Season 1, Episode 2

"Marilyn Thornhill"

Wednesday.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

You shouldn't be here.

"Rowan Laslow"

Yeah. Back off and leave me alone.

Thing secretly clings to the back of Marilyn's buggy as she drives off with "Rowan" in tow. She drops him off at Burlington Station, then drives away.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

I'm going to give you all the materials again, and the assignment sheet … (inaudible)

In the lead-up to class starting, Wednesday talks to Thing, who's hiding behind a pot of venus flytraps on a table off to the side.

Wednesday Addams

How'd you lose him in a bathroom with no windows?

Thing lifts his thumb in a shrug.

Wednesday Addams

A lefty wouldn't have failed me.

Thing lowers himself dejectedly.

Wednesday Addams

Don't sulk. Now I'm going to have to find new evidence myself, since you're the one who lost our only lead.

Bianca, Divina, and Kent notice what looks like Wednesday talking to a potted plant.

Bianca Barclay

I see you finally made a friend. Even if it is a plant.

Wednesday Addams

I go for quality over quantity.

Bianca rolls her eyes and goes to take her seat. Wednesday leaves Thing to also take a seat as class begins, and happens upon Xavier drawing a spider in his notebook.

Xavier Thorpe

There's an open spot next to me. …If you can stand sitting that close to an elitist snob.

Wednesday sits next to him and watches as the spider drawing comes to life and crawls off the page and onto the desk. Marilyn notices from behind her front desk, adjusting her glasses.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

I doubt Wednesday is impressed by your tricks, Mr. Thorpe.

Xavier Thorpe

Admit it, you're a little impressed.

Wednesday wordlessly crushes the spider, and it dissipates into a black cloud under her palm as some classmates chuckle. Marilyn steps out from behind the desk to start class.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

Wednesday, we're thrilled to have you join us on our journey into the world of carnivorous plants.

Marilyn clasps her hands together eagerly, then gestures to a plant with drooping white petals in a glass case on the desk behind her.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

Now, who can tell us the name of this beauty?

Bianca raises her hand. Marilyn gestures for her to answer, but Wednesday speaks before she can say a word.

Wednesday Addams

Dendrophylax endenii.

Bianca Barclay

…Otherwise known as the ghost orchid.

Wednesday Addams

First discovered on the Isle of Wight in 1854.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

Very good, Wednesday! Looks like you may have competition for first chair, Bianca.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

Wednesday, perhaps you could identify the ghost orchid's greatest qualities.

Wednesday Addams

Resilience and adaptability. It's able to thrive in even the most hostile environments.

Bianca Barclay

But its mere presence can change the ecosystem, causing the established plants to reject it.

Wednesday Addams

Usually because the native species is allowed to thrive unchecked. Nothing a weedwhacker couldn't fix.

Bianca Barclay

It can most certainly try.

Xavier Thorpe

Are we still talking about flowers…?

"Marilyn Thornhill"

Thank you, ladies, for those… illuminating insights. Clearly the plants aren't the only carnivores in class today.

Wednesday and Thing are searching the library.

Wednesday Addams

I keep seeing that same purple book.

Thing crawls over to a book and pulls it out, tapping on it.

Wednesday Addams

The cover was darker. More like a day-old contusion. Keep looking.

Thing gives a thumbs-up and continues his search. There are footsteps at the top of the stairs as Marilyn approaches, and she starts talking as she walks down, prompting Thing to hide.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

I don't usually find students in here looking for actual books. (giggle) Most sneak in to make out.

Wednesday Addams

I accidentally walked in on two vampires fanging.

Marilyn exhales, closing her eyes and nodding.

Wednesday Addams

I can't unsee that.

Marilyn clasps her hands together and smiles.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

Is there something I can help you find?

Wednesday takes out the paper with the symbol on it and shows Marilyn, who furrows her brow.

Wednesday Addams

Have you seen this before? It's a watermark from a book I'm looking for.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

…I think it's the symbol to an old student society, um… The Nightshades!

Wednesday Addams

Like the deadly flower. Color me intrigued.

Marilyn shakes her head and shrugs as she continues.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

I was told they disbanded years ago.

Wednesday Addams

Any idea why?

Marilyn grimaces with another shrug and shake of her head.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

Sorry.

Wednesday walks to the table where her bag is sitting to put the paper back inside. Marilyn follows.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

I was very impressed with your answers in class today.

Wednesday Addams

My mother's a carnivorous plant aficionado. I assume I get my red thumb from her.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

…Are you and your mother close?

Wednesday Addams

Like two inmates sentenced to life on the same cell block.

Marilyn steps around Wednesday to take a seat at the table.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

I know it can't be easy, showing up mid-semester. I've been here a year and a half, and I still feel like an outsider.

Wednesday Addams

Is that because you're the only normie on the staff?

Marilyn averts her gaze briefly.

Wednesday Addams

Enid told me.

Marilyn smiles slightly.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

To tell you the truth, I've never really fit in anywhere. Too odd for the normies, not odd enough for the outcasts. I thought Nevermore would be different, but… There's still a handful of teachers who will barely acknowledge me.

Wednesday Addams

I act as if I don't care if people dislike me. Deep down… I secretly enjoy it.

Marilyn stands up again, smiling warmly.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

Never lose that, Wednesday.

Wednesday Addams

Lose what?

"Marilyn Thornhill"

The ability to not let others define you… It's a gift.

Wednesday Addams

…Doesn't always feel that way.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

The most interesting plants grow in the shade.

Marilyn turns to walk away, then turns back.

"Marilyn Thornhill"

And if you ever need anyone to talk to, the door to the conservatory is always open.

Marilyn leaves the library.