‘Where’s Wanda?’ Recap: ‘The Klatts’ & ‘The Hessels’

10/2/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Lea Drinda as Wanda Klatt in Episode 101 of ‘Where’s Wanda?’ – ‘The Klatts’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Premiere of ‘Where’s Wanda?’

One particular type of story that takes some unique turns in popular media, is that of the kidnapping story. For these tales are often quite fantastical in nature, and it makes sense as to why. After all, they are the representation of one of a parent’s worst fears. So, getting to enjoy a story where someone nefarious kidnaps the child of a law enforcement officer or spy or a parent with incredible resources, can be quite cathartic in nature. Mainly because, that stone cold cop or spy will use their skills to hunt down the person that hurt their child and make them pay in a dazzling manner, and the same goes for the parent that has it all. Because they too can enact revenge.

But while that does offer catharsis, it is also escapism at its purest. Because in reality, parents who have their children disappear, are often helpless and can do little but wait and do their best to process the reality that they might lose their little one. And no one wants to experience that, and no one wants to think about that path, so these films and shows, and books exist to wipe that all away. But it does beg the question… what then would it look like if everyday parents in that situation, figured out a path forward? A way to potentially look for their child? Because that could not only liven up the genre, but explore some unique concepts and well, it just so happens that a new series on Apple TV+, does just that.

For Where’s Wanda? Is a story that introduces us to the Klatt family at a time when they are at their lowest. For seventy days ago, their darling Wanda disappeared without a trace, and despite everyone’s best efforts to find her, including a plea to the public… she remains missing. Which leaves the parents of the family, Carlotta and Dedo, devastated. Because they know that soon there’s a good chance the search will be called off, and they have indeed spent this time being utterly helpless. But the discovery of a clue, specifically the shirt Wanda was wearing on the day she disappeared, prompts this duo to think outside the box in ‘The Klatts’ and ‘The Hessels’. In that, perhaps they should begin to search the homes of the houses near where the clue was found. For the working theory is… there’s a fair chance whomever took their daughter would be nearby.

Axel Stein and Heike Makatsch as Dedo Klatt and Carlotta Klatt in Episode 102 of ‘Where’s Wanda?’ – ‘The Hessels’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.

Which leads to disaster of course, and chaos, since they are everyday people with no skills in doing such things. Which prompts them to bring their son, Ole into the fold. For he is a technological whiz, and he indeed helps his parents start up quite the plan. Wherein they are able to use spy camera technology to expose which neighbor has taken their beloved Wanda. A move that accomplishes a lot from a storytelling perspective. Since it first gives us a new take on this genre, since it showcases everyday people going the extra mile and makes this story more relatable and grounded in the process. Not to mention, it allows for the show to dig into some comedy elements. Courtesy of the bumbling nature of these would be spies and through the wild things they begin to find in the homes of others. Since such a move would indeed expose the quirks, we all harbor when we get home and lock the door.

But what matters most, is that this amazing plot allows for a powerful exploration to take place. One that ponders deeply upon the power of loss, the power of grief, and how hard it is to square and handle such matters when they are suddenly dropped upon us. Which is accomplished through Carlotta and Dedo, who struggle badly with all of this, and are driven by just a sliver of hope to do something. So, they can feel as though they at least tried if things go south. All of which gives rise to a uniquely refreshing dark comedy. One that really does use humor in an impactful manner, to get its message across and what is truly amazing about this series… is that it still has so much more to offer than the many amazing elements we’ve discussed thus far.

Simply because, this is a story that also engages us into the mystery of what happened to Wanda. Because there is clearly more to the story than… she just vanished. Someone did take her, and went through great efforts to do so and made the effort to drop off that shirt, and that… adds to the wonder of this story. Because it engages you further into it, and the clues are indeed troubling and fascinating and all of these elements come together, to give us a flawless series premiere. Since these two episodes establish everything perfectly, and make us laugh, make us cry, and compel us to continue a unique journey. About a family that is trying desperately to process the possibility, that they might come out of this looking the fool… but can make peace with the fact that they did not give up until the final hour. Until next time.

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