feelings for her and will possibly act bitter if she finds another love interest in season 2.
Overall, Wednesday doesn’t set up worthy candidates for its heroine. Between villainous Tyler and moody Xavier, Wednesday fans should acknowledge that she deserves better. If Xavier is going to continue as a central character in Wednesday season 2, he needs a serious rewrite. While Wednesday herself is a flawed character, she is independent and knows what she deserves. To stay true to Wednesday’s headstrong attitude, Wednesday needs to be careful how much bad behavior that Wednesday forgives or overlooks.
