Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday was involved in a controversial romantic story, and Addams Family Values proves how badly the show mishandled the subplot.

While Jenna Ortega's character is another interpretation of the beloved Addams Family character, a romantic subplot in Addams Family Values proves how badly Wednesday betrayed a core aspect of the character. Based on eccentric characters created by Charles Addams in the 1930s, the first live-action adaptation came in 1964 before eventually being developed into a movie aptly titled The Addams Family. Christina Ricci memorably portrayed the death-obsessed Wednesday Addams, reprising her role for 1993's Addams Family Values, which was received markedly better than the previous movie.

While all of the Addams Family members have their quirks, Wednesday still stands out for her sadistic nature and deadpan dialogue delivery. Ortega's version of Wednesday is quite similar to Ricci's, though Netflix's Wednesday allows for more exploration into the character. For example, Wednesday season 1 dove deeper into the teen's relationship with certain family members in addition to her educational journey at Nevermore Academy. Wednesday also featured a romantic subplot, but it's not the first time for the character, seeing as Addams Family Values included Joel Glicker (David Krumholtz), a romantic interest for Wednesday. Granted, Addams Family Values handled the romantic storyline much better.

Addams Family Values' Wednesday & Joel Romance Was Faithful To The Character

In Addams Family Values, Wednesday met Joel after being sent to Camp Chippewa alongside her brother, Pugsley (Jimmy Workman). Joel was a fellow outcast and instantly clung to Wednesday and Pugsley, even if they were somewhat of a bad influence. After bonding through punishment and working together to sabotage the camp's Thanksgiving play, it was clear Wednesday and Joel cooked up a summer romance. Despite the fling and budding relationship, Addams Family Values always stayed true to the character, as revealed at the end of the movie when she revealed that she would never want to be married and she would pity any man who was devoted to her.

While Wednesday's conversation with Joel at the end of Addams Family Values was very on-brand for the character, Wednesday went in a different direction, at least for season 1. Even though she had a grim view of personal relationships, the Netflix series led Wednesday down a romantic storyline with Tyler (Hunter Doohan), which transformed into a love triangle with Xavier (Percy Hynes White). That's not to say Wednesday should never have a romantic interest, but Wednesday's handling of the love triangle story didn't feel faithful to the character and her views on love.

How Wednesday Season 2 Could Fix A Major Aspect Of The Addams Family Character

Rather than connect with someone while still remaining firm on her beliefs, like Wednesday and Joel, Ortega's version got caught up with her feelings in ways typical teenagers would. However, Wednesday isn't a typical teenager, and the distractions she faced because of Tyler and Xavier were a major criticism of the Netflix show. Thankfully, Wednesday season 2 will be improving on season 1's criticisms, considering the upcoming installment will be leaving out any romantic storylines since it shouldn't be so much of a defining element of the character.

Even though Joel shared a connection with Wednesday and even a kiss, Addams Family Values made it clear that Ricci's character viewed Joel more like a friend/male acquaintance rather than a romantic partner. Wednesday season 2 can do the same by allowing the character to connect with people while still setting boundaries and upholding her views on independence. In turn, this will allow the show to explore more of the horror elements and darkness that Wednesday so fittingly embraces.