Netflix’s Wednesday series sparks debate with LGBTQ+ viewers: ‘A metaphor for people in the closet’
LGBTQ+ fans have been speculating on Enid Sinclair (L) and Wednesday’s relationship. (Netflix)
As Tim Burton’s highly anticipated Netflix series Wednesday, exploring Wednesday Addams as a homicidal, mystery-solving teenager begins – there’s one major letdown, according to some viewers.
The series introduces a host of new characters into the Addams Family extended universe, including Wednesday’s (Jenna Ortega) roommate at the outcast school Nevermore, Enid Sinclair (Emma Myers).
Although they seem complete opposites; Enid all bright, bubbly and colourful, with Wednesday anything but – the connection they foster over the course of the series is heartwarming.
she was sunshine, i was midnight rain#wenclair #wednesdaynetflix pic.twitter.com/k9a9548G3f— s💌 (@purpIetales) November 23, 2022
But LGBTQ+ fans are already calling out their disappointment that the writers didn’t commit to putting them in a relationship, already affectionately dubbing their ship name #Wenclair.
The chemistry between the two characters was so clear that the shipping started as early as the first teaser dropping, with fanfiction on AO3 and fan art about them going as far back as September.
https://twitter.com/dykevillain/status/1595437324208422912?s=20&t=voo5gcoYCvSlpRMbO1b5Pg
Another shot that I absolutely love 🥺 the half-half giant window was such a brilliant idea whoever thought of it needs a raise #wednesdaynetflix #wenclair pic.twitter.com/yp9zivBQtc— rin (@moona_pi) November 23, 2022
In fact, Myers herself addressed the sapphic vibes between her character and Wednesday in an interview with Elite Daily, joking: “You know what I always say… and they were roommates.”
The comment is in reference to the popular meme where historians have regularly attributed a clearly romantic queer relationship as nothing more than a friendship.
“Jenna and I would say that all the time to each other,” she continued.
“And that’s all that needs to be said – I think that gets the message across.”
Netflix already come under fire for queerbaiting before the show had even aired after hosting a promotional drag event titled “Wednesgay”.
And as the show aired, fans are even more upset that not only did Wenclair not happen, but both characters were put into relationships with men.
https://twitter.com/PamsHarIey/status/1593621313729462274?s=20&t=lDmkmijXCayY87AuhRL8Rw
“I will never get over the fact that Wednesday and Enid each had two male love interests but none of them even remotely matched the chemistry between Wednesday and Enid themselves,” one person wrote.
Others have spoken about how Enid’s character herself has all the signs of being an analogy of being in the closet. From her odd relationship with Ajax to her self-confidence.
“Enid’s character is literally a metaphor for people in the closet with homophobic parents,” one viewer theorised.
“The ‘wolfing out’ conversion therapy, her saying she is who she is. Plus the conflict was real cause every time she kisses Ajax her claws come out.”
“Wolf out” clearly means Enid likes girls, an essay:
– the insane conversation she had with her parents
– having a reaction to kissing Ajax because her body is rejecting her comphet
– finally wolfs out when leaving him and going after Wednesday#wenclair #wednesdaynetflix pic.twitter.com/S64Pu3e9kg— W (@insomniac_cub) November 23, 2022
In particular, fans are pointing to one scene toward the end of the season which shows Wednesday and Enid hugging each other as the climax of the danger passes. Unlike with Ajax, her claws did not whip out when she hugged Wednesday.
“You can NOT tell me these two girls don’t love each other,” one fan said about the hug.
“That episode 8 was the GAYEST thing I’ve ever seen in my damn life.”
The way Wednesday was reluctant at first but after looking into Enid's teary eyes she could see the tremendous worry & affection she held for her and choose to embrace Enid. An act not even her family receives, which tells us how much Enid means to her #wenclair #wednesdaynetflix pic.twitter.com/67bhabgvif— Veil ★ (@CrimRising) November 24, 2022
Im here again watching a series in which a hug between two girls who are "friends" has a more romantic peak atmosphere than any of the kisses in the show.#wenclair #wednesdaynetflix pic.twitter.com/qmHuwRTIMP— RAON 💧 (@alpacarto) November 23, 2022
Enid and Wednesday both kissed other people and their hug was still the most romantic and heartwarming part of the entire show 💀#wenclair #wednesdaynetflix pic.twitter.com/0oDsobewL1— W (@insomniac_cub) November 23, 2022
Although Wenclair was not made canon in this season, some are holding out hope that if the show gets renewed, it could come true.
“Showrunners need to test the ground,” one fan wrote, adding that they couldn’t have predicted how explosive the pairing would be.
While LGBTQ+ fans once again have to find representation in the subtext and campaign to show the representation is valid, in the meantime, there is no shortage of endearing fan art and theories to discover.
they match each other’s instruments it’s true
#wenclair #wednesdaynetflix pic.twitter.com/jp8r5qRnBV— nel🌸 (@roseiid_) November 18, 2022
Wednesday is now streaming on Netflix.
