A Review of ‘Where’s Wanda?’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Heike Makatsch and Axel Stein in "Where's Wanda?," premiering October 2, 2024 on Apple TV+.

​For the most part, stories about loss and learning how to cope with it, are very dry and somber in nature and it makes sense as to why. Because losing someone in our lives in any capacity, is a scary, scary thought, and a powerhouse venture to overcome. For it is a process that involves letting so much go so we can cope. So, we can live. So, those stories take that process head on and explore what it looks like and how tough it will be, and we absolutely accept that formula and that style because well, why would we not see such matters as anything but somber and grave, and as a perfect way for us to understand how to handle an inevitability.
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But while that does make for an impactful story, there is a drawback with always going that route. For not everyone processes such matters in a somber style. Some get over it faster than expected and just need a handy guide, and some process it through humor, and all those styles should be represented. Because everyone turns to stories to learn and grow and that is why a new series on Apple TV+ is of note. For this Wednesday will see the arrival of Where’s Wanda? A story that ponders upon notions of loss and how we cope and sometimes cope badly with it, through the lens of dark comedy no less, and that dark and humorous style is what makes this series special. Because it does open up new lessons for all, and it accomplishes such feats through its unique plot.

For in this story, we are introduced to the Klatt family who at first, are living their best lives. For Carlotta and Dedo have a healthy marriage and are good parents to Leo and Wanda and go through things that all families go through good or bad. But one day, Wanda goes missing, and no one can locate her despite the best efforts of the police and the media… for months on end. Which leaves Carlotta and Dedo in a devastated place. That is until a hint that their daughter might be alive, gives them quite the idea. In that, there’s a chance that Wanda is fine, and she might be captive in a nearby home since no one has had reason to check within the walls of their neighbors. So, Dedo decides that they should pose as electricians and use that disguise to install cameras into the homes of their neighbors… to find Wanda.

Which is, a unique plot that showcases all kinds of equally as unique ideas about healing. Because in many ways, this act gives Carlotta and Dedo purpose and direction, and it gives them a distraction and it of course, leads to some fascinating insight into the lives of their neighbors, and well, that helps us to understand… that part of the process of learning about loss, and overcoming it, involves distraction, and a genuinely healthy time window, in which to process the possibility that we will lose people in our lives, or help us process that we have. Which is indeed handled with some goofy moments and outright comedy and well, this works. Because it does teach us about loss, and it does showcase a journey for this family. One that is fascinating for certain, and it just so happens that this journey of discovery leads to one impressive aspect of this refreshing and original story.

In that… it keeps us in suspense as it teaches our main characters their unique lessons. Because there is no real hint regarding Wanda’s fate either way. She’s in limbo here and that keeps the audience engaged, as does what we see play out in the homes of others and well, all of this brings together, a refreshing and wildly entertaining series. One that speaks honestly about how hard it is cope with loss and how the process is far more complex than we know… with jokes thrown in to make the lessons stick, and the best news of all, is that you can see this unique new story in just a few days. For the first two episodes of Where’s Wanda? drop on Wednesday and we cannot wait for you to see it, nor can we wait to share our interviews with the cast, as we inch toward the arrival of this original and dynamic new show.   

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